Reading settings
Chapter 382: There's a Mole
"We thank the Great Lord for his gift, for guiding the lost lambs. We shall help this planet accept the guidance of the Great Lord."
Watching this group of people chanting one by one as if they were in a worship service, Orin Vale suddenly found it all rather comical.
He had no doubt about the pitifully small amount of faith these low-level minions had in Darkseid. Or rather, their faith was built solely on might. Although they all recited the words as if they meant them, he was certain that if they could sell their great Lord for money, these people would do so without a second thought, selling him by the pound.
Orin Vale once had an amusing thought: if he joined them and chanted "For the great Darkseid," would Uncle Da actually be able to hear it?
It would be quite interesting if Uncle Da suddenly discovered a somewhat familiar interstellar lightbulb had infiltrated his flock of Believers.
However, these Believers had, for all intents and purposes, boarded a pirate ship. Logically, even if they didn't truly believe in their hearts, they had to at least put on a convincing show. Yet, as Orin Vale's gaze swept across them, he noticed one guy was taking it a bit too far, blatantly slacking off amidst his teammates.
He was a blond, white man. His face had chiseled, statue-like contours, and the standard-issue robe he wore, matching those of his fellow members, couldn't conceal the hint of his well-defined muscles.
From the moment the group began chanting, Orin Vale had noticed this guy was just going through the motions. Like a primary school student standing in the back row of a choir, he hid among his teammates, moving his lips symbolically without actually making a sound.
After a few moments of chanting, the guy seemed to think that no one was paying attention to him. Not only did he stop moving his lips, but his eyelids began to droop, and his head started to nod... This guy was damn near falling asleep.
Even as a Believer, he exuded a strong slacker vibe, giving off the impression of a 'plastic believer'—the type who figures, "it's free, so I might as well believe a little."
At first, Orin Vale had only instinctively felt that this man was somehow different from the others around him. He couldn't quite put his finger on it; it was just a difference in temperament. Out of curiosity, Orin Vale used his Scan and discovered that he really was different.
This was an ordinary human. His muscles were quite solid, but only within the scope of a "well-exercised ordinary human." He had not received any technological enhancements from Apokolips.
Only then did Orin Vale confirm the reason he felt the man was out of place. This person was most likely not a Believer of Apokolips at all.
For two undercover agents to have infiltrated such a tiny stronghold was truly something else.
Perhaps the World Army had taken notice of these traitors and planted an undercover agent?
No, if he was an undercover agent, he was far too unprofessional. Falling asleep while standing? If World Army agents had sunk to this level, they were truly doomed.
"As you all know, our great cause of Apokolips has now reached a crucial stage of high-speed development."
The Believers of the stronghold were all gathered in one place, listening to the tall, thin man speak.
"According to the latest news from the front lines, the setup of Fire Pit number five has just been completed. God will bestow upon us the 'Gift of Apokolips,' and the great Darkseid has shown this lost planet its future."
Immediately, some began to shout things like "Praise the Lord of Apokolips!" and "Devote ourselves to the cause of Apokolips!", filling the air with vows of allegiance.
Orin Vale had previously seen information related to the Fire Pits in World Army intelligence, but the descriptions were vague. The World Army likely hadn't figured out what these Fire Pits, which were suddenly popping up all over the world, actually were.
But from the mouths of these Apokolips Believers, it seemed to involve the so-called "Gift of Apokolips." Perhaps this was closely related to the enemy's next move.
"But we face challenges as well," the tall, thin man continued. "The World Army is slowly beginning to question the significance of the Fire Pits. According to reports from other bases with Fire Pits, the first dedicated research group has already been established in Rio de Janeiro. They are attempting to take action."
"But there's nothing they can do, is there?" someone said. "The World Army is a pushover. The power of humans is insignificant before the Lord of Apokolips. Right now, they can't even get close to a Fire Pit, let alone figure out its true nature, much less take any action."
"Exactly," another Believer chimed in. "So what if they find out the truth? The World Army is weak and pathetic, and so are those so-called new-era superheroes. Superman is dead, Wonder Woman is dead, and Batman is dead. The final obstacles before the great Apokolips have been cleared away. All that remains is a bunch of clowns who think they can take their place. What can they possibly do?"
The tall, thin man nodded slowly. "Correct. The gift of Apokolips is inevitable; no one can stop it. Their resistance is meaningless, but they will certainly not give up so easily. A great war is unavoidable."
"So, this is our next directive—we are to head to the vicinity of Fire Pit number three in Rio de Janeiro. The Lord is making corresponding deployments nearby, and we will be the first batch of spies to be inserted. We need to observe the research group's movements and grasp the progress of their investigation into the Fire Pit. And, if necessary, eliminate those who might get close to the truth."
Orin Vale noticed that as these words fell, the expressions of these Apokolips Believers shifted subtly. A fleeting look of astonishment flashed across someone's face, while others showed worry or a hint of reluctance.
Orin Vale quickly guessed their thoughts. Although everyone present was a traitor to humanity, betraying their kind and personally going to the battlefield to slaughter their compatriots were different concepts. They didn't know what Apokolips was planning around those Fire Pits, but it was conceivable that if they were dispatched there, they would most likely have to clash with the World Army.
Whether it was to kill or be killed on the battlefield, it was something they did not want.
"There's no need for everyone to worry too much," the tall, thin man continued. "The Lord has his own arrangements. The war was actually over long ago. We all know the outcome; it's just that the World Army refuses to admit it. After all, no one can resist the great..."
*Beep, beep, beep~*
A sharp sound, like an alarm, echoed through the sealed underground space. Everyone froze, looking around with bewildered expressions.
The tall, thin man who was speaking also paused, confused by the situation, and could only cast a questioning glance at his superior, Dilano.
Dilano was also taken aback. His gaze followed the sound to the alarm indicator light hanging high on the ceiling of the underground chamber. It was now flashing frantically, as if its life depended on it.
Then, it suddenly dawned on Dilano.
"That's the intrusion alert! It's the intrusion alert for detecting unauthorized personnel!"
Dilano's pupils contracted. He spun his head and roared at his still-dazed subordinates.
"There's a mole among us!"
(end of chapter)
"We thank the Great Lord for his gift, for guiding the lost lambs. We shall help this planet accept the guidance of the Great Lord."
Watching this group of people chanting one by one as if they were in a worship service, Orin Vale suddenly found it all rather comical.
He had no doubt about the pitifully small amount of faith these low-level minions had in Darkseid. Or rather, their faith was built solely on might. Although they all recited the words as if they meant them, he was certain that if they could sell their great Lord for money, these people would do so without a second thought, selling him by the pound.
Orin Vale once had an amusing thought: if he joined them and chanted "For the great Darkseid," would Uncle Da actually be able to hear it?
It would be quite interesting if Uncle Da suddenly discovered a somewhat familiar interstellar lightbulb had infiltrated his flock of Believers.
However, these Believers had, for all intents and purposes, boarded a pirate ship. Logically, even if they didn't truly believe in their hearts, they had to at least put on a convincing show. Yet, as Orin Vale's gaze swept across them, he noticed one guy was taking it a bit too far, blatantly slacking off amidst his teammates.
He was a blond, white man. His face had chiseled, statue-like contours, and the standard-issue robe he wore, matching those of his fellow members, couldn't conceal the hint of his well-defined muscles.
From the moment the group began chanting, Orin Vale had noticed this guy was just going through the motions. Like a primary school student standing in the back row of a choir, he hid among his teammates, moving his lips symbolically without actually making a sound.
After a few moments of chanting, the guy seemed to think that no one was paying attention to him. Not only did he stop moving his lips, but his eyelids began to droop, and his head started to nod... This guy was damn near falling asleep.
Even as a Believer, he exuded a strong slacker vibe, giving off the impression of a 'plastic believer'—the type who figures, "it's free, so I might as well believe a little."
At first, Orin Vale had only instinctively felt that this man was somehow different from the others around him. He couldn't quite put his finger on it; it was just a difference in temperament. Out of curiosity, Orin Vale used his Scan and discovered that he really was different.
This was an ordinary human. His muscles were quite solid, but only within the scope of a "well-exercised ordinary human." He had not received any technological enhancements from Apokolips.
Only then did Orin Vale confirm the reason he felt the man was out of place. This person was most likely not a Believer of Apokolips at all.
For two undercover agents to have infiltrated such a tiny stronghold was truly something else.
Perhaps the World Army had taken notice of these traitors and planted an undercover agent?
No, if he was an undercover agent, he was far too unprofessional. Falling asleep while standing? If World Army agents had sunk to this level, they were truly doomed.
"As you all know, our great cause of Apokolips has now reached a crucial stage of high-speed development."
The Believers of the stronghold were all gathered in one place, listening to the tall, thin man speak.
"According to the latest news from the front lines, the setup of Fire Pit number five has just been completed. God will bestow upon us the 'Gift of Apokolips,' and the great Darkseid has shown this lost planet its future."
Immediately, some began to shout things like "Praise the Lord of Apokolips!" and "Devote ourselves to the cause of Apokolips!", filling the air with vows of allegiance.
Orin Vale had previously seen information related to the Fire Pits in World Army intelligence, but the descriptions were vague. The World Army likely hadn't figured out what these Fire Pits, which were suddenly popping up all over the world, actually were.
But from the mouths of these Apokolips Believers, it seemed to involve the so-called "Gift of Apokolips." Perhaps this was closely related to the enemy's next move.
"But we face challenges as well," the tall, thin man continued. "The World Army is slowly beginning to question the significance of the Fire Pits. According to reports from other bases with Fire Pits, the first dedicated research group has already been established in Rio de Janeiro. They are attempting to take action."
"But there's nothing they can do, is there?" someone said. "The World Army is a pushover. The power of humans is insignificant before the Lord of Apokolips. Right now, they can't even get close to a Fire Pit, let alone figure out its true nature, much less take any action."
"Exactly," another Believer chimed in. "So what if they find out the truth? The World Army is weak and pathetic, and so are those so-called new-era superheroes. Superman is dead, Wonder Woman is dead, and Batman is dead. The final obstacles before the great Apokolips have been cleared away. All that remains is a bunch of clowns who think they can take their place. What can they possibly do?"
The tall, thin man nodded slowly. "Correct. The gift of Apokolips is inevitable; no one can stop it. Their resistance is meaningless, but they will certainly not give up so easily. A great war is unavoidable."
"So, this is our next directive—we are to head to the vicinity of Fire Pit number three in Rio de Janeiro. The Lord is making corresponding deployments nearby, and we will be the first batch of spies to be inserted. We need to observe the research group's movements and grasp the progress of their investigation into the Fire Pit. And, if necessary, eliminate those who might get close to the truth."
Orin Vale noticed that as these words fell, the expressions of these Apokolips Believers shifted subtly. A fleeting look of astonishment flashed across someone's face, while others showed worry or a hint of reluctance.
Orin Vale quickly guessed their thoughts. Although everyone present was a traitor to humanity, betraying their kind and personally going to the battlefield to slaughter their compatriots were different concepts. They didn't know what Apokolips was planning around those Fire Pits, but it was conceivable that if they were dispatched there, they would most likely have to clash with the World Army.
Whether it was to kill or be killed on the battlefield, it was something they did not want.
"There's no need for everyone to worry too much," the tall, thin man continued. "The Lord has his own arrangements. The war was actually over long ago. We all know the outcome; it's just that the World Army refuses to admit it. After all, no one can resist the great..."
*Beep, beep, beep~*
A sharp sound, like an alarm, echoed through the sealed underground space. Everyone froze, looking around with bewildered expressions.
The tall, thin man who was speaking also paused, confused by the situation, and could only cast a questioning glance at his superior, Dilano.
Dilano was also taken aback. His gaze followed the sound to the alarm indicator light hanging high on the ceiling of the underground chamber. It was now flashing frantically, as if its life depended on it.
Then, it suddenly dawned on Dilano.
"That's the intrusion alert! It's the intrusion alert for detecting unauthorized personnel!"
Dilano's pupils contracted. He spun his head and roared at his still-dazed subordinates.
"There's a mole among us!"
(end of chapter)
