In the end, Lucas was the only one left.
The cardinal looked at Lucas, who was slumped over the table. To be honest, not just the cardinal, but the Vatican as a whole knew almost nothing about him. The reason they had been able to involve him in the first place was entirely due to the purple-robed archbishop's personal actions. Lucas was not a traditional monster hunter, nor was he particularly famous within hunting circles. Because of that, the cardinal couldn't read him at all—neither his mindset nor his way of doing things.
While the cardinal was still pondering how to handle him, Lucas had already fallen asleep, even letting out soft snores.
As everyone knew, drowsiness was contagious. With Lucas sleeping so soundly, the other three soon couldn't hold on either. Their eyelids grew heavier and heavier, as if glued together.
At that point, the cardinal stopped wasting time and spoke directly.
"You've all returned to the Vatican overnight. You must be exhausted. Please, go rest for now."
No one argued. They were far too tired. Familiar with the place by now, they returned to the rooms the Vatican had prepared for them and were soon snoring away.
Taking advantage of this time, the cardinal began thinking about how to deal with Lucas. He had already assumed that Lucas would not easily agree to keep this matter secret—though in reality, Lucas couldn't care less.
After a good night's sleep, everyone gathered in the conference room once more.
The cardinal sat in his usual seat, looking at them calmly.
"This is the reward previously promised to you."
With a wave of his hand, a priest behind him stepped forward carrying a tray.
On the tray lay four gold coins, each about an inch in diameter. The front was engraved with a knight, the back with the cross of the Knights Templar—the very coin they had been promised.
Each of them took a coin.
To most people, this coin was indeed valuable. But to Wong, a sorcerer of Kamar-Taj, it was no different from an ordinary gold coin.
Back when the reward had been proposed, the Ancient One had not refused it. The coin itself wasn't valuable in monetary terms; its true worth lay in what it represented. To Kamar-Taj, this coin symbolized a favor owed by the Vatican.
That was precisely why the Ancient One had chosen to accept it. Otherwise, with her stature, she would never have asked for any reward.
Lucas toyed with the coin for a moment, then stored it in his backpack space. There was nothing special about it—just a symbol.
The cardinal continued, "Regarding this incident, we ask that you all keep it confidential. After all, it concerns the Church's reputation. We hope you won't spread this matter further."
His words were polite, but there was a clear hint of threat in his eyes.
Lucas glanced at him and asked casually, "Your Eminence, what exactly does this coin do?"
The cardinal chuckled. "Aside from being an honor, as long as there is a church, you will be granted protection. All churches will open their doors to you, and the Vatican will remember your contributions."
Lucas nodded, then tossed the coin back to the cardinal.
"I'll use this coin to exchange for the public disclosure of the truth behind this incident."
The cardinal's expression immediately changed, his tone turning sharp.
"So you intend to reject the Vatican's goodwill?"
Lucas laughed loudly. "I've got a bad habit—I don't like being threatened. Didn't you just say that anyone holding this coin would be welcomed by the Church? Why go back on your word so quickly?"
The cardinal froze.
As Lucas said, the significance of the coin was enormous. Under normal circumstances, Lucas's request wouldn't have been excessive at all. But this time was different.
If the cardinal refused, then the so-called Knights Templar coin would become a joke. If he agreed, the Vatican's reputation would be ruined.
Even as a cardinal with immense authority, he didn't know how to respond.
"Haha… you misunderstand," the cardinal said smoothly. "I would never threaten you. This is simply a misunderstanding. If my words earlier caused any offense, then I sincerely apologize."
The apology sounded pleasant enough, but there was no sincerity in his eyes. It was nothing more than a concession forced by the situation.
Someone of his status—how could he truly apologize to a few lowly hired hunters? He was a cardinal, wielding immense power. How could he be wrong? If there was a mistake, then it must have been these damned hunters.
But of course, those thoughts stayed in his head. If things truly escalated, even he wouldn't be able to bear the consequences. If these hunters made a scene in the Vatican, his position would be finished.
Lucas shot the cardinal a sideways glance and sneered.
"I can't accept this coin. Why don't you offer something else? I prefer cash."
He had no desire to have any ties with the Vatican. In his eyes, the Church was nothing more than a tool used by rulers to brainwash the masses—a fact made painfully clear by its actions during the Middle Ages. A leopard couldn't change its spots; the modern Church wasn't much better.
The cardinal, shrewd as he was, immediately understood Lucas's meaning. He also knew the amount couldn't be small—otherwise, it wouldn't be enough to keep Lucas quiet.
He smiled faintly. Since it was about money, that was easy. If there was one thing the Vatican had in abundance, it was money.
With great generosity, he transferred Lucas one million US dollars—most of it purely to buy his silence.
Lucas accepted it without hesitation. Only after seeing the money deposited into his account did he smile in satisfaction.
"Any other instructions, Your Eminence? If not, I'll be leaving. The beds here are too soft—I don't sleep well on them."
The cardinal smiled as well. "If you wish to rest, then I won't trouble you further."
Lucas turned to Elsa, Wong, and Daimon.
"I'm heading out. Let's stay in touch."
They had already added each other as contacts. These days, social platforms were convenient—even if Lucas didn't enjoy using them, they worked well enough as communication tools.
After saying goodbye, Lucas vanished directly into the Chocobo Space. The cardinal froze for a moment, realizing he had still underestimated him.
Inside the Chocobo Space, Lucas soaked blissfully in a hot spring, while Onion lounged in the bird enclosure, basking in the sun. Man and bird enjoyed a rare moment of leisure.
Lucas didn't rush back to the agency. He planned to relax in the space for a while. During this time, Skye and Gwen frequently returned as well. Gwen lived in a school dorm—how could that compare to a luxury villa in the space? Naturally, she stayed here almost every day.
As for Skye, she was simply bored. The agency was empty all day with only her there. Lucas was gone, and Natasha was nowhere to be seen.
If the boss wasn't around, what difference did it make whether the agency was open or not?
So Skye simply closed it and stayed in the Chocobo Space with Lucas—fishing, hiking, and enjoying the mountains and water. With scenery like this, it felt just like a vacation.
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