Chapter 79: I Suspect Someone Is Cheating

“What’s so special about this Sacred Paradise organization?” Lin Xiao pressed further. He realized he had offended quite a few people and factions lately; who knew why all these strange and sinister beings were flocking to Hawkins. Could it be related to the reversed world channel opened by Eleven? Other than that, he couldn’t think of any reason why so many extraordinary individuals would be drawn here.

Eddie, eager not to be overlooked, quickly chimed in, “You’re doomed, you know that? This cult is notorious in the dark world—even our Green Organization wouldn’t dare provoke them lightly. Their deity is rumored to be the King of Serpents and Reeds, also known as the Creator of Paradise, Samael—a profoundly evil god, who revels in bloody sacrifices. Their leaders wield immense power, possess secret mystical abilities, and can even commune with their god, granting them vile and formidable strength. So, even though everyone knows their followers are up to no good, most extraordinary organizations steer clear of trouble with them. Legend has it that several witches clashed with them once and were slain by their archbishop through some sinister methods. The current Grand Witch didn’t dare seek justice, nor could she resurrect the fallen witches. They say the archbishop sacrificed the witches’ souls to their deity, leaving this world entirely; even the Grand Witch’s magic couldn’t bring them back.”

Eddie’s face was full of schadenfreude, as if he couldn’t wait for Lin Xiao’s misfortune to unfold. Lin Xiao shot him a glare—this chatterbox would surely get himself into trouble sooner or later. Wait, hadn’t he already been roughed up last time?

“Byers, your power is formidable, almost rivaling us full-fledged Green Hunters, but the Sacred Paradise Church is not someone you can afford to cross. You’d best advise Chief Hope to let this guy go, and let the matter rest. Some people and organizations simply aren’t ours to punish.” Nick spoke earnestly, not wanting Lin Xiao to be dragged into a mess.

Lin Xiao considered this and found Nick’s advice reasonable. He turned to seek out Chief Hope and shared his thoughts. Unexpectedly, the always cordial Chief Hope erupted in fury, rebuking him harshly, “What? You want me to release him? To let go a criminal who spreads cult propaganda and incites the public to murder a police chief in broad daylight? What would that make us? Do you see this badge on my shoulder? It’s a sacred symbol granted by the United States, a declaration to protect every citizen from evil forces. If even we cower, who will protect them?”

Chief Hope’s words left Lin Xiao blushing with embarrassment. Damn it, both Nick and Eddie were detectives themselves, yet encouraged him to persuade Chief Hope to let the criminal go—what a setup!

“Chief Hope, this man is truly dangerous. If you send him to prison and provoke his cult, you could be in real danger—life-threatening danger,” Lin Xiao hastily added. Because of Joey, he couldn’t stand by and watch Hope face mortal peril.

“Enough, Jonathan. Ever since I became a police officer, I knew peaceful old age in bed was never going to happen. As an officer, it’s our duty to stand against evil. If we yield too easily, order would have vanished from this world long ago. The greater the evil, the more we must fight it, even if it costs us our lives.” Chief Hope’s conviction rendered Lin Xiao speechless. Had Hope been secretly practicing his rhetoric lately? Was everyone honing their skills in secret?

At this point, Lin Xiao could say nothing more. Chief Hope wasn’t a child—he had his own judgment and steadfast beliefs, not easily swayed by mere words. All Lin Xiao could do was urge him to be cautious.

After settling matters, Chief Hope drove Lin Xiao home. The silence on the journey was heavy, and Lin Xiao felt uncomfortable—it was clear Hope was truly angry.

When they arrived, a familiar figure was chatting with Will on the sofa—his friend Dustin, who had come specially. The two were planning a welcome party to celebrate Michael and Lucas’s release from the hospital.

“I think the party should be at my house. Yours is too far, and it’s inconvenient to travel back and forth,” Dustin argued. Parties were lively affairs—the kids all preferred hosting at their own homes.

“That won’t do. Ours may be a bit far, but it’s spacious, and our family is big. It’s easier to throw a party here, and it’ll be livelier,” Will countered, making a logical case.

Dustin was at a loss; Will’s family used to be the poorest among the four of them, yet in just a few weeks, they’d moved into a villa, and the house was bustling with people.

“Our house is big, too! If we all go, there’ll be plenty of people,” Dustin racked his brain for an argument—not wanting to relinquish the honor of hosting, which could even lead to charming a girl or two.

As they debated, Dustin suddenly realized he was rising off the ground, floating up to hover above the living room. He yelled in alarm, only to see a familiar figure on the stairs, finger pointed at him, angrily declaring, “Well? Are you going to let us host the party or not? If not, you’re not coming down!”

Lin Xiao shook his head with a wry smile. Eleven’s powers were growing stronger, but her mind remained that of a child—so immature.

“All right, Eleven, stop messing around. It wouldn’t be good if Dustin got hurt.”

At Lin Xiao’s words, Eleven reluctantly lowered Dustin, then leapt down from the stairs, landing midair and walking step by step—an astonishing sight.

“Is that… Airwalking?” Lin Xiao asked in surprise.

Eleven beamed with pride, “That’s right! It’s the spell my teacher taught me—using psychic force to levitate oneself. It’s called Levitation. Hehe, Jonathan, let’s see how you bully me now!”

Dustin and Will stared, stunned. Joey and Chief Hope, standing at the kitchen door, were equally wide-eyed, finding the group more and more incredible.

“Oh? Did you forget my abilities?” Lin Xiao replied. Suddenly, he thrust out his left hand, a pitch-black demonic claw flying towards Eleven.

But Eleven, walking through the air, vanished in a blink and reappeared beside Joey and the others—teleportation!

Lin Xiao was dumbfounded. In just a few days, his little sister had not only learned to walk on air, but even mastered teleportation. Damn, her cheats were stronger than his—wasn’t anyone going to do something about this? Administrator, I need to file a complaint.

Eleven puffed herself up, pretending to be a little adult, but couldn’t resist diving into Joey’s arms, burrowing her head against her.

“All right, my dear girl, we need to start dinner. Where’s your teacher?” Joey asked, missing Zoe and feeling disappointed.

“Teacher said she had something to deal with at home and had to leave for a while. She’ll come back in some time. She also said my talent is so strong that soon, even she won’t be able to teach me. She’s going to find me another teacher when she gets back,” Eleven answered proudly.

Her words were casual, but Lin Xiao’s mind stirred. Someone stronger than Zoe would have to be a high-level witch, on par with a vampire duke. But had Zoe already left them?