Ourola's expression became very complex.
Even though Dekan extended an olive branch to her, it might be from hell...
The doctrines of the Rejoice Church sounded even more bizarre than the Resurgence Church. At least the Resurgence Church seemed somewhat real.
Dekan snapped his fingers, and Cornelia quickly removed the handcuffs from Ourola, handing her a cup of warm fruit tea.
"Miss Ourola, you can take your time to think. Feel free to express any concerns you have. After all, I genuinely want you to become a member of our organization."
"According to your confession, you’ve never truly believed in the Resurgence Church's doctrine from the bottom of your heart, nor have you committed any heinous crimes."
"So, I want to give you a chance at redemption."
Dekan's tone became much more polite, making Ourola uncomfortable all over.
She didn't dare to touch that cup of tea.
Even though Dekan was gentle now, he might turn ruthless later.
"Will there be any constraints or costs to becoming a member?"
Ourola seemed to gather some courage, clenching her fists and timidly asking.
"No constraints at all, there's a base salary, and completing missions comes with additional rewards."
"For example, I can personally create cards for you, and when your contributions are enough, it's even possible for our Supreme Pontiff, who is my teacher, to create cards for you."
"In addition, we have strict standards for overtime pay and retirement benefits. We won't mistreat any of our members. The specifics..."
Dekan's words caused Ourola's eyelashes to tremble.
Was this really a cult?
So organized?
It was almost like a reputable business!
And there was even a resident top-tier card maker...
What was even more frightening was... what level of existence was the "Supreme Pontiff," who could be teaching Dekan?
Her breathing gradually became a bit rapid, and she shook her head, afraid to think further.
Even if it wasn't forced, this treatment was enough to make her heart flutter.
"Will the missions be very dangerous?"
Ourola asked again.
Even though going to prison was many times safer than getting involved with these three people.
But for some reason...
She felt that this might be an opportunity she couldn't imagine – a chance to break free from the Resurgence Church.
After all, many Resurrection followers had involuntarily joined the organization when they were weak. Even if they became strong, they didn't dare to dream of leaving the organization. Betrayers of the Resurgence Church almost always met a miserable fate. Unless they could find a powerful organization to shelter them.
"Compared to what you've done in the Resurgence Church, the tasks will be much safer. After all, we are a slightly-profit-oriented charitable organization, and missions will prioritize your safety."
Dekan said with a smile, his voice as gentle as a breeze sweeping over the land.
A sudden interrogation had suddenly turned into an interview.
Ourola remained silent for a moment, finally daring to look into Dekan's eyes.
There was a bit more brightness in her eyes now.
But she seemed to have one last trace of hesitation.
She feared becoming a mere pawn that these three individuals could discard at will.
However, Dekan also sensed her thoughts and looked at her earnestly, saying:
"Your life will be a precious asset to our church. I swear to you, as long as you don't betray us, you will always have our protection."
Just not being targeted by these three was already comforting enough for Ourola. And there was also their protection.
It was as if the entire dark world would become her shield.
"...I will join you."
Ourola finally made up her mind, her eyes showing a hint of determination and courage as she spoke.
Dekan's face lit up with a smile, a smile that resembled a benevolent deity looking at their believer.
"Welcome to our 'Rejoice Church.' We are dedicated to creating happiness with all our hearts, and we hope you'll be happy every day."
High Priest Dekan, Inquisitor Knight Cornelia, and Interrogator Croix took turns shaking hands with Ourola, offering her their sincerest blessings.
It left her pleasantly surprised.
Was this a momentary shift from hell to the Bureau of Hell Management?
Ourola: "Is there any proof of identity for your followers?"
Dekan: "Due to the highly confidential nature of your identity, you'll only need to maintain direct contact with me for now. Having an identity emblem could increase your exposure risk. If other members need to work with you, I will contact you in advance and provide you with the emblem."
Then Dekan explained the rules of contact to her. They would normally exchange information through item search notices in newspapers. Currently, Dekan was undergoing a special class cardmaker review by the Card Makers Association, so it wasn't advisable to have any contact with the Resurgence Church.
In the coming period, Dekan's strategy was to distance himself first and then infiltrate later. Once the special class review was over, Dekan would proceed to the next plan: assisting Ourola in infiltrating the upper echelons of the Resurgence Church.
Preliminary infiltration of the Resurgence Church within a year, replacement of high-ranking members within three years, and the total eradication of the Resurgence Church within five years.
Next, Ourola had to continue playing her role within the Resurgence Church. Since the Resurgence Church's "testing and recruiting Dekan'' was a long-term plan, Ourola didn't need to make significant moves in the short term. She just needed to proceed step by step, creating the appearance of planning and strategizing.
"Is there anything else you want to instruct?"
"Nothing, you can go."
Dekan's nonchalant response made Ourola even more certain of his intention – if they could catch you once, they could certainly catch you a second time. But the next time, they wouldn't bother with reasoning.
This unavoidably deepened her awe of Dekan.
Looking on the bright side, Dekan hadn't given her any difficult tasks; instead, he would help her work smoothly within the Resurgence Church. And she didn't have to hand over any benefits she gained from the Resurgence Church; she would even receive a salary and rewards!
What a generous offer.
This organization was truly legitimate.
"You can rest assured; this is your first step towards the light after leaving the darkness."
Dekan patted her shoulder and spoke, resembling a seasoned old bureau chief.
"I understand, Lord Dekan."
Ourola bowed to Dekan.
...
"At last, it's over."
The three of them walked along the streets of the capital in the early morning, all seeming somewhat weary.
This organization was just getting started; they had to take it slow to make it bigger and stronger.
Croix suddenly thought of something and looked at Dekan, asking, "But Dekan, what if Ourola betrays us? And what if the Rejoice Church is genuinely considered a cult?"
Dekan: "What are you talking about? Have we even met her? What Rejoice Church?"
"!"
Croix instantly understood. There was no direct evidence linking Ourola to them. The three of them were completely innocent.
"Sigh, it's too late to go back to sleep now."
Dekan let out a yawn.
"Then let's check out the capital at 4 AM. There's a good place in the capital that's still open, and we can have breakfast there."
Croix took out a map of the capital's cuisine from his pocket, and Dekan and Cornelia leaned in to take a look.
Dekan: "We can get some delicious food to go, head to the top of the Clock Tower in the capital to watch the sunrise, and then go back to school for classes."
Croix: "Sounds like a plan."
Cornelia: "Go!"
