Regarding Leonard's "demonstration," the demigods and Beyonders present nodded one after another, indicating they fully understood what the "Red Glove" captain was trying to convey.
One of the "Punishers" raised an arm and took the opportunity to ask a question: "So the tarot cards left at the scene represent which members carried out the mission?"
"That should be the case," Leonard replied without giving a definitive answer.
That same "Punisher" continued: "Then what about the tarot cards scattered all over Lanierus when he died? That doesn't have a specific target."
Leonard immediately picked up a piece of white chalk and wrote the name Lanierus on the blackboard behind him, then drew a circle around it: "As I just said, the events involving tarot cards truly entered our view over the past two or three years because of the Lanierus case. This is very likely where it all began.
"So, the tarot cards scattered randomly without a specific target perhaps refer to the whole — meaning that the organization using tarot cards as codenames has officially taken the stage of history. Heh, please forgive my use of poetic language."
"That makes sense." Several of the "Punishers" were persuaded by Leonard.
Leonard looked around and continued: "I'll draw a comparison using the Aurora Society, which everyone is very familiar with. We all know the Aurora Society has twenty-two Angels of God, each responsible for affairs in one region. The organization using tarot cards as codenames is very likely structured the same way — members like 'Judgement,' 'The Emperor,' and 'The Hermit' should each have their own sphere of influence, exerting power in a particular area."
Hearing this, a member of the "Mechanical Heart" considered for a moment and said: "But three card-bearing members — 'Judgement,' 'The Emperor,' and 'The Hermit' — appeared consecutively in
Leonard nodded slowly, showing that he understood the other's point.
He organized his thoughts and said: "That possibility can't be ruled out — after all, this is an organization that has only existed for two or three years.
"Of course, there may be another reason: this organization doesn't divide its territory by region, but rather by matter or domain — deciding whether something falls under its purview and joining forces when there's overlap, like in the Capin case."
Seeing that the Beyonders from the three major Churches and
"The first question: what is this organization's purpose?
"If they're like the Aurora Society, aiming to spread the faith of an evil god, then why have we never found anyone who actually believes in 'The Fool'? Even if there are any, they're just scammers using 'The Fool's' name to commit fraud.
"The second question: what do their operations these few times have in common? I haven't found an answer yet.
"The third question: high-ranking members who use tarot cards as codenames can't be at a low Sequence level, and they possess their own forces, yet they have no reputation whatsoever in the Beyonder world. This is very abnormal. The Aurora Society's twenty-two Angels of God — although they all hide their identities — have been clashing with us more or less continuously. They rose step by step from low Sequences to mid Sequences under our 'watch,' and after their predecessors died or advanced, they took over the Angel of God positions. They've long been on our lists."
At this point, Leonard paused and said: "If the organization using tarot cards as codenames truly worships 'The Fool,' then there is someone who could answer my third question."
"He is the mad adventurer Gehrman Sparrow, who is rumored to worship 'The Fool.'"
That name rendered all the Beyonders from the three major Churches and MI9 silent, as if they were rapidly recalling relevant information.
They had long heard that Gehrman Sparrow was mysterious in origin, worshipped 'The Fool,' and had gathered considerable intelligence on the entity — they just hadn't made the same leap of logic as Leonard, connecting everything together.
"…Gehrman Sparrow is suspected of having close ties to Baylum's former 'Minister of Death,' who is an Angel still active on the earth." After a few seconds, the Archbishop of the Church of Darkness in Backlund, Saint Anthony, spoke in a low voice.
This sent the Beyonders who were not demigods reeling with shock, instinctively sitting up straight.
They all knew about the 'Admiral of Hell' incident, but due to classification restrictions, they had no idea that the 'Minister of Death' represented an Angel on the surface.
"…That 'Minister of Death' apparently doesn't belong to any faction of the Psychi Association." A MI9 Beyonder said hesitantly.
Leonard nodded with a grave expression: "Perhaps He is a member of that secret organization using tarot cards as codenames."
"The Death card!"
Another round of silence fell over the room. Celt, Rader, and the other demigods had to admit that such a possibility existed.
The standing of that secret organization using tarot cards as codenames had just surged, rising to a level where it could be ranked alongside the Aurora Society.
"In any case, Gehrman Sparrow is a lead," Leonard said, "quietly" inhaling before slowly exhaling. "Your Excellencies, as well as ladies and gentlemen, I have finished."
Saint Anthony gave a slight nod, rose to his feet, and swept his gaze around the room: "Up to this point, this secret organization using tarot cards as codenames has not targeted us and has shown a certain degree of friendliness. With the current war situation being so tense and our manpower severely lacking, it would be very difficult to undertake any large-scale action. Therefore, I propose that we try to avoid conflict with them and not attempt to eliminate them for the time being."
"Of course, the investigations that need to be done must still be carried out. A secret organization with an Angel active on the surface is inherently dangerous. If we fail to understand them and gather sufficient intelligence, we will be unable to react in time should the need arise — to thwart whatever schemes may exist."
Horamick and the other demigods considered this for a moment, then nodded one after another in agreement.