Chapter 194 The Northern Sea Pavilion
Elbert stepped into the church, approaching the entrance. Three black-robed men resembling priests blocked his path.
"Token, please."
Elbert nodded, extending his hand. The black ring glinted on his finger.
"Welcome, believer."
One of them inclined his head slightly. "All modern technology is but evil magic, anathema to the power of the divine. Please relinquish any communication devices."
Elbert chuckled, pulling out the burner phone he carried.
'This was classic Steven, playing the mysticism card to the hilt. Magic, divinity, Godlike… utter nonsense. It was all a ploy to maintain secrecy. Without Steven's brainwashing, who would fall for such theatrics?' he thought, smiling.
"Believer, you must now undergo the verification of the Eye of Fate."
The robed man gestured toward a large, ornate eyeball carved from wood mounted on the wall. It was imposing, to say the least.
"Gaze into it," the man instructed.
Elbert stepped forward, spotting a small aperture at the eye's center, flickering red light.
"It's a retinal scanner!" Robert's voice crackled in his ear. "And they call technology evil magic? What a joke!"
"Can you handle it?" Elbert asked, amused.
"Let me see… It's not connected to the internet. The scanner's linked to a local database, probably containing information registered when members joined. You won't be in there, Elbert."
"But that's not a problem for me, is it?"
An image of Vortex materialized in Elbert's vision. It zoomed in, focusing on his pupil. Data streamed across Elbert's view – Vortex's eye structure, iris position, pupil size, lens data… It was like witnessing a microscopic dissection.
Then, his right eye tingled, subtly shifting and mimicking Vortex's ocular patterns.
"Done! You're good to go," Robert declared.
Elbert smiled, gazing into the eyeball with his altered eye. A red laser scanned his retina.
"I feel like I'm being spied on in the shower," Robert quipped.
"Honored Godlike, welcome to this doctrinal transmission," a synthesized voice boomed.
The robed men stiffened, bowing deeply. "Welcome, Godlike!"
Elbert sighed inwardly; this charade was getting ridiculous.
He was ushered into a dimly-lit room where more robed figures awaited. They draped a heavy black cloak over him, pulling the hood low over his face. In an instant, he was transformed into a faceless, spectral figure.
Elbert couldn't help but be impressed. They were serious about anonymity. Steven ran a tight ship, that was for sure.
But then again, they confiscated communication devices, had no surveillance, and the retinal scanner was offline. Steven was clearly taking precautions against something… or someone. Was this akin to the Card Club?
As Elbert entered the church's main hall, the space opened up dramatically. The dome soared high above, adorned with faded paintings that hinted at the building's age and grandeur. It did lend an air of sacredness to the place.
Forty robed figures stood in silent rows, their faces hidden. Unnerving silence fell over the room, punctuated by low, rhythmic chanting that lulled listeners into a trance. Another layer of brainwashing; no doubt.
It had no effect on Elbert. He joined the silent assembly, observing as just another faceless believer.
Five or six individuals wore robes with gold embroidery, similar to his own. These were the "Godlike," the modified humans. The rest were ordinary believers.
Silence fell over the assembly as one of the embroidered Godlike stepped onto a raised platform.
"Believers of Divine Network Nine," he announced, his voice echoing, "as a messenger of the Northern God, I welcome you."
The assembled figures bowed their heads in acknowledgment.
"The Northern God is currently engaged in spreading the doctrine elsewhere and cannot grace us with his presence today," the messenger continued. "Thus, he has entrusted me to oversee your progress and ensure your missions' completion."
Elbert had to bite back a laugh. The lengths they went to maintain this divine facade were impressive; he'd give them that. However, Steven was shrewd. Veridiania was a superstitious nation; this twisted form of religion was perhaps the most effective way to unite the masses.
One phrase, however, snagged his attention; Divine Network Nine.
'Nine? Were there eight others like it?'
He felt bizarre, realizing the Northern Sea Pavilion's reach was far greater than he'd imagined.
"Believers," the messenger boomed, "report your progress!"
A robed figure stepped forward. "Messenger, I have secured the cooperation of four major banks. We anticipate mobilizing 200 billion dollars within the month."
Elbert looked into the man's biometrics. Despite the hood, he recognized him as the bank president from earlier.
The messenger nodded approvingly.
Another figure stepped forward. "Messenger, my twelve media companies are standing by. The publicity campaign can commence within the month."
This one was a media tycoon, controlling websites, newspapers, magazines; a vast media empire.
"I've secured the support of three prominent figures and acquired five private hospitals and three private labs," another voice announced. "Negotiations for four more institutions are underway."
"Excellent." The messenger's approval was evident.
"Messenger, I'e secured the endorsement of ten prominent entertainers and four athletes. They're prepared to publicly support our cause."
This time, it was a famous actor, a household name.
"Messenger, I have established connections within the government to expedite the necessary religious procedures."
A high-ranking official in Wavehaven.
"Messenger, I have successfully placed three Godlike agents within the military. They will help shape public opinion in our favor."
A military officer stationed in Wavehaven.
"Messenger…" a hesitant voice spoke up. "I have encountered unforeseen obstacles in acquiring the targeted medical group. However, rest assured, I will swiftly identify a new target."
This was Owen, the chairman of VitaCure Labs.
The messenger stiffened, his posture radiating displeasure. However, his voice softened quickly.
"The Northern God is forgiving of his followers' shortcomings," he said. "You are spared punishment this time, but consider this a warning."
"Yes, Messenger." Owen's voice trembled as he bowed deeply and retreated.
Elbert felt chills run down his spine. If Vortex were here, would he be reporting on his progress in uniting the criminal underworld?
The underworld, the business world, the government, the media, the entertainment industry, even the military… all infiltrated. This network was vast and insidious.
Moreover, this was only one of nine such networks.
The Northern Sea Pavilion's influence was staggering. Their brainwashing tactics were clearly effective.
Encouraging VitaCure Labs to acquire FutureTech Group… encouraging Vortex to unite the underworld… it was all part of a grand scheme.
The messenger proclaimed with, his voice booming, "In these turbulent times, it's time for the divine light to illuminate the world!"
"Believers, prepare yourselves! In two months, the Northern God, accompanied by several Godlike, will descend upon the mortal realm!"
"He will usher in an era where gods and humans coexist, and all mortals shall bow before The Northern Sea Pavilion!"
Elbert's eyes narrowed. So they were all building toward this "descent." They were planning to integrate these modified humans into society, granting them positions of power and influence. Then, through gradual indoctrination, The Northern Sea Pavilion would rise to prominence, becoming the world's dominant force.
Their ambition knew no bounds. They wanted a new world order, ruled by their twisted doctrines where the Godlike reigned supreme.
"Was Steven aiming to become a god among men? How did it come to this?" Elbert asked.
"I've collected data on their other locations," Robert reported. "There are similar churches in twelve cities, including Celestria City. All frequented by influential figures."
"The Northern Sea Pavilion is more powerful than we realized."
Elbert chuckled inwardly; Steven had truly outdone himself. He'd underestimated the man's cunningness and ambition. If left unchecked, The Northern Sea Pavilion would become unstoppable.
But unfortunately for Steven, he'd made a critical error.
"Have you ever heard the saying, Robert?" Elbert asked, his eye flickering mischieviously.
"What saying?"
"The best way to blend in is to stand out."
Elbert cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the assembled believers.
The Godlike had removed his hood.
He stepped forward, ascending the platform until he stood beside the stunned messenger.
Then, he did something unexpected. He pulled out the pen-like device, held it to his lips, and spoke.
"Believers," his voice boomed, amplified and distorted by the device, "be still, and listen."
The room fell silent, all eyes on him.
"Do you truly believe in the existence of the divine realm?"
"Of course!" The response was instantaneous, unanimous. "The divine realm is the ultimate power, formed eons ago. Now, witnessing the mortal realm's suffering, the divine realm has sent the Northern God to protect us!"
Elbert almost laughed. Steven's persuasion ran deep; their belief was absolute.
Robert said, "They've been brainwashed countless times. At this brainwave frequency, anything you say will be accepted as truth. They'll find a way to rationalize it."
Elbert smiled. This was going to be fun.
"To know of the divine realm is a blessing," he said, his voice deep and resonant. "And today, I shall share another secret with you; engrave it upon your very souls."
The believers leaned forward, eager to receive his divine wisdom.
"I," Elbert declared, "am the Heavenly Emperor of the divine realm. The Northern God is but one of my generals."
He paused, gauging their reaction.
"Will this work?" he asked Robert.
"It's outlandish, sure, but so is their entire belief system. Trust me, it'll stick."
As if to prove his point, the believers' eyes widened in awe and reverence.
Elbert pressed on. "Today, I appoint you all as my eyes and ears. You are to observe the Northern God; oversee his progress and training. However, to avoid disrupting his mission, you must never reveal my existence to him."
"Follow his instructions in all matters pertaining to The Northern Sea Pavilion. I will not interfere. However, remember..."
He whispered, sending shivers down their spines. "Should you ever hear my name, or see this…" He held up his hand, revealing the black ring. "…all believers of The Northern Sea Pavilion are to obey my commands without question."
The believers gasped, overcome with emotion. They fell to their knees, heads bowed.
"We obey, Godlike!" they cried. "Tell us your name, that we may honor you!"
Elbert was caught off guard.
'A name? I hadn't considered that.'
He thought for a moment, then spoke.
"You may call me… Godlike Emperor Five."
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