The bishop is unfathomable.

bar.

The bar, which was originally used as a hideout, has now reopened.

Although there weren't many guests, it wasn't entirely a hideout for esoteric practitioners anymore.

This was also Li Wei's idea. A bar that is always bustling with people but never open for business, no matter how remote or dilapidated, will eventually arouse suspicion.

So, with the help of a few members who had business experience, this safe house-like bar was able to start operating.

Meanwhile, all the surviving followers of the Faceless Ones were chatting in the bar.

There were eight people in total. Three were responsible for the daily operation of the bar, acting as temporary support staff. Mawei was responsible for driving a taxi on the street to earn some money while also acting as eyes and ears to gather intelligence in the city.

As for Wag and Barney, they are both top-tier in terms of strength and status, and their identities have now been partially cleared, making them the two most free.

The other two are professional cleaners who handle traces and corpses. These two usually stay in the bar and are only contacted when needed.

"Barney, what do you think His Excellency the Bishop's plans are next?"

"Judging from the bishop's behavior, he doesn't seem to be in a hurry to leave Beldor, and may even just stay hidden."

"He used his resources to make our identities as unquestionable and legitimate as possible, probably for this very reason."

"If, as you say, the adults are coveting the position of Bishop, shouldn't they be going out to recruit more members?"

Barney remained calm, stroking his stubble. "Don't overthink it. Just do your own thing."

"And don't forget, even if it's an invisible surge, the basis for seizing power is absolute violence."

"Now that His Excellency the Bishop is the librarian of the forbidden library, he has access to a large number of spells that he previously had no way to access."

"On the bright side, maybe it'll be our turn. With the adults' authority, even if they can't bring out the books, bringing out a copy would be enough."

Barney said, turning to Wagner, "By the way, didn't Blake ask you to investigate a case? Why are you back so soon?"

"Ugh, don't even mention it. I was halfway there when he said the investigation had been taken over by the Inspectorate. So I had to come back."

"But it's alright, even though it's just acting, if I were really asked to help the inspectors investigate a case... I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to hold back my laughter."

Wag revealed a very amused smile. Clearly, this kind of role-playing was something he had never experienced before, and he even found it quite exciting.

Barney sighed, then took a sip of his drink, recalling something: "Speaking of which, the Inspectorate of Beldor rarely interferes directly in the affairs of the Bureau of Inspection, does it?"

"It seems like the last time was seven years ago."

"That bizarre fire that broke out simultaneously in fourteen locations throughout the city and could not be extinguished."

Wag looked at Barney with some surprise: "You know quite a lot, what about the fire seven years ago?"

Barney's lips curled into a rare smile: "I wouldn't call myself well-informed. I was just still working in the oversight system back then, so I only heard a few rumors."

"I don't know the specifics either. But according to rumors, those flames seem to be related to the gods."

"Oh, by the way, the fire seven years ago, although it burned fourteen different locations, only one person died."

"Former librarian of forbidden books at the Norren Grand Library."

Before Wag could ask any more questions, Barney's expression suddenly changed. He threw his wine glass and slapped Wag to the ground.

The next moment, the glass collided with the bullet, and the sound of it shattering made everyone in the bar realize what had happened.

Barney, having reacted quickly, caught the bullet in his bare hand.

He looked towards the entrance, where three combat-use mechanical dolls had blocked the bar's doorway.

And behind the three puppets were more than a dozen fully armed gang members.

The attack began.

Countless bullets began firing into the bar, but fortunately, none of the people present were inexperienced cultists.

The well-trained cultists kicked over tables and chairs to use as cover, or simply hid behind pillars, before drawing their guns and returning fire.

The bartender behind the bar did the same thing; he bent down and stood up again, pulled a shotgun from the cabinet, and tossed another one to his partner.

Amidst the whirlwind of bullets, Barney stood in front of Wag, using his well-trained body to shield Wag from the first wave of bullets, allowing him to retreat to a safe area.

Varg immediately began his own counterattack, his psionic energy activating and a ritual array being generated.

The next moment, a light blue barrier covered everyone in the bar.

Enemy bullets are directly blocked when they hit this barrier.

Seeing the situation, Barney rushed out and immediately took down the three mechanical puppets that were serving as fire support and cover.

The others also began to return fire. After a fierce exchange of fire, three members of the Secret Cult were wounded, but fortunately, they only suffered abrasions and penetrating wounds, which were not very serious.

The attackers, including the three mechanical dolls, were all wiped out.

Barney's clothes were completely torn apart by bullets, revealing his lean yet surprisingly strong and muscular upper body.

He bent down to examine the enemy's identity, and couldn't help but be surprised: "The Brownstone Gang?"

"How did they find this place?"

"And these mechanical dolls... although they are the old-fashioned dolls I used when I was still in the Bureau of Inspection, and they are defective products that are on the verge of being scrapped, they are not something that a gang can get their hands on."

"Wait! The Brownstone Gang!?"

Barney realized. They had indeed been attacked by the Brownstone Gang.

He suddenly looked at his comrades behind him: "Leave two people to take care of the wounded."

"Vag, those who are still able-bodied, come with me immediately to support His Excellency the Bishop!"

……

……

Li Wei, who was carrying a book and planning to go home to read, speed up his analysis of the third-stage spells, and meditate, noticed that the street in front of his house was unusually quiet today.

You should know that the area where I live, Barker Street, is the liveliest part of Beldor.

Even though there have been frequent terrorist attacks in the past two days, it's not a big deal for the citizens of Beldor, who are used to big scenes.

It's not like you can't see a single person.

Realizing something was wrong, Li Wei stopped and placed his right hand on the watch on his left wrist.

After leaving the library, he never came into contact with the familiar possession again.

Because he discovered that while possessed, the familiar could transform into any personal item he wanted.

Even turning it into a pistol would be fine. It just won't fire bullets.

Moreover, even in his mimicry state, he can acquire the characteristics and skills of a familiar.

The use of Reality View was not affected in any way.

Although we lost the high-altitude view of the falcon and the clarity of the full-view map.

But when Li Wei looked around, he saw quite a lot of things as well.

For example, two men in black who are in stealth mode and approaching you.

And on the distant rooftops, two snipers were aiming at him with the latest bolt-action rifles.

And those people hiding in the houses by the roadside.

Just as Li Wei was pondering a solution, a broken female voice suddenly echoed in his mind.

"Watch out... a trap... run!"

"Bang!"

Gunshots rang out. There were clearly two lines of fire, yet only one shot was heard.

One bullet was fired at Li Wei's forehead, while the other was aimed at his heart.

The instant the gunshot rang out, two assassins who had been hiding suddenly attacked, their blades aimed at Li Wei's throat and abdomen.

In the next instant, metallic wings stretched out from Li Wei's back, enveloping him like a barrier and blocking all attacks.

Immediately afterwards, two grenades were fired, hitting the sniper who was firing from the rooftop.

The two black-clad assassins, whose blades were blocked by the wings, immediately showed expressions of disbelief.

Li Wei smiled at the enemies before him: "Unfortunately, you were one step behind. You should have made your move before I could react."

"Although that doesn't guarantee success."