Chapter 163 New Member Initiation Ceremony
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Backlund West Borough, in the living room of Arnold's house.
In the spacious living room, there were over a dozen people sitting, standing, smoking cigars or cigarettes.
They had gathered together last night, waiting for news of Hobert's arrest, but the situation far exceeded their expectations. There was no body found at Hobert's residence.
Wasn't it Arnold who spent 600 pounds to hire two "bodies"? And Arnold's subordinates saw them break into Hobert's residence with their own eyes, so how did they disappear into thin air?
While Arnold and his men were still processing this, Hobert had taken refuge in a security company because the security company wasn't well-known. They were just about to force their way in when Mr. Kenneth arrived and stopped them.
By the time the sun rose, everyone was tired and no better plans were discussed.
At this moment, Arnold's subordinate came to report: Hobert went to Viscount Glaint's mansion.
Gustav frowned slightly. "Arnold, why didn't you tell us earlier? Hobert still knows some nobles!"
In today's Kingdom of Loen, the most powerful people are still the nobles.
Arnold was sweating coldly. "President, I really didn't know!"
One of Arnold's friends defended him. "President, this Viscount Glaint only inherited his title last year due to his father's sudden death. He hasn't fully inherited the connections of the old Viscount Glaint, so he hasn't had a proper job and can only be considered a fallen noble."
Today's nobles are divided into two types: those with power, who are the targets of flattery among the present company, and those fallen nobles, who aren't so unattainable to these merchants.
Gustav glanced at the two who had just spoken. "Don't you feel that we're having a hard time dealing with Hobert? Originally, we wanted to intimidate him with our wealth and power, but Hobert wasn't scared at all and turned the tables on us."
Then they tried to play dirty, but failed again, and neither Hobert nor Bob was harmed.
Arnold asked somewhat stubbornly, "Mr. Kenneth? Can't we just break into the Blackthorn Security Company and take Hobert away?"
Kenneth, a thirty-something man with a long face, had to explain again more clearly, "Let me put it this way, breaking into Blackthorn Security Company to arrest someone is like breaking into the Church of the Evernight Goddess to arrest a clergyman."
Arnold suddenly realized, "So this security company belongs to the Church of the Evernight Goddess!"
Kenneth couldn't be bothered to explain further. "Anyway, if you go to Blackthorn Security Company to arrest someone, the Duke will no longer assist you in this matter."
Everyone looked at each other, realizing the seriousness of the situation.
Then they began to curse Hobert for being cunning and finding such a place to hide.
Kenneth added, "There's no need for these unsavory methods anymore. Since we've already hired Mr. Hugo, I believe even if we defend Hobert openly in court, would a famous lawyer lose to an unknown small lawyer?"
The people around immediately flattered, "Mr. Kenneth is right. Even if he knows the Viscount, he's just a small lawyer."
"Mr. Kenneth's reminder makes us realize our stupidity. We could have won in court, why did we spend so much effort trying to deal with that small lawyer outside the court?"
"..."
Arnold didn't say anything. He had witnessed Hobert's defense process himself. With courage and wit, whether he could win the lawsuit or not, he really had no idea.
...
Karl Vincent politely shook hands with Hobert and complimented Fors' beauty, and then praised "the teenager" Xio for being able to join such a mysterious gathering.
Xio smiled helplessly and didn't explain because he wasn't familiar.
Fors tried hard to suppress a smile, while Hobert glanced at Glaint and seemed to say with his eyes: Isn't this too direct?
In a previous accidental mercenary task, Hobert discovered the ring Glaint was looking for, in the possession of Count Vincent.
During the last "Justice League" gathering, Viscount Glaint did not announce the mission of stealing the ruby ring, indicating he did not want to announce this task at the gathering, as well as the hidden side he has always maintained.
Glaint smiled slightly and said ambiguously, "My father was good friends with Count Vincent, and our generation naturally continues this friendship."
Hobert nodded and turned to Karl. "Are you sure you want to join the 'Justice League'? Before you make your final decision, I must warn you. If you disclose the secrets of the 'Justice League', you will be immediately punished. If you want to withdraw, we will erase all your memories of the 'Justice League'."
Karl said, "I am sure I want to join the 'Justice League'."
Having received a clear answer, Hobert said to Glaint, "Prepare a room for me where I won't be disturbed."
Glaint led them to a small reception room next to the study. After Glaint left, Hobert drew mysterious symbols on the table in the reception room and lit candles.
After whispering a "spell" like incantation, Hobert solemnly said to Karl, "Come to the altar."
Karl was completely stunned by Hobert's actions, showing he didn't have much knowledge of mysticism.
When Karl arrived, Hobert said, "Empty your spirit!"
As he spoke, he dripped "Amantha essence" distillate onto the candle. Under the influence of the drug, Karl immediately felt drowsy.
At this point, Hobert used the "Psychological Spoon" ability: "In the years to come, if you intend to disclose any information about the 'Justice League', you will cry and slap yourself until you no longer have such intentions.
"If you are forced to speak under external influence, you will only tell your most disgraceful and least presentable memories, and at the same time, you will forget everything about the 'Justice League'."
With the assistance of "Amantha essence" distillate, the effect of this psychological suggestion was very good. Unless encountered by a demigod of the Spectator Pathway, it would be difficult to obtain information about the "Justice League".
Hobert first "distorted" the negative effects of the Spoon, then patted Karl on the shoulder. "Wake up!"
Karl shivered as if suddenly awakened. "Is it over?"
"It's over." Hobert reminded, "Remember, if you intend to leak, you will be punished immediately."
Karl nodded repeatedly, having already put away his previous arrogance.
After leaving, Glaint, who was waiting outside, asked Karl, "How do you feel now?"
"Nothing." Karl said, "But the ritual just now was magical. It felt like I was flying into the sky and seeing one island after another made of clouds.
"You're right, Mr. Hobert is a master of mysticism!"
Following behind, Hobert smiled and shook his head. What Karl saw was perhaps his own mind island.