Half-step Purgatory

Durin stroked the black cat on the armrest of his chair, sitting on the black leather sofa. Through the glasses perched on his nose, his gaze passed over the long table in front of him and settled on the man kneeling on the carpet:
"I understand, you've made money in Naples, your business has been very successful, and you've led a happy life. You've had those secret police, friends in both the law and the underground, and even the Royal Family speaking on your behalf."
"You don't need a friend like me, I know that. You're afraid of owing me a favor, and you don't want to get involved in troubles."
"But now you come to me and say, 'I beg you, Mr. Durin of the Corleon family, please help me seek justice, so that my life and my family will not suffer and sink into despair.'
Yet, in your eyes, I was nothing more than a second-rate artist involved in movies and music. Even at the brink of death, you still show me such disrespect, not even willing to call me by my title... Keeper of Secrets."

Durin's Diary

Austin pushed open the office door and bowed to the bishop named Robin before departing.


"Go now, don't keep my niece waiting." The old man smiled and waved his hand as if to hurry him, yet it seemed like encouragement.


Austin nodded, exited the room, and closed the door behind him.


Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, warming everyone who passed by. Church members smiled and saluted him when they noticed the Holy Insignia on his chest; Austin returned the gesture without hesitation.


At the other end of the corridor, he saw Julie leaning against the wall, the young girl smiling and waiting for him at the corner.


"Austin, Uncle Robin must have lectured you again, right? Orekhov City is really too dangerous, I heard you injured your arm there, I was so worried I couldn't eat." The girl walked ahead, with Austin listening quietly as usual.


He heard worry in her words, reluctance, and words she hesitated to say.


Chapter 207: Transformation