Another Karim Shaheen

158 Another Karim Shaheen

A couple days later, two vehicles halted at the unassuming gates of H.A.R.M. headquarters.

The first belonged to H.A.R.M., a sleek, black sedan, exuded an air of understated authority.

The second was less a car and more a land-yacht sculpted from moonlight and shadow. Its body, crafted from a rare bio-metallic alloy that was no longer manufacturable after the apocalypse, known as "Stellarium," shimmered with an ethereal, pearlescent quality. There were no visible seams or joints, the entire body flowing as a single, uninterrupted piece. Instead of doors, a section of the roof, shaped like a delicate teardrop, retracted silently into the body, revealing an interior bathed in the soft glow of bioluminescent panels.

As several figures entered H.A.R.M. headquarters, the precarious and turbulent situation surrounding Cascadia instantly calmed down.

A couple days before their arrival, satellite phone calls had already been made to the twelve cities of Cascadia.

From each of the major cities, carriages of imposing style drove out, converging towards Seattle.

As the vehicles poured into the city, one after another, figures entered H.A.R.M. headquarters. They were of different ages and wore different expressions. The only things they had in common were the black armor gleaming with a dark light and the striking scarlet cloaks.

In the largest meeting room of the headquarters, an incredibly wide, dark table extended all the way to the entrance.

As many figures took their seats, nearly twenty lieutenant generals slowly closed the main doors and stood guard at the entrance.

In the somewhat dim hall, at the head of the table sat a middle-aged man in a deep crimson uniform. He had an ordinary appearance, his elbows resting on the table, his fingers interlaced.

Behind him stood three young people.

Max Vierkant and Alex Bai stood with their hands behind their backs. Beside them was a beautiful blonde girl in a white dress.

On both sides of the long table, the twelve H.A.R.M. generals presented the prepared documents one by one and then waited silently for the middle-aged man to review them. Only a little girl yawned boredly.

Alex Bai albowed the girl in white dress and secretly transmitted his voice, "Rose, Crystal Realm yet?"

The middle-aged man casually waved his hand, and this beloved Doctor Bai was instantly frozen in place like a piece of wood, only his eyeballs still able to move.

Max Vierkant bowed his head, clenching his fists and stifling his laughter.

Rose Hightower glanced resignedly at the two of them. Her mind seemed to be elsewhere.

After an unknown amount of time, the middle-aged man finally nodded and pushed the documents to the side. "You've all done well, thank you for protecting Cascadia in my absence."

When his voice fell, most of H.A.R.M. generals breathed a sigh of relief.

Theodore Montgomery, the only Seeker of Redeemer in Cascadia, held the position of Admiral.

It was precisely because of his deterrence that Cascadia had remained stable to this day under the watchful eye of the Blood Moon Vampire King.

After three months, he had finally returned to Seattle.

He was eager to see this person who came so highly recommended by his trusted disciple. How had he fared in Seattle? And had his disciples—and Granny Chloe—read the letter Rose had left behind? What were their opinions of this young man who had just arrived from Pinewood County not long ago?

"Now that the official business is over, let's talk about personal matters." Theodore smiled and glanced at the blonde behind him. Noticing her shy, averted gaze, he said calmly, "I plan to take another disciple. What do you think?"

At those words , the generals snapped to attention.

Each of the Admiral's disciples was extraordinarily gifted, far outshining their contemporaries. They were, after all, the Admiral's chosen candidates of successor.

Such an important matter demanded careful consideration.

"Master, do you have someone specific in mind?" Albany Laurent turned towards the Admiral.

Theodore Montgomery didn't respond, instead turning his gaze back to the girl.

Rose Hightower took a step forward, a little nervous. "Senior Brother, you've seen him…His name is John Kane. He..."

Rose organized her thoughts, trying to quickly list some of John's achievements. However, everything she knew about him seemed almost too extraordinary to believe. Even though she was now a Silver Bell Crystal Realm Vampire Hunter, facing these formidable harmonizing martial artists, she suddenly didn't know where to start.

Rose didn't notice that her senior brothers behind her showed no reservations at all. To them, this wasn't even a matter worth discussing.

Fortunately, Albany Laurent didn't leave her hanging, his face lit up with a broad smile. "Ah, in that case, I have no objections."

Theodore Montgomery raised an eyebrow in surprise. He knew his eldest disciple better than anyone—Albany was known for carefully analyzing every situation before making a decision. What had changed to make him respond so quickly today?

Rose's eyes filled with joy—she had worried that Albany might object. Now that he agreed, the matter was essentially settled.

"Hold on, I object!" A small arm rose lazily from one of the chairs.

Granny Chloe crossed her legs and, amid the puzzled gazes of the crowd, said with a mischievous grin, "John Kane is a Vampire Hunter—why should he be your disciple?"

Rose hurriedly explained, "Granny, I'm also a Vampire Hunter."

Chloe shook her head and said gently, "Rose, dear, it's not the same for you."

With Kane's talent, he would be valued even in the capital. He shouldn't be confined to Cascadia merely to become a Seeker of Redeemer.

… …

Theodore Montgomery interlaced his fingers once more, intrigued by this unexpected turn of events.

Rose opened her mouth to respond, but Max Vierkant gently cautioned her, "Senior Sister, wait a moment..."

The discussion has just begun.

Then she heard another old voice.

General Grant slowly stood up. "Putting aside the matter of the Admiral taking a disciple, I have a related matter to discuss."

"What's on your mind?" Theodore said with an inviting gesture.

Though not the strongest in power, General Grant's seniority ranked second only to Theodore's.

Skyler Grant nodded slightly and continued, "I feel my energy failing, and I no longer have the strength to protect Vancouver. I wish to appoint a personal attendant to temporarily take the position of general. While I can still move, I can help watch over Vancouver until he fully matures."

Temporarily take the position of H.A.R.M. general? Theodore's eyes narrowed. "So another harmonizing expert has emerged in Cascadia? Who's your candidate, General Grant? Don't keep us in suspense."

Given the gravity of the situation, Rose refrained from pushing the matter of her master taking on a new disciple. Though anxious, she managed to keep her emotions in check.

Then she heard that familiar name once again.

"John Kane." General Grant eased back into his seat, a knowing smile spreading across his twinkling eyes.

His chosen prodigy was finally ready to shine in Cascadia.

The moment Skyler spoke, Chloe frowned, stood up on her chair, and waved her arms emphatically. "Objection, objection! Kane already said he won't take the Path of Redemption. What kind of H.A.R.M. general would that make him?"

Before she could finish speaking, another figure rose from below, his eyes cold. "I also object!"

Unlike Chloe's willful protests, Theodore clearly placed more weight on the Salem General's opinion. "Your reason?" he asked.

The Salem General withdrew a file from his briefcase and carefully unfolded it. "Since he came from Pinewood County under Salem's jurisdiction, and after learning about the destruction of Kongo Shintai Securities, I took the initiative to investigate his background."

He paused for a moment, then said with conviction, "Regarding this, I have reached only one conclusion."

All eyes turned to him.

The Salem General sneered. "I believe he is another Karim Shaheen, or perhaps... an even greater vampire than that Leviasaur."