Long-term salvation

"You don't think you're going back to Japan to retire, do you? No way. You'll even need to personally resolve some of the otherworldly incidents that occur in Japan. Learn how to shoot various weapons and exercise regularly, so you don't end up being stuck in a corner if something goes wrong."

"Well... I'll try my best."

Hearing the faint response from behind him, Rhode smiled and said no more. Instead, he honked the horn and proudly introduced himself to the two girls:

"Welcome to Miskatonic University! We are dedicated to the pursuit of the truth of the world and the exploration of unknown territories, including but not limited to supernatural dimensions, ancient evil gods, and alien creatures. Do you want to witness the twinkling of the stars? Do you want to experience the madness of Chaos? Or do you want to sleep in the arms of the Black Goat? There is always a way to die that suits you!"

"...Can we go back?"

"No way," Rhode said with a smile, "You're on a pirate ship and you still want to escape?"

Although Rhode's words were full of malice as a welcome speech, the two girls were still shocked by the scene before them. They knew clearly that this university had just been established, and even all the professors were poached from other schools... The girls thought they would see a construction site or a few scattered buildings, but now:

A magnificent Victorian-style building complex is perched on the edge of the town of Arkham, like a giant dragon with its body covered by fleshy wings. It slightly opens its eyes and looks at the human town next to it, wondering when to swallow it.

Miskatonic University is surrounded on three sides by Arkham Forest. Humanity, with both ingenuity and brutality, has pushed down the trees, leveled the land, and carved a man-made canal to divert river water through the center of the campus, bringing a touch of moisture. The river is home to fish adapted to the North American climate. On clear days, through the high-strength glass of the underground passage, you can observe mullet and perch swimming leisurely in the clear water.

There are not many students in the university now, but there are many professors and researchers in various disciplines. They are all more or less connected with the Cogito Foundation, or they are selected scholars who are considered to be able to accept the existence of the other world.

Walking on the campus of Miskatonic University, Theresa stretched out her hand and passed it across the clusters of flowers in the flower bed. The gorgeous flowers swayed slightly between the girl's palms, emitting a faint fragrance.

"This place is better than I thought," Makise Kurisu watched Theresa's actions. She let out a long breath and said to Rhodes standing next to her, "I wonder if there will be a physics department here... Eh? Really? Then maybe in ten years or so, my mentor, Dr. Gordon Freeman, can come back to teach here."

"And you'll take over his job? You can try to stabilize the rift in Minamigami Village, ma'am. That might even bring a new direction for humanity's development."

Rhodes asked with a smile. He patted the shy red-haired girl, walked forward, took Theresa's hand and walked towards the depths of the campus.

"Come, let me introduce you to the professors at the university. To be frank, they are the pinnacle of will and wisdom in human civilization, and they are the top paranormal investigators and researchers."

It is also the top team-annihilation engine.

Chapter 219: Miskatonic University Welcomes You (Part 2)

Miskatonic University's main building is located on the central axis of the entire campus. It is an ancient brown-yellow in color. In terms of size and solidity, it is only comparable to the library and museum located a little later on campus.

The teaching buildings and laboratory buildings of different colleges are on both sides, and the medical school is closer to Arkham Mental Hospital, which is often called "Arkham Asylum" by the residents of the town.

Walking along the marble-paved central road, Rhodes pointed to the chess piece statue next to him and introduced it to the two girls with a smile:

"The pieces on this chessboard are actually machines made by the students, which can be controlled by radio remote control. They said they want to use these as guards for the school after they are perfected."

Hearing this, Theresa's eyes lit up:

"Can I help? Want to equip these statues with heavy machine guns and cannons? I've always wanted to try converting the knight statues in medieval castles into combat robots!"

So, the activation phrase for these mechanical statues is "Piertotum Locomotor"? Wait, that's pretty exciting now... All we need is a witch who can transform into a cat—Black Cat Pickman will definitely make a cameo appearance in the future.

"……be safe."

Rhode thought for a long time and could only reply in this way. He turned his head and saw an acquaintance sitting on a lawn mower, mowing the university lawn.

It was Lucas Weaver, the boy with a Wendigo brother.

Lucas looks healthy now, with some subtle muscle definition on his body and arms. At least he's not as malnourished as before. He's living with Ms. Julia Meadows, his former homeroom teacher in the mining town, and the loneliness of the two who've lost their families is gradually being healed in their ordinary daily life.

Rhodes was happy to see this happen. He didn't want his future Mobile Task Force member to be a mentally ill 14-year-old robot pilot...

After seeing Rhodes, a smile appeared on the boy's face. He stopped the machine and ran towards Rhodes quickly:

"Mr. Rhodes!"

"It seems like you've found a suitable job, but I still hope you can have more fun like everyone else." Rhodes smiled and touched his head. "How is your brother?"

"Actually, I wanted to buy my brother a set of the latest Warhammer chess pieces, which isn't part of the living expenses you gave me... Aiden's situation is okay. At least he can communicate smoothly with others while wearing a mask. Those professors are right—wearing glasses that blur the human form and filter the smells can reduce Aiden's suffering."

"That's good... Oh! I forgot to introduce you. This is Theresa, you will see her often in the future, and this is Miss Makise Kurisu."

The girl and the boy exchanged a glance, the girl generously shaking hands with the slightly reserved boy, and they didn't talk much. After all, there would be plenty of time later, and the boy also needed to work now.

However, during the conversation between the two, Rhodes noticed a student pointing in this direction in surprise, and then he and his companions quickly disappeared into the main building of the university.

Although he felt a little confused, Rhode still led the two girls into the main building of the university. As soon as he walked in, he was surrounded by a group of professors who rushed over. They waved their application forms frantically and used their bodies to push their colleagues away.

"Chairman Rhodes! Please approve my Antarctic scientific expedition immediately," said Professor Atwood (from "At the Mountains of Madness"), his eyes gleaming brightly, like a thirsty traveler who has found a refreshing rain in the desert. "I want an icebreaker, a Super Stallion helicopter, and a team of soldiers from the Army Without Borders as escorts!"

"What the hell do you want from a scientific examination? Super Stallions and Soldiers! Don't listen to this idiot. Chairman, please approve the funding for our Chemistry Department's experimental equipment first. The students have been waiting for a long time!"

Professor Ellery (from "Dreams in the Witch House") shouted, which aroused the agreement of Professor Lake from the Biology Department next to him, but he did not express his support because the Biology Department was also preparing to send people to conduct Antarctic scientific research.

Professor Warren Rice (from "The Dunwich Horror"), who was standing at the outermost edge, stood on tiptoe, waved at Rhodes, and shouted:

"You promised us in the Classical Literature Department that you would give us the cult texts you found in Salem for research—Professor Fernando C. Ashley (from 'The Shadow Beyond Time'). Aren't you from the History Department? Since we're both from the Faculty of Arts, come and lend a hand!"

Professor Fernando did not reply. He was thinking about how to break through the obstruction of Dexter (from "The Whisperer in Darkness"), the biology professor standing in front of him. The latter was working together with Professor Allen Halsey (from "Herbert West - The Resurrection of the Corpse"), a doctor from the medical department and Arkham Asylum, to ask Rhodes to approve more funds, as well as - more corpses, or living patients.

These gentlemen, who were usually well-dressed, were making a scene that was so indecent that Theresa had to hide behind Makise Kurisu, watching the farce with curiosity and a bit of disgust.

Professor Albert Wilmarth (from "The Whisperer in the Dark"), also from the Faculty of Letters, who was standing at the outermost corner, looked around, strolled over to Therese and Makise Kurisu, and asked with a smile:

"Are you the students visiting today?"

"us……"

"Silver-haired Therese is, and the red-haired lady is a disciple of Dr. Gordon Freeman—for God's sake, gentlemen, get out of the way! You are a disgrace to Miskatonic University... and there are two children here!"

Rhodes awkwardly broke away from the professors' blockade. He straightened his collar, looked at these embarrassed scholars, and said unhappily:

"I remember the school board would approve it, or did someone deliberately delay it for you?"

"That's not the case. Actually... the funding for each college takes some time to be approved, and there's a certain order of priority. So we've also jointly submitted an application hoping to invest more funds in the university. As you know, Ms. Yuka isn't here right now."

Professor Atwood replied with an equally awkward expression. He took off his hat and apologized slightly to Theresa and Makise Kurisu before continuing to speak to Rhode:

"As for me, I know an expedition requires a lot of preparation, but we'd better get ahead of others. A scientific expedition team consisting of researchers from Norway, the United States, France, and Denmark is preparing to launch an investigation into unknown Antarctic signals, centered at the Norwegian Antarctic Station. We must get ahead of them!"

Rhodes: “…”

Hearing this familiar configuration and the Norwegian Station in Antarctica, coupled with the professor's renowned name, Rhodes took a deep breath and whispered to Professor Atwood:

"Not now. Let's prepare a little longer, Professor. If I had the time, I would go with you personally... Yes, it's dangerous, too dangerous, but I'm not sure it will happen."

After receiving Rhode's warning, the excitement on Professor Atwood's face didn't fade even though the expedition was postponed. Rhode was going there in person, which meant that something truly existed in Antarctica! A rift from the otherworld? A supernatural creature? Or perhaps some other life form from the universe?

"Alright, alright, you finally caught me today," Rhode said, reluctantly accepting the forms from the professors one by one and stacking them neatly. "I hope you can clearly state your reasons in your application. If I don't have time to review it, I'll have Miss Kurosaki Hina from Hill Villa check it out... Yes, she will fully represent my opinion."

As Rhodes spoke, he saw Father Gabriel Amos standing by the gate among the professors. What was he doing there? Was it because of the exorcism a few days ago?

"Please return to your classrooms, professors."

Rhode waved his hand, and the professors in front of him scattered like birds and beasts, quickly returning to their colleges to announce the good news to their students. Seeing this scene, Rhode's eyes twitched slightly. He sighed helplessly and turned to the two girls and said,

"You two can wander around the university while I go talk to the priest."

Chapter 220 Walking with the Priest

"Father Gabriel Amos, it's nice to meet you."

Rhodes stepped forward and shook hands with the portly Father Amos, who was slightly startled at the outstretched hand, then tried to remain calm and returned the handshake.

The elder priest's face was filled with embarrassment and awe. After he withdrew his hand, he whispered:

"Excuse me, Mr. Rhodes."

"...Did Father Merlin show you the video of the last exorcism?" Rhodes raised an eyebrow and looked around. He found that some students were already looking in their direction curiously. He raised his hand to stop the old priest. "Let's talk somewhere else. It's not convenient here. Please."

"Okay, Mr. Rhodes."

An old man and a young man walked one after the other on the campus of Miskatonic University. They walked around groups of people, around the lush green gardens, and slowly moved along the artificial canal.

When they reached the stone bridge spanning the canal, Rhodes took out a cigarette and lit it, but the priest waved his hand in refusal. Exhaling a puff of smoke, Rhodes looked at the unknown fish swimming leisurely under the bridge and said calmly:

"Besides Father Merlin and you, who else in the Vatican has seen that video?"

"...the Pope, plus two trusted cardinals who know about the existence of Hell, and that's it."

"Well, I understand." Rhodes nodded slightly, but then he leaned over to Father Amos with a smile and asked in a low voice:

"How dare someone call themselves 'Pope' after Peter?"

Father Amos felt a sudden suffocation - how should he answer this? How could he dare to answer this? The poor old priest opened his mouth, subconsciously made a cross on his chest with his right hand, and then stammered to explain.

Seeing him like this, Rhodes felt much happier. He patted Father Amos on the shoulder and said with a smile:

"I'm kidding, relax Father."

"Don't make jokes like that again...especially in front of the Pope, who's even older than me." Father Amos gave Rhodes a resentful look. He tremblingly took the can of juice Rhodes offered as an apology, took a sip, and continued, "The Pope's heart isn't in good condition either. What you just said will allow the cardinals to immediately start electing a new Pope."

Hearing his words, Rhodes chuckled a few times, took out a few dry compressed biscuits from the storage space, broke them into small pieces and threw them into the water. After a while, some gray-black bass came out to compete for food, causing the clear river water to ripple with turbid waves.

"Then I can only feel regret for not being able to send all the cardinals away. Forget it, let's get down to business, Father Amos. What brings you here to see me?"

"The Vatican still doubts your authenticity. After all, as you know... people with superpowers are something the Soviet Union, the United States, and other countries have all conducted relevant research on." Father Amos carefully put away the can of juice he had finished. He hesitated for a moment and continued, "Furthermore, 'Hell' is real. We must be wary of whether this is a demonic trick. We, humanity, cannot bear the catastrophic consequences of our savior being a 'devil'."

“You’re not going to say I’m Jesus this time?”

"A new era may require a new savior," Father Amos forced a smile. "Just as you said to Father Merlin after the exorcism, this is fine, and the Vatican and other religious organizations in the world can deal with it."

Hearing this, Rhodes nodded slightly. He fully understood the meaning of the priest's words - that is, "You may be Jesus, but it is unlikely that Jesus is you." After proving your identity, the Vatican will provide help in secret, and in public, they will only wave the flag behind the world mainstream, trying their best to avoid shaking the faith of believers around the world and the possible turmoil in religion.

Given the current situation, everyone can only do their best to cope with it.

Rhodes didn't dislike this. On the contrary, he felt that this kind of getting along was quite good... After a little thought, he nodded and pulled the priest away from the long bridge, leaving only a piece of fish waiting for an almost endless supply of biscuits.

"To verify your identity, a cardinal and his guards will personally witness the exorcism. There will be only two of them. Of course, I will be by your side," Father Amos slowly stated the purpose of his visit. He observed Rhodes's expression as he spoke, only to find that he remained calm, or perhaps even a hint of anticipation. After turning the thought over in his mind, the priest continued:

"There's been a case of possession in an old church in Spain. We must go there now, and you must go alone... Sister Mary, Miss Gina, or anyone else cannot come with us."

"That sounds like a trap."

"This... I can't do anything about it, Mr. Rhodes. In fact, I think it's okay for you not to go, maybe it's for the best," Father Amos said with helplessness and a hint of sadness on his face. "But that poor, lonely mother will still suffer. My ability is limited, but I will do my best to save her son from the devil's clutches."

This made Rhode feel a bit amused and he said unhappily:

"Father Amos, how is your behavior different from moral kidnapping?"

"There's no difference, Mr. Rhodes," Father Amos whispered, his eyes lowered. "God protects all those who love him, but will destroy all the wicked. I don't really care about your true identity. It's too vague. God will judge the false. But the suffering endured by that mother and her children is real. It has nothing to do with their own sins. It is meaningless suffering."

Father Amos raised his head and met Rhodes' eyes. He exhaled slowly and said:

"If anyone hears my words and does not obey them, I will not judge him. I have not come to judge the world, but to save it. In any case, please help save those poor people, Messiah."

"Even if I ask you to keep the cardinal and his guards out of the exorcism ceremony?" Rhodes raised his eyebrows and asked, "Even if this may lead to you being excommunicated and kicked out of the Vatican?"

The old priest made the sign of the cross on his chest and replied piously in a low voice:

"If this is not a righteous act, then God will punish me, not the hyenas of this world... Stabbing myself with a poisoned dagger, being hanged on a cross, or falling from a building near heaven are all punishments I can choose. Then, I will confront the liar in 'Hell'."

Father Amos said this, straightening his body and standing straight in front of Rhodes for the first time. The whole world seemed to revolve around the two of them, and all the sounds around them quickly faded away, leaving only the priest's gradually rapid breathing.

This painful silence lasted less than half a minute, and Father Amos finally heard Rhodes's chuckle:

"I will go, Father, leaving today, and you don't have to keep the cardinal away... Of course, I have to go back to Hill Manor first to make preparations."

[Side Quest: Twelve Trials: The Pope's Exorcist]

Mission Description: Go to the Christian monastery in Spain, resolve the events in the other world, and seal the gap in the other world.

Note: The movie "The Pope's Exorcist" was released in 2023. The plot is nothing new. It is recommended to read the commentary and the segment.

Chapter 221: Combat Meeting in the Villa

As the summer solstice approaches, Hill Manor is warmed by the sun, but if you place your palm on the wall, you can feel the chill that has existed since the manor's inception - the manor fears its owner's power, but still scans every visitor with malicious eyes, cautiously testing... testing whether its owner will allow it to tear off a large piece of that delicious emotional energy to try to fill its insatiable appetite.

Not only the owner of Hill Manor, but also the residents who live here permanently are no match for the manor, and this obviously includes "pets".

The black cat, Pickman, was sauntering over the eaves. He stopped by the fireplace chimney, rested his two paws on it, stretched his body backwards, licked his front paws, and squatted on the highest point of the manor house, looking at the cars approaching in the distance.

With Pickman's eyesight, he could clearly see the silver-haired man sitting in the car:

Rod came back earlier than planned, and it seemed to be for work again.

The clever and cute cat shook its body and continued trotting along the eaves. It jumped down to a statue, then jumped to the window sill of a room. The window was Nyako's room. The silver-haired girl was happily drawing a naughty picture of Rhode and herself. After noticing Pickman, she raised her chin and said:

"Go back and tell your master that if you want me to paint for you, you'll have to give her a week's worth of snacks in exchange!"

Cat: “…”

Pickman sighed slightly in his heart, and stretched out the middle finger of his cat's paw with difficulty, shaking it in front of Nayako's suddenly wide eyes, and then jumped to the ground before the latter's angry attack came.

Dodging the flying crowbar, Pickman quickly slipped into the small hole in the wall of the villa, passed through the dark supernatural passage, and came to the other side of the villa. As soon as it came out, it was picked up by someone - it was the Sand Wolf Albino.

The wolf girl took out some dried fish and fed them to the cat squatting on her shoulder. She then patted the cat's head and said calmly: