What she witnessed next caused her to freeze for a moment. However, habit took over, and she immediately directed her mockery toward Claire:
"It seems you did that on purpose last time, didn't you? I was wondering how someone your age could be so 'ignorant' about these things. Your tastes are truly unique, Claire."
At these words, Claire’s beautiful face instantly turned crimson. She turned to Eros beside her and gritted her teeth. "Let’s catch her!"
Eros blinked, instantly understanding Claire’s intent. Thus, the goals of the two were successfully aligned as they began to present a united front against the outsider. Annie saw the two approaching her and felt a hint of unease rising in her heart. She wanted to slip away, but it was already too late.
A long while later, looking at the two women sitting on either side of him, Eros asked casually:
"Where do you two plan to go after graduation this time?"
Both of them were already in their sixth year. Now that the Domain of Sin assessment had concluded, they had successfully graduated from the academy. Seeing Eros bring this up, Annie thought for a moment and said:
"My family inquired with the Church for me. I’ve been assigned to the Karon Cathedral in Haidalam."
"The Punisher squad there suffered heavy casualties due to the previous sacrificial activities of the Mist Order. There are many vacancies, and they urgently need to replenish their ranks."
Beside her, Claire also nodded. "I’ve also been assigned to Haidalam. The Notaries there are in urgent need of manpower for the same reason."
Annie’s family were believers of the God of Sea and Storms, so she was assigned to the Karon Cathedral of the Ocean Church. The Punishers were the official agency of the Ocean Church specializing in mystical incidents. Besides them, there were the Notaries of the Covenant Church and the Nighthawks of the Reincarnation Church. These were all official departments used by the Churches to handle mystical events—essentially, combat personnel.
Eros was somewhat shocked to hear this. The Mist Order was likely that cult worshiping the "Tentacle Guy." Had their impact been that significant? If the Punishers and Notaries of Haidalam had suffered such heavy casualties, the Nighthawks likely weren't faring any better. No wonder the Storm High Priest of the Ocean Church had personally intervened to suppress them.
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After the two women finished speaking, they noticed Eros remained silent and couldn't help but ask in return:
"What about you? Where will you go after graduation?"
Eros thought for a moment and shook his head. "I don't know. After all, I don't graduate until next year!"
Claire blinked. "With your strength, there’s actually no need to stay at the academy. You could apply for early graduation."
"That way, you can join the Nighthawks sooner and begin accumulating contributions for yourself."
After all, only by accumulating enough contributions could one exchange them for promotion potions and auxiliary ritual arrays from the Church. Even if one’s family possessed them, contributions could be used to trade for other necessities. In short, the earlier one started accumulating, the better.
Eros glanced at Claire and chuckled inwardly. Do I really need to accumulate contributions? He had already hustled his way into being a "Son of God." Wasn't that status maxed out already? While they might need to trade contributions, he just needed to be a "handout seeker."
I! Eros! Send money!
"What are you laughing at? Am I wrong?" Claire was somewhat dissatisfied with Eros’s attitude and muttered a complaint.
Eros reined in his wandering thoughts and gave a light laugh. "I’ll go back and ask for the opinions of my family elders. If they think it’s fine, I’ll apply for early graduation."
Hearing Eros say this, Claire smiled with pursed lips. "If it works out, remember to choose Haidalam. We’ll be waiting for you there."
After chatting for a while longer, the two women’s spirits could no longer hold out, and they returned to their rooms to rest. At this point, Eros was also feeling quite drowsy. Bestowing Soul Brands on so many people had consumed a significant amount of his mental energy.
When he woke up, it was already nine o'clock the next morning. Most of the people in the manor had already left, and the remaining few, like Annie and Claire, hadn't woken up yet.
After washing up in the washroom, Eros wandered around the manor. After a while, he happened to run into a radiant-looking Mary. Seeing him, Mary’s small face broke into a peculiar grin. She leaned toward Eros and whispered:
"Annie and the others are looking for you!"
Are they awake already? Just as this thought flashed through Eros’s mind, he heard Mary’s next sentence:
"But they all seem... a little bit off to me."
Eros gave a dry cough. As a "veteran driver" herself, how could Mary not understand that reaction? She immediately let out a long, meaningful "Oh~"
But she followed up with a giggle. "I have to return to Haidalam immediately. If you have the chance in the future, remember to come to Haidalam to visit."
Unlike Annie and Claire, who were being "assigned" there, Mary’s home was actually in Haidalam—something Eros had known for a long time.
Eros gave a light laugh. "Rest assured, I’ll definitely look you up when I have time. I’ll take the initiative to pay a visit to your home."
Upon hearing this, Mary shook her head violently, repeatedly refusing:
"No! You absolutely cannot come to my house!"
Eros was somewhat puzzled. "Is there some kind of taboo?"
Mary fidgeted for a moment and said with some embarrassment, "No... it's mainly because I’m afraid my mother will take a liking to you!"
"Huh?" Eros was stunned.