Steam Age: I Fight Against Divine Authority with Otherworldly Tales

Chapter 80 Leonard's Performance

Inside the duty station, "Frostblade Saint" Leonard was standing in front of Corrigan and Karl, seemingly explaining something.

Edmund was standing behind Leonard. When he saw Suren enter through the door, he frowned almost imperceptibly, then quickly lowered his head.

His little tricks naturally didn't escape Suren's eyes. Suren sneered inwardly, ignored him, and quickly walked towards them.

At this moment, Leonard, Corrigan, and Carl also noticed Suren's arrival. Leonard still had a gentle smile on his face.

Before Suren could speak, Karl said anxiously, "Professor Deventer, he..."

Carlton paused here, glancing at Leonard, seemingly unsure whether to continue.

Leonard simply smiled gently, his gaze fixed on Suren's face, his tone remaining calm and gentle: "Suren? Right? You should also know Professor Derwent, shouldn't you?"

"We've had some contact. Professor De Went is a very kind scholar," Suren said truthfully. He didn't intend to lie, after all, it would seem too heartless to sever ties now.

"In fact, I agree with you. Although Augustus de Went was studying forbidden subjects, he was indeed a kind and scholarly man." To Suren's surprise, Leonard actually praised Professor de Went. "Just last night, Professor de Went was sent to the Holy Court, and his trial should be held in a few days."

At this point, Leonard sighed, his face showing a mixture of helplessness and pity, and said, "I agree with Professor De Went's research spirit. In a sense, we are the same kind of people, both pursuing the truth."

"Originally, I planned to gather the scholars I knew within the church to review the manuscript after obtaining it. If the internal academic research was indeed helpful to social progress, then we would submit a proposal to the church to pardon Professor Derwent." At this point, Leonard sighed deeply. "Unfortunately, it seems that the professor has hidden the manuscript and is unwilling to believe me. I can't help him now."

Corrigan and Carl were both moved by Leonard's story. Leonard's tone was exceptionally sincere, and his expression showed no sign of deception.

But at this moment, Suren sensed something was amiss, and he subconsciously began to consider the veracity of the other party's words.

Would a saint who rises to the rank of priest in a short period of time attempt to overturn centuries-old church rules because of a professor he has never met?

Moreover, even someone of Suren's status, through deliberate searching, could deduce that the Church was intentionally locking down technology. Given Leonard's current position and his modus operandi, two years would be more than enough time for him to discover the truth.

Given this, it's obvious why Leonard said those words: it was a trap he set to lure out the person who knew the whereabouts of the manuscript.

In just a moment, Suren completed the deduction, so fast that even Suren himself was somewhat surprised. He realized that this might be the boost that "Source Knowledge" had given him after his advancement.

Seeing Leonard still putting on an act, Suren sighed at the right moment, her tone tinged with helplessness: "Unfortunately, Professor Derwent has never been very trusting of others, and besides, as the Deathbirds, it's even less likely that he would discuss the manuscript with Carl and me."

Upon hearing Suren's words, Karl paused for a moment, but nodded. Professor Derwent indeed had no need to discuss the manuscript with the "Deathbird."

"Well, that's the path Professor Derwent chose himself." Leonard gave the two of them a meaningful look, then patted Karl on the shoulder. "After we deal with the 'Eternal Oath Knights,' you'll come with me to 'Libraton.' You should be able to advance to 'Awakener' soon. Practice hard these next few days and don't slack off."

After saying that, he turned and walked towards the door. Edmund glared at Suren and followed Leonard out of the duty station.

Suren frowned as she watched Leonard's retreating figure.

He didn't understand why Leonard was putting on this show in front of him and Carl, and no matter how he thought about it, Professor De Winter wouldn't hand over the manuscript to him or Carl.

Unless... Leonard can confirm that either Suren or Karl has a clue about the manuscript!

Suren couldn't help but recall what Corrigan had mentioned earlier—that Leonard possessed a powerful tracking item.

Could it be the guidance from that item? Is the manuscript on Karl?

Suren glanced at Karl, who looked somewhat dejected, and then shook her head.

Karl can't keep secrets. If the professor gives him the manuscript, he'll definitely be able to discuss countermeasures with Suren.

It was already noon, so Suren stopped thinking about it and patted Karl on the shoulder: "Let's go, it's almost lunchtime."

Carl nodded absentmindedly, as if he was thinking about something.

During the meal, Suren noticed that Karl seemed a bit distracted and reminded him, "Karl, you'd better not believe everything Leonard says."

"Huh? Teacher wouldn't have any reason to lie to us, would he?" Karl was stunned for a moment, then looked up at Suren, his tone filled with doubt.

Suren sighed and said helplessly, "He is, after all, a member of the church. The church's rules have been deeply ingrained for so many years. There is no need for him to take risks for Professor Derwent."

"But..." Karl hesitated, then, as if making a decision, looked earnestly at Suren, "This might be the only way to save the professor. Don't you want to save him?"

As Carl's words echoed, Ellie's whispered words resurfaced in Suren's mind: "Suren, save him! Are you really willing to accept this?"

The whispers were elusive, as if trying to control Suren's mind.

"Enough!" Suren couldn't help but slam her hand on the table in frustration, the loud noise attracting the attention of the people around her.

Carl was also startled by Suren's sudden action. He stared blankly at Suren as if he were seeing him for the first time.

Realizing what he had done, Suren paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and then said apologetically, "Sorry, I was just a little irritable."

"I understand, Suren." Karl stuffed a mouthful of bread into his mouth and chewed it vigorously. "This feeling of helplessness is indeed very painful, which is why I'm willing to believe in my teacher."

Suren looked at Karl, shook his head, and said solemnly, "Karl, there are always some things in this world that we cannot change right now. I just hope you don't get involved in them."

Karl looked at the serious-looking Suren, then flashed his signature silly grin.

"Don't worry, Suren, I'll be careful." He nodded seriously.

Looking at Karl's smile, Suren always felt that there was something ambiguous about it.