Embers Ad Infinitum

Chapter 437: Behavioral Art

Shang Jianyao immediately became excited. “Alright.”

Jiang Baimian deliberately ignored his expression and said to Genava, who was moving his neck up and down, “Old Ge, I’ll leave this to you.”

Shang Jianyao was only slightly disappointed by this. He quickly perked up and pulled Genava to the side before whispering his exhortations.

...

With one hand in his pocket, Dimis held a paper bag containing his black trench coat. As he admired the night scenery, he walked toward the road that led to the Green Olive Zone.

During this process, it was inevitable that passersby approached him or walked along the same path as him. However, they subconsciously slowed down or chose to circle around him. In short, nobody could follow Dimis by disguising themselves as an ordinary pedestrian. All of this was done unconsciously.

Upon seeing the alley around the corner, Dimis suddenly saw a figure rush over.

The other party was so fast that they were by his side like a car that had gone out of control. Right on the heels of that, a silver-black metal palm slapped Dimis on the shoulder as if they were good friends.

It was only then that Dimis saw that the person was a robot in a dark-green military uniform with an eye that emitted red light.

He opened his mouth, attempting to escape by using the ensuing chaos of a cry. However, Genava’s right palm tightened and gripped his neck, preventing him from making a sound.

“Do you think the public security officers who passed by will return in time?” Genava tried his best to make his slightly synthetic male voice carry a smiling tone.

Shang Jianyao had taught him this line, so he had to grasp his tone well.

Dimis’s expression stiffened, not knowing what had gone wrong.

Genava took the opportunity to hug him to give off the impression that he was very familiar with him and that they had a good relationship to hide the abnormality in his right palm.

“I just have something to discuss with you.” The smart bot repeated Shang Jianyao’s lines to keep the target calm. If not for the fact that he couldn’t make an expression, he would’ve smiled.

Dimis’s expression had already returned to normal, and there was no sign of fear. He ‘followed’ Genava into the quiet alley and came to an empty corner.

“Are you the culprit behind the Citizen Conclave explosion?” Genava asked.

Dimis nodded calmly. “You’ve already seen through my disguise. Is there a need to ask this question? Let your master come out.”

Genava noticed a reaction that didn’t match his human behavior database, so he asked, “Aren’t you afraid?”

“What’s the use of being afraid?” Dimis asked calmly.

Genava moved his metal neck. “Are you also an accomplice to the gladiator arena assassination attempt?”

“You can say that.” Dimis actually laughed.

Genava pressed, “Why are you doing these things?”

“To break the current order and create chaos,” Dimis said with a solemn expression. “First City is like a pool of stagnant water that is slowly rising. If this continues, it will become increasingly lifeless and reach the necks of everyone...”

Upon hearing this, Genava corrected him. “Slowly rising and stagnant water are logically contradictory. They can’t be put in the same sentence.”

“...” Dimis was stunned for a moment. “As long as you understand what I mean. In short, we have to break out of the current state. No matter which direction we develop in, it won’t be any worse than now.”

Genava actually agreed with this. “Movement and change are the main themes of this world. The only constant is change.”

“You want to cooperate?” Dimis guessed the goal of the faction behind the robot. Just as he said that, he saw a figure enter the deserted area.

Before this, he had failed to sense anything. This meant that the other party could hide their consciousness—they were also an Awakened.

The person was tall and wore a smug monkey mask.

Taking the opportunity while Dimis’s attention was focused on the mask, Shang Jianyao smiled and said, “Look, we want to do something big in First City, and so do you. We are part of a team, and so are you. So...”

Dimis’s expression changed a few times before he finally revealed a friendly and surprised smile. “So it’s you. Why are you meeting in such a terrifying manner?”

“It’s safer and more concealed this way,” Shang Jianyao replied sincerely. Without giving Dimis a chance to speak, he made his voice carry a smiling tone. “You just convinced our robot.”

Dimis laughed. “Not like I can have it another way. We have to prepare various excuses to deal with different people.”

“...” Only then did Genava realize that he couldn’t tell that the other party was lying. Of course, even a lie detector that could monitor the other party’s various data might not be accurate, much less an ‘amateur’ smart bot like him.

Shang Jianyao smiled. “Actually, I think what you said makes sense. First City in its current state is in urgent need of change. Any direction in change is better than remaining unchanged. Seriously, are you familiar with the colosseum assassin? You don’t seem too worried about him.”

Dimis chuckled. “We only have a little cooperation in that matter. I don’t even know if the name he told me was real or fake.”

At this point, he shrugged. “It’s the higher-ups’ arrangement anyway. I do whatever they order.”

“Which organization is behind you? It’s making me a little confused,” Shang Jianyao probed with empty words.

Genava paid close attention to Dimis’s actions. As long as he discovered the latter showing signs of coming to his senses, he would immediately knock him out.

“Didn’t they tell you?” Dimis automatically helped Shang Jianyao find a reasonable explanation. His expression became solemn again. “We’re from the Behavioral Church.”

At this point, he made a silly face and said in a deep voice, “Actions show thy inner self. May impulsiveness be with thee.”

“Behavioral Church...” Shang Jianyao had read about it from the information the company provided, but he still asked in confirmation, “Which Kalendaria do you believe in?”

“May’s Monitor.” Dimis made a silly face again as if he was showing respect for the Kalendaria in this way.

Shang Jianyao tersely acknowledged it. “What’s your Holy Communion?”

“All kinds of worms, cooked in various methods,” replied Dimis seriously. “After the Chaotic Era, apart from wilderness nomads and some Ruin Hunters who lack food, nobody else is willing to eat these things. Therefore, our parish’s leader designated them as Holy Communion.”

Trying their best to appear different from the others? Genava tried to analyze the reason.

Shang Jianyao raised his hand and pressed down on the monkey mask on his face. “You can eat it after twisting off its head. It’s rich in protein.”

He then sighed. “What is your goal?”

“You have to ask your superior and mine. I’m only a soldier in charge of the execution.” Dimis indicated that he didn’t know either.

Shang Jianyao looked at Dimis regretfully for a few seconds, making him confused.

“Why are you always being chased by the public security officers? Why are you deliberately showing up to attract their attention?” Shang Jianyao asked.

Dimis smiled smugly. “This is a form of behavioral art.”

“Oh, no wonder you’re called the Behavioral Church.” Shang Jianyao’s eyes—which had been a little uninterested because of the Holy Communion—suddenly lit up.

At this moment, Genava interrupted, “Does this make you happy?”

“Not only does this bring me happiness, but it’s also a form of prayer. It’s something the Kalendaria approves and admires.” Dimis didn’t hide anything.

Shang Jianyao curiously asked, “What other behavioral arts have you completed?”

“Too many to count. Let’s talk about it later; someone might pass by here at any moment.” Dimis was still considered cautious.

Shang Jianyao nodded. “Were you deliberately misleading the pursuers by covering your mouth with a scarf?”

“That’s right. They won’t recognize me the moment I take off my scarf.” The corners of Dimis’s mouth curled up slightly.

Shang Jianyao stretched out his right hand. “That’s all for today. Don’t report your meeting with us for the time being. This way, you can still get our help if you are betrayed. If you need some cooperation for the subsequent missions, you can also get our help.”

Dimis fell silent for a moment before slowly nodding. “You guys are also leaving a way out. Alright, how should I contact you?”

After giving a specific time, another frequency, and a certain telegram password, Shang Jianyao waved goodbye to Dimis.

Genava mimicked him by raising his metal arm, spreading his fingers, and shaking it a few times.

After taking off his mask and making detours until he reached the safe house, Shang Jianyao and Genava waited for a few minutes before seeing Jiang Baimian, Long Yuehong, and Bai Chen return.

They had previously been on watch around the alley. As soon as they discovered anything amiss, they would give a signal.

After hearing Shang Jianyao’s recount, Jiang Baimian frowned and muttered to herself, “Behavioral Church...”

After a few seconds, she sighed. “It’s an orgy of devils!”

She was referring to First City’s situation. All the various factions and Churches were starting to show.

After discussing this matter, Jiang Baimian looked around. “Everyone, get some rest. Old Ge, pay attention. Try recording the Dao and Electrical Appliance Repairs radio station tomorrow evening.”