Generally speaking, the application process was very fast. As long as one provided valid documents and identity information, one would be able to obtain a temporary three-day permit to enter the city on the same day.
Of course, if one wished to stay for a longer period of time, one could make a special appeal and obtain an extension of the permit.
As for those foreign visitors who were unable to verify Little Dream's information, which was connected to the entire Japanese government network, it was very simple. As long as they obtained the relevant person's guarantee, they would be able to obtain a permit. The only difference was that the permit could not be extended, and the area of movement was limited.
Thus, three days later, Hideko Nakayama, the manager of the public relations department and the guide for the inspection team from Martino's head office, led Archbishop Andrew and a dozen others to the Akiyuya autonomous region located in the western part of Tokyo.
Under the influence of the multi-functional application-type robots produced by a certain technology company in Akiriu City, Tokyo's traffic had been improved. It only took about half an hour for the bus to arrive at the checkpoint connecting the Akiriu Autonomous Region and Tokyo.
This checkpoint was similar to a highway toll booth, but unlike a toll booth, there were no sentry booths here. There were only automatic railings used to block the road, multifunctional combat robots used as guards, and surveillance probes used to verify and attack laser weapons. The checkpoint was sandwiched in the middle by thick alloy walls that were more than 15 meters tall on both sides of the road.
"Show your permit number," a female electronic announcement sounded.
"3009857621," Hideko Nakayama hurriedly said.
As soon as the announcement was made, the virtual screen suspended above the checkpoint immediately jumped, and the half-length photos of 15 people, including Hideko Nakayama, Archbishop Andrew, Archbishop Mark, and others, appeared. At the same time, a colorful beam of light penetrated the space inside the bus and scanned the bus and its passengers from head to toe.
During the scanning process, the dozen or so knights instinctively tensed their bodies, ready to attack at any time. As the main personnel, Andrew and Mark exchanged glances, then waved their hands behind them in a relaxed manner. They gestured for the others to relax.
"Your identity is qualified. You may enter," the female electronic voice sounded again.
"You have 72 hours to stay in the city. Please take note. Otherwise, we have the right to forcibly expel you from the city."
Then, accompanied by the sudden sound of exhaust, the obstacles in front of the bus quickly retreated to both sides, presenting a barrier-free road to the bus driver.
The bus driver did not hesitate. He immediately released the handbrake and stepped on the accelerator, starting the car and driving toward Akikuruno.
Unbeknownst to them, the moment they were scanned by the laser, two sets of information were sent through the network to Akiyuya City's Special Human Services Administration and Little Spirit Dream. Little Spirit Dream then copied the information and sent it to the city's security network.
Let's put it this way. From the moment they passed through the checkpoint, Jinru, and set out for Akizuruno City. As a result, they became the focus of surveillance for certain departments and combat robots in Akizuya City.
After driving for about ten minutes, the bus officially entered Akikuruno City.
In an instant, a bustling modern building appeared in front of Archbishop Andrew and the rest through the window of the moving bus. In Akikuruno City, high-rise buildings with novel designs and logical plans could be seen everywhere. The roads were wide and clean, without a single bit of trash. Furthermore, one could often see a barrel-shaped cleaning robot with a ball of brush at the bottom moving around, constantly cleaning the road.
The traffic environment was extremely good. Almost every distance, one could see a barrel-shaped robot like the one seen on the streets of downtown Tokyo floating in the air, directing traffic. As for public security, although there were no criminal incidents, there must be a unique management system that stabilized the public security environment.
In addition, there were often decorative fountains in the city, or artistic buildings that played soft music. They provided a good living environment for the residents of the city.
In general, the first impression that Akikuruno City gave people was that it was clean, generous, and comfortable. It made people want to settle down here.
"By the way, I heard that you can see angels here. Why didn't I see them?" Archbishop Andrew looked at the empty sky outside the window. Then, he turned his head and asked Nakayama Eiko, who was sitting in front.
"Angels? Ah, there was indeed a period of time on the Internet that there were angels protecting Akikuruno City. Because of this, some people even gave Akikuruno City the name of Angel City. However, that was quite a long time ago. Not many people talk about this anymore. Why, Mr. Andrew, are you interested in such rumors? "Nakayama Eiko explained, then asked curiously.
"I'm a Catholic, so when I heard that there were angels here, I wanted to come and take a look. This is also the reason why I came to this city," Archbishop Andrew said with a smile.
"I see." Nakayama Eiko said with a look of realization. At the same time, she thought to herself, No wonder these people from the head office want to come here.
Then, Nakayama Eiko told Andrew about the rumors about angels for a while. Then, the bus arrived outside a 20-story hotel and stopped.
"Welcome," the doorman greeted Nakayama Eiko, Archbishop Andrew, and the others who had alighted from the bus. Then, he took the initiative to step forward and reached out to pick up the box in the hands of a knight behind Andrew.
However, at this moment, the knight suddenly turned his head and looked at the doorman with a warning gaze.
What kind of person was the knight, and what kind of person was the doorman? Hence, the doorman was immediately intimidated by the knight's oppressive and sharp gaze. His legs turned to jelly, and he fell to the ground.
"Are you alright?" Archbishop Andrew asked the doorman who was still in a daze as he reached out his hand in a friendly manner.
"I'm … I'm fine." The doorman hurriedly shook his head and said. He then got up and stopped trying to pick up the box. His legs were trembling as he led Archbishop Andrew and the others into the wine hall. When they reached the front desk, he ran out of the hall as if he was fleeing.
At this moment, Nakayama Eiko spoke to the service staff at the front desk, and reported the room number that they had booked through the Internet. She then took the key and led Andrew and the others upstairs in the elevator.
"This is the place." Nakayama Eiko opened the door of a presidential suite with the concierge's key, and stood at the side to make way for them.
Archbishop Andrew nodded, and entered the suite with Archbishop Mark and his knights.
"Alright, you may go and rest first," Archbishop Andrew turned around and said to Nakayama Eiko.
"Alright." Nakayama Eiko, who knew that it was not suitable for her to stay, immediately agreed, regardless of whether it was due to the irresistible emotions in her heart or her judgment as a public relations manager. She then handed the key to the door to one of the female knights, turned around, and left the suite, closing the door behind her.
"Bang!" The door and the door frame were tightly shut.
Seeing that Nakayama Eiko had left, Archbishop Andrew nodded at Archbishop Mark. Seeing this, the latter did not say much, and immediately stimulated the power and mental strength in his body to cast a milky-white light shield that quickly spread throughout the entire room.
Then, the light shield flickered slightly, and disappeared into the air as if it were an illusion.
'Light Barrier', a protective energy barrier that could shield one's aura, cut off sound, explore and expel evil, and had a certain degree of defensive power and its own concealment function.
"It seems that we have to change our plan," Archbishop Andrew said as he looked at Archbishop Mark.
"I don't think it's necessary. Although the expected angel has disappeared, it doesn't have much of an impact on our mission this time. It's just that there are some deviations in the part that I'm originally in charge of. You can continue to follow the plan that we made when we came here, and meet the Eastern Legend named Sei Itō." Archbishop Mark shook his head and rejected the idea.
"However, based on the information that we have now, I'm not optimistic about the recruitment plan."
"Yeah, no Legendary-mage would choose to submit to others unless they're at the end of their rope," Archbishop Andrew said with a bitter smile. "However, since the Pope has given such an order, we have to give it a try even if we know that it's impossible to succeed."
"In that case, I can only wish you to be careful. After all, although you have the powerful power that the Pope has given you, you're still just an archbishop-level powerhouse before you activate that power, and not a Legendary-mage," Archbishop Mark said with a shrug.
The so-called archbishop-level was Level-S in the international system. The Legendary-level above it was the Pope, the archbishop-level below it was Level-A, the bishop-level was Level-B, and the assistant bishops and priests below them were Level-C and Level-D respectively.
Of course, that was just a rough estimate. Due to the different positions and titles in the Church, there would sometimes be several titles for the same level.
For example, a Cardinal who was also Level-S would not necessarily be much stronger than a bishop in terms of power apart from having more authority than an archbishop. Perhaps he would just have more secret techniques. After all, authority and status sometimes meant that he would be able to receive benefits.
"Don't worry, Mark, I'll cherish my life. The Lord still needs me to shepherd lambs for him, especially when that day is coming," Archbishop Andrew said with a smile.
However, when Archbishop Mark heard the words "that day", he couldn't help but have a sullen expression on his face.
Seeing this, Archbishop Andrew stood up and leaned over to pat Mark's shoulder to comfort him silently. He then straightened his body and walked to the box that was placed at the side and protected by two Guardian Knights. He leaned over and activated the spell on the box with the energy in his body. After opening the box, he took out an ancient-looking parchment scroll and placed it in his arms.
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