Chapter 297: Clairvoyance: Shelly’s Transformation
In fact, Remia and Gregory were not the first SAI agents assigned to investigate the Posthumous Works gallery case.
The United States was home to countless cults and sinister organizations. At SAI headquarters, agents were typically divided into many specialized teams, with each team responsible for tracking only a fixed number of specific cults or organizations.
The totem depicted in Shelly’s Self-Portrait was enough to reveal the cult he had become involved with: the Order of Dagon, an evil sect that pledged its loyalty to the fish-monster Dagon in exchange for wealth and eternal life.
According to rumor, the Order of Dagon’s ultimate goal was to awaken an ancient deity slumbering beneath the sea. Everly didn’t know which god it was. Every SAI agent she had met became extremely guarded whenever the subject came up, as though merely learning that being’s true name was enough to taint one’s mind.
Throughout his pursuit of Everly, Shelly had repeatedly muttered phrases like, “Become the Door,” and, “Offer yourself for the awakening of our Great Master.” Those words certainly aligned with the cult’s ultimate objective.
The Order of Dagon was not on Remia’s team’s watchlist.
Another team at SAI headquarters was responsible for tracking the cult—for convenience, let’s simply call them Team A.
On the day of the exhibition, after Shelly’s final painting, Self-Portrait, was unveiled before the public, the guests and staff inside the small gallery were suddenly attacked, and screams erupted throughout the hall.
The shrill cries pierced through the gallery walls, drawing the attention of reporters and security personnel waiting outside.