Chapter 208: Chapter 117: Gunfire Rings Out, the Death Knell Has Tolled
"In half an hour, gather at the Property Management Department to pick up auxiliary equipment for parasite detection. This mission is critical, so no going out or taking leave for its duration."
Ariana left them with that, turning and walking out of the Division One office. Her expression was foul—she was clearly furious with Marco and the others.
"Were we too hard on her, Marco?" Lydia asked, covering her mouth with a small smile. She clearly didn’t see it as a problem.
"The relationship between Division One and Two has always been like this,"
Marco shrugged, glancing at the corpse of Reinhart that Wei’en was holding. "Find anything on your end?" he asked.
"Mm, someone from the Abyssal Sect."
"So they were the ones behind what happened at the City-State Array?"
Wei’en nodded. "He was the one who replaced that young scholar. I also ran into two Extraordinaries from the Abyssal Sect. One of them was named Bolsen something-or-other."
"Bolsen? I feel like I’ve heard that name before... Isn’t he a Favored One of the Abyssal Sect?"
"He did admit to it just now."
"Then that must be him. The Abyssal Sect’s Favored One, Bolsen Heikmei." Marco and Lydia exchanged a look.
Wei’en asked curiously, "Is he famous?"
"No," Marco said, shaking his head. "It’s not that he’s famous. It’s that all the Favored Ones of the Abyssal Sect are notoriously unhinged."
"Besides, not too long ago, the Abyssal Sect caused a disaster in the northern Yidrisu City State. I heard a lot of people died."
"I’m afraid Caster City State is in for big trouble this time."
"Huh?" Lydia pouted. "I only just joined the Secret Investigation Department, and now this happens. If I’d known, I would’ve just gone back to Klande..."
"It’s not too late for you to go back."
"No way! If things get dangerous, I’ve still got you, right?"
Marco’s lip twitched. ’You really have a high opinion of me. Thanks a lot.’
"Setting that aside for now, what’s next? The captain isn’t here..." Wei’en said, watching the couple’s sappy exchange with a helpless expression.
"Since the Department already has a plan, we should just follow it. When you’re facing lunatics like the Abyssal Sect, the sooner you act, the less trouble there’ll be."
"Alright. And this corpse?"
Marco looked down at Reinhart. "Hmm, what a miserable death... Wei’en, have you gotten stronger again?"
"Just a little." Wei’en smiled, making a gesture with his thumb and forefinger to show a tiny amount.
In truth, this battle with Bolsen had given him a much clearer understanding of his own strength.
He was strong enough to handle an average captain-level opponent. Under the right circumstances, he could even hold his own against some Department Head-level Extraordinaries.
’Provided I have the space and distance to use my sniper rifle...’
"You can dispose of it however you see fit, just make sure it’s noted in the case file. Abyssal converts like him have basically no recovery value."
"Alright."
Wei’en snapped his fingers and cast his Soul-Devouring Magic, having the four heads devour Reinhart’s body until nothing was left.
[You have used Soul-Devouring Magic to devour the essence of Reinhart Tania. Your essence has been enhanced. Special Reward: Essence +0.02.]
"Wow, he disappeared! What amazing Magic," Lydia said, blinking with a look of feigned "astonishment."
Wei’en: "..."
’That was way too fake. They both clearly saw me devour Ognian back in the Council hall.’
"...Lydia, he already knows," Marco said, covering his forehead with his hand.
"Er, you should’ve said so! I was trying not to reveal what you and I did at the Council hall... Mmph!"
"Some things are better left unsaid!"
"..."
With some time to spare before the meeting, Wei’en quickly compiled the investigation report on the individuals who had tampered with the City-State Array.
In addition to detailing his fight with Bolsen and Reinhart, he also included his speculation on the Bone-Eating Mother Worm’s location—somewhere near Laos District and Ruer District.
His reasoning was based on the arrival of Matteo—or, to be more precise, the arrival of a powerful, unnamed Extraordinary from the Abyssal Sect.
After finishing the report, Wei’en consulted with Marco, then submitted it to the Combat Department.
There was no other choice. Lisi was gone, Yegor was gone, and they didn’t want to bother Ariana, so their only option was to report to the higher-ups through the Combat Department.
"Phew... I hope they can take care of the Abyssal Sect."
After sending off the report, Wei’en stared calmly out the window at Caster City State, lost in thought.
...
...
「Inside a spacious conference room in the Secret Investigation Department’s administration building.」
"After observation with a revealing potion, we can confirm that the individuals who just appeared in Ruer District were the Abyssal Sect’s Favored One, Bolsen Heikmei, and an unidentified Extraordinary."
Omod reported gravely, "The one who arrived later as backup is especially strong!"
"Based on your observations, could they be Director Level?" asked Albert, the Head of the Combat Department, his interest piqued.
"It’s very likely."
"Oh? That new Investigator is quite skilled, managing to escape from them. Director, what do you think? Could we transfer him to our Combat Department?"
Albert recalled seeing Wei’en in Basil District. He’d been impressed by his strength even then, judging him to be at least captain-level.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK...
"Albert, is this really the time? And you’re still thinking about that?"
Deputy Director Balats rapped the table in dissatisfaction. "We are here to discuss how to eliminate the parasites as quickly as possible and avoid a tragedy like the one in Yidrisu City State."
"Didn’t we just agree? A full sweep of the city-state. It’s only a few thousand parasites."
"Albert..."
"Enough," Ales said, raising a hand. He looked slightly weary. "Proceed with the plan. Assign the zones of responsibility as quickly as possible."
