Chapter 210: Chapter 117: The Gunfire Sounds, the Death Knell Tolls (Part 3)
Wei’en hadn’t seen Somlay in a long time, not since he collected the reward for his last Tier 2 mission.
Seeing him now, he seemed much more serious and proper.
"Baba, there’s something strange about him."
"Hmm?" Wei’en glanced at the ghost who had spoken and asked through their spiritual link, "What’s so strange?"
"He’s a bit like that person we devoured before."
"Devoured?"
"The one with the yummy bones, that hor..."
The driver rolled his eyes. "That was an Undead Knight."
’Like Ognian?’
Wei’en’s brow furrowed slightly. He observed Somlay carefully. ’There’s nothing special about him, is there?’
’Could he also be a Wizard from the Ghost Soul School?’
’Or maybe his status is like Ognian’s, one of the Shadow Personnel under the Ghost Contact Department?’
’Hm, I’ll have to keep an eye on him.’
After everyone had collected their equipment, Deputy Director Balats nodded to Albert. "We can begin. Move out."
"Everyone, move out!"
Everyone present began to file out of the Secret Investigation Department, heading to different districts to carry out their missions of clearing out parasites.
"Albert, for now, you lead the team to clear Yidrisu District. Nifa and I will go ahead to Laos District to investigate. We’ll make our move once we’ve found something."
"Huh?"
Albert paused. "You don’t need me with you?"
"Having Nifa is enough." Balats shook his head, a flicker of sadness crossing his face. "It won’t be too late for you to come over after you’ve dealt with things in Yidrisu District..."
"Then I’ll take my men to clear the factory area in Yidrisu District first..." Albert considered for a moment, then nodded.
Just then, Nifa spoke up. "Do the residential area as well. The people from your department should be starting from Basil District. With your strength, you’ll make much faster progress."
"...Fine."
After everyone else had left, Balats sighed. "Nifa, why did you agree to Ales’s plan?"
"The guns have fired; the death knell has tolled."
Beneath her veil, Nifa’s bright eyes gazed at Krimms Cathedral in the distance. "This is a fate none of us can escape."
"You..."
DONG. DONG DONG DONG.
The four o’clock bells rang out, a timely reminder to everyone in the Caster City State that midnight was approaching.
"Let’s go. It’s time for us to play our part."
Hearing the bells, Balats pressed his lips together, the lines on his face deepening.
’May you find peace on your journey, Ales...’
...
...
At the same time, in a dimly lit room, six candelabras sat on a long conference table. Dozens of candles flickered, casting the figures seated around it in shifting, indistinct shadows.
"Lan’er, the Secret Investigation Department is on the move!"
"Just as planned. The Abyssal Sect’s sacrificial ritual is enough to keep the Secret Investigation Department occupied. The only question is whether Ales will make a move..."
"He will," Lan’er said with absolute certainty.
"Oh?"
"It’s in his nature. Even knowing it’s a trap set for him, he’ll still walk right into it."
"In that case, our plan is just one step away from completion!"
"Yes. We’ll begin as soon as the people from the Black Pearl arrive."
"Hahaha... I truly can’t wait for that moment."
"It’s a shame. Ales has held on for so long, only to miss such a magnificent moment. I do wish he could be here to witness it..."
"Give me a break. Haven’t you suffered enough at his hands over the years?"
"I’m just saying."
"Alright, let’s all go and prepare. It’s time to welcome a new era for the Caster City State!"
A smile spread across Lan’er’s handsome face. He raised his wineglass, stood, and said, "Everyone, for glory!"
"For glory!"
...
...
"Wei’en, here are the lantern and candles for tonight. Take them."
Marco took out the night-duty equipment he’d picked up from the Property Management Department. "You have to remember, even with the protection of the lantern’s light, you can’t stay out under the red moon for more than two hours."
"Right, I’ve got it."
Wei’en took the lantern and candles, storing them in his Space Ring. "So, are we sure we’re splitting up?"
He looked at the members of the Combat Department, who had already split into two groups up ahead, worried that something might go wrong with the investigation tonight.
"Don’t worry. The folks from the Combat Department might be a little crazy, but they’re not weak by any means." Marco looked relaxed, swinging Lydia’s hand. "Besides, she’s even stronger."
"Oh?"
Wei’en looked at Lydia. ’Didn’t I hear that this noble lady from the Ernst Clan wasn’t an Extraordinary?’
"You don’t have to be an Extraordinary to deal with one." Lydia winked at him and added mysteriously, "Sometimes, we’re even stronger."
"Impressive."
PFFT.
Marco couldn’t help but burst out laughing. When he saw Lydia’s smile freeze, he quickly waved his hands. "Sorry, sorry! I didn’t mean to."
"You... you’re such an asshole..."
’Uh, what was that about?’
Wei’en looked at them in confusion, not understanding their inside joke.
"Honestly, I’m just jealous of you. After all, not everyone gets to go out with two captain-level Extraordinary guards..."
"You’re still talking?! I’m going to bite you!" Lydia, furious with embarrassment, lunged at Marco as if to bite him.
Wei’en was speechless.
’So that’s how a normal person deals with an Extraordinary,’ Wei’en thought. ’Lesson learned.’
"Marco, there are probably parasites in Natali District too. You... be careful."
"Relax, it’ll be fine. Besides, the captain and Minister Yegor aren’t far from there. If I run into any real danger, I’ll go get help."
"Okay."
Not long after, Wei’en and Tina split off from Marco and Lydia, each group accompanied by a team of four from the Combat Department.
"Are the mission objectives clear? We are to locate and eliminate all Bone-Eating Worms and their hosts within Basil District."
