Chapter 407: Six for One
The assassination of the Old Barrel Tavern leader.
Some information was already obtained from "Milisen."
But the description at that time was somewhat vague, merely overheard from tavern guests, lacking such detailed specifics.
Mentioning details like snakes emerging from corpses.
A seer who couldn't foresee their own danger?
Not much of a profession, huh.
While ridiculing inwardly, his brows furrowed again.
Snakes appearing after death… how closely does this resemble a necromancer's [Plague Insect Spell]?
[Plague Insect Spell] allows one to incubate insects, venomous spiders, or snakes.
Hope they don't try to pin this on me again.
On second thought, even if it's really [Plague Insect Spell], it has nothing to do with me.
This happened while we were still dealing with the pirate village.
"Who did it?" Wu Heng asked curiously.
Sheila Grey shrugged, "No idea. How it was handled afterward remains unclear; no detailed reports have come through. The Old Barrel Tavern is already closed. For establishments like that, more enemies than allies is the norm, always scheming against one another."
Wu Heng nodded in agreement.
Back in Rentam City, gangs would cooperate one day, then clash the next. Even the City Lord's office might deliberately instigate conflicts among them.
To limit their growth.
Every circle tied to power and profit has its share of strife.
Knock, knock, knock~!
While they were casually chatting over tea, the door was gently knocked upon.
Sheila Grey responded, and the door opened slightly. A staff member peeked in.
Seeing the two of them present, the staff member directly said, "Deputy Stewards Wu Heng and Sheila Grey, the Steward requests both of you."
"Do you know what it's about?" Sheila Grey asked, setting her teacup down.
"Not sure."
"Alright, we're coming."
The staff member bowed and left.
Sheila Grey stood up, pulling on a coat. Casually, she remarked, "For the ghost matter, you could ask the Steward to help you borrow some materials. Not grand grimoires or secret arts, but related notes and records should be manageable."
"Alright, I'll ask."
Together, they left the room and headed toward the Steward's office.
...…
Arriving at the Steward's office.
After knocking, they entered directly.
Inside, Imiro sat upright behind his desk, wearing a deep green embroidered noble suit. He held a perfect posture, with a few documents spread before him.
Moya stood near the room's rear, seemingly brewing tea.
"How are you both feeling after some rest?" Imiro inquired, looking at them with concern.
Following the pirate village incident, they'd had a few days to recuperate.
"All fine now," Sheila Grey replied.
Wu Heng nodded, signaling the same.
"Take a seat." Imiro rose from behind the desk, moving to stand near them. "Your merit rewards have been processed: six secondary merit awards for each of you, 12 gold coins apiece, and the opportunity to select six secondary-grade items each."
Before they could respond, he added, "Golden-Silver Island's stock of items includes only a few pieces and doesn't suffice to provide for both of you. You can select from the available ones now, with additional items sent from headquarters later.
"Alternatively, you can exchange the six items for one primary-grade reward from headquarters, of higher quality, though six will become one."
With that, Imiro fell silent.
Wu Heng and Sheila Grey frowned.
The choice presented: take six secondary-grade items, though Golden-Silver Island's supply is limited, and they'd need to wait for replacements from headquarters; or exchange six for one higher-quality primary-grade item.
Sheila Grey glanced at Wu Heng.
Wu Heng turned to Imiro, "Steward, may we first see the available items?"
"Of course."
With a wave of his hand, Imiro revealed several items on the central tea table.
A bracelet, bamboo stick, hairband, longsword, and iron golem.
Six items in total.
Wu Heng's gaze fell on the first item, triggering its data.
[Immortal Vitality Bracelet]
(Description: An oak bracelet engraved with multiple runes, providing three charges of invigorating vitality daily.)
Nearby, Moya placed two cups of tea before them and picked up a document, beginning his explanation. "The Vitality Bracelet is crafted from ancient oak. It restores optimal vitality during battle three times daily."
Optimal vitality…
An undoubtedly excellent item.
Sustaining stamina is crucial in combat, particularly for melee professions that heavily rely on such an artifact.
Wu Heng already owned a similar item, [Endurance Belt].
Its effect allowed for continuous stamina replenishment.
Rarely used in battle, it was more employed during personal time with his two maids.
Moya continued, "After use, the bracelet needs to be left in sunlight for one to two hours. Note, it only enhances vitality. Severe injuries or excessive blood loss are conditions vitality alone cannot rectify."
Wu Heng moved on to the next item.
[Withered Bamboo (Artifact)]
[Effect: Enhances plant growth within its planted area.]
[Drawback: Bamboo forest growth triples the rate of normal vegetation.]
(Description: A piece of ancient bamboo passed down through generations, appearing desiccated but awaiting revival.)
[Guardian's Hairband]: Provides moderate resistance against mental and spiritual attacks while maintaining clarity of thought.
[Wavewalker Boots]: Grants 20 minutes of water-walking ability.
[Lightning Sword]: A longsword forged from refined iron, engraved with "Sharpness" and "Lightning" runes. Striking a target triggers a lightning effect.
One by one, the items' details emerged.
The last item, the iron golem, was previously seen as a model.
Selecting it would grant a full-sized, high-metal construct, capable of being controlled and providing protection.
When Moya finished introducing the items.
Sheila Grey remained silent.
Wu Heng inquired, "Steward, which reward option would you recommend?"
After all, they were under Imiro's command.
He wouldn't likely give them bad advice.
Imiro spoke plainly, "If it were me, I'd choose the primary-grade reward."
Evidently, Imiro leaned towards higher-quality items, aligning with his advanced capabilities.
Common artifacts wouldn't satisfy him; naturally, he'd prefer top-tier ones.
A third-grade bounty corresponds to level 10 fugitives.
Second-grade targets level 15 fugitives.
By inference, first-grade applies to level 18 or exceptional contributions.
Level 15 pirate bounties still appeared on Golden-Silver Island's bounty list, but level 18 ones were rare.
After a few moments of thought, Wu Heng decided, "Steward, I choose the primary-grade reward."
Sheila Grey, still hesitating, followed suit, "I'll choose the primary-grade reward as well."
Imiro gathered the items, "I'll notify you when the rewards arrive."
He then handed them their gold coin rewards.
As they prepared to leave…
Imiro added, "Tomorrow, Sheila Grey, follow up on the situation in 'Lopez City'. Wu Heng, investigate the issues surrounding the Old Barrel Tavern."
"Understood!"
They both nodded.
Sheila Grey departed first, leaving Wu Heng to say, "Steward, I'd like to learn more about cultivating ghosts. Could I borrow some books or documents on the topic?"
Returning to his desk, Imiro replied, "I'll keep an eye out and inform you when I find something."
"Thank you, Steward."
...…
In the hallway.
Sheila Grey waited, "Did you ask?"
"Yes, the Steward said he'd notify me."
They walked out together.
"We just discussed the Old Barrel's issues, and now it's your problem," Sheila Grey remarked.
"I'll go take a look. Not clear what's going on yet."
Stopping before her office, Sheila Grey reminded him, "Gang conflicts are commonplace. Reasoning rarely applies there. Just investigate lightly."
"Understood." Wu Heng asked, "For your trip to 'Lopez City', should I assign you a skeleton attendant? As a bodyguard, it could be helpful."
Sheila Grey's eyes flickered, "No need. I'll be careful. If anything happens, remember the hairband I left with you."
"Don't jinx it." He added, "I've kept the hairband."
Sheila Grey smiled and nodded, "Then I'll get going."
With that, she entered her room.