[Viscous Biomass (from the Abyss of Abyss)]
[Quality: Common]
[Traits: Viscous, Extremely Resilient, Exceptional Elasticity, Moderately Controllable After Processing, Moderate Operability. A raw material for crafting certain Abyss relics.]
[Note: "Black, sticky, tentacle-like—it looks exactly like something a villain would use."]
Fran gazed at the "biological material" before her, which had just been appraised, her hands clasped slightly, her expression brimming with eager excitement.
"This time the material is a product of the Abyss of Abyss. Quite a stroke of luck. It seems I've finally shaken off my recent streak of bad fortune…"
She stood in her private operating room, clad in a heavy white hazmat suit, resembling a standing polar bear.
Receiving new theoretical techniques could be done casually, as they were merely books. Even if they contained dangerous taboos, Fran was highly skilled at resisting whispers and corruption. She could even read The King in Yellow as bedtime reading.
But raw materials were different… These biological tissues or inorganic substances from unknown worlds carried immense potential hazards.
Once, Fran identified a live chunk of Ork flesh in her operating room, which terrified her so much that she immediately proceeded to humanely destroy it. She only kept a small portion as a specimen after thoroughly deactivating it.
In the Warhammer universe, Orks reproduce through spore propagation, so... plant a piece of flesh in spring, and by autumn, you can joyfully harvest a full crop of greenskins.
If this thing were to spread and form a colony, it would likely require divine intervention to ensure the threat is completely eradicated...
Therefore, Fran always conducts her biological material appraisals exclusively in her private operating room, ensuring that these foreign substances cannot escape, even on a microscopic level.
She retrieved The Applied Study of the Abyss from her bookshelf and confirmed the characteristics of the biomass in her hand.
"It really is the raw material for crafting the Abyss relic [Far Caress]. Looks like I'll be busy for a while…"
————
Fran removed her heavy hazmat suit and began processing the newly acquired material.
Although she didn't have experimental instruments corresponding to that particular worldview, she had many advanced, higher-tier alternatives in terms of manufacturing concepts, so she wasn't worried about the equipment needed for processing.
White Chalice Order, Norrington Central Academy, Headmaster's Office.
The headmaster of the academy and the de facto leader of the White Chalice Order, Grantham Isaac, stood beside his desk.
With his eyes slightly closed, he patiently listened to Professor Terrence's action report. Child stood guard at the door, looking somewhat uneasy and restrained.
"Through a series of disguises, we infiltrated the 'Famine Club.' Sister Haida then launched a surprise attack, killing High Priest Sains and destroying the ritual array. The Secret Hunters' purge team advanced simultaneously, completely obliterating the entire stronghold."
"…That's the gist of it."
Terrence briefly summarized the situation, with more detailed information to be included in his written report.
Grantham nodded, stroking his meticulously trimmed white beard.
Though he was the headmaster, he wore a classic pointed hat and a simple gray robe, resembling a sorcerer from the medieval era. This stood in stark contrast to Terrence, who was dressed in a suit.
"The Red Chalice Sect actually set up a second-class ritual in the suburbs. How dangerous. The blood sacrifice ritual [Summon the Bloodline Heir] can reach pseudo-first-class strength with sufficient offerings. If they had truly summoned a 'Holy Heir,' we would have had no choice but to bomb the entire district and let it taste some artillery."
He was clearly satisfied with the performance of Terrence and Child.
Although all the spoils of this operation were taken by the Secret Hunters Order, the White Chalice had only dispatched two Error Purifiers, so they had no claim to the loot.
Having some sense of participation is enough; don't obsess over reaping rewards.
That said, Grantham was still very pleased. Seeing those flesh-worshipping lunatics humiliated was deeply satisfying to him.
Your sect and your beliefs mean nothing to me, but your absence is truly important to me.
"The Secret Hunters' sense of smell remains as sharp as ever. They managed to follow the clues from Madame Solani's case, tracking and baiting their way to the complete eradication of the 'Famine Club'… even killing a High Priest. With the Plum Moon Ritual destroyed, the Red Chalice will lie low for several years."
Grantham picked up the black coffee on his desk and drank it in one gulp, seemingly still savoring the moment.
"As expected of the Chief Hunter's daughter, to have such a record at this age… According to intelligence, she previously single-handedly hunted down a heretical nest with a Deacon in the northern district."
"Professor Terrence, you've worked with her briefly. What's your impression of her?"
Professor Terrence responded quickly.
"Sister Haida's combat skills are exceptionally refined, and the previous intelligence reports were not exaggerated in the slightest. In addition to her proficiency with cold weapons and firearms, she also demonstrated the ability to use arcane arts. She effortlessly destroyed the ritual array of [Summon the Bloodline Heir]."
"However…" Terrence then shifted the topic, prompting Grantham to glance at him with curiosity.
"The physician and coroner hired by the Secret Hunters Order, 'Fran,' is also worth noting."
Grantham picked up a few scattered papers on his desk and reviewed them as if to confirm something.
"I vaguely recall her. The shared incident report from the Secret Hunters mentioned her very briefly. What's so special about her?"
"Dr. Fran likely represents the pinnacle of the Secret Hunters' medical division. Thinking about it now, she might not be just some hired doctor at all. I even suspect she could be the current 'Medical Lord.'"
Grantham's aged face grew serious, and a hint of depth flickered in his eyes. He understood the weight of Terrence's assessment all too well.
"If it were just a High Priest of the Red Chalice, it's unlikely the Secret Hunters Order would dispatch one of the leaders of the 'Four Courts'… Are you certain her medical skills have truly reached that level?"
"It's merely speculation. But the fact that she could, using only two scalpels and without relying on arcane arts, swiftly strip all the flesh from a High Priest of the Red Chalice—that alone is beyond my comprehension."
Professor Terrence adjusted his round-framed glasses, seemingly reflecting on the memory, yet also with a hint of trepidation.
"Hmm…"
After hearing Terrence's description, Grantham fell into deep thought. He walked over and sat down in the leather chair behind his desk.
"Perhaps, given Haida Moira's status, the Secret Hunters assigned her a supervisor of significant stature? If that's the case… it's not entirely implausible."
"Submit the contact report on that doctor to me afterward. I want to review it in detail."
Grantham cleared his throat slightly, reining in his earlier delight and returning to his usual composed demeanor.
——
Office of Director Alvin, General Affairs Court.
"Director Alvin, I trust you've already learned the full details of this purge mission from my task report."
Haida faced Alvin, a bookmark-studded copy of The Visage of Crimson tucked under her arm, seemingly less than halfway read.
"Indeed, I see no need for you to repeat it. That would be pointless."
Alvin stood with his back to Haida, gazing out the window at the dim haze shrouding the sky, lost in thought.
"This purge was impeccable. No casualties, and a High Priest of the Red Chalice was eliminated—a significant achievement… Your promotion is inevitable. The appointment as 'Mistress of Attendants' will arrive within a month."
"You know I don't care about such things."
Haida was indifferent to the so-called rise in status. What she sought was to destroy the tainted heirs… as many as possible.
To draw closer to the shadows of certain individuals, and to mourn the loss of others.
Alvin's burly frame slowly turned back, now directly facing Haida.
"Of course, I know what you're most eager to learn, Haida. I assume you've already approached the librarian to try and access information about a certain doctor. Your current clearance isn't sufficient, is it?"
"Hmm."
Haida saw no need to hide it and admitted it frankly. At the same time, her gaze toward Alvin carried a subtle, almost imperceptible hint of anticipation.
Since Director Alvin had brought up Dr. Fran on his own, she assumed he was about to explain some inside details to her.
But his next words left her momentarily stunned.
"Unfortunately, my clearance isn't sufficient either."
Alvin spread his hands rather shamelessly, and a grin that could only be described as infuriating slowly crept across his face. The feeling of leaving someone hanging by only telling half the story was admittedly quite satisfying.
Out of good manners and respect for her superior, Haida merely shot him a glare, refraining from actually hitting the guy.
"…If there's nothing else, I'll head back now. I haven't finished my book."
"Wait, there are two more things."
Alvin quickly reached out to stop Haida, who was already at the door.
"The first is about Vivian. Since she and you both had contact with Dr. Fran, the General Affairs Court has decided to permanently assign her to your action team."
"Alright, I understand." Haida nodded slightly, complying with the General Affairs Court's arrangement.
——
Though Haida was more accustomed to working alone, Vivian's presence didn't seem particularly intrusive. Based on the experience from the last mission, bringing her along likely wouldn't make much difference from operating solo…
"The members of the Confidential Court may not be particularly powerful, but they will certainly not be a hindrance."
"The second matter concerns Doctor Fran."
Alvin said this as he retrieved a clay teapot from the side, pouring a cup of tea for Haida, signaling her to remain calm.
"Director Alvin, isn't your clearance insufficient?" Haida couldn't help but glance over, curious about what kind of riddle Alvin was hinting at.
Haida accepted the teacup but did not drink from it... due to certain psychological reasons, she had no desire for tea for a long time.
"My clearance is indeed insufficient to access her files. However, if I am a witness to an event, I am entitled to know some of the details."
Alvin seemed to drift into memories, his tone reminiscent of storytelling.
"Over twenty years ago, I was about the same age as you are now. A divine plague from the 'Decayed Crown' cult struck Norlington, plunging the entire city into silence and deathly stillness. The doctors of the Mourning Court were nearly in despair, and even the then-Medical Minister succumbed to the plague."
"Later, the plague ended without warning. Including myself, the directors who survived that year's calamity all knew one thing… the end of the disease was tied to a doctor who arrived with a gray mist."
Mist? Haida narrowed her eyes. She certainly remembered the shadowy haze that accompanied Fran's appearance.
"Then…"
Haida still had some doubts and wanted to ask for more details. Since Alvin knew the inside story, it was only natural to press him for answers.
"Haida, what I've just said is all I can share. You only need to be aware of the General Affairs Court's stance. The directors still support you in further contact with this doctor. However, it's best to remain cautious when facing her 'treatments.'"
Alvin spoke before she could ask, cutting off her attempt to extract more information.
Haida seemed to have expected this. She pursed her lips and then nodded in understanding.
"I see. Thank you, Director Alvin."
She gave a slight bow, paying her respects to Alvin, and then walked toward the door.
Alvin watched as Haida left his office. He let out a sigh of relief, then turned back to gaze out the window at the twilight glow.
"Haida's temperament is as tough as her father's. Every time I talk to her, it feels like I'm facing the Chief Hunter…"
…
Vivian was waiting in front of Alvin's office, her expression slightly uneasy.
A keen intuition told her that she might be facing a major turning point in her life.
Though she didn't know exactly what Sister Haida and Director Alvin were discussing, the fact that she had been specifically called here likely meant it had something to do with her as well.
Come to think of it, ever since she started working with Sister Haida, the danger level of their missions had increased exponentially.
When she first joined the Confidential Court, she thought it would just involve investigating cases. Little did she expect she'd now be dealing face-to-face with heretics and outsiders every day. Truly a twist of fate, something to sigh over…
Soon, Haida pushed open the office door and walked out, immediately spotting Vivian by the side.
"Sister Haida, do I still need to go in alone?" she asked timidly.
"No need."
As she spoke, Haida extended her hand toward Vivian.
"I have some news to share with you. You've been permanently assigned to my action team. I hope we can work well together. Additionally… Agent Vivian, welcome to the Mourning Court."
"Huh?"
Vivian's expression instantly became complicated—a mix of confusion, struggle, bewilderment, and even the verge of tears.
But the order from the General Affairs Court came from the collective opinion of the majority of the directors. Given her position, it was naturally impossible for her to refuse.
"O-okay. It's a pleasure to work with you, Miss Haida…"
She took Haida's hand, shaking slightly as she grasped it.
Bad news: she now had to join the fanatics of the Mourning Court and deal with extremely dangerous heretics and outsiders every day…
Good news: Sister Haida was truly formidable.