Chapter 43: Conspiracy
[Mission Tip: Out of sight, a conspiracy is brewing like a storm. What starts small can often grow into something massive. In saving Wake University, you might just be saving the world.]
[Quest Level: B → A]
[Task Requirement: Stop this conspiracy]
[Reward: 60,000-100,000 experience points, 1x Expertise Reward (reward pool varies based on task completion)]
The mission was clearly more complex than it first appeared; otherwise, the rewards wouldn't have such a wide range.
The experience points were substantial, but that wasn't the most important part. What Zhou Ning coveted most was the Expertise Reward. If all went according to plan and he achieved an A-rank evaluation, he would have a chance to obtain an Elite Expertise.
Zhou Ning guessed that the key to the mission lay with the council member from Luins.
With this in mind, Zhou Ning held back his answer. Instead, he asked, "What about Mr. Qien? Isn't he handling this?"
Sherlock sighed. "Mr. Qien originally intended to handle it himself, but there's an important state visit at Witsel Church Square tomorrow. His Majesty the King will be attending, so Mr. Qien must be there to accompany him."
Zhou Ning nodded without hesitation. "No problem. How can I help?"
"Great!" Sherlock gave him a thumbs-up. "Why so agreeable this time?" he wondered aloud.
"To save the world," Zhou Ning said expressionlessly.
"Ahem." Sherlock nearly choked on his own saliva.
He poured a glass of water to compose himself before continuing, "Regarding this incident, we suspect the culprit could be a student, a staff member, a teacher, or even a visiting freshman or parent. To avoid alerting our target, we've only informed a few high-ranking officials at Wake University about this operation."
Zhou Ning nodded in understanding. "So what exactly do you need me to do?"
"It's very simple," Sherlock said, looking at Zhou Ning. "We have a method to detect alchemical bombs, but we need to get a few people inside to set up the site in advance. This will require your cooperation. I've already arranged the on-site operation for tomorrow. If you can, please help us then. This mission has to be foolproof."
"No problem. But are you sure you can deal with the bomb in time once you detect it?" Zhou Ning asked.
"We'll have enough time. An alchemical bomb powerful enough to be lethal won't be small. Even if the catalyst is ignited instantly, it will still take five to ten seconds to detonate. As long as we find it in time, we can handle it."
Sherlock thought for a moment, then pulled a pistol from his coat. He ejected five bullets from the magazine, letting them jingle onto the table before pushing them toward Zhou Ning.
"These five rounds have been specially refined. A single bullet is enough to destroy an alchemical bomb's internal structure. I don't have many of these, so use them sparingly."
Zhou Ning nodded and pocketed the bullets. Although he hadn't known much about alchemical bombs in his previous life, he knew the basics of dealing with them. Most were constructed from a mixture of dozens of highly volatile alchemical materials, ignited by a special catalyst. Their internal structure was incredibly sophisticated, relying on a series of precise catalytic reactions. This complexity, however, was also their weakness—if targeted correctly, they were easy to neutralize.
Sherlock picked up his glass and took a sip of water. He smiled. "Any other questions? If not, head back to the university. I've already arranged for some people to meet you there."
"Yes, one more thing." Zhou Ning paused, choosing his words carefully. "According to a reliable source, the Life Alchemy Society has sent a council member from Luins. What's your plan for dealing with them?"
Sherlock froze.
He had just taken another drink and promptly spat it out across the table. "A council member?" he sputtered, eyes wide with shock. "Are you sure?"
So even the agency didn't know about this...
Zhou Ning's mouth twitched. He nodded. "It's just a rumor, but a reliable one."
To be honest, he thought, judging by the plot of the 'Apocalypse' TV series, the information should be accurate.
Sherlock's professional composure completely shattered. He shot to his feet. "Wayne, go back to the university. Now. I need to discuss this with Mr. Qien immediately."
After leaving the Xilin Grocery Store, Zhou Ning didn't linger. He waited a few minutes by the road before flagging down an approaching public carriage.
The coachman seemed to recognize Zhou Ning and greeted him with a smile. "Hello, sir. Heading to Wake University again?"
"Yes. What a coincidence."
Zhou Ning recognized him too, offering a friendly nod as he climbed aboard. It was, coincidentally, the same carriage he'd taken from Wake University to the Blair Bookstore two days prior.
"Four Roshen."
The driver quoted the price, then smiled and shook his head. "Not much of a coincidence, really. There are only two public carriages on the Wake University route, and we just run the loop. We're out here from five in the morning until late at night—that's more than sixteen hours a day."
"No rest time?" Zhou Ning asked in surprise.
"We get one," the female ticket collector chimed in from inside the carriage, tearing a ticket from her book and handing it to Zhou Ning. "Sundays off, for the Ascetic Church service. It's not so bad. A living's a living. The economy in Braxton is in a slump, and there are unemployed people everywhere. Better to have an honest job, even if it's hard work for only three Victors a month."
"That's the truth," the coachman agreed. "A few more months of this, and I can afford a slightly bigger room. Another year, and maybe I can send both my sons to school."
"Well, your boss might be a bloodsucker, but I suppose he's not as bad as most," Zhou Ning remarked with a wry smile, finding a seat.
The coachman chuckled. "Indeed."
As they spoke, the two wildebeests strained against their harnesses and began pulling the heavy carriage forward.
Zhou Ning fell silent, closing his eyes to rest for the remainder of the journey.
It was already past two in the afternoon when Zhou Ning returned to the university. He was taken aback by the bustling scene at the main gate. The entire area, from the entrance all the way to the main grounds, was filled with tables and stalls. Tents had even been erected in several places.
Zhou Ning was momentarily speechless. Is this a welcome ceremony or a festival?
From past experience, he knew that club recruitment was supposed to start at 7 a.m. the next day. The Alchemy Department, being one of Wake University's major departments, always had its booths near the main entrance. His original plan had been to recruit John as a fighter and find a few girls from the Alchemy Department to serve as support.
But that's probably unnecessary now.
A striking young woman at the gate waved to Zhou Ning. "Wayne! Over here!"
As he drew closer, Zhou Ning saw that three people were waiting for him: the woman and two men, all dressed in student uniforms. After a brief introduction, he learned the woman's name was Cherie. She was pretty, likely in her early twenties and around his own age, and looked natural in the school uniform.
One of the men didn't give his name, but he was a dead ringer for Jason Statham—powerfully built, but with an anxiously receding hairline. Dressed in a student uniform, he looked less like a student and more like a student's father.
The other man introduced himself as Polly—the same name as John's son's dog. He had a severe expression, and no matter how long Zhou Ning stared, he couldn't reconcile the man with the image of a silly dog. Shaking off the thought, Zhou Ning said, "Should we head inside to talk?"
---
⭐ $5 Tier – Early Access!
Stay 50 chapters ahead of public releases on RoyalRoad and Scribble Hub.
Latest available chapter: 95.
Chapters are uploaded as soon as they're completed, so you'll always be ahead of the curve.
By joining, you'll be directly supporting the story while enjoying exclusive early access.
🔗 Patreon link is in My Profile/About.
⚠️ Please select your membership carefully, as I have multiple novels ongoing.
🍎 If you're on Apple, consider subscribing through your browser instead — it's cheaper for you, and I'll receive payments faster.