Haida possessed the talent for profiling, and thus naturally understood Solani's current state even better. Although she knew it might be somewhat inappropriate, she still opened her mouth to ask Fran.
"An excellent question, dear Sister Haida. It seems you have quite some involvement in this area."
Fran's expression had already returned to its usual gentle and amiable state.
"So I lied to her. I merely suppressed her religious fanaticism and then intensified her memories of her family. That was not a virtual personality I fabricated, but another 'her' that had long been dormant."
Honesty is not an essential quality for a doctor; she didn't mind a little "white lie" from time to time.
"Even after being removed, a mask fabricated by the mind can take root in the subconscious of the 'ego'. All I did was awaken it and imbue it with vivid humanity."
"Actually, the one who killed Solani Lois was Solani herself."
Haida pondered for a moment, then ultimately nodded in understanding.
"I see."
Fran clearly quite appreciated Haida's ability to grasp things quickly. She brought her hands together slightly and leaned in closer to Haida with a hint of familiarity.
"I presume your Secrets-Hunter Cult is not an organization that holds victory banquets. And our contractual relationship has ended, so… May I ask if the payment is in cash or a promissory note?"
Haida narrowed her grey-hazel eyes, somewhat unable to handle Fran's sudden, unannounced shift in mood.
"Promissory note."
She gave her response.
— —
[Viscous Biomatter (from the Abyssal Depths)]
[Quality: Common]
[Traits: Viscous, extremely resilient, excellent elasticity, possesses a degree of workability after processing, moderately controllable. Raw material for crafting a certain Abyssal relic.]
[Note: "Black, viscous, tentacle-like. Looks exactly like something a villain would use."]
Fran looked at the now-appraised "biological raw material" before her, hands slightly clasped, her expression carrying eager excitement.
"This batch of material is a product of the Abyssal Depths. Good luck. It seems I've recently shaken off my streak of bad fortune…"
She was currently in her private operating room, wearing a heavy, full-body white chemical protection suit, looking like a standing polar bear.
When receiving new theoretical knowledge, she could be a bit more casual, as it was just a book after all.
Even if it contained some dangerous taboos, Fran was highly experienced in resisting whispers and corruption. She could even use The King in Yellow as bedtime reading.
But raw materials were different… these biological tissues or inorganic substances from unknown worlds possessed enormous potential hazards.
Once, Fran appraised a live piece of Ork flesh in her operating room, scaring her into immediately performing a humane extermination on the thing. She only kept a small, highly inactivated portion sealed as a specimen.
Orks from the Warhammer universe reproduce via spore dispersal, so… you plant a piece of minced meat in spring and joyfully harvest a full crop of Greenskins in autumn.
If that stuff got out and formed a settlement of scale, it would probably require divine intervention to guarantee the eradication of the threat…
Therefore, Fran only appraises biological raw materials in her private operating room, ensuring that even on a microscopic level, these foreign substances have no possibility of escaping.
She retrieved the book Abyssal Applied Studies from her bookshelf and confirmed the relevant characteristics of the biomatter in her hand.
"It really is the raw material for crafting the Abyssal relic [Far Caress]. It seems I'll be busy for a while too…"
Fran removed the heavy protective suit and began processing the newly acquired material.
Although she didn't have experimental instruments corresponding to that specific worldview, she had many higher-tier substitutes with more advanced manufacturing concepts, so she didn't have to worry about processing equipment.
————
White Cup Cult, Norlington Central Academy, Headmaster's Office.
The Academy's Headmaster, and the de facto head of the White Cup Cult, Grantham Isaac, stood beside his desk.
He closed his eyes slightly, patiently listening to Professor Terence's mission report. Child stood guard somewhat stiffly at the door, his expression uneasy.
"We infiltrated the 'Sated Club' through a series of disguises. Afterwards, Sister Haida killed High Priestess Sines in a surprise attack and destroyed the ritual array. The Secrets-Hunters' purge forces advanced simultaneously, completely eradicating the entire stronghold."
"…That's roughly the situation."
Terence gave a brief overview. The more detailed parts he planned to write in a written report.
Grantham nodded, stroking his finely trimmed white beard.
Although he was the Headmaster, he wore a classical pointed hat and a simple grey robe, looking at first glance like a wizard from medieval times. This created a stark contrast with Terence's suit and tie.
"The Red Cup cult actually set up a second-category ritual in the city outskirts, how dangerous. The blood sacrifice ritual [Summon the Blood Kin] can reach pseudo first-category strength with enough live offerings. If a 'Sacred Spawn' had truly been summoned, we'd have had no choice but to bombard the entire district and feed it some shells."
He was clearly very satisfied with the performances of Terence and Child.
Although all the spoils of this operation were taken by the Secrets-Hunter Cult, the White Cup only sent two Error-Purgers after all, and had no right to a share of the loot.
It's enough to have some sense of participation; don't keep thinking about gaining something.
Even so, Grantham was still very happy. Seeing those flesh-worshipping lunatics take a hit was just plain satisfying.
Your sect and your faith are unimportant to me, but your absence is truly important to me.
"The Secrets-Hunters' sense of smell is as sharp as ever. They were actually able to follow the clues from Mrs. Solani's case, tracking and baiting simultaneously, ultimately wiping out the entire 'Sated Club'… and even executing a High Priestess. With the Plum Moon ritual destroyed, the Red Cup will lie low again for several years."
Grantham picked up the black coffee on his desk and drank it in one gulp, seemingly still not quite satisfied.
"No wonder she's the daughter of the Chief Hunter, to have such a record at this age… According to intelligence, she previously hunted down a heterodox nest containing a Deacon within the North District alone."
"Professor Terence, you briefly worked alongside her. What are your impressions?"
Professor Terence quickly answered.
"Sister Haida's combat skills are extremely refined; the previous intelligence reports were not exaggerated in the slightest. Besides cold weapons and firearms, she also demonstrated the ability to use secret arts, effortlessly destroying the [Summon the Blood Kin] ritual array."
"But…" Terence then abruptly changed the subject, piquing Grantham's curiosity as he glanced over.
"The doctor and autopsy examiner 'Fran' hired by the Secrets-Hunter Cult is also worthy of note."
Grantham picked up the scattered papers on his desk, rereading them as if to confirm something.
"I have some impression. The event report shared by the Secrets-Hunters mentions this person very briefly. What's so special about her?"
"Dr. Fran likely represents the pinnacle of the Secrets-Hunter Cult's Medical Chamber. Thinking about it now, she might not be some hired doctor at all; I even suspect she is the current 'Medicae Primus' of this generation."
A serious look came over Grantham's aged face, a hint of depth appearing in his eyes. He understood the weight of Terence's evaluation very well.
"Merely facing a Red Cup High Priestess, it's unlikely the Secrets-Hunter Cult would dispatch one of the leaders of the 'Four Chambers'… Are you certain her medical skills have truly reached that level?"
"It's just speculation. But the fact that she could use only two scalpels, without relying on secret arts, to extremely swiftly strip away all the flesh from a Red Cup High Priestess… that alone is already beyond my comprehension."
Professor Terence adjusted his round-framed glasses, seeming to reminisce, yet also seeming wary.
"Hmm…"
After hearing Terence's description, Grantham fell into deep thought. He walked over and sat down in the leather chair behind his desk.
"Perhaps because of Haida Moira's identity, the Secrets-Hunters arranged a supervisor of sufficient stature for her? If that's the case… it's not entirely impossible."
"Submit the contact report on that doctor to me afterwards. I want to look at it in detail."
Grantham gave a light cough, slightly reining in his joy and resuming his former mature and steady demeanor.
——
General Affairs Division, Head Alwin's office.
"Head Alwin, I trust you are already aware of the entire course of this purge mission from my mission report."
Haida faced Alwin, a copy of Crimson Visage with a bookmark still tucked under her arm, seemingly less than halfway read.
"Hmm, then I don't need you to repeat it. That would be meaningless."
Alwin currently had his back to Haida, facing the window, somewhat distractedly gazing at the gloomy dust-haze shrouding the sky outside.
"This purge was impeccable. No casualties, execution of a Red Cup High Priestess, immense results… your promotion is inevitable. The appointment as 'Mistress of Attendants' will arrive within a month."
"You know, I don't care about these things."
Haida didn't care about so-called status promotions. What she pursued was killing evil spawn… as many as possible.
To draw closer to the shadows of certain people, and to commemorate the passing of certain others.
Alwin's burly figure slowly turned around, facing Haida directly.
"Of course I know what you most want to know right now, Haida. I imagine you've already tried to inquire about a certain doctor's information from the librarian. Your current clearance level is insufficient, correct?"
"Hmm."
Haida had no need to hide it, admitting it frankly. At the same time, a trace of imperceptible expectation appeared in her gaze toward Alwin.
Since Head Alwin brought up Dr. Fran on his own, he presumably intended to explain some insider information to her.
But his next sentence made Haida freeze momentarily.
"Regrettably, my clearance level is also insufficient."
Alwin quite shamelessly spread his hands, and a grin that could be described as provoking gradually appeared at the corner of his mouth. This feeling of only telling half the story and watching others suffer was really quite enjoyable.
Due to good upbringing and respect for her superior, Haida merely rolled her eyes at him, not actually hitting the guy.
"…If there's nothing else, I'll head back first. I haven't finished my book yet."
"Wait, two more things."
Alwin hurriedly reached out a hand, stopping Haida who had already reached the door.
"The first is about Vivian. Because she, like you, made contact with Dr. Fran, the General Affairs Division has decided to permanently assign her to your action team."
"Alright, I understand." Haida gave a slight nod, accepting the General Affairs Division's arrangement.
——
Although Haida was more accustomed to operating alone, Vivian's presence didn't seem very high. Based on the last mission's experience, bringing her along probably wouldn't be much different from solo operations…
Members of the Confidential Division might not be top-notch in combat power, but they definitely wouldn't get in the way.
"The second matter concerns Dr. Fran."
As he spoke, Alwin picked up the nearby sand-fired teapot and poured a cup of tea for Haida, gesturing for her to be patient.
"Head Alwin, isn't your clearance level insufficient?" Haida couldn't help but glance sideways, wanting to know what kind of riddle Alwin was playing.
Haida accepted the teacup but didn't drink the tea… due to some psychological effect, she didn't want to consume tea-based beverages for quite a long time.
"My held clearance is indeed insufficient to query her. But if I am a firsthand witness to a certain event, then I am qualified to know some inside information."
Alwin seemed to fall into recollection, adopting a storytelling tone.
"Over twenty years ago, I was about your age at the time. A divine plague from the 'Withered Crown' cult struck Norlington, plunging the entire city into silence and death. The doctors of the Burial Chamber were nearly in despair; even the Medicae Primus of that term died in the plague."
"Later, the plague ended without warning. Including myself, the Heads who survived that year's calamity all knew one thing… the end of the pestilence was related to a doctor who arrived with grey fog."
Fog? Haida narrowed her eyes. She certainly remembered the shadowy mist of light that accompanied Fran's appearance.
"Then…"
Haida still had some points of confusion she wanted to inquire about in detail. Since Alwin knew inside information, naturally she had to squeeze him dry.
"Haida, what I just told you is all that can be said. You just need to know the General Affairs Division's stance. The Heads still support you in further contact with this doctor. But it's best to remain cautious when facing her 'treatments'."
Alwin, however, spoke first before she could ask, cutting off her attempt to extract more information.
Haida seemed to have anticipated this. She pursed her lips slightly, then nodded in understanding.
"I understand. Thank you, Head Alwin."
She gave a slight bow, performing a respectful gesture toward Alwin, then turned to walk towards the door.
Alwin watched as Haida left his office. He let out a relieved sigh, turned back around, and resumed gazing at the twilight glow outside the window.
"That child Haida's temper is as hard as her father's. Every time I talk to her, I feel like I'm facing the Chief Hunter directly…"
...
Vivian was waiting in front of Alwin's office door, her expression somewhat uneasy.
Sharp intuition told her she was probably facing a major turning point in her life right now.
Although she didn't know exactly what Sister Haida and Head Alwin were discussing, the fact that she was specifically summoned here meant it probably concerned her too.
Come to think of it, ever since she started working with Sister Haida, the danger level of missions had increased exponentially.
When she first joined the Confidential Division, she thought she'd just be investigating cases. Never expected to be dealing with heterodox cultists face-to-face every day now. Such a fateful and treacherous path, truly lamentable…
Soon, Haida pushed open the office door and walked out, immediately spotting Vivian nearby.
++++
(T/N: This scene filled me with nostalgia:
"…If there's nothing else, I'll head back first. I haven't finished my book yet."
"Wait, two more things."
Alwin hurriedly reached out a hand, stopping Haida who had already reached the door.
It reminded me of our resident Nightmare, Dunn Smith, still can't believe Cuttlefish offed our favourite Captain.)
+++
T/N: Hey readers~! New Translator here! Before I say anything, I'd first like to thank the original author for creating this wonderful story. Without them, I wouldn't have the chance to share this adventure with you. I hope my translation does justice to their work, and that together, we can enjoy this story.
With that said, I'm happy to let you know I'll be uploading daily chapters. And for those who wish to support my work and gain early access, I've set up a Patreon where advanced chapters will be available.
[email protected]/PeakTL