Chapter 681, The Order Arrives
"Looks like I really need to rely on the Ekow Kingdom."
Given his current renown, he would truly need to leverage the Ekow Kingdom's population to meet the renown requirements.
Otherwise, relying solely on Gold-Silver Island and the reputation spread by merchant caravans wouldn't be enough to level up.
Population size was indeed an important matter.
Thinking carefully, he still had a zombie world.
Plus, various modern inventions and devices could be transported over and passed off as his own products to raise renown.
Those heroes who had reached level 20—
They were truly impressive, able to reach that level even under such harsh conditions.
"Wait! Some people don't seem to have it that hard."
Wu Heng viewed leveling from an ordinary person's perspective.
But some were born at the top of the power hierarchy; as long as they had talent, renown was never an issue.
As he pondered this, the sky gradually darkened.
He shifted his position and fell into a deep sleep.
...…
The next morning.
As the family was having breakfast, the phone rang nearby.
Minnie answered it and returned to say, "Master, Steward Sheila Grey requests you come over. She said the guild's assignment has arrived."
The guild's order has arrived?
The timing really was spot on.
"Alright, I'll go after breakfast."
After finishing breakfast together, Wu Heng tidied up and left the Island Lord's Mansion with Andviel.
They got off in the Central District, and Wu Heng walked straight into the guild.
The entire Adventurer's Guild Hall was still bustling.
Ever since the island fair began and products became hot sellers, the hall had become more lively.
Merchants and individuals alike posted commissions here.
Mercenaries and freelancers also began increasing in number.
Pulling his hood lower, Wu Heng briskly headed to the steward's office.
He knocked lightly, got a response, and entered.
When Sheila Grey saw him, her cheeks flushed slightly. She coughed lightly and said, "The guild's assignment has come down. You've been appointed as the Chief Inspector for the Netare City case. You're not only to investigate the local steward's death, but also the cult and civilian massacre mentioned in the previous reports."
Wu Heng was a little surprised by headquarters' decision.
He had expected them to assign someone to investigate and had been prepared to go along.
But he hadn't expected to be made Chief Inspector.
"I'm in charge? Why? Is headquarters out of people?" Wu Heng asked, stunned.
Sheila Grey looked at him. "A great detective like you handling a case—shouldn't that be expected? Ask anyone on Gold-Silver Island; they all think it should be you."
Damn~!
Not only did the people on the island believe it, even the guild's heroes bought into it.
While going was his goal anyway, being fully responsible for the case meant if he didn't produce satisfactory results—
His persona would collapse.
And the guild likely wouldn't be pleased either.
"No support? I remember last time the guild sent an inspector, they had tools to detect lies," Wu Heng said.
"Just perform like you did before," Sheila Grey said plainly.
Damn it!
She continued, "As for support, a few guild members will accompany you. Consider it your assigned team."
"Who are they?"
"I'll show you in a bit—three level-18 Professionals, four level-15 Professionals," Sheila Grey said.
That was quite the lineup.
Three level-18 Professionals to investigate a city's case was arguably overkill.
But it also showed how seriously they took the matter.
Wu Heng nodded. "That gives me some confidence."
Sheila Grey said, "Among the level-18s is an guild investigator with sharp insight. Be sure to follow guild procedures. Don't get caught doing anything that could be recorded."
She didn't believe Wu Heng would do anything bad.
But his methods always involved little tricks.
On Gold-Silver Island, that was fine—as long as the outcome was good, no one cared.
But this time, he had to follow guild protocol. Otherwise, a good deed might backfire.
"Aren't you coming with me?" Wu Heng asked.
Sheila Grey looked at him softly. "I'm the steward of Gold-Silver Island. I can't just leave. And if we both go, what if things get chaotic here?"
Wu Heng thought that was reasonable—he couldn't take everyone.
Even so, he still felt uneasy about leaving Gold-Silver Island.
"You're right. I'll feel better with you staying home," Wu Heng said.
"We'll talk later," Sheila Grey looked at Shiyali. "Go call the people from yesterday to the meeting room. Tell them Island Lord Wu Heng is here too."
Shiyali put down what she was holding. "Got it."
After that, they all left the office together.
...…
In the meeting room.
Wu Heng and Sheila Grey waited for a bit.
Footsteps echoed as several people entered.
They took seats on the other side of the meeting room.
Sheila Grey stood up and said, "Everyone, this is Island Lord Wu Heng of Gold-Silver Island and the Chief Inspector appointed by headquarters for this case."
Some of the people across bowed, others gave a nod of acknowledgment.
Sheila Grey then introduced them. "Level-18 Warrior Mr. Tapani, level-18 Mage Mr. Janvito, level-18 Investigator Mr. Sim, level-15 Cleric..."
From level 18 to level 15, Sheila Grey introduced each person's class and level.
Wu Heng felt overwhelmed just listening. Even with his improved concentration and memory due to his level,
Hearing so many names at once was hard to retain.
When the introductions ended, Wu Heng smiled and said, "It's an honor to work with all of you on this case. I'll be counting on your support."
Everyone nodded and sat down together.
Once seated, the others looked at Wu Heng, and Wu Heng examined them in turn.
Among the level-18 Professionals, the Warrior was an elf, with obvious elven features. The Mage was someone Wu Heng recognized—a white-bearded old mage in robes with a wooden staff—Janvito.
Last time, during Gold-Silver Island's emergency, he had led the support team.
Xiaoxiao had nicknamed him Gandalf.
The third was a short gnome wearing gold-rimmed glasses, looking rather scholarly.
Among the four level-15s: two humans, one vampire, and one dwarf.
"Island Lord Wu Heng, when do you plan to depart? Netare City's situation is unclear, and it's best not to delay," said the lead level-18 Warrior bluntly.
Wu Heng glanced at them and said, "Indeed, we shouldn't delay. We'll set off tomorrow morning."
The old mage Janvito looked over and asked, "Shouldn't we inform Netare City first?"
"We can't rule out that Netare City is the culprit."