Chapter 682, Korean National Team
As soon as these words were spoken, the meeting room fell silent.
Clearly, the great detective Island Lord before them leaned more toward believing there was something wrong with Netare City itself, opting to handle this matter with a firm attitude.
Besides, the Ekow Kingdom was currently in internal chaos and was even blocking the spread of information.
Most people also believed there was a problem.
The members appointed by headquarters exchanged glances. The accompanying level-15 Cleric casually asked, "Wouldn't doing this cause a misunderstanding with the Ekow Kingdom?"
Wu Heng looked at him and replied, "We're investigating a case, not promoting friendship between nations. When we're near the port, we can give them a heads-up."
"True, but isn't it lacking in courtesy? We're representing the guild's headquarters after all," the Cleric insisted.
Scribble scribble scribble~!
Wu Heng was about to refute when the sound of writing came from across the room.
The level-18 Investigator had already begun taking notes without anyone noticing.
He was using a fountain pen—one of the mass-produced standard models.
Wu Heng raised an eyebrow and softened his tone, "Courtesy is for friends, not suspects. Once the matter is resolved, we can show etiquette at a ball later."
"I agree with Island Lord Wu Heng. Informing them ahead is basically leaking information. Leaders must maintain a serious stance," said the cloaked Vampire whose face remained obscured.
The voice was low and neutral, hard to determine if it was male or female.
The Cleric snorted but said no more.
The old Mage "Janvito" added, "I also agree with Island Lord Wu Heng's plan. Elder Tapani, do you have any objections?"
The level-18 Elf Warrior nearby nodded. "As long as everything's arranged, then tomorrow we'll take the headquarters' ship to the Ekow Kingdom. The escort fleet will be handled by Gold-Silver Island."
Wu Heng replied, "No problem there. The escort fleet is ready. We can depart tomorrow morning."
"Good." The Elf Warrior nodded again. "Now that things are decided, unless there's more, we'll return and make preparations."
"Alright."
The group stood up to leave, and Wu Heng, Sheila Grey, and Shiyali rose to see them off.
Once the headquarters team had all left the meeting room—
Wu Heng asked, "That Elf Warrior, is he an elder from headquarters?"
"Judging by how Director Janvito addressed him, yes. It's not surprising they'd assign an elder to lead this matter," Sheila Grey answered.
"That's true."
Sheila Grey asked, "Why the rush?"
Wu Heng replied, "The longer this drags on, the harder it will be to solve the case. Now that everyone's here, getting there fast is the most important thing."
The sisters didn't know if this conclusion was right, but Wu Heng clearly had more authority in matters of investigation.
Shiyali also thought for a moment and said, "Rushing might lead to oversights."
Wu Heng smiled. "Not a big deal. If something slips through, I have ways to deal with it."
Sheila Grey glanced at her sister. "Let Shiyali go with you. She's good with admin tasks and can assist you."
Shiyali's eyes flickered, but she said nothing, looking at Wu Heng.
Wu Heng shook his head. "There might be danger there. You two just take care of Gold-Silver Island. Don't let someone rob the place while I'm gone."
"What do you mean 'our place'? So weird," Sheila Grey muttered in a low voice, then added, "Aren't you taking any of the guild squads?"
Wu Heng fell into thought.
He would definitely bring some skeletons along. With the internal strife in the army over there, there was danger.
But he did need people willing to follow his instructions.
Skeletons weren't always better than the living.
"Take Squad Five, Kavina's team."
"Alright, I'll have her prepare and go with you tomorrow," Sheila Grey nodded.
Knock knock knock~!
Just then, someone knocked on the door.
The three stopped talking as Shiyali got up to open it.
A figure cloaked in a heavy hood, face and body completely hidden, stood outside.
One of the Vampires from the guild.
Most likely representing Lilith, the Whisperer.
"Island Lord Wu Heng. Steward Sheila Grey," the Vampire greeted them calmly.
"Is there something else?" Sheila Grey asked.
"I want to speak to Island Lord Wu Heng alone," the Vampire said.
Sheila Grey frowned slightly and glanced at Wu Heng.
They were in the guild, and Wu Heng was accompanied by two high-level skeletons. The Vampire was only level 15—unlikely to pose any real threat.
Seeing Wu Heng had no objections, she nodded. "We'll return to the study then."
"Thank you, Steward Sheila Grey," said the Vampire.
Sheila Grey and Shiyali exited, leaving Wu Heng and the Vampire alone.
The door closed.
The Vampire stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Greetings, Inquisitor."
Wu Heng raised an eyebrow. "What's going on? Sit and talk."
The Vampire sat across from him and pulled back the hood, revealing a woman's face.
Short hair, wide and smooth forehead, thick eyebrows nearing sword brows,
Crimson eyes with a firm, sharp gaze, and well-defined facial features combining toughness with grace.
Her features were quite attractive, though she had a strong tomboy vibe.
Once seated, she spoke directly. "Leader Lilith sends a message. Due to your repeated efforts to defend Vampire honor, she has promoted you within the Ashen Church to the position of Inquisitor. You now have oversight and enforcement authority over all Vampire members—and here is your reward."
She then took out a new insignia and a Jade Sigil from her spatial ring.
The insignia's design featured a blood-red moon and a longsword with bat wings for a crossguard.
So he'd been promoted.
Wu Heng looked at the [Jade Sigil].
These jade tokens were one-time-use artifacts crafted by Heroes. In times of danger or crisis, they could be crushed to summon assistance from a Hero.
According to Sheila Grey, Heroes usually gave these as rewards to trusted subordinates.
But Wu Heng hadn't used one yet.
He wasn't even sure what "assistance" meant exactly.
He'd rather be rewarded with two skill books or rare magical items.
Wu Heng looked at her and said, "Thank Leader Lilith for her trust. It's my honor to serve her and the Vampire race."
The Vampire smiled and nodded.
Wu Heng continued, "I want to ask you something."
"Please speak."
"Do you know about the Hundred-Arms Set? A set of magical equipment."
"I've heard of it."
"How many pieces are there? Are they all with the guild?" Wu Heng asked.
The Vampire furrowed her brows and shook her head. "I'm not sure. I've only heard of the set."
"Oh, it's fine," Wu Heng said with a smile.
The Vampire stood up and said, "Then I'll go prepare. If you need anything during the journey, let us know."
"Thanks."
"Of course." She bowed again and left.
Wu Heng watched her go.
Then stored the items on the table into his spatial ring.
He recalled that he had written to Lilith about the Hundred-Arms Robe accessory.
She shouldn't have missed the hint.
Maybe she thought the Jade Sigil was more valuable than the accessory.
"Next time, I'll just ask outright. This roundabout stuff is exhausting."
The new insignia had changed from Enforcer to Inquisitor—a promotion, clearly, but the differences weren't entirely clear.
Mainly because he didn't know the Vampire Church's hierarchy.
Still, it seemed like a significant rank—definitely higher than Enforcer.
After a quick mental rundown, he got up and left the meeting room.
...…
Just as he stepped out—
A Warrior in armor approached him directly.
He saluted and said, "Island Lord Wu Heng, Director Janvito requests your presence."
Wu Heng paused.
Why not just say it during the meeting?
He had plenty to arrange as it was.
But he couldn't refuse Janvito. Not only were they on good terms, but Janvito would also help smooth tensions in the coming operation.
"Where is the director?"
"In the dormitory."
"Lead the way."
The Warrior led, with Wu Heng and his skeleton attendants following to the guild dorms. After a few quiet words at the door—
The door opened, and Wu Heng entered with his skeletons.
"Island Lord Wu Heng."
"Director Janvito." Wu Heng smiled.
"Please, have a seat." Janvito poured tea and said, "Gold-Silver Island's changes are astonishing. It's hard to believe it's the same place."
"Since the guild entrusted it to me, I have to give it my best."
"Spare me the formalities."
Wu Heng chuckled. "It's from the heart."
"The guild is taking this seriously, so we need results," Janvito said seriously.
Wu Heng frowned. "What kind of results?"
"Was it the Ekow Kingdom? What are their goals?" Janvito said.
"What if we find nothing?"
"Those heroes might be displeased. It could affect your future," Janvito said, sipping his tea.
"And you?"
"We'll fully support you. Those heroes have high expectations for your detective skills," Janvito replied casually.
Wu Heng thought aloud, "Some members seem cold."
"Don't mind the level-15s. That Elf Elder—just think of him as your deterrent. He's too strong to assign tasks to."
Wu Heng nodded.
Though he didn't care about level, to outsiders, he was just level 15.
Keeping his level hidden wasn't a bad thing.
No need to reveal everything just to impress others.
That Elder could act as a shield if needed.
"Thanks for the tip, Director. Want me to build a facility on the island for your Mage Guild to conduct research?"
Janvito immediately frowned, studying him skeptically.
Wu Heng showed sincerity. "Really, the learning atmosphere on the island is great."
"Maybe later," Janvito said, sipping tea. "About those fountain pens—I want to buy a few, but the line's always long and I'm leaving tomorrow."
"You reminded me! The ones outside are standard models. I've got a collector's set—can't buy them out there," Wu Heng said, pulling out a gift box and pushing it forward.
The old mage's eyes lit up. He stroked his beard and smiled.
He inspected it—it really was different from the publicly sold ones.
Smooth and refined to the touch.
"Very nice," the old mage praised and looked up.
He saw Wu Heng smiling at him.
Janvito frowned. "What do you want?"
"You promised to teach me a skill, remember?"
"When did I…" Janvito paused, looked at the pen in his hand. "What do you want to learn?"
"That sunlight spell from the sky—the one that wiped out the fog beasts summoned by that witch."
"You're not high enough level and in the wrong class. You can't learn it."
"Just let me read the skill book. If I can't learn it, I'll accept that."
Janvito sipped tea and replied flatly, "Pick another."
"How about Blink? That's not unreasonable."
Janvito thought for a moment. "Want me to teach it, or just the book?"
Wu Heng said, "Book, please. I'm a fast learner."
Janvito pulled a yellowed book from his spatial ring and pushed it over. "Keep it for a few days. Read it on the ship. Don't lose it."
[Teleportation Spell]
(Description: This spell teleports you and up to three willing creatures within casting range to a designated location.)
"Great," Wu Heng stored the skill book. "Director, did you bring any others? Our island's watches and bikes are nice too."
"Didn't bring any. Maybe later," Janvito rejected flatly.
Wu Heng chuckled. "Then we'll talk after the case is solved."
"Alright, I have things to prepare. You should head back."
"See you tomorrow."
Wu Heng left with his skeletons.
Janvito remained in his room, carefully examining the pen.
On the way back.
Sheila Grey wasn't in the steward's office—probably off assigning tasks.
So Wu Heng left the guild and returned home.
...…
Back at the Island Lord's Mansion.
Minnie helped him remove his coat and casually asked, "Master, what took you so long?"
"The guild's reinforcements arrived. We're heading to Netare City together tomorrow," Wu Heng replied.
Minnie's hands paused. "Will it be dangerous?"
"Don't worry. Three level-18s and plenty of level-15s. It's just a city. Nothing will happen," Wu Heng said, patting her head.
Minnie hunched her shoulders. "Then let me come with you."
"Going to solve a case with a maid? That'd be laughable. Besides, someone needs to take care of things here."
"Alright then."
Wu Heng added, "I'm heading upstairs. Tell Macintosh and Philipa to come for dinner tonight."
"Yes, Master," Minnie replied.
Wu Heng also had her start preparing items he'd need for the trip.
Then he went straight upstairs.
Entered the study and opened the portal.
Heading to the zombie world.
...…
Wu Heng stepped through the portal.
And heard the soft pattering of rain.
Outside, the sky was gloomy and rain blurred the view.
He released Xiaoxiao to find her mother—he might not see her for a while.
Best to spend some time now.
Wu Heng picked up a charging walkie-talkie and called for Qi Hancai to come.
Before long, there was a knock on the door.
Qi Hancai walked in wearing a coat.
Wu Heng gestured for her to sit and asked, "Anything new these days?"
Qi Hancai said, "Yes! We made contact with Korea's national rescue team. They're sending someone over tomorrow to discuss things."
Tomorrow?