Chapter 713, The Strongest Hero
Heroes were the elite powerhouses at the peak of this world's hierarchy, the strongest among the strong.
In the minds of ordinary people, heroes were the closest beings to gods.
Powerful and mysterious.
Wu Heng had imagined the moment he would meet a hero, but he didn't expect it would happen on the way home.
The man was as burly as a fitness coach.
"Uncle, he's gone far now," Xiaoxiao's voice rang in his ear again.
Wu Heng didn't turn around and kept walking forward.
[Hostility Sense] hadn't triggered, meaning the man had no ill intent.
There was no need to stir up trouble.
Although the man hadn't targeted him—
Wu Heng was still curious about why a hero had come to Netalei City at this time.
After a moment of thought, instead of returning directly to the mansion, he detoured to the Guild.
The Guild Hall was much livelier than in previous days.
Likely because of the people arriving via docked ships.
He walked through the corridor and knocked on the Elder's study door.
After two knocks, a response came from inside, and Wu Heng pushed the door open and entered.
Tapani said, "Either you don't show up for days, or you come by every day."
Wu Heng chuckled and said, "Elder, I saw a lot of ships in the harbor. Did others from headquarters arrive?"
"Not yet. I'll have someone notify you when they do," Tapani replied.
So, that hero wasn't with the Guild after all.
A rogue hero from who knows where.
What could a coastal city in a kingdom offer to attract a hero?
Or perhaps he was just passing through and heading somewhere deeper in the kingdom.
Seeing Wu Heng lost in thought, Tapani asked, "What's wrong? Is someone from headquarters that important?"
Wu Heng came back to himself, "I saw a lot of newcomers and was concerned about potential issues."
Tapani smiled, "A few ships did dock, but they were inspected. Their origins are all recorded. They won't cause themselves trouble."
"No chance of cult members sneaking in?"
Tapani frowned and explained, "Why sneak in? We're the hunters. They only do petty tricks in the shadows. Plus, the reinforcements from headquarters will be here in two days. Unless they have a death wish."
Seeing his confidence, Wu Heng didn't press further.
He'd just keep an eye on that hero's movements. If something happened, he could always report it later.
Talking too much now might expose some of his abilities.
Wu Heng nodded and asked, as if out of curiosity, "Elder, is it hard to become a hero?"
Tapani raised a brow and smiled, "Of course it is. You think all those Level 18 Professionals stay there because they don't want to improve?"
"What makes it difficult?"
Tapani thought for a moment, "It's the realm, the state of mind, the reputation—many things. Becoming a hero isn't easy. When you reach Level 18, you'll understand."
Those earlier lines paved the way well.
Wu Heng nodded in agreement and asked, "Aside from the Guild, do other factions have heroes?"
The Guild could sway the direction of kingdoms, even investigate royalty.
That alone suggested that royalty had no heroes.
Like Prince Luan of the Celt Kingdom, who had to take a Level 18 mage from the Guild as a mentor and use their resources.
Despite owning land, kingdoms still couldn't match the Guild.
"Of course not," Tapani denied immediately, smiling. "The Guild does have the most heroes, but that doesn't mean others have none."
"Please tell me, Elder. I love hearing about this stuff. Helps broaden my horizons," Wu Heng said with interest.
Tapani straightened his posture and took a sip of tea.
Then he slowly began, "It's a bit early for you to know all this, but there's no harm in hearing it ahead of time."
After another sip, he said, "Aside from the Guild's heroes, I know of others—like the Immortal Emperor of the Endless Desert, the Archbishop of the Twelve Saints Church, and the Dragon of the Snake Emblem Consortium... Most heroes rarely show themselves for various reasons, so you almost never see them."
"Dragon?"
Tapani looked at him, "Your attention's sharp. The leader of the Snake Emblem Consortium is called 'Dragon' and is recognized as the strongest hero."
Damn, finally an easy name to remember.
"What does he look like?"
"Appearance? I've heard he looks like a middle-aged man—very burly. People say he resembles a boxer who only trains muscles," Tapani replied after thinking.
Based on Tapani's brief description, the person Wu Heng saw was most likely the head of the Consortium.
The strongest hero.
No wonder he could build the Consortium to such a level. Though not as big as the Guild, no one dared provoke them.
Tapani smiled, "Speaking of which, the Immortal Emperor achieved hero status through a ghoul's body. I think you'll surpass him, while your body still retains vitality."
Hearing this, Wu Heng seemed to recall something.
He said, "Does that mean he has necromancy-related skill books?"
Tapani nodded, "If that's what you're asking, they must have plenty. He's a necromancer-type hero after all. His mastery of necromancy must be high."
Wu Heng stroked his chin, "Is there a way to contact him and trade for something?"
"That I don't know."
"Oh." Wu Heng nodded and checked the time. "Elder, I'll head back for now. I'll come by if anything comes up."
"Alright, don't wander too far these next couple of days."
"Understood."
Wu Heng agreed, stood up, and left.
......
A dim tavern basement.
The lavishly decorated hallway felt slightly gloomy.
The burly man in a white cloak walked along the corridor, brushing his hand over the intricately carved walls.
Hanging light stones stretched his shadow long.
This was the former base of the Snake Emblem Consortium. After internal conflict, the building had been vacant for a while.
It was also the place where the fake Snake Emblem members had provided false information to the Guild's investigation team.
Tap tap tap~!
Footsteps sounded from above. A subordinate came near and bowed slightly, "Boss, the person you asked about is the lord of Gold-Silver Island. He's leading the current case."
"So it's him." The man raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised.
But he didn't say more. After a moment of thought, he said, "Ignore him. Prepare to leave now."
"Yes, Boss," the subordinate replied.
The group left the tavern together, closing the doors tightly behind them.
Then they walked out of the city on foot.
......
City Lord's Mansion, study.
Wu Heng sat waiting in the room. After a while, Glenda flew back in from outside.
"He's gone. That man left the city."
"Left the city?"
"Yeah, heading toward the capital of the Ekow Kingdom."