Chapter 712, Hero Enters the City
Inspector?
Wu Heng was not unfamiliar with this position at all.
Back on Gold-Silver Island, he had once been the focus of an 'inquiry' by an inspector.
Later, the matter was clarified. He was targeted because someone had bribed the inspector to dig up dirt on him.
When the inspector was about to leave the island, Wu Heng secretly killed him to eliminate any potential danger.
But it also proved that the inspector indeed had some real authority.
As long as evidence could be found, an inspector could suspend any local Guild member from duty for investigation.
Of course, having this kind of power would also offend people.
Wu Heng took the appointment letter, opened it briefly. Inside was also an inspector's emblem.
"Becoming an inspector won't affect my status as the Gold-Silver Island Flagbearer, right?"
Tapani said, "It's not mentioned in the appointment letter, which means it won't affect it. You now hold both positions."
"Thank you, Elder," Wu Heng expressed his gratitude.
"No need to thank me. This is the headquarters' recognition of your value, and you've earned it," Tapani said with a smile.
Ever since Wu Heng killed the City Lord and saved all the investigation team members,
The team's attitude toward him had changed. It was very different from the previous formal and distant tone.
Even the priest, now when they met, could smile and greet him, chat a bit.
Considered comrades who had endured hardship together.
Wu Heng stored the appointment letter and emblem in his space ring, returned to the sofa and sat down, then asked, "Elder, did the headquarters mention anything about the follow-up investigation?"
The headquarters surely had some arrangements, but they clearly didn't plan to make them public.
Otherwise, people would already be discussing it.
Tapani took a sip of tea, "Headquarters is taking this matter very seriously. More personnel will arrive in Netalei City to hold the Ekow Kingdom accountable and investigate."
"So, it means we're done with it, right?"
Tapani shook his head, "Not exactly. The city's defense still needs your skeletons. Plus, your investigative skills are strong, so you may need to join in future investigations. Let's wait until the other elders arrive."
Other elders?
That meant more elders would be coming.
Elders were surely higher in rank and power.
Looks like they were gathering high-level Professionals to put pressure on the Ekow Kingdom.
Wu Heng nodded and added, "Yesterday the Fifth Princess talked to me about the city's defense and wants to sign a joint defense agreement with Gold-Silver Island, to station more troops here."
"That's your business. Settle it among yourselves," Tapani said casually.
The state of the city was plain to everyone.
Keeping Wu Heng's skeletons around was the best option for the Fifth Princess.
It was somewhat funny when one thought about it.
The necromancer once excluded was now being invited back to defend the city.
"Alright," Wu Heng responded, then asked, "By the way, Elder, when will the first-class merit reward arrive?"
"It may take a little while. Why?"
"I want to write to headquarters and specify the reward before it's issued. Some of the previous rewards were not very useful," Wu Heng explained.
"Then write it early. Once a reward is recorded and issued, it can't be changed. Sending it in early might work," Tapani said.
"I'll write it now and send it out immediately."
Tapani took out an envelope and stationery from the drawer, and Wu Heng accepted and started writing.
The first half was thanks to the Guild. The second half specified the requested reward.
He had long decided what he wanted.
The remaining components of the [Hundred Weapons Set].
If the other pieces were still with the Guild, they should reward them to him. After all, he already had the robe, so the rest were pointless without it.
If they didn't have it, giving him something else wouldn't be a loss.
After quickly finishing, he sealed the envelope.
Wu Heng said, "Elder, if there's nothing else, I'll head back."
Tapani nodded, "Don't wander too far. Wait for the headquarters personnel. You'll need to be present."
"Okay."
"Also, this matter hasn't been made public, since it involves negotiations with the Ekow Kingdom. Don't spread it around," Tapani reminded again.
"Understood," Wu Heng agreed.
"Go on."
Wu Heng nodded and left the study.
He delivered the just-written letter to the front desk and returned to the City Lord's Mansion.
......
Back at his residence.
He went straight upstairs to the study.
Inside, Glenda was writing a new story at the desk. Xiaoxiao and Beni, who had followed him out, flew over to his viewing area.
They turned on the tablet and started looking for movies to watch.
Glenda asked, "So? The headquarters' arrangements came through?"
Wu Heng said, "Yes. A new group of elders from the Guild will come in a few days to continue investigating the Ekow Kingdom. I received a first-class merit and was appointed inspector."
"Not bad. You're an inspector now," Glenda said with a smile.
"Now I also have a reason to investigate people within the Guild," Wu Heng said as he sat down.
Glenda then asked, "Why didn't they let you continue the investigation into the Ekow Kingdom?"
Wu Heng shook his head, "Not sure. They only said I might need to cooperate when the time comes."
"It's good if you don't have to. Those little matters won't help your progress much," Glenda said.
Wu Heng agreed.
Since he was tied to the Fifth Princess, he was already entangled in the Ekow Kingdom's affairs.
Later negotiations with the kingdom didn't require him; it wouldn't matter much.
Especially since he had a lot going on lately.
"I think so too," Wu Heng said.
Glenda continued, "The new story should be out in a few days. Distribute it to Gold-Silver Island and Netalei City."
"Sure," Wu Heng nodded.
Glenda flew back to her seat to continue her writing.
Wu Heng walked to the radio and checked the notebook.
No new records.
He picked up the mic and said, "Wen Mansa, are you there?"
Soon, Wen Mansa's voice came through, "Master, I'm here."
"How's it going on the Rentam City side?"
"Frontline reports say the skeleton army successfully breached the Ekow Kingdom's border defenses and took over the city," Wen Mansa said.
Wu Heng's brow lifted, "So fast? Didn't you say they'd only arrive at the border today?"
"There was a timing error. The skeleton army marched overnight and moved faster than expected. They left the orc army far behind. Before the orcs could even see the walls, the skeletons had already taken the city," Wen Mansa explained.
Her tone hinted at surprise.
She probably didn't expect to wake up and find they had already entered the Ekow Kingdom's territory.
"How's the captured city?" Wu Heng asked.
Wen Mansa continued, "There weren't many people. I also gave orders not to disturb the locals. We're preparing to send someone to the local Guild to explain our identity."
"Thoughtful."
"No choice. We might get blamed for something bad. Better to be cautious," Wen Mansa replied helplessly.
They had breached the city and led a skeleton army. In some sense, Rentam City's forces looked more like villains in a story.
Without proper explanation, Wen Mansa could easily end up wanted.
"Write another letter. Have Rentam City's local steward send it to headquarters to explain in advance," Wu Heng said after thinking.
"Okay."
Wu Heng thought for a moment, then said, "I originally planned to come protect you, but there are new assignments from the Guild. It might be delayed."
Wen Mansa said, "It's fine, Master. If we were at a disadvantage, you could come. But with the skeleton army marching ahead, there's no need for you to come back."
"Alright, I'll assess the situation here first. You and our daughter, stay safe."
"Got it, Master," Wen Mansa replied softly.
"That's it for now. Let me know if anything comes up."
"Okay," Wen Mansa replied, then gently said, "Come, say goodbye to Daddy."
Faint baby babble came through.
Wen Mansa said, "She's saying goodbye to you."
Wu Heng smiled, "Goodbye, sweet daughter."
He ended the call and sat back down.
His mind began analyzing the whole situation.
He had to wait for the Guild's new elders and couldn't go to Rentam City right away.
Besides, going there now wouldn't help much in the fight.
On the contrary, the arrival of the Guild's new investigation team and their pressure on the Ekow Kingdom might aid Rentam City more.
After thinking it through, he stood up again.
Looking at the three spirits, he said, "Ladies, come back for now. We'll head to Gold-Silver Island this afternoon."
Glenda gave him a playful glare, "That address... so lame."
Xiaoxiao also flew over, "Uncle, why are we going back?"
"To check things and pick up some supplies."
Not enough time for Rentam City, but Gold-Silver Island was still manageable.
After all, they had to wait for the new elder anyway.
"Alright then!" Xiaoxiao nodded.
The three spirits dove into his body.
Wu Heng left the City Lord's Mansion and headed to a clearing outside the city.
Wearing the [Conductor's Hat], he boarded the Ghost Train.
......
The train appeared in the wilderness of Gold-Silver Island.
Wearing the 'Faceless Mask,' Wu Heng walked a distance before entering the city.
The atmosphere on Gold-Silver Island was a sharp contrast to Netalei City.
Bustling and lively, with people riding bicycles swiftly down the streets.
With young girls riding on the back seats.
He remembered when he first saw Netalei City and was surprised by such a flourishing place in this world.
Now, Gold-Silver Island was no worse than it had been.
Wu Heng hailed a carriage and headed straight for the Island Lord's Mansion.
At the gate, he removed his mask and walked inside.
"Master?" Minnie walked over with two maids.
But they didn't approach immediately, eyes wary.
Earlier that morning, Shanaila had radioed about the supply order. Wu Heng returned that afternoon?
"Yeah, just back to get some things." As he spoke, the skeletons Kashu and Keramu followed him in.
Only then were the maids sure it was really Wu Heng.
They rushed over excitedly, "Master, we missed you so much."
Wu Heng hugged the three, "I missed you too."
"Master, are you leaving again today?" Robe asked, clinging to his leg.
"Leaving tomorrow morning."
Minnie said, "Then I'll have the skeletons prepare a hearty dinner."
"Alright, let's talk in our room."
They all entered the living room together.
Wu Heng explained what happened after the last battle.
When they heard Wu Heng was now an inspector who could dismiss local stewards, they exclaimed supportively.
"Wow! Master can command the steward now."
"Master, you're amazing."
"Other than being a hero, you're the top now!"
Among his little maids, Wu Heng always received abundant emotional value.
He hadn't felt that powerful before, but after hearing it from them, the inspector position did feel pretty awesome.
Smiling, he said, "You're exaggerating. Besides heroes, the Guild has many elders. Inspector is only useful locally. Doesn't apply to the headquarters."
"That's enough! I've always disliked that Rentam City steward. Master, go investigate him," Minnie said immediately.
That local steward had made some unfriendly decisions in Rentam City.
Minnie had remembered it all this time.
"No need to bother. Wen Mansa is still over there," Wu Heng said with a smile.
"Alright then," Minnie replied reluctantly.
Wu Heng finished and stood up, "I'll go check in with the Mechanist. I'll be back for dinner."
"Okay, Master."
......
The Mechanist's workshop was not far from the mansion.
Wu Heng went over with skeletons.
The ghoul Mechanist 'Costas' came out with a few skeletons, "Lord Island Master!"
This Mechanist was recommended to him by Lady Letilie of the Snake Emblem Consortium.
Level 17, formerly the vice dean of the Celt Kingdom.
As his lifespan neared its end, he asked Wu Heng to perform a transformation ritual to become a ghoul and joined Gold-Silver Island.
"Are you adjusting well to life in the city?"
"Quite well. Gold-Silver Island is a very promising place. It'll only get better," Costas replied directly.
"How's the blueprint learning for the power plant?" Wu Heng asked.
Costas nodded, "The schematics are clear. We've done simple assembly and testing in the experimental zone. We can proceed with full construction."
"Good," Wu Heng continued, "We'll soon take on construction projects in other areas, including power plant builds. Prepare any formations or machinery you'll need in advance."
Costas said, "Yes, Master. Approximately how large should the city be?"
"Same as Gold-Silver Island. Just replicate it."
"Understood. We'll start preparing tomorrow," Costas replied.
The two continued discussing local factories.
As dusk approached, Wu Heng left and returned to the mansion.
......
At dinner.
Wu Heng asked, "Andviel, where are the materials sent by the merchant guilds stored?"
"In the warehouse area at Port No. 2. I've recorded everything in detail," Andviel replied.
"Take me there tomorrow. I'll bring some of it back."
"Yes, Master."
They continued eating. Minnie retold to Andviel what Wu Heng had just explained.
After dinner.
Minnie and Andviel pulled Wu Heng to the bedroom to rest.
......
The next day, Wu Heng and Andviel visited the warehouse.
He collected some purchased supplies into his space sachet.
Near noon, he said goodbye to the maids, donned the conductor's hat, and returned to Netalei City.
The train still stopped in the wilderness.
Wu Heng led his skeletons through the city gate.
Today, the city atmosphere was even better.
Ships from merchant guilds could be seen at the port, with many workers unloading goods.
Just as Shanaila said, some guilds had also arrived in Netalei City.
Looking to see if there were business opportunities or quality assets to acquire.
Wu Heng scanned the area, planning to hail a carriage back to the City Lord's Mansion.
"Wu Heng, there's a Hero."
Glenda's voice came from his ear.
Hero?
Hearing this suddenly, Wu Heng didn't react immediately.
Glenda added, "That man in the white cloak over there is a Level 20 Professional, at Hero rank."
Wu Heng's gaze sharpened. He looked ahead.
He saw a group of three walking toward them. The leader was two meters tall, with sharp features and sword-shaped eyebrows.
Outside, he wore a white cloak; underneath, a purple formal suit hugged his strong frame.
Wu Heng furrowed his brows.
A Hero had entered the city?
A new investigation team from the Guild? Or people from another force, perhaps members of a cult?
A cult seemed unlikely.
Walking out so openly was far too flashy.
Even if unafraid of the Guild, they likely wouldn't act like this.
As Wu Heng pondered, the man in the white cloak seemed to sense something and turned to look.
Their eyes met, and a powerful sense of pressure swept over.
Wu Heng's brow twitched slightly.
He nodded at the man. The man paused, then also nodded in return.
They both looked away and passed each other.