Chapter 813, Haunted City?
Wen Mansa's expression darkened, eyes filled with suspicion and fear.
They had heard Wu Heng recount the events at Inner Netalei City—including the encounter with the Snake Emblem Consortium's hero.
It was then they learned the leader behind the consortium was a hero.
The strongest hero, acknowledged even by the Guild.
In a place like Rentam City, even an ordinary hero was godlike.
Let alone this man.
But why had he appeared here?
Wasn't he supposed to be at Inner Netalei City?
Why?
A pressure far greater than anything in the Yeko Kingdom enveloped her.
Wen Mansa got up, intending to contact Wu Heng, but stopped after two steps.
She asked, "Did he say anything after entering the city?"
Hartle said, "The guards didn't know who he was. They just followed your orders to not interfere with Guild or Consortium people, and let them in."
"How many came?"
"Six entered the city," Hartle said. "Madam, the train to Rentam City departs at noon. Why don't you take Miss and head back? It's been a while."
He was suggesting she lay low for now.
Even if the strongest hero posed a threat, leaving would give her time to contact Wu Heng.
Wen Mansa stood still for a moment, then sat back down. "Prepare some gifts. You'll represent Rentam City to pay them a visit. I'll contact our lord."
"Madam! You should go to the station first!" Hartle insisted.
"It's fine. He likely means no harm. Overreacting might make us look suspicious," Wen Mansa said firmly.
No one in the fortress besides Hartle knew she was here.
If she moved now, it might draw unwanted attention.
"What should I prepare?" Hartle asked.
"Pick something from the gifts our lord brought—especially watches and pens. Don't bring out any potions," Wen Mansa said softly.
"Understood." Hartle nodded and left the room.
Wen Mansa glanced at the baby, then walked solemnly toward the radio room.
...…
Local—Snake Emblem Consortium Building.
Inside an opulently decorated room—
The hero "Dragon" sat on a two-seater sofa that appeared overly small and cramped beneath his build.
He accepted a glass of wine and took a small sip.
Then the door opened. A middle-aged man in a navy suit stepped in quickly, knelt on one knee, and bowed his head slightly.
"Raymond, in charge of Serted Fortress, greets the lord."
Dragon glanced at him, voice low and commanding. "Report on the situation here."
Still bowing, the local leader spoke softly, "Two months ago, Rentam City's army took the fortress overnight. The city has since been managed by the steward, Hartle. He has not oppressed the people. Shops are open and taxes have been waived."
Dragon raised an eyebrow, a trace of surprise in his eyes. "Overnight siege?"
The man's tone turned grave. "Yes—overnight. The northern wall completely collapsed and still hasn't been fully repaired."
Dragon nodded and fell into thought.
To destroy an entire wall—what power had been used?
"And the attitude toward the consortium?"
"Very friendly. They even allocated a building in the central district for the consortium after the takeover," the subordinate said seriously.
The Yeko Kingdom didn't recognize the Snake Emblem Consortium. Within their borders, it only operated through black markets and ghost markets.
Having an actual building in the city meant a lot—especially since this was after Rentam took over.
Dragon nodded and took another sip.
Just then, a knock at the door.
A subordinate walked in quickly and bowed. "Leader, a butler named Hartle heard the consortium core members had arrived. He's brought gifts."
"Oh? Let me see." Dragon's voice carried curiosity.
A brocade box was brought over. Inside were a shiny, exquisite watch and a pen.
A watch and a pen!
Definitely from the Gold-Silver Island territory.
"Tell her we accept the gift. We're just passing through."
"Yes, sir!" The subordinate left swiftly.
Dragon picked up the watch and examined it closely.
Didn't expect to get a bestseller from Gold-Silver Island this way.
...…
Creak~!
The carriage slowly stopped in front of the building.
Wu Heng stepped down and, following the path Benny had tracked, returned to the Intelligence Minister's study.
The door closed behind him, and he breathed a little easier.
"Benny, keep watch outside. If the army moves, notify me immediately. Xiaoxiao, Glenda—search the place. See if there's a secret room."
"Got it!" The three ghost souls scattered to act.
Wu Heng opened drawers and bookshelves, pulling out all the documents.
As expected of the Intelligence Minister—there were records of all kinds of files and intel.
He returned to the desk and began reading them one by one.
Before long, Xiaoxiao and Glenda flew back in.
"Uncle, no secret room. Looks like he's broke," Xiaoxiao said regretfully.
Glenda laughed, "He's level 18—can't be broke. This is probably just his office. The good stuff's likely at his house."
"Should we check his place?" Xiaoxiao suggested.
"Forget it. We don't have that kind of time," Wu Heng said, handing some documents to Glenda. "See if you can find where the Second Prince is."
"Okay!" Glenda flew over and started reading as well.
Time ticked by.
One man and one ghost had gone through quite a lot of records. Xiaoxiao, meanwhile, collected valuable-looking decorations to take later.
Then Benny flew in from outside, urgent. "Wu Heng! The army's coming this way. Orders are out—kill on sight!"
Looks like his cover was blown.
With him impersonating the Intelligence Minister, the Commander's estate now had no one in charge.
Combine that with the missing Minister of Administration, and they could easily piece the whole thing together.
Glenda said, "Getting surrounded by the army is risky."
The other two ghost souls turned toward him.
Wu Heng said, "We're leaving. Capturing two level 18s is already a great haul."
He packed Xiaoxiao's looted items and all the documents into his spatial ring.
Noise from outside grew louder.
He changed his appearance. [Teleportation Spell] activated—and he vanished in the next second.
...…
He reappeared—
In a narrow alley surrounded by trash, buzzing flies, and a stench of urine.
Outside, a large crowd had gathered, chatting as they headed somewhere.
Wu Heng said to the ghost souls that had followed, "Xiaoxiao, stay with me. Glenda, Benny—keep an eye on the city's movements. With two level 18s lost, the Second Prince might relocate."
Xiaoxiao stayed close. The other two flew into the sky to observe the whole city.
Wu Heng exited the alley and merged into the noisy crowd, walking back toward the Intelligence Minister's office.
He watched soldiers swarm inside, chaos erupting.
"What happened now?"
"Why are they arresting their own?"
"Who knows! Ever since that Second Prince showed up, the city's been a mess."
"Maybe those people were hiding here and just got discovered."
"Could be. Let's see who they drag out."
The crowd speculated who the guards were after with such force.
Soon, the soldiers began dispersing the spectators.
Patrol units regrouped and began a house-by-house search again.
Wu Heng gradually left the area.
He teleported to a zone the patrol had already cleared and exited from a side alley.
"Uncle, where are you staying tonight?" Xiaoxiao asked.
It was dusk. He needed somewhere to spend the night.
He couldn't exactly sleep on the streets like a beggar.
Wu Heng walked along the street, eyes falling on the tavern he'd previously stayed in.
It was closed.
"Xiaoxiao, check the rooms upstairs," Wu Heng said.
"Okay!" Xiaoxiao nodded and flew up.
Soon, she returned. "Uncle, all the rooms are empty."
"Let me check the position."
Xiaoxiao merged into him. Wu Heng confirmed the location, then stepped into a dark corner and cast [Teleportation Spell].
His form vanished in a magic circle and reappeared inside a room.
...…
Central district—a dimly lit room.
The Second Prince, dressed in an ornate purple suit, stood at a round table, palms pressed against the surface, knuckles pale from tension.
On the table were the latest reports—detailing the missing officials.
"Three gone without a sound. Two of them were level 18. Is this city haunted or what?" His voice trembled with anger.
The gathered officials wore grim, worried faces.
If level 18s could vanish just like that, any one of them could be next.
An elder in robes stroked his beard and said, "Your Highness, the guards have searched the entire city. Let's see if they find any leads."
The Second Prince narrowed his eyes. "Leads? It's just the same bunch as before. What matters is the method they used."