"You are not from Southern Industries, am I right?"
In the Vice Captain's office, Xu Duan sat comfortably at a clean desk, leaning back in his chair as he spoke to Ye Wumeng. Ye Wumeng maintained a calm expression and readily admitted, "That's correct. How did you figure it out?"
Xu Duan stood up from his seat, poured two cups of water, pushed one toward Ye Wumeng, and took a sip from the other. "Do you remember our first meeting? You handed me a pack of cigarettes that were of excellent quality but packaged in the standard Southern Industries style. You should know that Southern Industries doesn't usually offer such generosity."
"Southern Industries tobacco is well-known for its distinctiveness," he continued. "Moreover, a typical Southern Industries employee wouldn't constantly talk about trust; after all, they have little connection to the concept."
"So what are you trying to say?" Ye Wumeng felt a sense of unease creeping in but kept his face composed, even showing hints of irritation.
Xu Duan narrowed his eyes as if trying to see through Ye Wumeng. Finally, he chuckled and leaned forward, looking seriously into Ye Wumeng's eyes. "I would like to extend an invitation on behalf of Bonfire Group. We don't care where you come from; we only value your abilities."
"Sounds good." Ye Wumeng agreed readily, knowing he needed their support. Gaining membership in Bonfire Group would enhance his leverage.
Xu Duan nodded in satisfaction and gestured for Ye Wumeng to continue.
"Given your capabilities, you should know that I am the second Alchemist after Anlius in Lanstad. I hope to exchange alchemical materials through you. Of course, I will also trade with potions."
Ye Wumeng appeared calm on the surface, but his palms had started to sweat slightly. This was a risky move; whether they would cooperate depended entirely on their assessment of his value. There was even a possibility they might refuse to work with him altogether and use the excuse of building Bonfire Group to confine him and force him into alchemy. Although this scenario was highly unlikely, it wasn't entirely out of the question.
What if they suddenly changed their minds?
The office fell into an eerie silence.
After listening to Ye Wumeng's words, Xu Duan closed his eyes and tapped his fingers on the table, producing a rhythmic sound. Ye Wumeng's gaze was fixed on Xu Duan, eager to know the final outcome.
"Well, by now you should only be able to concoct the Non-Transmutation Potion, am I right? To be honest, this kind of potion doesn't hold much value for us, so I can't agree to it."
"Is that so?"
A hint of disappointment flickered in Ye Wumeng's eyes as he began to contemplate other options. Should he venture out of the city and hunt high-level Undead himself? However, with the current equipment setup, that seemed insufficient.
"Of course, if you lack value, you can create it. It doesn't have to be limited to potions; for example, you could help us investigate something."
As he spoke, he opened a drawer and pulled out a small black card, sliding it across the table to Ye Wumeng.
Ye Wumeng picked up the card and focused on it; it was clear that this was prepared in advance.
【Bonfire Group Third Level Investigator: Ye Wumeng】
On the identification card, a familiar photo was displayed on the left side. He took out his own identification card from his pocket, which also featured a similar photo.
Well, they looked identical.
"What does being a Third Level Investigator entail? What do you need me to investigate?"
Since he had not been refused, exchanging bodies through the Bonfire Group became his primary plan, while personally venturing out to kill Undead was pushed further down the list. After all, why hunt when one could simply take what was readily available?
A Third Level Investigator was considered the lowest rank among investigators; however, during investigations, they could compel Bonfire Group members to cooperate unconditionally—that was about it.
"And your target for investigation is Anlius."
"How does that sound? Familiar?"
Anlius. No wonder; it seemed like a convoluted way to get himself into the Bonfire Group while also creating his own value. It appeared they had taken notice.
About a year ago, Anlius had cured Hu Xu of Corpse Rat Infection, and many infected individuals flocked there hoping they too could become the next Hu Xu.
Yet, could it be that one cannot escape the fate of Shihua? Of course, this is not the time to discuss whether Anlius has the ability to cure Corpse Poison; rather, it is about those who found Anlius and were infected by their abnormalities.
Abnormalities?
It must be that unknown potion!
Ye Wumeng suddenly recalled the refugee who exchanged a Golden Watch for a bottle of rapid Shihua.
Is this related?
They had all obtained the potion, initially appearing as normal Shihua, but later they were eradicated by the Bonfire Group. However, things became increasingly strange; those Shihua monsters seemed to have developed awareness—they knew how to dodge, plead for mercy, and flee. Yet we had asked the scholars at the Reformist Research Institute, and they clearly stated that without reaching First Class Species status, Common Undead could not exhibit signs of intelligence!
This means their reactions do not belong to the Undead but rather to the consciousness of former Shihua!
You need to investigate what exactly Anlius's potion is and take decisive action if necessary!
Upon hearing this, Ye Wumeng did not find it surprising; after all, he had seen a brief description of that unknown potion before. Although it retained consciousness, the body would gradually decompose into a puddle of flesh.
Well, there’s no problem with that. However, this mission sounds quite dangerous. I hope to stockpile some potions in advance to assist me in my investigation. You know that an Alchemist's greatest reliance is on potions.
Since you know what it is, Ye Wumeng felt no urgency. First, he needed Xu Duan to agree to exchange resources for corpses.
You must remember, you only have ten days at most.
Xu Duan readily agreed, which relieved Ye Wumeng significantly.
Yes, I remember.
Suddenly, as if recalling something, Xu Duan took out a piece of paper and a pen from the drawer and handed them to Ye Wumeng.
Here, sign your name on this and check the box under the second photo.
Another signature? It wouldn’t be some kind of indenture, would it?
He picked up the paper and looked at the title.
“Personal Real Name Vote for Leadership Election of Lanst Camp.”
Comment 0 Comment Count