The next day.
Led by Bartley, Inchworm and Rosalia boarded the Leviathan at Foy Port.
Unlike the trip from Norlington, this large steamship no longer carried ordinary passengers. Moreover, every sailor was equipped with weapons, seemingly ready to engage in combat at any moment.
After all, their destination was that ill-reputed fallen city... encountering anything on the way was possible. They had to maintain the highest level of vigilance to prevent unforeseen special circumstances.
Due to the special relationship between Moon's Favored and the White Cup Cult, Professor Utus acted quite warmly.
"Welcome, Ms. Rosalia. Please give my regards to the Molting Moon Cult."
"Oh, and Mr. Tiyel. I just don't know yet if you are from the 'Veiled Assembly' or a lone follower of the Night-Moths?"
At the simply prepared dinner party, he attempted to learn about Tiyel's background.
Everyone here besides him mostly knew each other's background and identity. Even if not deeply, they had basic understanding. Bartley is a Secrets-Hunter, aiming to pursue the Nightmare Guest. Rosalia is a Moon's Favored, probably wanting to learn about the fallen city's past events...
Professor Utus is acting on Captain Nifel's commission, needing to verify a certain speculation in Morien.
Only Inchworm's origin and purpose were nearly a mystery, only known as a Night-Moth acolyte. But coincidentally his cult is the most hidden type, having almost no contact or entanglement with other factions.
"I can be from the Veiled Assembly, or a lone follower. It all depends on what the one I serve 'needs' me to be."
Facing Utus's probing, Inchworm remained calm and responded almost casually.
Hearing this, Rosalia narrowed her eyes slightly, seemingly recalling something.
She remembered undergoing a "divination" by Dr. Fran at the Mirror of Enlightenment Club, where the doctor wore the gauzy attire symbolizing a high-ranking priestess of the Veiled Assembly... This suggested that the doctor likely held a significant position within the Veiled Assembly.
However, she didn't raise a question based on this point, only silently taking a sip of the fresh blood plasma served in her cup.
Intrigued by Inchworm's statement, Bartley, who was eating grilled fish, became interested.
He chewed a piece of crisply charred fish bone and steered the conversation in that direction.
"What if the one you serve orders you to betray us?"
"Hunter, your question will likely only breed suspicion, nothing else. I don't deem this a topic worth discussing."
"But if I must provide an answer, I would choose to respect her decision."
Facing Bartley's question, Inchworm answered without the slightest burden.
"I could return this line of argument to you in a different form. If the General Affairs Division ordered you to execute me, would you hesitate even for a moment when taking action?"
"Heh... I suppose not."
Bartley stated bluntly.
Though not particularly fond of this sophistical individual, the fact that he was willing to answer his question directly could, in a way, be considered frank.
Upon hearing Bartley's words, Inchworm raised his ring finger to adjust his silver-rimmed square glasses.
"My stance is the same."
The atmosphere of this shipboard dinner was not exactly cordial, but neither was it tense. Aside from Inchworm, the cults the others belonged to were all interconnected to some degree, eliminating the need for the overt wariness typical among a band of mercenaries.
As for Inchworm, while his allegiances were unclear, he was, after all, entrusted by Dr. Fran, which afforded him a certain level of credibility.
After this routine meeting concluded, the group returned to their respective rooms to rest.
Bartley had been immersing himself almost daily in the use of the chainsword "Ripper Shark." This weapon was practically a sword-shaped meat grinder, and after reforging with Sun-Forging techniques, it had gained the additional effect of high-heat armor-piercing...
To better maintain it, this Hunter Supervisor had even purchased a professional guide to artifact maintenance from a craftsman, showing great potential for a side career as a mechanic.
Meanwhile, Rosalia received a relic from Count Jude as a reward. However, this haughty relic clearly held some dissatisfaction towards its new owner, and the two were currently in the painful adjustment phase...
[S-912. Farewell Feast Ring]
[Source: Attilan, Monroe Dynasty Ancient Ruins]
[Condition: Preserved intact]
[Relic Description: This relic takes the form of an ankle bracelet ornament worn by Monroe nobility, made of gold and adorned with tiny hanging bells shaped like orchids and roses. The wearer can consume blood to use any Red Cup system second-category, lower-tier secret arts. The cost is a temporary aversion to all forms of ingestion.]
[Maintenance Cycle: The relic may experience one 'restlessness' every three calendar months, requiring the wearer to carry it while fasting for two days to pacify it.]
[Note: Research indicates this relic set consists of three pieces in total. It is known that the first piece is in the possession of White Cup History Department Professor 'Terence Feng,' and he seems capable of unlocking that relic's potential at a deeper level.]
Inchworm, on the other hand, was organizing the weapons he had procured from the underground market.
These included outdated pistols discarded by Secrets-Hunters, a standard-issue dagger, and several alchemical grenades... After the attack by the Nightmare Guest, he had gained a profound understanding of the importance of enhancing his self-preservation capabilities.
"Woo—"
Amidst the whistling smoke, the steel hull of the steamship plowed through the surging black waves of the Abyssal Sea. Approximately two days of travel remained before reaching the port of the fallen city, Morien.
—
Moldway, Train Platform.
Detreka stepped off the train, stretching her waist with a hint of weariness.
If the First Perch's Full Moon Auction hadn't been held in Moldway, she probably wouldn't have had the chance to visit the capital of Gormouth for another ten years. Steam train tickets weren't cheap; even with the payment provided by Dr. Fran, she couldn't afford to be wasteful...
Forced by circumstances, Detreka had always been accustomed to frugality, even pondering whether to add an egg to her daily breakfast toast.
In fact, she had even considered traveling to Moldway by carriage or joining a freight caravan to save some money... but that would have significantly lengthened the journey, likely preventing her from arriving before the full moon.
Speaking of which, law enforcement inspections at the station had become unusually strict these past few days. Filling out passenger information took a long time, and identity verification consumed even more.
She could sense that those Star-Tellers assisting with patrols were practically glaring holes through everyone they scrutinized.
What had happened in Moldway? Why were these Stellar Abyss Society members acting so aggressive, tense, and vaguely irritated?
The last time they displayed such demeanor was when Morien was struck by a calamity and completely fell.
Though it was just an indescribable premonition, Detreka somehow felt this might be related to Ms. Vivian. However, she was probably overthinking it; after all, Vivian's target was the Six-Eyed Crow cult, which presumably wouldn't involve the Stellar Abyss Society.
Judging by that lady's meticulous and leak-proof operational style, she was a cautious person who likely wouldn't bother stirring up such unnecessary trouble.
"Hmm... As expected of the capital, there really are 'business opportunities' everywhere."
Looking at the hurried, nearly defenseless crowds on the platform, Detreka couldn't help but sigh.
Her financial situation was currently better than ever, and she was under Ms. Vivian's commission, needing to minimize the possibility of complications to avoid accidentally getting thrown in jail.
Otherwise, she'd really like to test the weight of Moldway's lords' and ladies' wallets...
After some time, Detreka used the Six-Eyed Crow's secret command and token to locate their temporary base in Moldway. It was a tavern in the city outskirts, with their gathering place in a hidden room behind it.
But contrary to her expectations, the scale of the base in the bustling capital was even smaller than the one in Foy Port, and the surrounding air carried a strange sense of desolation.
Not only were the members few in number, but most also seemed hurried, as if chased by some sense of urgency.
Coincidentally, High Priest Ash Scar was presiding over affairs at the temporary base. After some thought, Detreka cautiously approached to inquire.
"Um, Mr. Ash Scar... has something happened within the cult? Why are there so few people, and everyone seems a bit tense?"
Seeing Detreka arrive, the busy Ash Scar set aside his work and explained with some annoyance.
"Major events have occurred recently."
"Detreka, normally, based on your rank, these matters shouldn't be disclosed to you. But since you've gained the favor of the Hermit lady... perhaps you possess some undiscovered talent. There's no confidentiality agreement on this matter either, so I'll tell you first."
His gaze carried some worry, and after a moment's consideration, he narrated in detail.
"A major case occurred at the Stellar Abyss Society's Sands of Slumber Bell Tower. Though they haven't revealed exactly what was stolen, judging by the nearly insane attitude of the Tide-Listeners... it must be extraordinary and extremely important."
"Even during the dangerous period when Morien fell, they didn't launch such a stringent manhunt."
Hearing Ash Scar's words, Detreka couldn't help but slightly slow her breathing, her expression turning somewhat solemn.
"So... does the Stellar Abyss Society suspect us?"
While the Six-Eyed Crows enjoyed a decent reputation in the field of "transactions," whenever a theft of valuable items occurred... they would still be the prime suspect.
And most of the time, the facts would prove the suspicion wasn't misplaced.
But this time, Ash Scar shook his head, a rare hint of confusion visible in his eyes beneath the mask.
"Firstly, this case truly has nothing to do with us. Secondly, the Stellar Abyss Society doesn't suspect us either... They even, with a certain 'goodwill,' sent us a warning."
"According to information provided by the Stellar Abyss Society, the thief who committed the sensational case at the Sands of Slumber Bell Tower left a letter, stating they would come for us during this month's full moon. And take away a certain 'hidden treasure' of ours."
As he spoke, his tone was rather complex.
If the thief had only targeted the Stellar Abyss Society, he would undoubtedly feel admiration. The Sands of Slumber Bell Tower was guarded by multiple layers of patrols and protective rituals. Stealing something hidden there without leaving a trace was an extremely difficult feat.
And that person even dared to leave a letter, which was truly arrogant.
But the current situation was that the Six-Eyed Crow cult was the thief's next target. Both were in the same line of work; if the other succeeded easily, it would be a massive loss of face...
"Based on the copy of the letter provided by the Stellar Abyss Society, we've learned that the person's name is 'Vivian.' As for identity... there's a possibility she is the mysterious 'Confidential Primus' of the Secrets-Hunters. Of course, the latter is merely speculation."
Before Ash Scar could finish, Detreka already felt a huge shock surge within her, like towering waves.
She forcibly steadied her emotions to avoid showing overly unnatural expressions or exclaiming aloud.
The one who committed the crime at the Sands of Slumber Bell Tower was Ms. Vivian? And she might be the "Confidential Primus" of the Confidential Division?
Suppressing her slightly trembling fingers, Detreka took out her personal water bottle and drank a sip to conceal her astonishment.
"Should we still proceed with this month's Full Moon Auction as scheduled?"
"Of course we will."
Ash Scar replied promptly.
"Frankly, I'm quite curious about how she plans to take our treasure under the surveillance of several Raven-Feather High Priests. If her skills are truly that superb, then we can only admit our inferiority."
"But that's not the main reason... The Stellar Abyss Society proposed to assist with patrols, and 'Remaining Eye' has agreed. The Full Moon Auction is, in fact, also a trap set for her."
As he spoke, Ash Scar wearily rubbed his eyes.
He had been busy recently with relocating the base and arranging defenses, going days without sleep, and thus had little energy to focus on each individual. Therefore, he didn't pay much attention to Detreka's slight unnaturalness.
However, he offered a final warning.
"This month, remember not to cause trouble in Moldway. If you must, make sure not to get caught. The Tide-Listeners and the Royal Court's law enforcement are both quite abnormal; we can hardly bail anyone out of the cells."
"...I understand. Thank you for the warning, Mr. Ash Scar."
Detreka obediently agreed.
Leaving the cult's base, her mind was still haunted by a strong sense of unreality, making her steps somewhat unsteady.
To think that a target she randomly chose on the Levianthan had turned out to be the "Confidential Primus" of the Secrets-Hunter cult? What incredible misfortune...
But judging by the outcome, she had become Ms. Vivian's informant and received substantial payment. Perhaps this was actually the favor of the Goddess of Fate?
"What are you thinking about?"
Just as Detreka was immersed in her thoughts, she heard a familiar voice beside her ear.
Looking up towards the sound, she saw "Vivian" standing in the dim shadows of the alley.
Her physician-clad figure was concealed in the hazy lamplight, surrounded by drifting, thread-like mist, as if she had been standing there all along.
"Ah, Ms. Vivian... I, I was thinking about where to stay tonight."
As she said this, Detreka's voice was very small, as if afraid someone else might hear the name.
In truth, she herself didn't know why she brought this up.
Her thoughts were somewhat chaotic due to Fran's sudden appearance, putting her in a state of saying whatever came to mind.
"Oh, what a coincidence... My clinic branch is currently under renovation. If you don't mind, you could help out a bit. I can spare a room for you to stay temporarily?"
Fran rubbed her hands together, her amber eyes gleaming with inexplicable anticipation.
+++
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