Oswald did not suggest accompanying them. Evidently, while he didn't think much of his student's time management or intelligence, he had great faith in her combat prowess. This also confirmed Aiwass's judgment.
Though he couldn't see Haina's attribute panel, just thinking about it was enough… she was, after all, one of the top-tier students from the best Transcendent school in the country. Given the lack of resources and early education, the fact that she could keep up with the curriculum, and even stand out among the nation's elite, proved her aptitude.
Although she was currently quite pleased with herself for becoming a Capital Inspector before even graduating, in reality, it wasn't much to boast about. While the Supervisory Bureau was a uniformed profession, its status was not particularly high. They typically handled civil cases—street patrols, maintaining public order, inspecting shops, and arresting low-level Transcendents.
When faced with difficult enemies like spies or cultists, the Inspectorate would be called in; and for serious cases involving knight families, the Arbitration Hall, with the highest authority, would be deployed. "Arbitrators" were high-level professionals starting at Level 30. One level higher were the few true top powerhouses.
Although Haina had no distinguished background… and seemed clumsy due to lack of experience, her current assignment was partly to let her accumulate experience and partly to lower her expectations. In a few more years, she would at worst secure a position as a Sector Director. If things went smoothly, she might join the Inspectorate by thirty and enter the Round Table before forty. Aiwass estimated her professional level was around Level 20—at least ten levels higher than himself. With a Level 20 powerhouse accompanying him, running a Level 10 dungeon would be no problem.
Just in case, Oswald also gave Aiwass a handgun for self-defense. It was an exquisite lady's pistol with an openwork silver thorn pattern, about the size of a palm.
> Lady's Grip +2
> Exquisite Weapon (Deep Blue)
> Firearm, Burst Pistol, Five-round Capacity
> 8mm Bullets (5/5)
> Trait: Weight and volume are 60% of similar pistols.
> Elf Style: Malfunction rate significantly reduced, maintenance cost increased.
> Module - Elegant Aim: Accuracy is significantly boosted.
> Module - Light Shot: Recoil is additionally reduced.
>
Exquisite weapons were the strongest level mortal craftsmen could forge! Aiwass, who had intended to decline, happily accepted it. In the game, blue equipment typically only dropped from dungeons at Level 30 and above.
But just before Aiwass left, Oswald called out to him. "The master said to remember to put this on. And wear the cloak." He handed Aiwass a black neck guard and a hooded cloak.
Aiwass realized the material: "Asbestos?"
"The Strangling Party has been rampant lately. If you plan to leave the White Queen District, it would be wise to wear an anti-strangulation neck guard," Oswald said earnestly. "And the hood is to conceal your identity."
Aiwass reluctantly put it on. He had heard of the Strangling Party—an upgraded version of bandits who used thin ropes to strangle victims in sparsely populated areas. Although asbestos was carcinogenic… life was more important.
Watching Aiwass don the gear, Mr. Oswald handed him a thick wad of banknotes. "This is the investigation fund from the master."
Aiwass counted them. There were twenty large, silver-white banknotes symbolizing the Silver Crown Dragon (God of Authority). There were also twenty red, medium-sized banknotes representing the Candle Holder (Path of Dedication).
In the Kingdom of Avalon, only Transcendent professions from the Paths of Authority, Dedication, and Balance were legal. One "white crown" was roughly equivalent to 1,000 RMB. One "red candle" note was about 50 RMB.
"Remember to keep the red and white coins separate," Oswald cautioned. "Those 'white crowns' are for bribing high-value targets."
Aiwass shoved the white coins into Haina's hand. "You hold onto them." She was a bit excited; twenty white crowns were a lot of money—equivalent to a semester's tuition. She meticulously searched her pockets to find a safe spot, shielding it with her elbow.
"Where are we going?" she asked. "The warehouse? Or Stone Arch Park?"
"No," Aiwass said. "Those places have been thoroughly searched. We're heading east, to the Pelican Bar."
"Where is that?" Haina clearly didn't recognize the name. She only knew the areas around the university and the Supervisory Bureau. Her monthly allowance of 50 red candles didn't allow her to roam freely.
"In Lloyd District."
"Near the port?" Haina's expression changed. She remembered a friend advising her not to go there unnecessarily. One of her roommates had mentioned Pelican Bar once—not with a grin, but with a serious face. She had said it was a place to buy materials.
Haina was tempted. She had never dared go to such places before due to cost and danger. But now, she was wearing armor and Aiwass had funds. "Lloyd District it is, let's go! I will protect you—if any rascals cause trouble, I will let them know the punishment of law!"
With a sharp weapon in hand, the desire to kill arises naturally. Aiwass narrowed his eyes. "So, are you ready to kill, Senior?"
Haina froze. Then, she said seriously, "As a matter of fact, I have already killed someone."
"Then let's go," Aiwass said softly. "My legs aren't working well, so I'll trouble you to push me."