An Unwelcome Visitor

"The vice president and his group came to City of Radiance to handle some matters for the Chamber of Commerce, and then went to the wilderness, where they unexpectedly encountered an attack by powerful members of the Savage Tribe near 'Red Stone Canyon'."

The manager of the Black Gold Merchant Guild spoke vaguely, but he roughly explained what had happened.

The squad encountered a formidable enemy, Uncle Sam was tasked with covering their retreat. He then became separated from the squad led by the lady.

They originally thought they would return to the city first, but unexpectedly, the seriously injured Sam was the only one to return.

The lady and several of Benjamin's followers have all disappeared.

Upon hearing this, Rein frowned.

When he first arrived in City of Radiance, the Countess and Uncle Sam went straight to the Wasteland, and he guessed that they must have other purposes.

However, at that time he was unaware of the existence of the "Black Gold Merchant Guild," this financial empire.

Little did they know that this seemingly ordinary Uncle Sam could actually kill the Third Tier "Explosive Brown Bear" that nearly wiped them out with a single shot.

Ha, it's really putting a lot of pressure on an honest, simple-minded guy to play a rookie.

But clearly, with the Four Great Consecrations of the Black Crystal Chamber of Commerce and the vice president present, they were planning something "big".

Looking back now, it's very likely that the "big event" was directly related to the Kolman Tribe where Wudo lived, perhaps involving ruins, treasures, or something else.

Then, recalling the earlier incidents where the guild's supply train was robbed by the "Black Skull Phantom Thieves" in the wasteland, and then besieged by a savage tribe...

It's not hard to guess that the lady had probably fallen into someone's trap.

This confirms Rein's earlier suspicion that someone is planning to take action against the "Black Gold Merchant Guild".

Finally, Manager Chapman sighed, "Well, that's why our guild headquarters has decided to issue an SSS-level bounty, asking the hunters in 'City of Radiance' to help find the guild leader and his group. This will be common knowledge very soon."

After listening, Rein frowned slightly.

He was no match for the woman in this matter and could only silently pray that nothing bad happened to her.

Moreover, the wealthy Black Gold Merchant Guild is planning to issue an "SSS-level bounty mission with a reward of 10 billion," so he doesn't need to worry about it at all.

After seeing off the "Black Gold Merchant Guild" group, Rein returned to the laboratory and began writing the report on the previous surgery.

Thump, thump, thump.

A short while later, there was a knock on the door.

But for some reason, the lab, which usually doesn't see visitors for ten days or half a month, has been getting a lot of visitors today.

Not long after the Black Gold Merchant Guild members left, an elderly man dressed in a black tuxedo, wearing a top hat, and carrying a silver cane visited the laboratory.

Ilubeck didn't seem to like the visitors, but he had no choice but to receive them.

Rein overheard their conversation and realized that the man seemed to be an elder of the Winst Family, the head of the Five Great Families of City of Radiance.

The atmosphere in the lab became somewhat awkward as soon as he opened his mouth.

After exchanging pleasantries, the old man went straight to the point. "Dr. Ilubeck, the patriarch sent me to inquire about the matter we discussed earlier. Is it possible to trouble you with your assistance?"

Ilubeck: "I've already said it, I'm not capable of doing that. I'm sorry, I can't help you. Please leave."

The old man seemed to have come prepared, and continued, "The patriarch promised that as long as you perform that surgery, even if you can't save the patient, the reward will still be substantial. Moreover, we have already prepared all the materials for the surgery. You don't even need to do the surgery yourself; you just need to be there to guide our hospital's doctors."

These words seemed to have touched a nerve with Ilubeck.

He refused again, his tone already showing a hint of disgust, "I told you, I can't save them."

Throughout the entire conversation, the two spoke as if they were talking in riddles.

Rein, who was standing to the side, was a little confused.

He had a vague feeling that this was not a simple case of seeking medical help at someone's home.

After being rejected repeatedly, a hint of gloom flashed in the old man's eyes.

His tone became less polite, and he continued, "Doctor, you should know that you are, after all, a wanted criminal by Omar. Our Winst Family has endured immense pressure to provide you with shelter and a safe experimental environment, and we have never asked for anything in return. Now, all we need is for you to do a small favor within your capabilities. Can you really bear to refuse?"

The implication behind those words was no longer friendly.

"Oh!"

Upon hearing this, the old man Ilubeck's temper flared up. He sneered, "If I don't agree, does your Winst Family intend to hand me over to Omar? Heh, the rules set by Master Cavo don't apply to your Winst Family? I am under the protection of City of Radiance because of Master Cavo's kindness, not because of your Winst Family! Besides, I, like everyone else, paid my dues according to the rules to receive protection. How come the fairness of the dues value is useless, and now power is the only thing that matters in the city?"

The old man was being threatened so openly that he didn't hold back at all.

Upon hearing this, the old man in the formal attire's face suddenly turned grim. "It is true that the City of Radiance is Master Cavo's city, but this Fifth District is also the city of our Winst Family!"

He paused, then said coldly, "Lord Ilubeck, won't you reconsider? If you don't take action, the old patriarch won't live past these next few days. At that point, there will be no turning back."

In his view, a person who cannot be used is of no value, no matter how profound their expertise in the medical field!

Over the years, Ilubeck has not only refused offers to train doctors and potion makers for his family, but has also treated almost no patients who needed treatment. He spends all his time buried in research in this laboratory, unable to create any value for the Winst Family.

Now they've even refused to extend the old patriarch's life, which has pushed them to their limit!

At this moment, Ilubeck didn't give him a chance to speak further and said to Rein, "Rein, see the guest out for me!"

Before Rein could speak, the elderly man in the tuxedo turned away, leaving behind a cold snort that was anything but polite, "Doctor, please reconsider!"

After seeing off the unpleasant guest, Rein returned to the laboratory.

Although the old man from Ilubeck had a bad temper, Rein had never seen such a furious expression on his face before.

The old man's face was dark and ugly, as if he had lost his temper because his bottom line had been repeatedly trampled on.

The old man didn't mention what had just happened, and Rein didn't ask either, silently doing his practice on the side.

But out of the corner of his eye, he kept staring at the old man.

None of its eight spider arms moved; it looked as if it was daydreaming.

This is very abnormal for a research fanatic who would rather replace mealtimes with intravenous nutrient injections.

After thinking for a moment, Rein still asked, "Teacher, are you alright?"

For a long time, no one answered, and the quiet in the laboratory was somewhat unsettling.

After a long while, a long sigh rang out.

Ilubeck finally spoke, asking Rein, "Aren't you curious about what the Winst Family member wanted my help with?"

Rein thought about the previous conversation and said, "Performing surgery on some important person who's about to die?"

Ilubeck frowned noncommittally and asked again, "Saving lives is a doctor's duty. But if saving a 'big shot' requires sacrificing another civilian, or many other innocent civilians, do you think it should be done?"

Upon hearing this, Rein vaguely guessed what was going on.

In this "semi-slave, semi-feudal society," the rights of the aristocratic class were inviolable.

The lives of commoners and slaves were worthless; they were entirely the private property of the nobility.

Rein, a transmigrator from the harmonious society of the 21st century, is telling me that nobles have a superior fate? Bah! You're a complete idiot!

He stated without hesitation, "Everyone is equal before life. No one has the right to sacrifice an innocent person's life just to save their own!"

Upon hearing this, Ilubeck glanced at him and nodded in agreement.

At this point, he asked again, "Do you know why I was wanted by the Oma Royal Family back then?"

Finally, the old man recounted that painful past.

Rein had heard from Bazel that it was related to the sudden death of some prince.

But clearly, the issue that could involve the old man is probably not some palace intrigue or feud, but rather a medical problem.

He guessed, "Is it related to one of your previous research projects?"

Upon hearing this, Ilubeck's expression softened slightly, and he exclaimed, "You're very clever."

He paused, then continued, "The old patriarch of the Winst Family had reached the end of his lifespan, but he still wanted to prolong it. With his immense wealth, he used every means at his disposal to extend his life by a few years, but he was still not satisfied. So he thought of doing what Prince Fox did back then and started thinking about Head Transplantation Surgery. Or rather, the whole family was thinking about this surgery."

Head Transplantation Surgery?

Ordinary people might find it unbelievable, but as a time traveler, how could Rein not know what those words meant?

Upon hearing this, he blurted out "Holy crap!"

Could this old man have actually developed this incredible technology?

I'm begging for votes by throwing a tantrum!