Ghoul Case

Chapter 37: The Ghoul Case

The Ghoul Case

Han Dong immediately became curious.

"Is the Holy City not absolutely safe inside? Ghouls… monsters from Western literature, why would they appear in residential buildings?

From what this Knight-Errant said, it seems there's a bounty from a relevant organization behind this incident. Solving these kinds of cases can earn you a reward.

He must have assessed the ghoul's strength based on the extent of the body's damage. It might have been a bit difficult for him alone, which is why he chose to recruit teammates temporarily.

If I go help, I can use this opportunity to understand these kinds of incidents better, and why monsters appear in residential buildings. Plus, I can learn about the bounty and earn some money. I'm quite short on cash right now.

But there are risks too… it's easy to expose myself, and I haven't officially entered the academy yet. Dealing with a ghoul might be dangerous."

Facing the temporary recruitment offer from the young blond knight, Han Dong didn't move immediately.

He hadn't officially entered the Knight Academy yet and had no related training in Occultism. Apart from the tendril attack from the Faceless Head, he knew no mystical skills.

"Wait… for combat skills, I do have one!"

After waiting for about five minutes, the young knight let out a helpless sigh.

"Most Knight-Errants study within the academy. Even if they go out, they wouldn't 'descend' to the commoner districts to waste time.

The bounty only mentioned suspected grave robbing in the cemetery at the junction of the Gana Commoner District and the Samael Commoner District… Since not much time has passed, they asked us to come apprehend the newly formed ghoul that has undergone ideological degeneration.

Judging from the depth of the scratches on the body and the residual fungi, this must be an adult ghoul.

Information has been sent back to the academy, and the bounty has been increased… But if I go back to find people to form a team now, this ghoul might very well escape.

A large sum of copper coin rewards, plus extracurricular credit points, I really don't want to give it up!

But I can't joke around with my own life."

The young knight sheathed his sword, seemingly deciding not to investigate the house… As long as he's alive, there's hope. Especially since he's already successfully pursuing his studies at the academy, there's no need to take this risk.

Just then, a scrawny, brown-haired youth slowly pushed through the crowd.

He wore a slightly oversized linen shirt.

Beneath his sallow skin, the patterns of his bones were clearly visible.

"Restricted area, forbidden…"

Just as a security officer was about to forcefully push Han Dong back into the crowd, a golden card was presented.

"Knight-Errant!!"

Instantly, the security officers stared at Han Dong with surprise and cleared a path for him.

"I don't know if I can help?"

After some thought, Han Dong determined that the benefits of helping outweighed the drawbacks.

"How many Major Points do you have?"

The young knight walked over and scrutinized Han Dong from head to toe… To be honest, even the bookworms majoring in the Library had better physical condition than Han Dong.

"Two points in Occultism. My name is Allen Andova," Han Dong deliberately used a fake name, as it couldn't be verified anyway.

"Two points… just barely qualified. However, your major in Occultism might be a bit troublesome for dealing with ghouls in such a confined space.

Allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Cas Martini. I have currently allocated three Destiny Points to Crusader… My strength and speed can allow me to confront an ordinary ghoul head-on.

However, here lies the current problem.

Come take a look, and you'll understand."

Guided by Cas, the two arrived in front of the female homeowner who was hanging by the door.

"The initial bounty I received only mentioned a 'newborn ghoul'.

But the wounds on the corpse indicate that the ghoul hiding in this building has already matured… I even suspect this family deliberately concealed it and was secretly raising a ghoul in their basement.

A mature ghoul is superior to me in all aspects.

The most troublesome part is its vitality! Unless its head is severed or its heart is pierced, any other attack cannot stop a ghoul."

"Mhm…"

As Han Dong listened, he examined the claw-like wounds on the female homeowner, analyzing inwardly:

The areas torn by the claws have already shown signs of gangrene, cellular tissue swelling, and severe obstruction of blood circulation… Even without a fatal injury, a single scratch would be enough to cause rapid death.

Is this what a ghoul is? No wonder this Knight-Errant didn't dare to undertake the mission alone.

The danger is far greater than I imagined. If I were to get injured and not receive timely treatment, I could very well die.

"Andova, tell me about your abilities. If you're inclined towards predictive or investigative abilities like astrology, then forget it."

Han Dong was very direct.

He took out a short blade wrapped in a green aura.

Cas looked astonished before him: "A Destiny Weapon that matches your main attribute!? What does it do?"

"It can unleash a single-target, non-directional plague attack."

"Plague... Ghouls might have some resistance to it.

However, since it's a Destiny Weapon, it's bound to have some effect. Alright, when we fight later, make sure to follow my lead and don't act rashly... Also, you're not in great shape, so stay behind me."

"Okay."

Cas secretly tugged on Han Dong's sleeve and whispered, leaning in, "Ahem, speaking of which... how did you get this Destiny Weapon?"

"Hidden event."

"As expected! I knew it, those guys didn't believe me!

The probability of finding a weapon from the Destiny Cards obtained from main events with a low chance is pathetically low. You must explore hidden events as much as possible to obtain Destiny Weapons from hidden rewards... I'm so envious of you.

My sword and shield, though forged from Pure Silver and possessing some exorcising properties, are still far inferior to a Destiny Weapon.

Wait for me here.

I'll have the security personnel here bring their firearms and surround the building! To prevent the ghouls from escaping while we're fighting them."

Judging by Cas's way of speaking and his methods, it was clear this wasn't his first bounty mission.

After arranging personnel, he then placed the female owner's corpse into a body bag, which was then transported by relevant personnel to the church for purification and cremation.

Everything was ready.

Han Dong followed behind Cas and stepped into the Victorian-style villa together.

As soon as they entered, they could smell the stench of decaying flesh.

Cas felt slightly unwell, while Han Dong, on the other hand, was completely unfazed.

After all, Han Dong was a man who dealt with fungi daily in his past life. When fungal cultivation went wrong, the smell... could instantly make someone want to go on a diet.

"Where's your goggles?"

Cas took out the essential brass goggles from his waist and put them on.

"Didn't bring them..."

"You... aren't you afraid of dying? Once you're mentally contaminated, it's not just about slowing down 'stress'... Luckily, I brought my spare goggles when I went out today, take these."

"Thanks."

Han Dong took them and quickly put them on.

Cas said, "You're studying Occultism, so you should know more about [Ghouls] than I do... Although they were transformed from humans, they also have some connection to things outside the city walls. Wear your goggles properly!

If they get damaged, immediately withdraw from the fight."

"Okay."

Han Dong didn't understand at all.

Hearing Cas's words made him even more curious about the function of "goggles" and the Higher Lifeforms that dominated this world.