Wisdom's Price × An Appointment at the Castle

The materials used to Evil Crow Person were somewhat unexpected for Kevin.

It's not because the quality is too bad, but because it's unexpectedly good.

Kevin had used materials produced by highly Wise Demonic Beast.

After all, there are quite a few Wise Demonic Beast in the world that possess intelligence comparable to that of humans.

Apart from a few Demonic Beast that have a cooperative relationship with the Hunter Association and are protected, the others are not protected in any way.

To Kevin, the materials of these Demonic Beasts were essentially no different from those of ordinary Demonic Beast or even wild animals.

In some respects, it's even inferior to ordinary materials.

Because intelligent beings undergo changes in certain parts of their bodies as their intelligence develops.

This means that most of the materials used by highly intelligent beings are of little use to Kevin.

The only potentially useful materials are probably those like the brain or eyes, but the problem is that there are better alternatives for these materials.

Especially with brain-related materials, Kevin has yet to find a suitable formula for use in medicine.

This material is extremely difficult to use in pharmaceutical preparation.

Therefore, in Kevin's view, highly Wise Demonic Beast are not very suitable for use in pharmaceuticals.

If the Evil Crow Person posed no significant threat to Kevin and his companions, and was merely slightly hostile, Kevin might not even bother hunting them down.

Unfortunately, the Evil Crow Person pose a threat.

Following the principle of not wasting anything, Kevin also brought back the corpse of the Evil Crow Person.

The result was far beyond his expectations.

Most of the materials in Evil Crow Person's body are practically useless, as if all the energy is concentrated in two parts—the brain and the heart.

Needless to say, the condition of the brain is also a concern.

But the heart is ranked higher than the brain.

Without a doubt, it has reached the top level of C-Rank.

"So, is it because you learned Nen ability?"

Kevin pondered to himself.

This is basically the only reasonable variable, after all, he has also come into contact with materials about the Evil Crow Person outside, and has experience to compare.

He couldn't help but begin to analyze his Nen ability.

Nen ability is the combination of [ki] and [yi].

[Qi] represents Life Force, encompassing aspects such as the body, strength, and health.

[Italian] symbolizes the soul, encompassing elements such as will, brain, and memory.

To put it simply, the brain can be seen, to some extent, as the carrier of intention.

The rest of the body carries [qi], or rather, is capable of generating [qi].

Kevin couldn't determine exactly what his original world was like.

But in this world, the existence of the soul is undeniable.

Many Nen ability can prove this point directly or indirectly.

Although Kevin didn't have much firsthand experience, both Kim Biscuit mentioned it, especially Kim.

As Kevin's understanding of the world deepened, their authority in their professional field became increasingly unquestionable.

[Qi] can be continuously enhanced through exercise, which essentially manifests as an improvement in bodily functions.

[Intention] can also be strengthened through cultivation, manifesting as greater calmness, focus, and stronger willpower.

To some extent, the growth of [intention] is difficult to perceive; it is a relatively abstract change.

The growth of [Qi] can be easily observed through changes in the body.

Therefore, when a sentient being with wisdom learns the Nen ability and gradually becomes stronger...

The first thing that happens is that a part of its body will grow rapidly, and at this moment, this power converges on the heart.

This allows for a rapid improvement in the quality of heart-related materials.

"So the question is, what would be the effect of using this heart as a material?"

There is currently no answer to this question.

After processing and properly storing the materials, I returned to the hotel.

Men Qi and the others then began to cook.

The amount of materials brought back this time is large, and some of them must be used up, in addition to those previously stored in the Village.

Dishes made with Griffin perfectly illustrate the saying, "Powerful creatures are not necessarily delicious."

In nature, strength and deliciousness are not directly proportional.

Under Men Qi's superb culinary skills, the various dishes made with Griffin tasted quite good, but compared to the soup made with Golden Chicken and Golden Egg, the difference in taste was still quite obvious.

Even compared to dishes made with some more common, lower-grade ingredients, there are significant differences.

Of course, this doesn't mean the food made by Griffin was bad, it just wasn't as delicious as expected.

After a satisfying meal and drinks.

Buhaci has returned to its original state.

A once burly man has transformed into a kind and chubby figure in the blink of an eye.

In just the time it takes to eat a meal.

Okay, while Griffin cuisine may not be the most satisfying in terms of taste and flavor, it is certainly commendable in terms of nutritional value.

Knowing about Men Qi's Nen ability, Kevin couldn't help but feel curious.

"You've gone through the whole process, right? So, how much of your strength can you recreate?"

Compared to the previously materialized Tentacle Python, this Griffin is superior in every aspect.

It is enormous, can use wind-attribute Nen ability, and also has the ability to fly.

It can be said to be an ideal template for Nen Beast.

This is undoubtedly a significant boost to Men Qi's strength, and it also greatly enhances the practicality of her Nen ability. She didn't participate in many battles, but she witnessed the whole thing.

"While we contributed to the victory, it only played a supporting role."

"I handle the slaughtering myself, so my understanding of their bodies is beyond question."

"I put my heart and soul into the cooking process, but I have to say that as an ingredient, the Griffin is really not that great."

"I savored it carefully while tasting it, but the flavor wasn't exactly amazing."

Of these five standard procedures, the first two reflect the creature's past combat capabilities and physical strength, while the latter three reflect the creature's functionality and, for Men Qi, the limits of the Nen Beast's free transformation.

Men Qi performed the last three tasks quite well, but the first two tasks were clearly not perfect.

"In terms of strength, it can probably only imitate about 60%, and its combat autonomy is at most at a medium level."

In terms of other functionalities, it's perfect; adjusting the size and intensity works flawlessly.

Kevin nodded upon hearing Men Qi's answer.

To be honest, this result is already quite good.

Even if she can only unleash 60% of her strength, and Men Qi needs to be distracted during the battle, it is still not to be underestimated.

The main feature is that this Nen Beast can fly and carry people.

The attack method used is the ability to transform into wind using the Transmutation Type.

In terms of combat, it can be said that, with this Nen ability, Men Qi's strength is second only to Kevin.

In a one-on-one fight, neither Xiahara nor Gowen would be a match for her.

After all, the intelligence of Griffin cannot be compared with that of a human, and its fighting style will change greatly under Men Qi's control.

However, it lacks sustainability. After all, the more complete the restoration, the more Nen Aura it consumes, and the shorter the duration.

In this aspect, Men Qi can only improve through her own continued efforts.

"If I look at the time, there's less than a month and a half left until the end of the year. I probably won't be able to go hunting anymore."

With so many ingredients to process and the need to learn the Village's unique cooking techniques, a month and a half seemed quite tight.

Upon hearing this, Kevin nodded.

"I'm pretty much the same. After all, I've already achieved my hunting goal and obtained all the materials I planned to acquire."

I need to stay in the Village for a while and see what secrets it holds.

"But your [Coming sound] problem hasn't been resolved yet, has it? Won't that put you in danger?" Buhara asked from the side.

He met the three people's concerned gazes.

Kevin smiled.

"I don't want to play hide-and-seek with them anymore. I plan to gather more intelligence in the Village over the next two weeks."

As for how to handle the [Coming sound] issue, let's decide next month."

This Village holds too many secrets.

A grand year-end Festival, a mysterious Saintess, all sorts of villagers, a strange Curse, and the occasional Coming sound.

Although Bianluoke was happy to share information, he didn't know much about the key core details.

Ever since Kevin and Melusina became closer, the key figures in the village have become wary of him.

Other villagers also seemed to have received some kind of ban, and even when subtly probed, they were unwilling to reveal much information.

Although they would occasionally hint at things, their words were always a reminder to Kevin and his friends not to meddle in other people's business.

Regarding the [Coming sound] coming from outside, there are currently only two options.

Alternatively, one could be bolder and follow the sound, like the Hunter x Hunter of the past, only to be led to the lair of a dangerous creature and end up with nothing.

Either ignore it completely, since the barrier of the Curse seems to still be in effect.

They left immediately after the memorial service.

Now that the Village has completed its hunting mission, the mysterious voices outside seem to have no way to stop them.

Blindly following the voice is too risky, but ignoring it completely is not in Kevin's character.

It seems that the key to gaining intelligence in the Village lies with Melusina.

However, Kevin felt very conflicted about her.

He decided to visit the Castle to learn more about the situation before figuring out a solution.

Therefore, he has decided not to sit idly by and wait for his fate at the beginning of next month.

Time is running out, and there are many problems.

I've had enough, I'm not playing with them anymore.

Kevin decided to flip the table.

He wants to consult the family's fortune teller.

Instead of always hiding and being overly cautious, why not just find out what really happened?

Give those guys a punch each.

However, to obtain sufficiently rich and accurate information from divination, he must delve into more details.

The more information he knows, the more information he can provide and interpret at that time.

This has already been verified.

The next morning.

Kevin, carrying carefully prepared Gift, traveled through the Village and arrived at the Castle.

The Castle is not large, but it stands out quite in the Small Town.

If it were placed outdoors, it would look more like a resort Manor.

The Castle is surrounded by all sorts of flowers and plants, which are kept in perfect order.

At that moment, two guards stood in the Gate. The moment they saw Kevin, their undisguised malice was palpable.

Kevin recognized the two guys.

Aren't these the Village Chief's two guards?

Have they been guarding this place all along?

Kevin had never been here before, so he was unaware of these circumstances.

"Outsiders, the Castle is not a place you can just visit and enter."

One of the guards frowned as he spoke, holding his spear horizontally in front of the door.

Although he felt utterly disgusted, he knew he couldn't afford to offend the other party.

"I'm not here just for a casual visit. Melusina invited me to be her guest, so this should be her home, right?"

Upon hearing this, the other guard beside him frowned even more deeply, brandishing his weapon as well, and said in an unfriendly tone, "The Saintess Maiden needs to prepare for the Festival and will not receive any guests before Festival begins. Please return."

Huh? Has he been placed under house arrest?

If such a rule truly existed, then no invitation would have been sent out that day.

Or perhaps they knew about this rule and that Melusina might be placed under house arrest, yet they still deliberately invited her.

In either case, Kevin cannot simply turn around and leave now.

Moreover, these two guys, or rather the Village Chief's faction, were becoming increasingly hostile towards him in the Village, and Kevin had long disliked them.

"I have no interest in arguing with you here."

As he spoke, Kevin's originally kind face turned cold, and his voice became icy.

His Nen Aura suddenly erupted, Emission a torrent of malice.

Faced with the powerful Nen Aura emanating from Kevin, the two were instantly enveloped, the malice creating immense mental pressure.

It pressed heavily on them.

The two guards' eyes widened instantly, their teeth clenched, and their bodies trembled slightly.

They gripped their weapons tightly, trembling, and pointed the guns at Kevin.

"Just raising weapons?"

Kevin's cold voice came through.

The guard who spoke first had bloodshot eyes, his whole body was trembling like a leaf, and even the weapon he was holding was shaking uncontrollably.

Sweat kept pouring down his face.

"Bang.

His legs gave way and he collapsed to the ground, his weapon falling to the side.

He ultimately lacked the courage to attack.

"Haaaaaah!"

However, another guard next to him shouted and frantically stabbed at Kevin with his weapon.

"Oh, you've got guts, haven't you?"

Kevin smiled, but the smile did not reassure the two of them in the slightest.

He raised his hand to meet the thrusting spearhead.

A crisp metallic clanging sound rang out.

The gunhead, imbued with Nen Aura, struck Kevin's hand, but it was as if it had hit a hard steel plate, having no effect whatsoever.

Kevin tightened his grip, taking the entire gun barrel in his hand.

Accompanied by a series of creaking sounds.

The gun barrel was crushed into a lump of scrap metal.

The moment Kevin let go, the guard collapsed to the ground, powerless to resist any longer.

Kevin withdrew his Nen Aura and returned to his harmless appearance.

"Excuse me."

He smiled and said this, then pushed open the door and entered the Castle.

Upon entering the Castle.

What comes into view is a dignified and elegant hall, with the style of Castle or aristocracy.

The maid I'd seen at the Library looked surprised when Kevin walked in.

"How did you get in? What about those two outside—"

Kevin raised his hand to interrupt her, and said with a smile, "You mean those two guards at the gate? They're quite friendly."

The maid paused for a moment, then said, "I'll go and call Miss down right away."

After saying that, he glared and ran away.

A short while later, a commotion of chickens and dogs came from upstairs.

"Aren't we too early?"

Kevin thought to himself, then quietly sat down on the chair next to him and waited patiently.

"Wait, wait a minute!"

"We can't wait any longer; they're waiting. How can we leave them standing there alone?"

"He must have taught those two annoying guys at the door a lesson, haha."

But I just woke up, I haven't—

"It's okay, don't you see these kinds of scenes in comics?"

"Yes, yes, it's amazing to suddenly have someone visit and see the real thing—it's fantastic!"

"Yes, that's exactly the natural and casual state we want."

"This is a great opportunity; we must seize it."

Wait a minute!

Melusina's cries seemed to have no effect.

And just like that, she was woken up from her bed and pushed in front of Kevin.

At this moment, Melusina looked like an ostrich, her head bowed, her flushed neck and ear tips betraying her embarrassment.

Her white hair was somewhat disheveled, and she was still wearing pajamas, completely lacking the gentle and dignified appearance she usually exuded.

Instead, it adds a touch of laziness, making it even cuter.

"I'm leaving the young lady in your care. Let her show you around the Castle."

After speaking, the two maids quickly withdrew.

But they didn't go far; they were hiding by the door, peeking out furtively.

"Looks like I did arrive a bit early."

"No, no, I'm just too lazy---"

Melusina remained flushed, her head bowed, and her voice trembled slightly.

Kevin smiled and said, "But I'm quite lucky to have seen the Saintess's lazy and adorable side."

As he spoke, he reached out and gently tidied Melusina's slightly disheveled hair.

After finishing, Kevin suddenly realized something was wrong and quickly withdrew his hand.

Damn it, I've found myself getting closer to them again without even realizing it.

Am I really not affected by Nen ability?

This is precisely the problem he was worried about.

The maids who had been secretly watching from the side were already in a state of excited chaos.

"Ahhh, it's exactly the same as in the comics!"

"I told you, the characters in comics are definitely drawn by outside authors based on reality."

"That's amazing, I really saw this scene!"

"Don't make a sound, watch quietly, and don't let them find out."

In the living room, it took Kevin quite a while to calm Melusina down.

"Let me show you around the Castle."

Melusina spoke, she actually stood up from her wheelchair, though she wasn't able to walk on her own.

It was the White Snake coiled around her that played a role.

She sat on the White Snake's back, White Snake upper body wrapped around her, and it slowly floated up, dragging her along.

Afterwards, Melusina led Kevin on a leisurely stroll through the entire Castle.