Reward: A Sealed Artifact

Luther obtained Roselle's diary from Grela more easily than expected.

To his disappointment, the other entries in the diary contained mostly trivial details, such as which noblewoman Roselle was having an affair with or what inventions he had copied. The only useful entry was the one he had seen initially.

According to that diary, extraordinary individuals with similar Sequence can indeed transform. However, this transformation can only be achieved by reaching High Sequence. For example, the "Gatekeeper" of the "Death" Pathway at Sequence 5 can not only directly advance to Sequence 4 of its own Pathway, but can also advance to Sequence 4 of the "Evernight" and "God of Combat" Pathway.

But he's only Sequence 9, far from meeting the requirements for the transformation Pathway. Moreover, he doesn't know what a "similar Sequence" is, or which Sequence is similar to the Secrets Suppliant's, so he can only give up for now.

Let's go back and contact Mr. Azik to see if he has any other ideas.

He thought to himself.

The matter in Enmat Harbor was over. After attending the funeral, the three members of the Tingen team said goodbye to Miss Daly, boarded the train back to Tingen, which they hadn't seen in a long time.

I'm finally back...

Stepping onto the platform in Tingen City, Luther sighed from the bottom of his heart. After spending time in the crisis-ridden Enmat Harbor, returning here even gave him a sense of belonging.

However, there seem to be Lunatic here who summon evil gods, so it's not exactly safe...

Shaking his head to dismiss these thoughts, Luther and the other two boarded a carriage and returned to the Blackthorn Security Company on Zouteland Street to report for duty.

"... Edward faithfully fulfilled his duty Nighthawks, protecting the Enmat Harbor. May the Goddess bless him."

Upon receiving the news, Dunn waited for them in his office. After hearing the whole story, he remained silent for a long time before finally speaking slowly.

May the Goddess bless him.

The other three also drew Crimson Moon on their chests and bowed their heads to pray for him.

"Alright, thank you all for your hard work on this business trip. I've applied for leave for you all; you don't need to come back today or tomorrow. Get some rest and spend more time with your families at home." Dunn stood up and said to them, "Oh, by the way Luther, you stay behind for a moment."

Why keep me here?

Luther, who was thinking about picking up his younger sister from school, wondered aloud, and stayed behind after the other two left.

Dunn looked at him, then smiled after a moment and said, "Luther, you've done another great service by stopping the God Descent and protecting Enmat Harbor. Your merits have accumulated to a certain level, and I've already submitted an application to the Cathedral to increase your weekly wage from £6 to £8."

A pay rise? That's great!

Luther immediately perked up. A one-third raise, even on top of his already high salary, was truly gratifying.

But when he looked at Dunn, it seemed like he still had something to say.

"Captain, is there anything else?"

He asked.

"Um."

Dunn nodded, paused for a moment, and then said, "With the merits you've accumulated, you're actually qualified to apply for Sequence 8 Potion. However, due to your Sequence issue, you can't get the normal promotion. So, after consideration, I've decided to offer compensation."

Compensation—what a beautiful word.

"Captain, what kind of compensation is it?"

"A Sealed Artifact."

Sealed Artifact?

Luther looked up at Dunn to make sure he wasn't joking.

"Captain, are you serious?"

"Of course I'm serious."

Dunn's calm eyes showed no hint of a joke. "You often encounter various events alone, and your Beyonder Ability are geared towards support, so you do need external support. However, don't expect to get any powerful Sealed Artifact. At most, I can only assign you one Level 3 Sealed Artifact with no dangerous side effects... And it's not even yours; it's just for you to keep temporarily."

After hearing Dunn so many restrictions, Luther began to believe him somewhat.

That's true. Those precious Level 1 and Grade 2 Sealed Artifact have powerful effects but also dangerous side effects, so Dunn wouldn't just give them to him casually. As for Level 3 Sealed Artifact... to be honest, it's a bit tricky. They're probably not as useful as Mr. Azik's Bone Flute, but it's better than nothing.

Luther tried to cheer himself up.

"Okay, then I'll check the files on Level 3 Sealed Artifact later and pick out a suitable one... But, Captain, is what you're doing in accordance with the regulations?"

He remembered that the squad had a rule that even for Level 3 Sealed Artifact, at least three people were required to apply for their use.

"I've reported to the Cathedral with my squad leader's authority. If the Cathedral agrees, you can go and retrieve it... Given your contributions, it should be approved."

That's good.

Luther nodded, said goodbye to Dunn, and walked out.

"Wait a minute, there's one more thing."

Dunn called out from behind.

Luther had no choice but to turn around; after being away on business for several days, he had completely forgotten about Dunn's memory problem...

"What's wrong, Captain?"

"Regarding the human trafficking case, the Military has completed its investigation. Their final conclusion was that some temporary employees were misled by the Aurora Order and colluded with external companies and local forces in Balam to carry out human trafficking and sacrifice activities."

Temporary employee? That's classic.

"I don't believe it," Ms. M said, adding that they were just reselling the property.

Luther shook his head.

"The Church doesn't believe it either, but since the Military has given an explanation and all other leads have run out, the Church can only temporarily suspend the investigation and wait for new leads to emerge."

Dunn said.

After this, the Church will likely pay more attention to similar incidents. The Military, or rather the mastermind behind it, will probably also be more cautious. This matter is unlikely to be resolved in the short term.

"I see."

Luther had no way to influence the Church's decisions, so he could only nod in agreement.

"By the way, Captain."

As he was about to leave, he suddenly remembered something.

Turning back to look into Dunn's eyes, Luther said earnestly:

"Captain Edward told me to tell you not to be a coward, or he'll look down on you."

Then he saw Dunn, who had been calm all along, suddenly widen his eyes. He opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something. But in the end, he just silently took a deep breath and sat in the darkness without saying a word.

It was around three or four in the afternoon when Lu Ze walked out of the Blackthorn Security Company's gate. Looking up at the clear sky and bright sunshine, Luther's mood gradually improved.

Let the bigwigs worry about those grand conspiracies; it's more important to take care of your family. Oh, and since I have a day off today, I should pick up my sister from school.

Outside the gate of St. Selena Girls' School in Tingen City.

This girls' high school is considered one of the better schools in Tingen City. The students are mostly from upper-middle-class families, including daughters of minor nobles and wealthy businessmen. Every time school lets out, these vibrant and well-dressed girls walk out of the school Tingen City.

But today, these girls, once outside, lacked their usual liveliness and instead walked with the utmost ladylike decorum. A few of the bolder ones, while pretending to chat with their best friends, would steal a glance at the figure across the school gate.

There, a bored young man with dark hair leaned lazily against a carriage. He wasn't dressed formally, his arms were crossed, and his shirt collar was slightly open. So, on this early autumn evening, the girls on the street felt a gentle breeze, like that of early spring.

Where's my sister?

Luther's eyes swept across the girls until he saw Cecilia, at which point he broke into a smile that captivated them. Cecilia, seeing Luther, was also surprised. Amidst the envious glances of her peers, she quickly went to her brother.