A Pleader

According to the book, humans classify the strange constructs of this world into four tiers.

The lowest tier of strange constructs are also called artificial strange constructs. As long as blueprints and raw materials are available, they can be mass-produced and utilized according to human needs, such as the steam train before me.

This was something Chaoyang had never understood before—as a steam-powered machine, its lead car was surprisingly small and exquisite, and its starting and stopping were quite flexible, showcasing a level of technology that didn't quite fit with a steam engine. Now he understood; this thing was just a construct that looked like a steam train.

Anything above this tier is not something humans can create.

For example, tier three strange constructs, also known as arcane artifacts, range from dozens to thousands in number. They can be used by people, but their core cannot be replicated.

Tier two strange constructs still fall within this category. Besides being rarer, their biggest difference is that tier two strange constructs already possess a certain degree of "intelligence." Of course, the book doesn't state it so plainly; the recorder describes it as some kind of independent consciousness. Some can be understood by humans, while others are completely impossible to communicate with.

If Chaoyang hadn't seen the Myriad Machine before, he would have dismissed this as nonsense. However, he no longer dared to deny it so easily.

As for tier one strange constructs, they are unique existences.

For example, the Myriad Machine at Graik Academy.

Every tier one strange construct is given a unique name and can definitely be considered legendary. Their owners are either giant corporations or royal nobles, and most constructs only have their names passed down, with their abilities and appearances kept highly confidential.

Judging from the Myriad Machine's level, Chaoyang could infer that none of these tier one strange constructs were to be trifled with—they were more like powerful living beings, whose effects could even influence the global landscape.

The book offers no answer as to how these strange constructs came to be.

But at least one thing is certain: the strange constructs on the Old Continent have been largely developed. The only way to find new strange constructs is to explore new continents.

This viewpoint was also confirmed by Chaoyang in the book History of Glorious Fortress.

In fact, less than three kilometers northwest of Glorious Fortress lies a massive mine. The special ores produced there are essential raw materials for the creation of artificial strange constructs.

At the same time, the owner of this mine is Gaotian Mining Company, which is also the main sponsor of the North City Police Station.

For Chaoyang, the world, which had previously been hazy, suddenly became much clearer.

Although there were still many unknowns, a complete thread had tightly connected the city he saw with this unknown world.

This trip to the academy was indeed worthwhile.

Returning to his hidden residence on Emerald Street, Chaoyang noticed a slip of paper had been slipped under his door.

Opening it, he saw only a line of text.

"I've gotten a lead on the matter you entrusted me with. Let's meet at the usual place."

Chaoyang resumed his detective persona and, after confirming he was not being followed, pushed open the door at 375 Oak Street.

Entering the living room, besides Judy and Dane, he was surprised to see an acquaintance.

Miss Jenny from Yenie Holy Hall.

She was still dressed as a nun, and small beads of sweat could be seen on her flushed cheeks, suggesting she had come during a busy schedule.

However, Jenny did not recognize him. After all, he had only been a phantom at the time, visible only to participants of the Paradise game.

"You are Detective Mr. Chao, the one who solved the serial murder case, right?" Jenny immediately stood up and bowed respectfully to him.

Chaoyang was slightly taken aback and looked at the other two.

"I told Miss Jenny the general situation. Don't worry, she absolutely won't leak our information to outsiders," Judy quickly explained. "After all, what you're looking for is no small matter. After thinking it over, she's the most likely person I know who can help you."

"Miss Judy has been kind to Yenie Holy Hall, and I'm grateful. How could I possibly report you two?" Jenny said earnestly. "I just didn't expect that the people who stormed the Holy Hall that day were related to you. I thought they were mercenaries seeking fame."

"How do you two know each other? Can you tell me?" Chaoyang was still completely bewildered.

"Heh heh, it's actually quite simple. I helped her report a few troublesome matters," Judy said with a hint of embarrassment.

"If it were simple, then the Jedi Brothers Newspaper wouldn't be the only one willing to publish it," Jenny shook her head and turned to Chaoyang. "The Holy Hall's funding used to be very limited, but the number of injured workers abandoned by companies increased year by year. We were on the verge of collapse. Thanks to Miss Judy's efforts in publicizing and repeatedly reporting on the issue of abandoned injured workers, which sparked widespread public discussion, His Excellency the Count eventually intervened and forced the companies to sign a medical contract for the injured with Yenie Holy Hall. With the companies' sponsorship, our situation gradually improved."

"It was the least I could do," Judy rubbed her hands. "Compared to Mr. Dane, I can only report on easily accessible livelihood news."

"But your reports have saved many lives," Jenny changed the subject and got straight to the point. "I already know what Mr. Chao is looking for. Honestly, if Miss Judy hadn't approached me, I would never have agreed to this. After all... collecting bodies seems like... it seems like..."

"Like something only cultists would do, right?" Chaoyang smiled helplessly; he was used to such misunderstandings.

"Of course, I know you're not!" Jenny quickly said. "Otherwise, you wouldn't have offered help to Miss Judy and rescued Mr. Dane under such dangerous circumstances. Yenie Holy Hall does have the ability to provide fresh bodies, but doing so would bring us certain risks—the biggest problem is public opinion. If people found out, I would surely be held accountable, and the reputation of my sisters would also be affected."

Chaoyang could tell this was a negotiation.

"I understand. What do you want? If it's funding, I can pay for each body—"

"I don't need money. I just want to see someone," she interrupted.

Someone? That was a strange request indeed.

Chaoyang asked with some surprise, "Who?"

"Zhang, Zhang Zhiyuan," Jenny said in a peculiar tone.

He listened several times before realizing she was referring to Zhang Zhiyuan.

"He's your person, isn't he? The people who came to Yenie Holy Hall that day to investigate the serial murder case were all your subordinates."

Hearing this, Dane and Judy showed expressions of pity.

Right, in their minds, Zhang Zhiyuan had perished in the raging flames of the theater. Chaoyang nodded thoughtfully, "He is indeed. But I need to ask, why do you want to see him?"

"Zhang Zhiyuan's friend... possesses the secrets of medicine! I want to ask him more! No... all the sisters in the Holy Hall wish to learn from him!"

"What?" This time, Chaoyang truly couldn't understand.

"It's like this... he told me that boiling water could effectively deal with the Scarlet Curse. I didn't believe him at first, but one time when I had free time, I tried it and found that the method really worked!" Jenny became more excited as she spoke. "Later, I popularized this method throughout the Holy Hall, and in just one week, the mortality rate of critically ill patients dropped by thirty percent!"

Boiling water? Chaoyang vaguely recalled something like that. However, since it had nothing to do with the serial murder case, he hadn't paid any attention to Zhang Zhiyuan's casual remarks.

Speaking of which, Jenny suddenly knelt on one knee. "I know these medical truths are certainly worth their weight in gold and cannot be exchanged for a few bodies, but I still hope to meet him and beg his friend to impart those secrets to us. This action can save tens of thousands of lives. Please grant this request!"