Arrival and Departure

"I feel... I still need more practice."

After a long silence, Rhode gave his answer.

That's the truth. He felt that he hadn't fully digested the pressure from being a [Demon Hunting Expert] yet, and if he sought promotion at this point, failure would be the only possibility!

"Remember this: a steadfast heart is the prerequisite for Witch Hunter's advancement! We must constantly move closer to the light to fight against the ever-approaching evil!"

The old Witch Hunter made a devout gesture of prayer. "Open your heart, let the Goddess help you!"

"I've already done it!"

Rhode said impatiently.

"That's because your heart isn't open enough..." The old Witch Hunter frowned. "If you can't achieve a complete 'sanctification' of your mind, you'll never be able to advance to the legendary [Paladin] level!"

"Of course I know! I'm trying my best!" Rhode forcefully suppressed his anxiety.

"Indeed, after all, it's the Portley Family, a family of Witch Hunter who produced a sixth-tier [Guardian of God]... You must remember, this is the only path you can take, as your ancestors have proven."

The old Witch Hunter's expression softened gradually. "There's one more thing. I have to leave. I've received a mission from the Church to go to the central region!"

"A mission? Why didn't you take me with you?" Rhode had a keen sense of smell and immediately sensed something was wrong.

"Heh... Your enthusiasm for the mission proves your loyalty to the Church, but this time, you're not up to par..." The old Witch Hunter shook his head. "Demon warriors on missions are dangerous, extremely dangerous, exceptionally dangerous! Not suitable for 'newcomers'... Hmm, although you're already at Tier 3, you can't be considered a true veteran."

"That sounds even more interesting. Who is the target?" Rhode licked his lips.

"A powerful member of the Anguskin Family, he appeared in the central part of the Federation ..." the old Witch Hunter said nonchalantly, "Anguskin ... you'd better not mention that surname when you're alone, it might attract some bad luck, of course... it's fine when you're with me."

"A family whose name can't be revealed?" Rhode tilted his head, thinking for a moment. "I think I've heard my father mention it, but I always thought it was just a story. It seems this target is quite powerful, a fifth-tier legendary figure? Old man... you'd better not die."

Although he found the teacher annoying and his beliefs as stubborn as a rock in a toilet, the teacher had taught him a lot.

"If I die, it will be the will of the Goddess!"

The old Witch Hunter chuckled, "While I'm gone, you can accept quests from the Church and exchange them for the items you want..."

After he finished speaking, his figure disappeared into the mist.

Rhode stared at the spot where he had disappeared, his gaze suddenly becoming serious.

He walked out of the dense forest step by step and returned to a dilapidated rental apartment, which was his temporary place of stay. He shared the apartment with a group of people and had only a single room by himself.

Clang!

Rhode opened the door and found a letter slipped under the door.

He tossed the hamburger and juice he'd bought aside, opened the envelope, glanced through it, and a look of excitement appeared on his face. "He's finally back."

Rhode didn't even bother to eat; he quickly packed his things and prepared to leave the city.

He arrived at the apartment door when someone suddenly appeared and blocked his way.

He recognized him; he was the apartment's landlord, a fat, stingy, and black-hearted man.

At that moment, the chubby landlord blocked Rhode's path. "Marvin... you're already three days behind on rent. If you don't pay it off soon, I'll kick you out to sleep on the streets."

Rhode frowned. "How come I remember... I still have a deposit with you? Isn't that enough to cover it?"

"Deposit?"

The landlord stepped forward, his greasy lips moving like two sausages, spitting as he spoke, "You have the nerve to talk to me about the deposit? You damaged my furniture, and there's the water and candles... all of that costs money!"

He was certain that those who could rent his cheap apartments were bankrupt individuals and impoverished workers near the bottom of society, whom he could exploit without restraint.

"Landlord, I'd like to say something to you..."

Rhode looked around, and then at the approaching landlord. "Disgusting fly, I've had enough of you!"

Bang!

After saying that, he punched the landlord in the fat face and strode away.

Meanwhile, in Huano Town.

Sulu has donned the ' Crow Mask,' changed his identity, and settled down.

Using ' Psychic Thaumaturgy ' as a means of paving the way, altering the memories of ordinary people was effortless for him. Therefore, his current identity became Howard, the distant nephew of a local businessman.

The young man was a traveler who had just experienced the beauty and horror of the sea and therefore wanted to stay at his uncle's house for a while.

He fabricated this identity, naturally, to facilitate close surveillance.

Sulu's strength has recently increased, and he's become a bit bolder. He wants to see if he can use his exposure to catch the Black Death Society by surprise.

As for solving the problem once I've found some clues, I'll definitely do it myself and gain experience.

If not, report it directly to the Church or the Bureau 11.

To his surprise, the town remained very quiet for many days.

It seems that the Black Death Society's influence has not extended to the level of Huano Town.

However, considering the distances between cities and towns on the West Coast, it does seem that passively waiting for the news to Expansion, rather than actively relaying it, would indeed take a considerable amount of time.

Sulu felt relieved and continued to wait.

The following morning.

He was dressed in loose, casual clothes, enjoying local specialties like milk and apple pie while reading the newspaper.

"A terrible attack has occurred in Lori City, and the city hall has declared a state of emergency?"

The first thing that caught his eye was a line of bold, enlarged Common Hebraic, which made Sulu's lips twitch slightly. "As expected... ' Mystic Elder ' Bukadi will be in big trouble after witnessing the true form of the Ancient Great Serpent... Hopefully Dougwell Family can handle it, but even if they can't, there's still the Federation and the Church."

Immediately, another message caught his attention:

"The Francis Consortium spent a huge sum of money to build Telegraph lines on the East Coast? Was it Orchi Francis who did it?"

Sulu stroked his chin.

While in the Inner Circle of Green Tree Castle, he made a deal with the other party, using his patent as equity in exchange for a large number of points, which laid the foundation for his rise in the Inner Circle.

However, they still retained a certain number of shares.

"I hope they don't forget my share of the profits, otherwise..."

A dangerous glint flashed in Sulu's eyes. Although he was well aware of the tricks of those conglomerates, he knew that such a huge investment would definitely result in losses and no dividends at first. They would ask him to invest more or dilute his shares, which were all common tactics.

However, if he goes too far, he is not an ordinary person who is powerless to fight back!