Investigation Commission (6k5)

Investigation Commission (6k5)

A secret gathering?

Ron was immediately interested.

Actually, when Idrila had been fobbing off Charles earlier, she had mentioned the gathering.

She just hadn't explained it in detail then. Ron had no idea what the gathering actually was, so naturally, he hadn't cared much.

But now that he knew it was a secret gathering for the extraordinary individuals of Evening Bell City, Ron could no longer ignore it.

Whether it was cashing out the Minotaur's Heart or purchasing the [Death] Sequence 7 Potion, all of those goals could be accomplished at this secret gathering!

Still, he couldn't just charge into the gathering alone like an idiot—

Anyone could guess that, in the "Potion Era," a secret gathering of extraordinary individuals like this had to have plenty of special rules.

After all, these extraordinary individuals were plagued by the threat of losing control. They also had to find ways to acquire secret knowledge and attempt to advance through the Sequences—Ron didn't think they were all law-abiding good people.

Under the constant threat of contamination and losing control, maintaining even superficial peace probably took all their effort. Without strong rules restraining the extraordinary individuals at the gathering, it wouldn't be a secret gathering for extraordinary individuals at all.

It would be a brawl between bandits!

Everyone would resort to violence over the extraordinary items they wanted. Ron didn't particularly want things to reach that point.

Although he didn't mind using a certain amount of violence for the sake of his advancement, that would absolutely be a last resort.

With these thoughts passing through his mind, he asked Idrila:

"A gathering... Miss Idrila, if I want to attend this 'Academic Salon,' are there any rules from the Society that I need to understand?"

"There are indeed some—"

Idrila said, "In the Frankish Empire, because of the Secrecy Act, secret gatherings where extraordinary individuals assemble are actually forbidden."

"However, the Secrecy Act only has sharp perception outside the 'Door'—within the 'Door' that separates the mysterious from the mundane, secret gatherings like this are everywhere."

"Many extraordinary organizations hold similar secret gatherings regularly, and the Society's Academic Salon is one of them."

"As long as we are ostensibly conducting academic discussions, MI7 can't be bothered to interfere—so at the Society's salons, everyone must use [Academic Points] as the currency of trade, transforming 'secret transactions' into 'academic exchanges' in terms of mysticism."

"Only after the transaction is complete can they exchange [Academic Points] back into gold pounds—"

[Academic Points]? The currency Idrila had just used to exchange extraordinary items from the Codex?

Could simply using that make it an academic discussion? It felt more like the Society wanted to take a cut. Ron curled his lip but didn't directly criticize the Society's obvious commission.

They were the organizers of the gathering. Taking a cut was normal. Otherwise, why would the Society provide a trading venue isolated by the "Door"?

"Other than the currency, are there any other rules I should pay attention to?"

After thinking for a moment, he asked tentatively, "For example... after-sales service?"

"After-sales service?" Idrila froze, taking a long while to understand what Ron meant.

"You mean protection after the transaction? That is indeed something to worry about."

Idrila sighed.

"Indeed, many people attack other extraordinary individuals after a transaction because of money or other issues—"

"The Society can't prevent that entirely. It can only forbid them from making a move within the Society, but once they leave, no one can control them."

"But you don't need to worry about that."

As she spoke, she pointed at the floor beneath their feet.

"The Society will probably be where you stay for the foreseeable future—"

"Before Suul's problem is resolved, I don't think you'd want to find an inn and live alone, would you?"

That was indeed true—

He hadn't expected to get a safehouse at the Society for free. Thinking about it carefully, there really was nothing to worry about.

After all, no one would dare attack Ron directly during one of the Society's academic discussions.

However, since [Academic Points] would be used as currency for the gathering's transactions, the extraordinary guests from other organizations probably wouldn't have many people wealthier than Idrila, a Saintess with countless ties to the Truth Society, would they?

The Minotaur's Heart and the [War] Sequence 7 "War Overseer" Potion formula...

Idrila was probably the one who could offer the highest premium!

Then there was no need to wait until tomorrow.

He had to think of a way to make the most profitable deal possible with Idrila. After pondering for a moment, Ron tapped the tabletop with his fingers and suddenly put on an extremely solemn expression.

He suddenly clasped his hands together, closed his eyes, and began muttering words that even he himself couldn't understand.

But to an onlooker, Ron had suddenly begun praying to a high-level existence, even speaking an older, unrecorded ancient secret language!

He murmured like that, lifting his head with a devout and solemn expression, as though an ancient God in the void he faced was listening closely.

Idrila immediately sat up straight.

Looking at Ron, she suddenly felt restless.

Why had he suddenly started praying? Weren't they just discussing the gathering? Had that great being summoned Mr. Ron?

How could there be no warning at all? Didn't they say that whenever a hidden existence summoned a mortal, it would bestow all manner of phenomena?

Could it be because Mr. Ron was a favored one of that hidden existence, so he didn't need to go through such a cumbersome summoning process? Was that hidden existence's gaze always upon him?

Or perhaps... Although Idrila was nervous, a trace of doubt inevitably arose in her heart.

But very soon, Ron completely dispelled that doubt.

After finishing his devout prayer in that incomprehensible language, she saw him suddenly take a cold spherical object wrapped in Iron Sand from his chest.

He placed it on the table. The Iron Sand around the sphere suddenly scattered, revealing its contents—a phantom, crimson heart beating forcefully, seemingly brimming with vitality.

A bloody scent belonging to war could faintly be detected from the heart—a scorched smell like hot blood mixed with soil and dried by blazing fire.

This was an extraordinary material?

Looking at the heart that seemed caught between illusion and reality on the table, Idrila suddenly felt an indescribable longing rise in her heart.

That burning desire flowed from her blood, scorching her chest like flames.

Why had this feeling suddenly appeared? As she stared at the heart on the table, her eyes gradually widened, and she suddenly felt an indescribable sense of familiarity.

Although it had an incomprehensible, semi-illusory form, as if caught between existence and nonexistence, Idrila clearly recognized what it was.

Could this be... She said blankly, "Is this the Minotaur's Heart?!"

Seeing Idrila's shocked expression, Ron curled his lips slightly, then returned to that solemn demeanor and said seriously:

"That's right. The Minotaur's Heart, the main ingredient for the [War] Sequence 7 Potion—"

He drew out his words, emphasizing:

"This is a 'reward' bestowed upon me by that great being, for me alone to dispose of."

As he spoke, he gave Idrila a friendly smile.

"Miss Idrila—if I remember correctly, you happen to be a [War] Sequence 8, right?"

"Your assistance was indispensable in allowing me to make it this far through that great being's trial. Perhaps that great being saw all of it as well. That's why he bestowed this Potion ingredient upon me and told me the formula for the [War] Sequence 7 Potion."

He pushed the Minotaur's Heart toward Idrila, wearing an extremely generous expression.

"I will not keep the glory bestowed by that great being all to myself!"

Sure enough, this Minotaur's Heart had been directly created through the extraordinary power of a hidden existence. Otherwise, it wouldn't have such a semi-illusory form!

She hadn't expected that great being to have set his gaze upon her as well.

She had actually drawn the attention of a hidden existence...

Even, even—even received a gift bestowed by him!

This string of shocks might have been somewhat immature in Ideal City, but in the "Potion Era"... at least Idrila was thoroughly fooled now.

"H-How could I possibly—"

Idrila instinctively shrank back and waved her hands repeatedly.

"What have I done? If Mr. Ron hadn't saved my life, I'd still be locked in the tower of the Sanctuary—"

How could she deserve this?

Seeing Idrila's reaction, Ron couldn't help curling his lips.

Sure enough. She had taken the bait.

He looked at Idrila, but his expression was no longer as friendly as before. Instead, he turned serious and lightly tapped the table with his fingertips.

"Miss Idrila—are you saying that you wish to refuse that great being?"

He lightly tapped the table, drawing out his voice.

"'She does not need your blessing'—are you sure you want me to give that reply to that great being?"

T-That was absolutely not acceptable!

No matter how confused she had been by his deception, Idrila's vigilance in the field of mysticism immediately brought her back to her senses.

In an instant, all kinds of dangerous outcomes flashed through her mind, and cold sweat immediately soaked her back.

This was a hidden existence—

Refuse his blessing?

After that, whether what descended would be a blessing or a curse would be impossible to say—

At the very least, the Society's records contained no shortage of unfortunate people who had opposed hidden existences and been cursed in their wrath!

Moreover, the blessing this great being had offered was clearly not intended for her—

The Minotaur's Heart and the [War] Sequence 7 Potion formula were obviously rewards for Mr. Ron.

And why he had given such rewards was clearly worth considering.

Perhaps, in the trial marked out by that great being, she really did occupy a certain position.

In that case, she couldn't thoughtlessly object here and cause the trial bestowed by a hidden existence to be affected. "No—of course that isn't what I mean."

She regained her composure, thought carefully for a moment, and chose her words cautiously.

"I simply truly don't know what qualifications I have to receive this blessing—"

"But that doesn't mean I truly wish to oppose that great being's will. Mr. Ron, I will accept that great being's blessing with gratitude and trepidation."

As she spoke, her eyes remained fixed on Ron, and she said nervously:

"However—receiving all this for nothing truly leaves me uneasy—"

"Mr. Ron, I will purchase the materials in your possession at market price—"

As she spoke, her pace slowed. After thinking for a moment, she immediately changed her words.

"No, that's not right. Mr. Ron, when the gathering opens tomorrow, if there is an opportunity, I will definitely find a way to buy you the [Death] Sequence 7 Potion formula and main ingredient—"

If she directly helped Mr. Ron purchase the Potion, it would probably advance his trial even more, right?

That should also please that great being more...

Idrila thought this to herself, while Ron nearly failed to suppress the smile curling at his lips when he saw her reaction.

His prediction had indeed been correct.

For someone like Idrila, who was clearly serious about everything and rather upright, he had to use this sort of playing-hard-to-get tactic to make her willingly pay the highest price. If it were someone else, Ron wouldn't have pretended to be so generous.

After all, if the other party simply accepted it as a matter of course, Ron himself would be the one feeling the pain.

It was precisely because Idrila could never accept this gift for free and completely believed Ron was a favored one of a hidden existence that Ron could act so generously.

This way, Ron wouldn't even need to personally handle the purchase of the [Death] Sequence 7 Potion tomorrow.

As half a member of the Truth Society, Idrila was clearly more familiar with its workings. It would certainly be much easier than searching alone.

With such comfortable thoughts in mind, Ron carefully explained the formula for the [War] Sequence 7 "War Overseer" Potion to Idrila and watched her write it down earnestly.

"Thank you so much—Mr. Ron, if I can seize the opportunity to become Sequence 7 soon, then perhaps I will have a little more confidence when facing Suul later."

Idrila sincerely thanked Ron, placing the Minotaur's Heart and the sheet of paper containing the Potion formula into a small iron box. Then she said to Ron:

"It's getting late. I think President Elvis should have returned by now. We can go find him and have him arrange a room for you, then wait for tomorrow's Academic Salon."

She led Ron to Elvis's office again, but the result was no different from before.

The door to Elvis's office remained tightly locked. Clearly, no one had returned.

Idrila froze slightly, evidently confused.

"Why hasn't President Elvis returned yet—"

She muttered to herself, then immediately hurried away, circling up the spiral staircase back to the bookstore.

Old Mr. Charles was still there, recording something with a quill pen. Idrila hurried to his side and asked:

"Teacher Charles—when did President Elvis leave?"

But the answer she received left her utterly bewildered.

"Leave? Oh, that was quite some time ago—"

Charles said slowly, "Elvis said he would be away for half a month. It's been thirteen days now, so he should be back soon."

"What is it? Do you need Elvis for something? Don't tell me you still want to continue arguing about what you two fought over before."

How could she possibly be in the mood to argue now?

Idrila returned to the underground hall dejectedly. Ron, who had been following beside her, couldn't help comforting her.

"There's no need to be too anxious—after all, Charles said Elvis would only be away for half a month."

"You've already left the Scorched Earth Sanctuary. As long as you stay at the Society, there won't be much danger—so why not wait patiently?"

"That's all we can do."

Idrila said gloomily, "There are only half a month left before the Fire-Chasing Ritual begins. If President Elvis doesn't return before then, we won't even be able to rescue the Society's messenger—"

Her eyes and brows were filled with worry. After returning to her room, she sighed helplessly.

"I'm truly sorry, Mr. Ron—because President Elvis hasn't returned, I can't even find you an empty room."

She explained, "At the Society, every one of these rooms belongs to an individual Society member."

"All the rooms are locked with magical locks. Only President Elvis's golden key and the room's owner can open them."

"For the next couple of days, I'll have to trouble you to stay in this room with me—"

As she spoke, she took out two sets of bedding from the room's cabinet.

"Although I've never lived here before, fortunately President Elvis expanded every member's room. There's more than enough space for two beds."

That was pretty nice. Didn't that mean the Truth Society had effectively arranged a spacious safehouse for every single one of its members?

Come to think of it, it really was a good organization that treated its members well.

Ron looked at the bed Idrila had made for him, shrugged, and flopped down onto it. Every now and then, he imagined the wonderful future where he bought the [Death] Sequence 7 Potion at tomorrow's Academic Salon, drank it in one gulp, and became Lv.3.

Idrila lay down as well, sorting through her chaotic thoughts. Her mind was filled with the Fire-Chasing Ritual and those hidden existences...

The night passed without incident.

The next day.

The two got up with tired dark circles under their eyes. Idrila took Ron back to the bookstore, where they had brunch with Charles.

They kept the little old man company as he chattered away for most of the day. It was not until the sun set and the bright moon rose that the society gradually grew lively.

Beyonders of all kinds entered the bookstore, skillfully stepping through the "door" formed by the bookshelves and arriving at the society hall on the lowest floor.

Charles was also seated in the center of the hall, acting as the society's observer and keeper for this Academic Salon.

Ron and Idrila had already changed into black robes and put on hoods, concealing their faces.

Although they would not be leaving the society and were unlikely to face any attacks, protecting their privacy was still necessary.

Otherwise, if some extremely greedy Beyonder set their sights on them, sooner or later, they would be attacked by such hyena-like people when they left the society.

Better safe than sorry. Ron had no aversion whatsoever to such minor methods of concealing himself.

And they were not the only ones who thought so. Ron could see that most people in the society hall had hidden their appearances in one way or another.

Only a very small number openly showed their faces, but merely looking at them gave Ron a faint sense of danger—

They were willing to reveal their faces not because they were reckless, perhaps, but because they had absolute confidence in their strength.

Ron observed these people with great interest, only to find that no one had taken out any Beyonder materials or magic books recording hidden knowledge. "How are they going to trade?"

Ron asked curiously. Idrila pointed at the Codex in the center of the round table, as well as the quill and blank sheets of paper beside it.

"At secret gatherings of Beyonders, transactions have always been conducted anonymously—"

"After all, no one wants others to know what they possess or what they seek."

"They write what they want or what they wish to sell on the paper, and then the Codex records it, categorizes it, and lists the entries one by one within itself."

"As long as you touch the Codex with spirituality, you can see those entries."

"What a shame. There goes my chance to get a Potion formula for free."

Ron was slightly disappointed. He had originally wanted to see whether he could touch the Beyonder materials sold by these Beyonders without buying them, if given the chance.

Maybe the magic book would be like before and generate corresponding Potion formulas from those Beyonder materials. Then Ron would have made a small fortune for nothing...

But now that everyone used such advanced methods for anonymous trading, Ron's fantasy of feeling up all sorts of Beyonder materials like he was at a marketplace naturally fell apart.

Still, it did not matter.

As long as he could find the [Death] Sequence 7 Potion formula, it was unimportant whether he got other formulas for free.

With that in mind, Ron touched the Codex with his spirituality and saw entries pop up before him one after another:

[A segment of a Wronged Dead's finger bone, 100 points.]

[Night Shadow Grass, 25g, 70 points.]

[[Life] Sequence 9 "Apothecary" Potion formula, 300 points.]

After carefully looking through everything and finding no [Death] Sequence 7 Potion formula, Ron could not help feeling disappointed.

Still, that was only normal. Such relatively high-level trade goods clearly would not be placed out in the open with a plainly marked price.

Ron glanced at Idrila beside him. She immediately understood what he meant, picked up the quill, and quickly wrote their request on a sheet of paper:

[Seeking the [Death] Sequence 7 Potion formula or the Potion itself. Price negotiable. —Idrila]

Only after writing that did she lean close to Ron's ear and whisper,

"For something like a Sequence 7 Potion formula, if you do not have an identity worthy enough, even someone who possesses it would not consider selling it..."

"However, as a nun of the Scorched Earth Sanctuary and an honorary member of the Truth Society, I have a bit of a reputation in Evening Bell City. Someone will probably approach us soon."

"After all, those people from the Lost Church are usually short on money, and those who can come to the salon tend to be more... open."

As expected, without an identity worthy enough, even sellers were unwilling to speak with you about such things—

But the people of the Lost Church were usually short on money?

It seemed this church that worshipped [Death] was not living too comfortably. Ron pondered this. Not long afterward, he felt a chill suddenly sweep over from nearby.

He looked up and saw a tall, thin figure in a black robe walking toward them.

Ron froze slightly, immediately recognizing who he was.

Wasn't this the black-robed man who had been warming himself beside the cast-iron heating pipe the whole time?

He walked up to Ron and Idrila. Only then did Ron see a gaunt, pale face beneath the hood's shadow.

"You—want the [Death] Sequence 7 Potion formula?"

His voice was shrill and hoarse, as if scraped by a blade. "I can give it to you, but you have to do something for me—a, hm, an investigative commission from the Lost Church."