"Narrow our scope? How?" Zheng Qing asked curiously.
Xiao Xiao clearly already had a plan. "Since everyone previously assumed this 'M' was the first letter of a word, let's start by narrowing our scope to where all the clues converge: First University. Screen every laboratory at the university whose name begins with 'M,' along with lists of current and former professors..."
"Would the university give us that kind of information?" Dylan looked skeptical.
Fatty Xin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "With sufficient grounds, we could have the Trident Sword Organization or Danhaag negotiate for it."
"Tsk. I doubt the university would like that suggestion."
Thinking of the delicate state of relations between First University and the Alliance, Zheng Qing had his reservations about the Fat Wizard's "naivety." "Besides, even if the university agrees, that's still a lot of work... Never mind the faculty; I've seen plenty of laboratories at the Applied Magic Institute alone. For example, that whole series of laboratories jointly established by Miskatonic University and First University all start with 'M'... Then there are the laboratories funded by the Morgan family, Mendel, Mason, Mary, and so on. Lots of long-established laboratories have an 'M' in their names. Even Professor Montria's laboratory has one."
Xiao Xiao remained engrossed in dissecting the Elf, unmoved by Zheng Qing's rambling beside his ear. Fatty Xin, however, noticed a contradiction between the Diviner's suggestion and his earlier attitude.
"Following the Doctor's suggestion would make the North District Wizards much less suspicious, you know."
The Fat Wizard counted carefully on his fingers. "Whether it's the name Colmar de Genie, Genie's Hut, Gu Diao Street, or the North District Wizards, none of them has much to do with 'M.'"
"You're the one who thinks the crows are connected to the North District Wizards, not me." Youzui's