The three freshly obtained Beyonder characteristics needed immediate attention. Lin Ruo began by placing these three Beyonder characteristics into separate iron boxes. He then performed a simple ritual to affix them to the surface of the boxes, enclosing them with a spiritual barrier to prevent their contamination of the outside world.
This method effectively ensured that the Beyonder characteristics wouldn't spread their influence.
Next, Lin Ruo retrieved the iron black metal gloves that belonged to Heras. He simulated the demigod ability of the Seer pathway, testing if there were any tracking marks on the gloves.
Thankfully, the divination result was favorable. The iron black gloves didn't carry any additional tracking information. While there might still be potential for tracking that couldn't be divined, considering the wearer was only a Sequence 6 Beyonder, this possibility was quite low.
Concurrently, Lin Ruo also confirmed the functions and side effects of the iron black gloves.
According to the divination, the iron black gloves corresponded to the ability of the Arbiter Pathway Sequence 5 "Disciplinary Paladin." When worn, they allowed the user to invoke the Disciplinary Paladin's power to impose prohibitions within a certain range. For instance, they could command "No levitation here," enhancing their targeted attack capabilities against specific objects.
Aside from this, the glove had no other abilities. Its side effects were relatively straightforward. While wearing or not using the gloves posed minimal side effects, they did slightly amplify the wearer's desire for symmetry and accentuated tendencies toward obsessive-compulsive behavior. However, these effects could be overcome.
Furthermore, for five hours after each use, the wearer would be restricted from performing an action.
This prohibition was entirely random. One might be prevented from doing something inconsequential, like drinking water, or even forbidden from utilizing one of their Beyonder abilities. Regardless, regardless of frequency of use, only a single behavior was prohibited within a five-hour span.
"Truly... a side effect with quite mystical characteristics!" Lin Ruo commented inwardly before ending the simulation and stowing away the iron black gloves. Naturally, he refrained from using the gloves temporarily.
With these tasks completed, Lin Ruo retrieved paper and pen once more and began to review the events of the day.
Truthfully, the hunting operation had gone exceedingly smoothly, even more so than Lin Ruo had anticipated. He had accomplished all his objectives flawlessly – resolving Capim's situation, eliminating three Beyonders, masquerading as an angel, and successfully redirecting the attention of the old storm tyrants toward Tingen.
Though the results were impeccable, Lin Ruo couldn't ignore the flaws he saw in the entire hunting process.
Firstly, he had underestimated the overwhelming nature of demigods against ordinary Beyonders.
Upon reflection, he realized that in the original lore, battles between low to mid-level Sequence Beyonders and demigods weren't as intense and challenging. Even in the accounts of Klein's experiences, when the world confronted a dragon categorized as a half-god, the engagement involved a team of five or six Sequence 5 Beyonders, resulting in some sacrifices.
This was true even for the most exceptional among the Beyonder – let alone the rest.
Secondly, Lin Ruo hadn't possessed an adequate understanding of the demigod abilities belonging to each Sequence.
Despite the glaring power disparity between demigods and ordinary Beyonders, Lin Ruo had allowed Heras to exploit an opportunity for an attack. This occurred due to his unfamiliarity with the puppet's capabilities. While employing inanimate objects for assaults within the restaurant, he had inadvertently eased his control over Heras, leading to the unfortunate outcome.
If Lin Ruo had been more proficient, he could've prevented Heras from seizing that opening and controlled the situation more effectively.
Nevertheless, apart from this mistake, there weren't any major issues. After all, this wasn't a fair battle from the start – it was a systematic subduing of ordinary Beyonders.
After critiquing the hunting process, Lin Ruo proceeded to formulate the rules he derived from this experience:
Firstly, adequate preparation, information gathering, and planning were essential before embarking on a hunt.
Secondly, a skilled hunter should actively seek out formidable prey.
"It still feels like trivial advice..." Lin Ruo mumbled after jotting down these two points, but his lips curved into a grin soon after.
Ultimately, he understood that as a Sequence 9 Beyonder, the rules for hunters couldn't be overly complex.
One thing was certain – though these rules seemed simplistic, their execution would be far from easy.
Moreover, applying today's hunting tactics as a normal Sequence 9 Beyonder would be a recipe for disaster.
"Heh!" After summarizing these guiding principles, Lin Ruo stretched lazily. Glancing at his pocket watch, he noted that it wasn't even 8 o'clock yet.
This wasn't surprising – his hunting process hadn't taken much time, and reviewing and drafting rules hadn't consumed a substantial amount of time either.
"It's time for learning..." Lin Ruo muttered as he headed to the study. His current focus was self-studying the Ancient Giant's language.
Considering his aspiration to delve deeper into the Beyonder world, Lin Ruo had allocated much of his free time to learning the numerous arcane languages associated with this world.
Undoubtedly, this task was rather daunting. Fortunately, Lin Ruo had confidence in his learning ability and believed he could master these languages within a month.
...
Backlund, Holy Wind Cathedral—
"Who is Capim?"
Having concluded the preliminary investigation at Capim's estate, "Spellsinger of God" Ace Snake regarded the leader of the punitive squad before him with a steady gaze. He inquired with no discernible emotion in his eyes:
"Why was there an underground prison in his residence?"
The agent standing before him responded promptly:
"Capim was a wealthy individual, and rumors suggest he was involved in the disappearances of multiple girls. He's suspected of human trafficking and clandestine involvement in the slave trade."
"The presence of the underground prison substantiates these rumours."
"Why would a human trafficker enjoy the protection of several Beyonder individuals? And why would an angel personally eliminate him?" "Spellsinger of God" Ace Snake asked in succession.
Angels weren't to be taken lightly. Even "Spellsinger of God" Ace Snake suspected that an angel who caused such a commotion to eliminate someone couldn't be a mere human trafficker.
Considering that Capim, the deceased, had been safeguarded by a group of mid-level Beyonders, he was evidently more complicated than met the eye.
"Your Excellency, this matter is under investigation. We've attempted to use extraordinary means to gather leads, but thus far, we've been unsuccessful," the punitive squad captain responded, his voice trembling. He was referring to leads connected to Capim.
"I've attempted as well." "Spellsinger of God" Ace Snake didn't place blame on the agent. He continued:
"Keep probing into this matter. If you acquire any leads, don't act hastily – report to me immediately!"
"In addition, arrange for a deacon and his team to head to Tingen. Their mission is to intensify the search for members of the Demoness Sect and the Aurora Society in Tingen."
Once the punitive squad captain left, "Spellsinger of God" Ace Snake retrieved his small notebook used for note-taking and penned down:
"Capim, human trafficking, suspected apprentice pathway angel, possible tarot-affiliated organization, the True Creator's sacrifice, covert schemes."
*****
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