Chapter 385, Exchange for Ring Staff at the Port
So, it was about Kalema.
Wu Heng glanced at Imiro, seeing no particular expression on his face.
He frowned and asked, "Wasn't he supposed to go to the next stationed guild? How did he end up missing?"
"The ship he was on had already sent a message to the local guild. He went missing while still on board," Imiro continued.
"He disappeared at sea? Then there must be something wrong with that ship."
Imiro glanced at him and said, "The local guild is investigating. I also want your pirate informant to keep an eye on this, to see if it might be linked to any pirates."
"Alright," Wu Heng nodded.
"Good, if there's nothing else, carry on with your tasks."
Wu Heng left directly.
...
He returned to his study.
Andviel asked, "Master, is there a new task?"
"Nothing major, just that 'Kalema' has gone missing. The guild plans to investigate," Wu Heng said, sitting down at his desk.
"Isn't the inspector envoy a high-ranking position? How could he go missing?"
"Who knows? The steward suspects pirates were involved."
"Oh! At sea, only pirates would be so audacious."
Wu Heng didn't elaborate further.
He hadn't told his two maids that he was the one who killed Kalema.
It wasn't about not trusting them; it was just that some things were better left known by fewer people.
Especially things like this, which could have a significant impact.
And from Imiro's side, it seemed there wasn't much suspicion directed toward him.
On the surface, there wasn't much enmity between him and 'Kalema,' not even enough to count as a conflict.
Plus, the timeline made it hard to suspect him.
It all depended on whether the guild near the ship's docking spot uncovered anything.
But the chances were slim.
After staying in the study for a while, Wu Heng greeted Andviel and left the guild.
He found a secluded spot.
He put on [Conductor's Hat], and in the next moment, the sound of a train whistle echoed.
The ghost train appeared, the doors sliding open with a clatter.
Wu Heng boarded the train, filling in "Netarei City" in the travel log.
The doors closed, and the train vanished.
...
A few hours later.
The train reappeared in a deserted area outside Netarei City.
Wu Heng disembarked, identifying the direction of the city.
He put on the [Illusion Veil] and headed towards the city.
It had been five or six days since the consortium's auction.
At the previous trade fair, he had verbally arranged a deal with a woman in a black cloak.
She had offered an artifact that could restore one's sanity in exchange for two potions from him.
Judging by the time, she should've left the passenger ship and arrived at Netarei City.
After solving the level 15 issue.
He thought he'd come and check. If she had really put up a request, he would make the exchange. After all, they had made a promise. If no such request was present, it would mean a wasted trip.
He entered the city smoothly.
On his way, he found a tavern and went inside.
"Madam, what can I get you?" the bartender asked.
Since Wu Heng was now in the form of a woman, he was addressed as madam.
He sat down and ordered a drink, handing over two silver coins as the bartender brought it.
The bartender looked at the coins but didn't dare take them, saying respectfully, "Madam, I can introduce you to other gentlemen."
Wu Heng ignored his comment and directly asked, "Where can I find the Snake Emblem Consortium in the city?"
Realizing she wasn't after his charm, the bartender breathed a sigh of relief.
He quickly took the coins and lowered his voice, "You can check the Mermaid Tavern. They also operate downstairs."
The Akwang Kingdom didn't officially recognize the consortium.
So, they usually operated in a different form, either around the outskirts of the city or in relatively hidden areas.
Just like the Snake Emblem Consortium in Blackstone Town, which had set up a black market outside the town.
Both Blackstone Town and the local guild were aware of the consortium's black market but tacitly allowed it to exist.
It seemed this one was right in the city.
Quite bold, indeed.
"Thank you."
The bartender bowed again, taking the silver coins and leaving.
Wu Heng finished the drink in one gulp, left the tavern, and hailed a carriage to head to the Mermaid Tavern.
...
The Mermaid Tavern wasn't far.
Following the crowd, he went down the wooden stairs into an underground space.
There was a counter for the Snake Emblem Consortium, an exchange area for currency, and a crowded notice board.
It seemed to be a semi-public place.
He remembered when he was in Blackstone Town, the consortium's black market required a cloak to enter, but here it was completely open.
Wu Heng walked up to the notice board.
He scanned through the various requests until he found one.
[Artifact 'Ring Staff,' Effect: Can restore sanity through physical impact. Exchange requirement: Two potions that alter constitution.]
Sure enough, it was posted.
And it was still listed at the price they had discussed—two potions.
He considered for a moment, then took the request down and went to the counter, "I'll take this one."
The staff at the counter took the request and looked at it.
Then said, "Customer, if you're planning an exchange, we need to arrange for someone to verify the items to ensure they meet the request requirements."
Wu Heng handed over two potions.
The staff took them and said, "Please wait a moment, customer."
Wu Heng nodded and waited nearby.
It didn't take long.
The staff returned and said, "Customer, the potions meet the requirements. Here's the requested item; please inspect it."
A long wooden box was opened.
Inside was a sandalwood staff, polished and glossy, adorned with religious symbols.
The top had a golden spherical grip.
[Clear Mind Ring Staff]
[Category: Artifact]
[Effect: Striking a living being can remove mental, hypnosis, illusion, and other negative effects.]
[Side Effect: Pain sensation is doubled.]
(Description: Physical pain can make you more alert.)
As expected, it was this item.
And it was even more effective than he'd imagined—capable of dispelling mental control, hypnosis, and even illusions.
It was quite an excellent artifact.
The side effect wasn't severe either; it just doubled the pain, something he could endure.
It wasn't a particularly harsh side effect.
He probably wouldn't have many chances to use it, as his [Enhanced Willpower] had protected his mind several times.
But who knew when it might come in handy?
Wu Heng was quite satisfied and stored the item away.
He looked up at the staff, who hadn't left yet, and asked, "Is there anything else?"
"Customer, the alchemist who verified your potions was quite interested in them and asked if you could meet him. We won't disclose your information; we just wanted to ask for your opinion."
It seemed the alchemist had noticed something special about the potions.
He probably thought Wu Heng was an alchemist too.
"It's not convenient for me," Wu Heng said.
"Understood, customer, we won't disturb you further."
Wu Heng nodded and walked out.
...
Exiting the Mermaid Tavern.
Wu Heng walked along the path.
Here, carriages didn't stop on demand; you had to go to designated spots to find one.
He walked a few meters.
Wu Heng turned into a small alley.
He stood there waiting, and soon enough, a figure followed him in.
"You need something from me?"