Chapter 391, External Mission
The Devil's Hand…
This was information gathered during the questioning of the "Rapier Pirate Crew" captain.
Wu Heng had asked "Philipa" to try and gather information.
It seemed she had obtained something.
"Let's hear it."
"The Devil's Hand Pirate Crew is one of the veteran crews of the Emerald Sea. Its leader is named 'Labib,' a Tier 4 Professional, at level 16 or 17. He also has many high-level Professionals under him."
Level 16 or 17—such strength was already significant.
Level 18 Professionals would even receive pardons from major factions.
This already made them a top-tier pirate crew.
"There are also rumors that this captain has connections with demons, can wield demonic power, and even repair his ship and resurrect his crew after being attacked."
Damn! Demonic power and resurrecting the crew?
That's insane!
Wu Heng himself could use resurrection spells, but they had time limits.
But repairing ships? That sounded far-fetched.
On closer thought, it might be exaggerated.
Pirates often exaggerated their exploits to appear more fearsome and capable.
But undeniably, this pirate crew was different from ordinary ones.
The guild also had intelligence on the Devil's Hand.
The captain was ruthless, active in the eastern Emerald Sea, and their crew operated in a highly eerie manner. No survivors were ever left after they raided ships, and they never demanded ransom.
The crew exhibited fanatic loyalty to their leader.
It was nearly impossible to plant spies or have anyone infiltrate their crew.
The entire Devil's Hand seemed like a brainwashed fleet—deeply twisted.
"Is there intelligence indicating they're targeting me?" Wu Heng asked.
"There seem to be rumors, but I haven't found specific details," Philipa replied, then added, "Also, every pirate crew has their eyes on you. 500 gold coins—who wouldn't be tempted? It's no surprise the Devil's Hand is after you too."
Uh…
That was a painfully reasonable point.
Wu Heng asked, "Anything else?"
"No, but if I hear more, I'll let you know," Philipa said.
"Alright."
"Did the intelligence on the Black Crocodile Pirate Crew get credited to me? Whether I can join the Whisperers depends on you."
"Yes, the information has been filed under your name. Rest assured."
"Oh, good."
"Keep up the good work, and stay safe."
"Got it."
Wu Heng hung up the microphone.
...
Leaving the radio room, he returned to the study on the fourth floor.
Sitting in his chair, he began planning his next steps.
Upon reaching level 15, the pace in both worlds had suddenly slowed.
In the zombie world, the military had left, and other refuges were preparing for winter. Everything had entered a phase of stable development.
Wu Heng had tasked " Kalema" with clearing scattered zombies in the vicinity, significantly reducing his workload.
The city's major zombie hordes had mostly been dealt with. The remaining ones were too scattered to provide enough experience to reach level 18.
"The next step is to find a new location. Should I head to the provincial area or explore other distant cities?"
"If I go to the provincial area, will Yang Long and the others think I'm following them?"
Wu Heng frowned, deep in thought.
On Golden-Silver Island, he needed to remain cautious of pirate bounties. Staying on the island was relatively safe.
Utilizing the two worlds' advantages, he continued trading food for gold.
Steady development remained the priority.
"Keep an eye on blank envelopes. The other threats aren't as pressing. Also, focus on advanced alchemical skeletons and developing Tier 3 corpse core potions."
"The blank envelopes still lack clues. The best solution to all these issues is leveling up to 18. Both the envelopes and pirate bounties would no longer be a concern."
After considering all possibilities,
The most straightforward solution was to level up.
He'd eventually need to find a new city and continue killing zombies.
Knock, knock, knock~!
A knock on the door came, and Minnie called out, "Master, Sister Viel and I are back. Want to bathe together?"
"Alright."
Wu Heng set his thoughts aside and headed to the bathroom.
...
The next day.
Wu Heng pedaled a bicycle, with Andviel sitting side-saddle on the front bar.
The sight drew countless stares as they made their way to the guild.
This world's technological development wasn't exactly primitive.
Trains and passenger ships had already been developed.
Yet mechanical systems remained a niche field within the world's framework.
Even bicycles, with their relatively simple mechanics, were a novelty here.
They arrived at the guild entrance.
Wu Heng stored the bicycle and brushed off a stray fox hair from his mouth.
Shortly after, Keramu, Skull-Crusher, and Bloodaxe caught up.
Inside the guild, Wu Heng went directly to the front desk.
The staff greeted him, "Vice Steward."
"I've got a Tier 3 bounty for taking down the Black Crocodile Pirate Crew. Process it for me," Wu Heng said.
"One moment." The staff began reviewing records.
Wu Heng currently had two merit rewards.
One was for the Rapier Pirate captain, the other for the Black Crocodile captain.
Since the Rapier case was still under wraps for confidentiality, its reward hadn't been issued.
The Black Crocodile case, however, had been processed.
"Found it. The bounty is 450 silver coins and a Tier 3 item reward. Please choose."
Wu Heng pocketed the money and focused on a skill book, [Lightning Beam].
[Lightning Beam]
(Description: Release a linear lightning strike in your chosen direction.)
None of the skill books particularly excited him.
He recalled Kalema using a similar skill in their battle. It might have been this one.
Based on its description, it seemed similar.
Lightning-based skills could conduct through armor, proving effective against heavily armored enemies.
"I'll take this one," Wu Heng said.
The staff nodded. "Understood. This has been recorded."
Wu Heng stored the skill book and headed to his office.
Upon entering,
Andviel informed him that the steward had summoned him.
Wu Heng then went to the steward's office.
...
In the steward's office.
Besides "Imiro," Deputy Steward "Sheila Grey" was also present.
When Wu Heng entered,
Imiro said directly, "Yesterday, Lopez City sent a request for assistance. You and Sheila Grey will each lead a squad to assist. Wu Heng, be mindful of concealing your identity when leaving port, given the pirate bounties on you."
Sheila Grey frowned slightly and asked, "What's the nature of the case?"
"It's related to a cult. This one feels different. Be cautious. If there's any issue, you have the authority to refuse the mission. I'll handle the aftermath," Imiro said sternly.
Wu Heng and Sheila Grey exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.
"Understood, Steward!"