A Core Ship From The Start-Chapter 876 - 616: Investigation Team

Under Vanswick’s lead, Duanmu Huai and Ogis passed through the constantly wailing hall and came to the guest rooms on the other side, only to see two figures as soon as they opened the door.

One of them was a young girl with silver long hair tied in a braid, wearing armor and a beret, her waist hung with a thin sword, restlessly gazing out of the window. Beside her sat a little girl with blue braids, wearing a hat resembling that of a witch, curled up on the sofa, hugging a teacup, lost in thought.

At the sound of the knock, both heads lifted to see Vanswick, Duanmu Huai, and Ogis entering, and both showed expressions of surprise.

"I apologize for the long wait,"

Vanswick seemed quite adept at handling this situation, greeting them with a smile.

"Just now, the last two adventurers have arrived."

"Are you referring to them?"

Duanmu Huai turned and stared at Vanswick.

Don’t tell me you’re treating me like a kindergarten nanny.

"I truly apologize, due to the previous attack, we are really short on people, ah, the original plan was for the Silver Knight Captain to lead, but he unfortunately fell ill and died, therefore his daughter . . . "

"Emilia, my name is Emilia,"

The silver-haired girl turned her head, staring at Duanmu Huai and introduced herself with her hand on her chest.

"I will replace my father in leading the investigation team." freёwebnoѵel.com

" . . . "

Duanmu Huai stared silently at Vanswick, his eyes filled with an "Are you kidding me?" expression — Vanswick could only give a wry smile.

"Well then, please make yourselves comfortable, I must leave you for now."

After saying that, Vanswick beat a hasty retreat, leaving the group standing in the awkward atmosphere of the room, staring at each other.

It was a while before Emilia coughed awkwardly.

"Since we’ll be working together, perhaps we should start with introductions . . . I’ll go first. I am Silver Knight Emilia, and although I am young, I am a full member of the Silver Knights. I know I may not seem very reliable, but I will do my best."

Having said that, Emilia turned her gaze to the blue-haired girl next to her—perhaps because they had been in the same room, they seemed somewhat close?

" . . . "

Noticing Emilia’s gaze, the blue-haired girl sighed softly.

"Luganis Miglutia, I am a Five Rings Sorcerer."

"Sorcerer?"

At this, Duanmu Huai’s expression shifted slightly.

"Which system?"

"Energy Shaping."

"Energy Shaping . . . "

Upon hearing the girl’s response, Duanmu Huai was somewhat disappointed. This world’s mages wield many truly magical spells, some of which are even more interesting than the spells used by people like Ann and others. Especially the transformation system, illusion technique, curse system, and enchantment system were all quite intriguing.

In comparison, Energy Shaping . . .

Well, that’s basically just a cult of the "fireball" spell . . . Duanmu Huai could match their firepower with just an ordinary rocket launcher.

Contrary to Duanmu Huai’s disappointment, Emilia appeared somewhat surprised.

"You’ve reached the Fifth Circle as a spellcaster?"

"Yes."

Luganis nodded briefly but did not elaborate, merely lowering her head and staring at the cup in her hands.

"So, what brings you to Neverwinter City?"

" . . . I’m just traveling around, and happened to come here."

"I see . . . "

Emilia nodded and did not pursue further, turning her gaze to Duanmu Huai—well, it had to be said, just from the looks of the armor and helmet Duanmu Huai was wearing, he didn’t look like a good guy.

"Uh, may I ask who you are . . . ?"

"I am Duanmu Huai, and this is Ogis. We are from the Tribunal,"

" . . . The Tribunal?"

Upon hearing Duanmu Huai’s introduction, Emilia hesitated a moment.

"I apologize, forgive my ignorance, but what organization is that?"

"Simply put, it’s an organization dedicated to protecting humans, and it’s the Tribunal’s duty to slay demons, heretics, and aliens for the sake of protecting humans. We were invited here by Lady Eribeth particularly for this purpose,"

Duanmu Huai could sense that when he mentioned "demon," Luganis stiffened slightly.

"Huh . . . "

Having listened to Duanmu Huai’s explanation, Emilia seemed relieved—perhaps relieved to finally have some professionals around.

"Um, Mr. Duanmu Huai, I have a question. Why are you wearing the helmet?"

" . . . "

Faced with Emilia’s inquiry, Duanmu Huai fell silent.

" . . . Because of a curse."

"A curse?"

"Yes, you may not know this, but I was born a handsome man."

" . . . Hah?"

"... when the nurse who delivered me saw me, she fainted on the spot. When I was leaving the hospital, all the female medical staff came out to see me off. When I went to school, the girls in my class even fought over me. Even the teachers showed unprecedented enthusiasm after seeing me. And as I walked down the street, girls were so enchanted that they would faint at just a glance from me, and if I looked at them, they would lose their minds. Hence, for the sake of world peace and tranquility, I decided to wear this armor, sealing away my handsome visage..."

"Umm..."

Hearing Duanmu Huai’s response, Emilia and Luganis were completely baffled and didn’t know how to react. They looked at Duanmu Huai and then at Ogis—who was sitting on Duanmu Huai’s shoulder, swinging her legs indifferently.

Really? Is that true?

"Cough, cough... Let’s get back to the main topic. Our next task is to investigate the source of the plague. Does anyone have any suggestions?"

Emilia awkwardly coughed, forcibly steering the conversation back on track.

"I’d like to start by looking at the initial investigation reports."

Duanmu Huai also gave his answer.

"There should have been investigations and records of the plague’s origin in Neverwinter City, too."

"Ah, I do have that."

Hearing Duanmu Huai’s inquiry, Emilia nodded and then took out a notebook—it seemed that although she was somewhat inexperienced, she had prepared thoroughly.

"According to the records, the plague began spreading in early winter. Initially, everyone thought it was just a common seasonal cold, but soon the symptoms worsened, and before long, the Beggars’ Nest had completely succumbed. By then, Neverwinter City had realized something was wrong. Lord Nasher immediately chose to close off the city, but it was too late. Except for the Black Lake District, which was still relatively stable, almost the entire city had been infected... This plague was incurable, and even the divine arts of priests could not help, so it spread very rapidly."

"What about the specific source of the infection?"

"Sorry, I’m not sure about that."

"Then, in the early stages of the infection, did anyone go to the Beggars’ Nest to treat the sick?"

"Hmm..."

Emilia flipped through the records.

"In the initial outbreak, Master Dussel went to the Beggars’ Nest to treat the patients. He provides free medical check-ups every year for the poor in Neverwinter City, who can’t afford treatment. It was during this that he discovered the extraordinary nature of this plague and promptly warned Lord Nasher."

"Master Dussel?"

"Yes, Master Dussel Cades, a highly respected Great Druid in Neverwinter City."

Druids are indeed better at concocting potions and curing diseases...

"Where is this Great Druid now?"

"I heard he left Neverwinter City to find a cure for the plague... I don’t know the specifics."

"Then, I suggest we visit the Great Druid’s residence."

Duanmu Huai stood up.

"Since he is an expert in this area, he might have kept records from the early stages of the plague. Perhaps we’ll find some clues there."

Emilia saw no issue with Duanmu Huai’s suggestion and quickly nodded in agreement.

They first went to the residence of the Great Druid in the center of Neverwinter City, only to be told that he hadn’t been back for a long time. However, the gatekeeper still gave Emilia and the others a piece of information: Master Dussel had a place in the Beggars’ Nest where he treated patients. If there were any records, they would likely be there.

It must be said that when Amelia first heard this news, she was quite troubled. As a local, she knew the situation in the "Nest of Beggars"—not only were bodies piled up like a mountain there, but Undead Creatures had even appeared. The guard squad and the knight order had already completely sealed off the Nest of Beggars, and it would not be easy for them to get inside...

However, when a group of people arrived at the main gate of the Nest of Beggars, they saw a crowd cheerfully walking inside.

"What’s going on here?"

Seeing this scene, Amelia hurriedly asked the guard at the gate.

"Hasn’t the Nest of Beggars been completely sealed off?"

"Ah, Miss Amelia."

Seeing Amelia, the guard also revealed a smile.

"Actually, it’s all thanks to the adventurers."

"Adventurers?"

"Yes, weren’t there a group of adventurers who had gone to find something missing under Lady Eribeth’s orders? Not only did they eliminate the Undead Creatures in the Nest of Beggars, but they also took care of the cult inside. Now the Nest of Beggars is barely peaceful, so people have started to return home."

"I see, that’s good to know."

Hearing the guard’s answer, Amelia felt relieved. After all, she knew the suffering of refugees fleeing their homes was intense, and living on the streets was not an option. Now that the danger in the Nest of Beggars had dissipated, and everyone was returning home, it was somewhat a good thing.

"Can we go in as well?"

"Of course."

Mr. Duanmu and others also had Lady Eribeth’s permission, so they effortlessly entered the Nest of Beggars. Following previous tips, they finally found the "hospital" of the Great Druid.

It was located in a corner of the Nest of Beggars, and it looked like a warehouse. The entire building was securely sealed, the door tightly locked, even bound with thick iron chains. In this place that seemed dirtier and shabbier than a slum, the existence of such an intact building was indeed surprising.

"This is going to be troublesome; we don’t have the key..."

Looking at the iron lock, which was almost bigger than her head, Amelia struggled, but just as she was pondering what to do, Mr. Duanmu stretched out his hand, grabbed the iron chain, and suddenly pulled!

"Thud!"

The next moment, the iron chain as thick as a thumb instantly snapped, and then Mr. Duanmu pulled open the wooden door and strode in.

"Hey? Mr. Duanmu! Entering like this is illegal!!"

"Now is not the time to worry about such trivial matters."

Mr. Duanmu walked into the warehouse and looked around, his eyes flashing with a gleam of sharpness.

He was not just here to find clues, it could even be said... Mr. Duanmu was here to find evidence of guilt.

Indeed, after listening to Amelia’s introduction, Mr. Duanmu suspected that the Great Druid might very well be the criminal.

The reason was simple—when it concerned matters related to the Corrupted Foil, seeing a doctor could definitely not be wrong. If the other party was not an ally, then they had certainly turned enemy!

So, let me see if this Great Druid is innocent.