"BUZZ... BUZZ..."

’So soon?’

The golden trophy "telephone" began to vibrate wildly almost as soon as the intelligence upload was complete.

He activated it.

Wei’en quickly pressed the gemstone button on the "telephone."

A jet of spectral blue flame erupted from the top of the golden trophy, and then a familiar figure appeared within the fire.

She still wore the same black, hooded robe, its collar pulled low to reveal a wide expanse of her fair chest.

Wei’en respectfully performed a Wizard’s salute. "Respected Liaison Officer, good evening!"

Compared to their last "meeting," he seemed far more composed this time.

’She’s only a Senior Wizard Apprentice, after all. Could she really kill me from so far away?’

’Besides, I’ve already been promoted to Intermediate Wizard Apprentice. Both my Spirit and resilience levels have more than doubled...’

The Liaison Officer’s cool voice rang out. "Wei’en Loft, I have a few questions to verify with you regarding the intelligence on the slums."

"Please, go ahead."

"First question: are you certain it was Clelia of the Eternal Life Association?"

Wei’en answered without hesitation. "I’m certain it was her. Of course, I only overheard people from the Secret Investigation Department discussing it."

"I only saw her use a very bizarre ability to control multiple puppets and kill a squad of the City Guard."

The Liaison Officer nodded slightly. "Second question: have you been to the site of the Despair Sect’s sacrificial ritual?"

"I took a look. I snuck in after the people from the Secret Investigation Department had left."

"Did you see an ugly statue?"

Wei’en hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. "No. I only saw a Rune Array and more than three hundred desiccated corpses."

The Liaison Officer’s cold gaze pierced through her hood. She stared at him for a long time before finally speaking. "The mission was completed well. I’m very satisfied."

"It’s only thanks to your graciousness that I was able to complete the task."

Wei’en breathed a sigh of relief. His intuition told him that the Liaison Officer’s questions were somehow connected.

The question about the Despair Sect’s statue, in particular, forced him to recall his encounter with the corruption from the Source of Despair.

That was why he had chosen to hide the truth about the statue. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Just then, the Liaison Officer’s voice rang out again. "There is one other thing."

’Another thing?’

Wei’en’s heart clenched. That ominous premonition resurfaced. ’Could it be...?’

"I need you to continue gathering intelligence on the Eternal Life Association, on Clelia, and on the Despair Sect."

’Information on all three?’

Wei’en couldn’t help but look up at her. "Ma’am, you must know that I only just became a Wizard Apprentice. Asking me to gather such intelligence is... a bit much."

"I know. But this is an order." Seeing him staring directly at her, the Liaison Officer’s gaze turned instantly glacial. "You don’t have the right to choose."

Wei’en felt a frigid aura transmit through the "telephone," but it lacked the bone-chilling cold he had felt last time.

’Is she really determined to send me to my death?’

’Or is the Ghost Soul School just paying special attention to the Eternal Life Association and the Despair Sect?’

"Liaison Officer, may I know the reason for gathering this intelligence?"

"The reason?"

The corners of the Liaison Officer’s mouth curled up slightly, as if the question was so absurdly simple it was funny. "That is not your concern. You simply need to follow my instructions and execute the mission."

Seeing her expression, Wei’en’s heart sank.

Although he knew from his predecessor’s memories about the low status of an Intelligence Officer in the Ghost Soul School, actually seeing the Liaison Officer’s condescending expression still made him feel her disdain.

That arrogance, transmitted through the golden trophy, pierced him to the core.

"Are there any specific targets to focus on, then? Or should I gather all intelligence?"

"Do what you can," the Liaison Officer’s expression returned to its usual coolness as she stated faintly. "Your priority should be to find out their purpose for being in Caster."

Having gotten the answer he wanted, Wei’en gave a placid salute. "I know what to do, Liaison Officer."

He wasn’t opposed to the mission. After all, now that he had joined the Secret Investigation Department, he had a way to obtain such intelligence.

He was more concerned about the Liaison Officer’s motive for giving him this assignment.

After all, the Eternal Life Association, Clelia, and the Despair Sect were all far beyond his current reach.

The Liaison Officer said pointedly, "Wei’en, I know many Intelligence Officers aim to become an Official Mage. I trust you are no different."

"But let me remind you: do not forget your station and your duties. Before you become an Official Mage, your primary task is to be a competent Intelligence Officer!"

At this, Wei’en lowered his head. "Your words are wise, Liaison Officer. I will strive to fulfill my duties."

"That is all." The Liaison Officer seemed to realize that venting her frustrations over this matter was beneath her and added a final sentence. "Consider the slums mission completed above expectations. An additional reward will be issued."

"Thank you, Liaison Officer."

Once the spectral blue flames died out, Wei’en calmly rose. He stared at the golden trophy, a flicker of gloom in his eyes.

CLINK, CLANK.

A few crisp clinks echoed from the blue and white box.

Wei’en knew it was the reward for his intelligence report, but he felt no joy at all.

The Liaison Officer’s arrogant gaze and cold words were hard to ignore.

The sting of it was even sharper than the pain of having the runes branded onto him.

’I suppose this is my pride as a human being.’

’Damn it... I’ll endure you for now. But once I become an Official Mage...’

At this thought, Wei’en took a deep breath, opened the blue and white box, and counted the money inside.

gold pounds and 10 shillings—unexpectedly generous.

With this, plus the 1 gold pound from the previous intelligence reward, and the 2 gold pounds earned from translating for Gonzalez...

He now had a total of 5 gold pounds and 15 shillings.

Wei’en did a quick mental calculation and realized with a sigh that this was only enough to buy a single Isolation Array.

’It really is difficult for an Intelligence Officer to become an Official Mage...’

Although the Liaison Officer’s words had been hurtful, he knew they were simply the truth.

Compared to the Wizard Apprentices within the school itself, Intelligence Officers like him, dispatched to various locales, had a much harder time acquiring knowledge.

Never mind the gold pounds required to exchange for knowledge; the learning environment alone was incomparable.

No matter how fierce the internal competition was within the Ghost Soul School, at least there was a guarantee of safety.

They didn’t have to deal with the sudden appearance of aberrations, abyssal species, and followers of Evil Sects threatening their lives.

More importantly, those Wizard Apprentices at the school all had mentors to guide them...

If not for the panel that accelerated his progress, he feared he would never be able to surpass them in his lifetime.

’Time to think about getting some offensive Magic...’

It was late. Outside the window, the red moon still hung high in the sky, its light illuminating his placid face.