Chapter 669, Special Cargo
Arriving at the morgue.
Two coroners immediately bowed. "Island Master, Steward."
Sheila Grey asked, "How are the corpses from last night?"
"Autopsies have been completed."
As he spoke, an autopsy report was handed over.
Sheila Grey glanced at it and said to Wu Heng, "The vampire infiltrator I killed last night was human. Nothing particularly distinctive. We're still investigating the identity."
Wu Heng nodded, then took out the vampire's corpse. "Do an autopsy on this one too and report it to headquarters. Make sure it's detailed."
"Yes, my lord," the coroner nodded and placed the half-body corpse onto the iron bed.
Then he took out various tools from a cabinet and began the autopsy.
After handing over the corpse, Wu Heng and Sheila Grey stepped out to the doorway.
"So what exactly happened yesterday?" Sheila Grey folded her arms and asked directly.
At this point, it was clear that the vampire had targeted Wu Heng, and there were accomplices inside the city.
But what exactly had happened was still unclear.
Wu Heng organized his thoughts and explained everything from discovering the suspicious ship to luring the enemy out of Gold-Silver Island.
He spoke briefly, but the main points were clear.
"Why did you go out again? That was dangerous," Sheila Grey said, somewhat reproachfully.
"I calculated that nothing would happen. Don't worry," Wu Heng replied.
With the escort ship, he had the advantage at sea.
And he didn't have to worry about harming others.
A few shells plus the close-in weapon system—practically invincible.
Last night's main expense was really the use of the CIWS.
The weapon fired too quickly, and he was critically low on ammo.
It even felt wasteful to use it on ordinary vampire.
Sheila Grey rolled her eyes. "Next time, inform me in advance."
"Got it." Wu Heng smiled.
Sheila Grey moved closer and asked in a soft voice, "Is this still because of that time you killed the vampire exile?"
Wu Heng pondered. "Probably. We'll ask the soul during the interrogation."
"Vampire aren't common in the Emerald Sea. Strange how often they're showing up lately," Sheila Grey muttered.
As she spoke, footsteps echoed down the hallway.
Shiyali arrived with two investigators.
"Island Master, Steward." The investigators saluted.
"Let's go. We're interrogating a criminal soul. Record everything," Wu Heng said.
The investigators nodded and followed them into an empty room further in.
...…
In the empty room.
Wu Heng set up a ritual circle while the others waited at the door.
Interrogating a soul wasn't new; it had even been done when Imiro was the steward.
Soon, the circle was complete.
Wu Heng took out the Soul Jar, releasing the male vampire soul. Its sharp eyes scanned the room quickly.
It tried to flee in the opposite direction.
Realizing it was trapped in the ritual circle, it finally looked at the others.
Its gaze settled on Sheila Grey.
It pleaded, "You're a Steward of Gold-Silver Island. I demand contact with the vampire and request your protection."
Sheila Grey glanced at his face and replied, "This will be reported to the Guild. For now, just answer our questions."
The vampire's expression shifted. He said nothing.
Sheila Grey continued, "Name."
The vampire hesitated, glanced at Wu Heng, then answered, "Kelby Badley."
As expected, a member of the Badley vampire family.
Same family as the vampire Wu Heng had previously killed.
When Glenda had devoured a vampire soul, they had seen some visions.
Apparently, before Lilith became the vampire leader, the Badley family had ruled them.
So this group strongly opposed Lilith's rule.
They plotted in secret, not daring to oppose her openly.
The investigators recorded everything. Sheila Grey asked, "How long have you been on Gold-Silver Island? Where were you?"
The vampire's gaze wavered. "Four or five days. I stayed on the ship. I didn't even go ashore. I didn't do anything wrong."
"Why attack the ship Wu Heng was on?"
"I didn't! I wasn't attacking—just passing by..." the vampire protested loudly.
Wu Heng waved a hand. Necromantic power turned into spectral whips, cracking down on the soul.
The soul trembled and wailed as it repeatedly shattered and reformed.
"I'll talk! I really did plan to attack him!" the vampire yelled.
The whipping stopped. The investigators continued recording.
Sheila Grey waited a moment. "Why attack him?"
"He killed our people. It was personal." The vampire paused, then added quickly, "Also, Moffat from the Guild approached me, gave me info about you, and incited me to kill you."
Wu Heng raised an eyebrow. Sheila Grey's face darkened.
Moffat—Luan's mentor, the prince who publicly challenged Wu Heng.
Revenge from the vampire had been expected, but this involved both teacher and student.
After all this time, they were still plotting against him.
"Write it down," Sheila Grey ordered.
The investigators quickly recorded it.
The vampire cried, "The Guild will investigate this later—I'll testify for you!"
Sheila Grey looked at Wu Heng, then said, "Explain exactly how Moffat contacted you. This is your last chance to redeem yourself."
"Alright." The vampire began explaining.
Apparently, Gold-Silver Island was well-known at Guild HQ, and Moffat sent a letter.
He asked the vampire to kill Wu Heng and provided detailed information about the island.
"Wu Heng, I was manipulated into this. Honestly, we don't have that deep of a grudge. I don't expect you to let me go, but at least let me help expose Moffat. Don't let my people die while they get away clean," the vampire pleaded, clutching the ritual circle.
Wu Heng looked at Sheila Grey, who said, "I've asked everything. Store him for now."
Since Luan and Moffat were involved, the soul couldn't be destroyed yet.
Wu Heng channeled power. The soul was gradually drawn into the Soul Jar.
As it vanished, the vampire cried, "Wu Heng, give me a chance! If I die, they'll just find someone else—"
Before finishing, the soul was sealed in the jar.
"Let's go," Sheila Grey said.
Wu Heng put away the Soul Jar and left with the others.
...…
Steward's study.
Sheila Grey sorted through documents. "Do you think the Moffat part is true?"
"Probably. Otherwise, why would he name them now?" Wu Heng said.
Sheila Grey nodded. "I'll write to the Guild. Since they're at HQ, true or not, they shouldn't get off easy."
They couldn't go to HQ to get revenge.
But reporting it ensured it was on record. If things escalated, the blame was on them.
It would also provide a reasonable excuse.
"Go ahead. I'll write to Lilith as well, explain everything."
"Alright." Sheila Grey started the report.
Shiyali delivered paper and envelopes. Wu Heng began writing his letter.
When finished, they gave the letters to Shiyali to send from the front desk.
That wrapped things up.
Wu Heng got up, poured himself tea, and sat down again. "Are heroes really that powerful?"
Sheila Grey looked up. "Why the sudden interest in heroes?"
"Just curious," Wu Heng replied, sipping tea. "Since coming to Gold-Silver Island, I've run into 18th-level professionals, but never seen a hero."
"They're all at Guild HQ. None come here."
"All of them?"
"Not sure, but their stories come from official publications. I've never seen one outside either," she laughed. "We're young. It's normal."
Wu Heng nodded. "Are heroes that strong?"
Sheila Grey thought for a moment. "Top-tier in the world, with more resources and rights. Everyone listens to them."
"I mean, is being level 20 that amazing? Everyone treats it like the ultimate goal."
Level 20 was known to be elite.
But if that just meant stronger stats…
Then modern weapons should still work.
Machine guns not enough? Use missiles. Still not enough? Bigger missiles.
There had to be a way to kill them.
Sheila Grey said, "Of course. Heroes are the strongest."
"Strong how?"
She paused. "Strength… I don't know. I'll tell you once I become one."
Wu Heng scratched his face. "Can they live forever?"
"Is immortality really that important?"
"If you're human, in a few decades your body decays. Then you'll know."
Sheila Grey replied, "Heroes still die. But they live long and have ways to extend life."
So they still die. Still human.
Not yet divine beings.
Wu Heng didn't press. Sheila Grey looked annoyed.
He switched topics. "Can other beings become heroes? Skeletons? Ghosts? Beasts? Can they reach level 20?"
"That…" Sheila Grey was stumped.
"Which races have produced heroes?"
Sheila Grey organized her thoughts. "Let's say this: all the main races you see have heroes or once had them. Other intelligent races—check the Rare Species Protection Act."
Wu Heng raised an eyebrow. So that's how the protection act came about.
Heroes were like nuclear weapons. Nations with them had global clout.
Those without declined over time.
"Wait, why are the vampire under the protection act?"
"I told you before—they're rare. Plus, they can't freely create blood thralls."
...…
Rentam City, central district.
A towering stone building stood proud, giant pillars supporting a four-meter-tall gate. The side windows were unusually wide.
Two armored orc skeletons guarded the gate with solemn dignity.
Inside, a vast room.
On either side of a long wooden table sat orc leaders and tribal representatives.
They exchanged cold glares and low mutters.
But they kept things civil and stayed in their seats.
After a while, rhythmic footsteps approached.
Wen Mansa, in leather armor with two skeletons at her sides, entered.
The orcs stood. "Lady Wen Mansa."
"City Lord."
"Wen Mansa, City Lord."
She smiled. "Please sit. No need for formality."
The orcs sat, eyes falling on the skeleton to her left.
Dressed in a purple gown, wearing a lady's hat.
If not for the skull, she'd pass for a noblewoman going to a ball.
A new skeleton?
Last one used dual swords.
What's with the outfit?
Can it fight?
The orcs were puzzled.
Wen Mansa looked around and said, "Eskar the shaman isn't here, but we'll proceed."
"Of course, we're here to hear you out," said one orc.
Wen Mansa nodded. "Let me be brief. Once signed, Rentam City and the six tribes form an alliance: no conflict, protect each other, cooperate for development."
This had been discussed since Wu Heng left.
Today, all were finally gathered.
One orc frowned, signed messily, and said, "Rest assured, Lady Wen Mansa—anyone who attacks Rentam, we'll tear them apart."
Wen Mansa smiled. "Thank you. Our army will also protect alliance members."
The orc grinned. "Can you help build houses for our tribe? We'll trade ore."
"It's not that simple. We need a site inspection. Just listen to me."
"Yes, yes, we'll follow your lead."
The other orcs signed.
Wen Mansa reviewed the agreements and signed.
Rentam City and the six orc tribes were officially allied.
"Alliance established. Lunch is prepared outside. Eat before you go."
"I'm starving. You're so thoughtful."
"Lady Wen Mansa, can our young men join the city's patrols?"
"..."
...…
Afternoon, Gold-Silver Island.
Wu Heng exited the bedroom, yawning.
He'd rested about two hours.
With his current constitution, he could go days without sleep.
But mental fatigue still affected performance.
Like Sheila Grey said, even heroes aren't immortal.
He had to care for his body. Even if he became a ghoul someday, a better physique meant a prouder look.
He came downstairs. "Wait a moment, I'll tell the cook to prepare lunch," Minnie said.
"Alright," Wu Heng nodded and sat.
Soon, lunch was ready.
Wu Heng ate while lost in thought.
After lunch…
He greeted the maids, put on the [Conductor's Hat], and boarded the train.
...…
Lopez City, Snake Emblem Consortium.
Wu Heng sat in the VIP room waiting. The door was gently knocked, then opened.
Local representative Letilie entered in a red dress.
Smiling, "Good afternoon, guest."
"Afternoon. Any news about my order?" Wu Heng asked directly.
Letilie replied softly, "There is, but it's unusual. Please be prepared."
Wu Heng raised an eyebrow, curious.
His orders were all corpses.
What could be different?
"It's fine. Show me," Wu Heng said.
Letilie called out toward the door.
Four coffins were brought in.
Behind them followed a near-death old human.