Chapter 715, He Seemed Relieved
Tapani and Janvito, two Level 18 Professionals, would remain stationed in Netalei City.
Wu Heng was to ensure the safety of the entire sea route and oversee the transportation and supply of resources.
From the sound of it, the follow-up investigation into the Ekow Kingdom and the cult no longer required Tapani and Wu Heng's involvement—only logistical security.
Such a sudden change in personnel was somewhat unexpected.
After Elder Daniel finished speaking, the conference room fell briefly silent.
Tapani furrowed his brows and hesitated before asking, "Why wasn't Wu Heng added to the investigation team? He's got a real talent for case analysis and resolution."
Daniel glanced at Wu Heng and explained, "We're not sure either. The follow-up investigation involves cults, and it might be dangerous for Wu Heng. We'll go assess the situation first and wait for instructions from the leaders."
The tasks were all assigned by the leaders. No matter how much they discussed, nothing could change that.
Tapani could only nod and say nothing more.
Daniel continued, "Tomorrow, we'll head to the Ekow Kingdom's capital, Chelu. We'll need you to prepare carriages and essential supplies."
Tapani nodded, "We'll get right on it to ensure your plans proceed smoothly."
The group quickly discussed the remaining logistics and finalized the general plan.
Once the discussion ended, they left the conference room.
In the hallway, Tapani said, "Wu Heng, come with me."
Wu Heng nodded and followed him to the office.
......
In the study.
Tapani poured him a cup of tea, then said, "The leaders have their own considerations. Don't overthink it. With your merits and ability, Level 18 will be enough for you to become an Elder."
He was worried Wu Heng might take it personally.
Their team had done all the investigation, only for the new team to take over—it did feel like their credit was being stolen.
But Wu Heng didn't see it that way.
His goals were already achieved. With the Fifth Princess as a foundation, he had joined the power struggle within the Ekow Kingdom.
If the Guild ended up exposing the First Prince's ties to the cult, Wu Heng staying in the shadows was both safer and more convenient.
And most importantly—
The Snake Emblem Consortium's Hero had headed in the direction of the capital. That place might be even more dangerous than expected.
Even if he'd been assigned to the investigation team, he would've looked for an excuse to avoid it.
After hearing Tapani's words, Wu Heng smiled and said, "I'm not worried. The leaders surely have their reasons. We're still contributing from the rear."
"That's right," Tapani nodded approvingly, then added, "Netalei City's defenses still rely on your skeleton army. As for the sea routes, I don't think there's much chance of trouble. Just assign some ships to patrol—no need to commit too many forces."
Wu Heng nodded, "I'll assign the tasks when I get back. Once the investigation team departs, I'll probably return to Gold-Silver Island. It's been a while, and I don't want problems to arise there."
Tapani said, "It's good to check in. It'll also help with shipping supplies from the island."
"Gold-Silver Island can fully guarantee the supplies. Don't worry about that, Elder," Wu Heng assured him.
Tapani smiled, "Good. I just didn't want you to feel pressured. If not, even better."
Wu Heng stood up, "Then I'll head back and assign the tasks."
Tapani nodded, "Go on."
Wu Heng left the room and walked to the main hall.
Philipa was sitting in the lounge area. Her parrot perched on the table, glancing around. Behind her stood a skeleton attendant.
The posture and the skeleton gave off a pirate vibe.
Seeing him approach, Philipa looked up, "Back already?"
"Let's go. Time to head back," Wu Heng beckoned.
Philipa got up, walked over with her parrot, and linked arms with him. "So, what task did headquarters give you?"
"Too many eyes and ears here. Let's talk back at home."
"I like that phrase. I'm writing it down," Philipa said.
As they walked out, Wu Heng continued, "Go find the Fifth Princess and Shanaila. Tell them to come back to the City Lord's Mansion once they're done. I need to talk to them."
"Alright. You go on ahead," Philipa said, hopping on her bicycle and riding off.
Wu Heng walked in the direction of the City Lord's Mansion.
......
Conference Room.
"What do you think of Wu Heng?" Daniel asked.
The dwarf beside him stroked his beard and said, "Hard to tell from appearance. Don't know if he's as impressive as the newspaper stories make him out to be."
"If you mean investigative skills, they're probably not exaggerated. Tapani's report detailed the case thoroughly. Catching the culprit within a few days isn't something just anyone can do," Daniel added.
The others nodded in agreement.
They couldn't say about other things, but when it came to solving cases, he was quite capable.
The dwarf said, "Do you think they believe we're here to steal their credit?"
"Tapani probably doesn't. Wu Heng might. He's only in his twenties by human standards—still not even an adult by elven years."
"Yeah, very young. It's understandable if he feels that way."
"We've already explained things. We're just following orders."
"Even if he's gifted, he's still just an island lord. Whether he misunderstands or not doesn't change anything."
They continued discussing the matter.
Just then, an 18th-level investigator closed his notebook and said, "I don't think Wu Heng actually minds."
The room fell silent.
Daniel asked, "Why do you say that?"
The investigator replied, "When you mentioned he wasn't in the team, he looked relieved. It seemed like he didn't want to get involved in kingdom politics."
The others were momentarily stunned. Then their brows furrowed.
Thinking back—
He really did seem a bit relieved.
The dwarf hesitated and said, "Maybe he knows something about the Ekow Kingdom."
Daniel's brow furrowed too, "I'll speak with Tapani later and see if there's more intel."
"Good idea. If something's up, we'll drag that kid along," the dwarf said.
"Don't talk like that. The leaders value him highly," Daniel said. "If there's really a situation, we'll write to headquarters and have him join officially."
The others nodded in agreement.
Daniel stood up and said, "Everyone get ready. We head out tomorrow morning."
The group rose and left the conference room together.
......
City Lord's Mansion.
Wu Heng returned to his study, took off his leather armor, and stored it in his space ring.
Glenda flew back from the direction of the desk.
"How did headquarters assign things?" she asked.
Wu Heng poured himself a glass of water, sat down, and said, "The new investigation team will head to the Ekow Kingdom's capital to investigate the cult's connections. Tapani and Janvito stay in Netalei City. I'm in charge of sea route safety and logistics."
Glenda was stunned, "So they don't need you anymore?"
"Not quite. It's just shifting from frontlines to logistics."
Glenda asked, "Why the change?"
"Not sure. But I don't think it's bad. The Snake Emblem Hero went there just yesterday. It's likely more chaotic than expected," Wu Heng said, sipping his tea.
Glenda thought about it—it made sense.
Based on Wu Heng's power, he might not fear a Hero in level.
But there was no reason to create conflict.
If things escalated, it wouldn't just be dangerous—it would waste time.
He needed to focus on collecting fame and reaching Hero rank as soon as possible.
"What's your plan next?" Glenda asked.
Wu Heng thought for a moment and said, "I'll follow headquarters' orders—secure the sea routes. Personally, I'll keep developing Gold-Silver Island and gather more fame in Netalei City."
"That's a good idea," Glenda nodded.
Knock knock knock~!
As they spoke, someone knocked on the door.
Philipa's voice came from outside, "Wu Heng, Shanaila and the others are back."