The idea was tempting.
But it also carried risks.
Mr. Marco was a wealthy man in Port Quint, the leading spice dealer.
This man's influence was even greater than Doberman's.
What if he didn't want to pay the bounty and just silenced the witness?
Even if Mr. Marco was willing to pay the bounty,
How could he explain himself for single-handedly recovering two large barrels of pepper, navigating the conflict between Doberman and Jason's factions?
How could a novice sorcerer apprentice possess such power?
No one would believe him if he told them.
Alan didn't want to reveal his true colors, and that would make the matter unexplainable.
If Mr. Marco became suspicious and suspected him of colluding with the thieves, the consequences would be endless.
Ultimately, his own strength and influence were insufficient.
He had no choice but to keep his head down. Alan sighed.
At this point, the only option was to seek out his supporters.
...
The next morning.
Alan returned to school and went to the Glass Garden to see the principal. He took the initiative to talk about the scuffle in the deep mountain cave.
Aside from the Gluttony system and the Poison Demon Bloodline.
He recounted the entire story without reservation.
"You accidentally witnessed a fight between a gang and a profiteer's mercenaries, and you ended up taking advantage?"
Ms. Sora stared at her prized student, half believing and half doubting.
Alan nodded, his face sincere.
"I hid the two stolen barrels of pepper under my bed."
"I wanted to return it to its original owner, but I was afraid they'd take advantage of my youth and refuse to pay the reward."
"So I came to you, hoping you could return the pepper to the company and claim the reward."
"As for the reward, half will be yours."
"Teacher, do you think this would work?"
The principal smiled as she listened to him.
"Alan, you did a great job!"
"You showed maturity and prudence far beyond your years."
"I'm very pleased."
"Teacher, are you willing to do me a favor?" Alan expressed a certain surprise.
"Of course, it's a piece of cake."
The principal leaned back in her armchair, a carefree smile on her face.
"As for the bounty, you don't have to share it with me. I'm not so broke as to take advantage of my students."
"How can that be?!"
Alan immediately raised his voice an octave, his face filled with anxiety.
"Teacher! I'd feel bad if you didn't accept the money!"
"But..." the principal was about to refuse.
Alan interrupted, saying sincerely, "I've learned so much valuable knowledge from you, and I haven't paid a penny for tuition!"
"Teacher, can this bounty be considered my tuition?"
"You silly kid, you're such a stubborn kid!"
The principal smiled helplessly, a hint of doting in her eyes.
"Alright, I can't argue with you. I'll do as you say."
...
Two days later.
After school that afternoon, Alan was just leaving the school when he was stopped by a man in a bowler hat.
"Hello! Is this Alan Panthers?"
"Good afternoon," Alan said, sizing up the stranger. "What can I do for you?"
The man looked to be about 30, with an elegant smile.
His dress and demeanor were remarkably gentlemanly.
"Looks like I've found the right person."
The stranger smiled faintly and removed his hat, revealing a resplendent head of silver hair.
"My name is Kant, and I'm a private investigator."
"Private investigator?" Alan paused. "From your accent, you're not from here, are you?"
Kant nodded in agreement.
"I'm on vacation in Quinte Island, and I'm helping a friend investigate a case."
"What case? Is it related to me?"
Alan feigned confusion.
He secretly suspected it was most likely related to the Pepper Robbery. "This is a long story," Kant said calmly, putting on his hat. "There's a cafe across the street. I wonder if I could offer you a cup of coffee so we can sit down and chat."
"It would be my honor," Allen replied politely.
The two sat down in the cafe.
Kant snapped his fingers casually.
He summoned the waiter and ordered two cups of coffee.
"Well, Allen, I have a friend who works at a shipping insurance company and asked me to investigate an insurance claim..."
Kant sipped his coffee as he explained his intention.
"I heard from my friends at the police station that Allen is an eyewitness in this case, so I wanted to talk to you."
"Mr. Kant, I don't know much, and I have nothing to hide..."
Alan responded according to the prearranged explanation he had agreed with the principal.
"The other day, I accompanied Sora-sensei up the mountain to collect herbs when we stumbled upon a cave. From deep within the cavern, I could hear faint sounds of an argument."
He recounted the entire story of the brawl between the thieves and the profiteers.
As for his own role in it, he used a trick of grafting it onto the principal's.
It was as if he were merely a minor figure running errands for the principal.
Kant listened intently.
He interrupted him with several pointed questions, all of which hit home.
If Alan hadn't been prepared, he'd have been caught red-handed.
The conversation lasted twenty minutes.
Kant seemed to have run out of questions.
He stood up, smiled, and extended his hand to Alan.
"Thank you for your help, Alan."
"You're welcome. I hope it helps."
After shaking hands, Kant snapped his fingers and paid the bill.
Watching him leave, Alan breathed a sigh of relief.
But...
Just as Kant was about to leave the café, he suddenly stopped, turned around, and gave him a meaningful smile.
Alan's heart trembled inexplicably, and his nerves tensed again!
"Alan, your coffee is cold."
"I heated it up a bit. I hope you don't mind."
After saying these two words, Kant adjusted the brim of his hat, turned, pushed the door open, and left.
Alan sat still, holding his breath.
Until Kant's figure disappeared into the crowd on the street.
He breathed a sigh of relief.
He lowered his head.
His gaze fell on the coffee cup.
Steam was rising from the rim.
Reaching out, he felt the walls scalding hot!
That Kant...
When had he cast a spell to reheat the lukewarm coffee to near-boiling temperatures?
Alan had no recollection!
At first glance, it seemed like a trivial trick.
But Alan was deeply shocked!
The human body is primarily composed of water.
What if Kant used this spell on the water in the body?
For example, causing the urine in someone's bladder to instantly boil...
What would the result be?
Alan shuddered.
Kant was unfathomable!
If he had murderous intentions, he wouldn't even have a chance to resist.
The more Alan thought about it, the more he felt that Kant was no ordinary man.
Hurry back to school and tell the principal!
…
Alan climbed the stairs.
At the end of the corridor ahead was the principal's office.
He suddenly stopped.
Through the office window, he saw a familiar figure.
Inside the office.
A silver-haired gentleman sat on the sofa, his legs leisurely crossed, a thick cigar in his hand.
He was chatting and laughing with the principal.