Chapter 173: The Consortium Can Protect You

Chapter 173: The Consortium Can Protect You

The portrait had some differences from the Arnell of Blackstone Town.

He had grown a beard, and his hair was much longer than before, but the facial contours still made it recognizable—he was Arnell.

It was possible he had fallen on hard times after no longer being a squad leader, or this appearance could be a deliberate disguise.

But what was certain was that he was Wu Heng's former colleague, Arnell.

His time in the Blackstone Town guild wasn't long, and Wu Heng didn't have much contact with him.

The key point of conflict between them lay with the steward, Yazde.

At the time, Yazde's plan against Wu Heng had failed, and Arnell, who was guarding the door, attacked him.

It was clear that Arnell was Yazde's close confidant.

He likely knew about some of the plans.

Arnell's attack had failed, and fearing exposure, he left a letter to the squad and then immediately left Blackstone Town.

He claimed he was returning to his hometown.

But now, it seemed he hadn't done what he said in the letter.

He had come to Rentam City.

Arnell had left Blackstone Town earlier than Wu Heng, so it was very likely he arrived in Rentam City even earlier.

This made Wu Heng start to doubt Arnell's purpose for being here.

Was that assassination attempt a chance encounter or a premeditated act?

"Captain, do you recognize him?" The Scorpion Claw Gang leader looked at the portrait again and asked Wu Heng.

"No, do you not recognize him?" Wu Heng shook his head and asked in return.

Arnell was connected to the situation of his body being taken over.

In Blackstone Town, Wu Heng didn't want this matter to become too obvious, and the same was true now.

The leader turned his gaze to his subordinate, "Don't draw random crap!"

"Boss, come on. If the person didn't know, they'd just say they didn't. Why would I make someone up?" The subordinate immediately defended himself.

"Hmm, you're right."

The Scorpion Claw Gang leader, sitting on a grass mat, thought for a moment and then said, "Captain, this guy is definitely involved in this matter. How about you let the steward know that we found a clue and we'll make up for our mistakes by capturing him? This way, you won't have to worry anymore."

Wu Heng raised an eyebrow but didn't refuse.

"Alright, I'll notify the steward. How you handle it afterward is up to you."

"Thank you, Captain." The other party immediately expressed gratitude.

Wu Heng left the dungeon and went to the steward's office.

He roughly explained the recent events to Steward Gomez.

Gomez then met with the gang leader and listened to his suggestions.

He examined the portrait.

But no one in Rentam City seemed to recognize Arnell.

After some discussion, they decided to release the gang leader to continue investigating the matter.

Of course, they wouldn't let him go for free.

He was required to capture or gather concrete information about this person within a week.

Without a name or specific information, they couldn't issue a warrant.

So more detailed information was needed.

Hearing that he was being released, the gang leader repeatedly thanked them, promising that if the guy was still in the outskirts of the city, he'd turn the place upside down to catch him.

The steward didn't bother wasting words with him.

He gave a brief explanation and let him go.

Around noon, Wu Heng and the Scorpion Claw Gang leader left the guild together.

"If anything comes up, let me know," Wu Heng said.

"Don't worry, Captain. I'll definitely catch that guy and avenge you." The other party replied.

Wu Heng nodded, "Alright, get going."

The leader nodded and left quickly with his subordinate.

......

Wu Heng stood at the entrance, watching.

Instead of returning to the guild, he headed directly to the consortium.

Right now, he had two main threats.

One was Arnell, who had failed to assassinate him.

The second was the Secret Cult, which wanted to take back the items Wu Heng had in his possession.

Wu Heng even suspected there might be some connection between the two, otherwise, the timing wouldn't have been so close.

But it was all just speculation.

There was no concrete evidence.

Inside the consortium's lounge.

Wu Heng sat on the sofa to rest for a while, and soon the door opened, and the person in charge, Lacea, walked in with graceful steps, as beautiful as ever.

"Good afternoon, Captain Wu Heng." Lacea said with a smile.

Wu Heng smiled as well, "Any updates on the skill book commission?"

"Please wait a moment." Lacea said, motioning to the staff, who went to check the commission records.

The staff soon returned, holding two skill books.

Lacea checked them first and then handed them to Wu Heng. "It looks like we have results from the commission."

Wu Heng took the books and examined them.

[Bone Armament][Corpse Cage].

[Bone Armament]

(Description: Using necromancy, a bone armor is formed around the user (can work with physical armor but cannot coexist with magical defense skills). The armor provides both magical and physical protection.)

It was a magic skill that could form armor.

The Book of Necromancy didn't record such a skill.

It was either a rare ability or a skill developed after the Book of Necromancy.

However, there was a skill in the mage camp called [Mage Armor], which created a magical field to enhance defense.

This skill clearly resembled that type of magic.

It seemed to be a necromancy-based development of a similar skill.

Wu Heng thought this skill could be quite useful.

Necromancers were often seen as evil and feared, but their class still had fragile attributes.

Once in danger, it was difficult for them to protect or save themselves.

A magic skill that could generate armor would greatly mitigate that weakness.

It could reduce certain risks.

He continued to examine the second skill.

[Corpse Cage]

(Description: Forms a fixed cubic bone prison at a designated point within casting range. The caster can control the magic energy to adjust the density of the bones.

A trapped target cannot escape using physical attacks, and both body and soul will remain trapped.

If the location has sufficient bones, the cage will maintain itself. If not, and the cage is formed using necromancy, it will drain the caster's mental energy until the spell is stopped.)

Another rare skill.

It seemed somewhat familiar from a description in the Book of Necromancy, though Wu Heng couldn't quite remember; it seemed to be a higher-level skill.

He wasn't sure if his current level allowed him to learn it.

The consortium really came through with this commission.

These two skills were more practical and of higher grade than the ones from last time.

The effects of [Corpse Cage] were also straightforward.

Using necromancy, it formed a bone prison in the designated casting area.

Once the target was trapped, they couldn't break free with physical means, and not only their body but even their soul couldn't escape.

In other words, the target couldn't flee as a soul from the cage either.

This meant it could trap spirits as well.

That was quite powerful. Once someone was caught, escaping would be nearly impossible.

It had to be said, this skill was very strong.

Especially since it could trap souls.

Not even abandoning the body would allow escape.

After reading through both skills, Wu Heng placed the books back on the table.

Lacea, her legs crossed, revealing smooth and slender calves beneath her skirt, asked softly, "Captain Wu Heng, are you satisfied with the skill books?"

Wu Heng glanced at her and nodded, "They're quite satisfactory."

"This commission took a bit longer. I was worried you might not be pleased." Lacea gently patted her full chest.

"No one intentionally delayed it."

"Mm." Lacea leaned forward, her low-cut dress revealing a deep cleavage, and she spoke in a slightly playful tone, "Captain, the remaining balance is 330 silver coins. These skill books aren't easy to come by."

Wu Heng smiled and nodded, counting out the coins and handing them over, then said, "Continue helping me collect skill books in the future. Money isn't an issue, just try to shorten the time."

"Of course, Captain." Lacea put away the money and filled out a new commission form.

She then looked up with her beautiful eyes, "I've heard you've encountered some trouble recently?"

Wu Heng paused, realizing she was referring to the situation with Arnell.

He nodded and said, "Yes, during a mission, someone shot an arrow at me, but I still haven't found the culprit."

"The guild's 'Field Operative' position is indeed risky. You're dealing with fugitives and criminals, and at your rank, having enemies is inevitable." Seeing the confusion in his eyes, Lacea continued, "I'm curious, with your wealth, you don't seem to need this position. Why take on such a risk?"

Wu Heng understood her point.

He had considered giving up his guild position.

Running his own shop, with maids to serve him, seemed like a decent life.

But upon further thought, it wasn't that simple.

This world was chaotic—fights, robberies, and even wars between orc tribes were constant.

Many people died in such circumstances every day.

Without his position as a guild captain, trouble would only increase.

Perhaps today he'd run a shop, and tomorrow all the gangs would come to cause problems.

It seemed like he was taking on great risk working for the guild.

But as a guild captain, the guild was his backing.

Unless someone was a desperate criminal, no one would want to be on the wanted list.

Without this position, he'd have to face every enemy on his own.

Then it would really be a case of 'fight if you can, die if you can't,' with no room for negotiation.

Wu Heng glanced at Lacea, who was still waiting for his response, and smiled, "The guild took me in when I was struggling. I can't just leave easily."

"The captain is quite sentimental." Lacea complimented him professionally, then added, "If one day the guild doesn't protect you in times of danger, you can always come to the consortium. The consortium can ensure your safety."

Wu Heng looked up, his eyes showing a hint of doubt and surprise.