Ch 254: When A Once Bustling Place Falls Silent, The Atmosphere Turns Eerie

Faced with Madam Winidel’s sharp gaze, Bal didn’t waver. He offered the explanation he’d prepared.

“We are a couple of Adventurers saved by Hero Bal. Hearing of Hero Bal’s death, we were deeply saddened, so we decided to do something for him. After much searching, we found the place where Hero Bal lived and grew up. He helped us, so we intend to help him.”

“But how could just two Adventurers retrieve the children forcibly taken by the Army?”

“We have our own methods. The fact that we found this place and came here shows we have some skills.”

“What are your demands? If you only wish to repay Bal, you wouldn’t need to risk this. Since you’re taking such a risk to help us, it means you have ulterior motives. State your purpose, or I won’t agree.”

“This…”

Though knowing Madam Winidel acted for the Orphanage children’s sake, Bal was still thrown off by her caution. Then Phia spoke, stepping before Bal to answer.

“Our purpose is simply to protect the place where Mr. Bal once lived. We can’t express our gratitude enough for saving our lives. We won’t seek your understanding, but please don’t treat us like those shameless Politicians.”

Madam Winidel’s expression softened. She seemed to accept them, though a hint of doubt lingered in her brow.

“It seems I was overthinking. If you truly intend to help us, please help me find one child.”

Madam Winidel produced a portrait updated annually and gave it to Phia, pointing to a girl.

“This is Vena, the oldest child in our Orphanage. Yesterday, to increase the Orphanage’s income, she went alone to the nearby Forest to gather Herbs, and she hasn’t returned. I’m worried. Please help me find Vena.”

After speaking, Madam Winidel put away the portrait and went behind the Church. Seeing Madam Winidel leave, Bal and Phia set off to search.

“Do you know this Vena?”

Leaving the Orphanage, Phia asked Bal.

“There is such a person. Back then, she was very withdrawn and didn’t interact with other children, so I wasn’t very familiar with her. Why?”

“I think Madam Winidel’s reaction is odd. Didn’t you notice? After confronting us, her eyes kept darting around.”

“I noticed, but…”

Bal paused, seeming to search for words.

“But since I was a child, she’s always worked tirelessly for the Orphanage. I don’t think she would harm it.”

“Maybe she just doesn’t trust us yet.”

“That must be it. Let’s go find her.”

Bal and Phia left the City, heading towards the Forest outside the City where Herbs grow.

“You should be familiar with this place.”

Phia held Bal’s hand.

“Yes, it’s been a few years since I’ve been back. I kind of miss it.”

Bal pointed in a direction and continued.

“Over there, going forward is where I used to gather Herbs to earn a living. Vena should be around there.”

“Then let’s continue.”

“Mm.”

Bal and Phia continued walking. The path was unusually quiet, save for the sound of their feet crushing dry leaves and twigs.

“Strange, why is it so quiet?”

Bal felt puzzled. Phia was somewhat perplexed.

“What’s wrong with the quiet?”

“You wouldn’t understand. A few years ago, when I was studying in the Royal City, there would be many people in the Forest gathering Herbs or on dates. Sometimes, you could even see Beast Tamers training Beasts for performances. It’s so quiet today; something feels wrong.”

“Maybe everyone in the Royal City decided to stay home and rest today?”

“I have a bad feeling. We need to hurry.”

After speaking, Bal drew his Short Sword and started running. Phia retrieved her Spear from the Extradimensional Space and followed behind him. After running for a while, Bal stopped.

“Try using Magic to detect the surroundings. This is the center of the Forest.”

“I’ll try.”

Phia planted her Spear upside down in the ground. She released her Magic, and soon, her Magic filled the entire Forest.

“How is it? Did you find anything?”

“No individual Human Magic Reactions, but there’s one suspicious area with a large amount of Magic Reaction. Should we go?”

Phia opened her eyes and looked at Bal, who nodded.

“There’s no other way. Let’s go check it out.”

“Then follow me.”

Phia ran ahead of Bal towards the City Wall, Bal closely behind her.

“Isn’t that the direction towards the City Wall?”

“Yes, the only Magic Reaction in the entire Forest is coming from there, and it’s not in the City.”

“I have a bad feeling. Let’s run faster.”

“Humph, that depends on whether you can catch up.”

Phia enhanced her legs. In the blink of an eye, she was far ahead. Bal followed closely behind, enhancing his whole body, using the Trees as stepping stones to charge towards Phia.

“Stop!”

Hearing Phia’s voice, Bal stopped. He rolled to dissipate his momentum, stopping steadily beside Phia.

“What’s wrong?”

“Someone, two people, one in that tree, one in the undergrowth over there.”

Phia pointed in two directions. Bal drew his Short Sword and stepped forward.

“I’ll take the one in the tree, you take the one in the undergrowth. Don’t make too much noise.”

“Understood, leave it to me.”

Phia smiled. After Bal stealthily moved away, she used Invisibility Magic to quietly approach a tree.

“Don’t move.”

Bal held the person in the tree from behind, his Short Sword across the person’s neck.

“Who are you? Why are you ambushing here?”

“…”

“You won’t talk, huh? Then don’t blame me if something happens or your life is in danger.”

Bal pressed the Short Sword harder against the person’s neck, leaving a bloody scratch.

“I’ll talk, I’ll talk!”

“Speak quickly, I’m short on time.”

“This is the Ferenti Kingdom’s D1 Underground Research Institute. I’m a Scout here.”

“Underground Research Institute? Researching what?”

“This… I can’t say.”

Bal pressed harder again. The pain and difficulty breathing made the person struggle, but they still wouldn’t utter a word.

“Do you have a letter to your family?”

“In my left breast pocket.”

“I understand. You’re a good Soldier, but in your next life, be honest, do some Business, and live a peaceful life.”

With that, Bal’s Short Sword slashed across the person’s neck, and the person quickly became a cold corpse. Bal took the body down from the tree, while Phia finished interrogating the Scout in the undergrowth.

“How did it go? Any leads?”

Bal carried the body, blood still dripping from its neck. Thankfully, Bal wore a black Cloak; otherwise, cleaning up the Bloodstain before entering the City would be troublesome.

“This one talked easily. He said this is a research institute studying Magic Items and Magic used in War.”

“He’s dead?”

Bal looked at the still chest of the person on the ground and asked Phia.

“I originally planned to spare him, but he tried to die with me, so I sent him painlessly to his end.”

“Let’s check if he has a letter.”

“Do Soldiers in your Kingdom carry letters with them at all times?”

“Only those on dangerous Missions.”

“What a strange bunch.”

Phia crouched down and found a letter with “Will” written on the envelope.

“This must be it. What do you plan to do?”

Bal crouched down, taking the Dog Tag from the person’s neck, adding it to the one he’d already taken.

“Let’s give the Will to their widows. They were working for the government; they deserve an explanation.”

“You’re such a good person.”

“Don’t tease me.”

Bal chuckled wryly. After burying the two bodies, Bal and Phia reached a Cave Entrance.

“This seems to be the Entrance to the Institute.”

“Should we go inside?”

“Let’s check it out. Although if Vena is here, it’s unlikely to be good, but we should still try our luck.”

“Alright, let’s go.”

Phia magically unlocked the door, and the two walked into the dark Passage.