Chapter 21

“Madam,” a word with an inexplicable attraction. But the name “Money Cat” holds high prestige in Black Stone Town. Or to say that it’s particularly well known among the men. At mealtimes in the tavern, it was common to overhear conversations about who the fairest girl at the “Money Cat” was and the types of new dance programs on offer. Unlike the conventional brothels, the “Money Cat” did not operate by selling flesh but was an entertainment venue for song and dance performances. In Wu Heng’s understanding, they were essentially risqué performances. But he had only heard about it. He had not expected the owner to be a woman, and a member of the Professional Association at that. “So, which squad is she in?” Wu Heng continued to ask. Cavina continued, “She is the Vice-executive of Black Stone Town and does not belong to any squad.” Vice-executive huh, that’s no small authority. Over time, it’s likely impossible to avoid interaction, so it would be better to maintain a cordial relationship and not give her any scandalous stories about oneself. The two continued to discuss the woman behind the “Money Cat”. Captain Autruck continued, “Let me brief you on the squad situation in Black Stone Town.” “Alright.” “Apart from our newly formed squad, there were three other squads. The first squad was established the earliest, led by a warrior named ‘Anel’. The leader of the second squad is a magician named ‘Tulisa’, and the third squad is commanded by a ranger named ‘Nacho’. Their squads were established earlier, and all members have reached the full quota of five.” As Wu Heng listened, he learned about the existence of three squads, all of which were fully staffed. Because of the formation of the fourth squad, he was recruited. Thus becoming a member of the Professional Association. As for the names of the three squad captains, he had forgotten them as soon as he heard them. The only one that left a deep impression was Mrs. Slyther of the “Money Cat”. “Alright, just get an idea for now, you’ll get used to it over time,” the captain continued. “Hmm!” … The train returned to Black Stone Town, just as dusk was falling. At the station, the guards from Black Stone Town took over the vase filled with the aura of necromancy from ‘Achido’ and the others. With this, the professional squad’s mission was completed. The remaining matters would be handled by Black Stone Town. Captain Autruck and Pulamon had a brief chat and went their separate ways, planning to report back to the Professional Association. Wu Heng and Cavina could return home first, and they would be notified if their assistance was needed for anything else. After bidding farewell to the two, Wu Heng headed back to his residence. The task of the professional squad was not as simple as ‘Yazde’ had described. Out of nine members in the investigation team, three died and the rest all sustained some injuries. If it were not for the confirmation that one of them was ‘Achido’s housekeeper, it would have been challenging to accumulate solid evidence and attribute the incident to Achido. Who knows how many more lives might have been taken by the jar of necromancy magic by then. Black magic is indeed quite terrifying. No wonder necromancers are so opposed, it’s not unjust at all. Upon returning home, right when he was about to check the conditions in Zombie World, Someone knocked on his door. “Wu Heng, is that you who’s back?” The voice of his landlord. Wu Heng opened the door to see a coarse-skinned, bearded middle-aged man standing on his doorstep. “Mr. Ludger” Ludger was the owner of the house, in other words, the landlord. “Hmm, Wu Heng, have you gotten yourself into some trouble?” Ludger strode into the room and asked immediately. Wu Heng frowned, his mind raced back to the escaped fugitive accomplice. He asked, “Is something wrong?” “I was about to ask you what happened. Why are there guards coming here these past few days? I only rented the place to you because you’re a good person. You can’t cause any trouble for me,” said the landlord, sitting at the table. After which, he glanced at the figure clad in a round helmet, furrowed his brows, and added, “Also, I only rented the house to you. Don’t bring just about anyone over.” Skeleton Basson, completely shrouded in a secure wrap, still bore traces of crossbow arrows on his leather armour. Plus, the amusingly round helmet made him stand out, making him appear far from an ordinary resident. Wu Heng understood what he was implying. These past few days, the repeated visits by the guards and professional squad had caused the landlord to sense something was amiss. Being just a renter, no one wanted to invite trouble. Fortunately, he was unaware that Wu Heng had killed someone here, otherwise, he would have been kicked out. “There’s a misunderstanding. I have joined the professional squad. Yesterday, I was assisting the town guards with an investigation. I haven’t done anything bad,” Wu Heng explained as he reached for the bronze badge given to him by the Professional Association. The landlord was first taken aback, then surprised, and immediately broke into a smile. “I did say you’re promising and indeed worth it. I always have a keen eye for people.” The landlord’s attitude changed instantly. He stopped harping on the trouble and instead complimented him for being capable and having prospects. He even offered to introduce him to some girls, acting very friendly. Miss So-and-so from such and such family, the widow from that street, he suggested three or four candidates. Still, Wu Heng just listened and did not take it too seriously. Despite having no law enforcement powers, the field agents in the Professional Association were considered rather unique to ordinary people. Wu Heng also chatted with him for a while, assuring him that he wouldn’t cause any trouble. Laughing, the landlord reckoned that with Wu Heng living here, the safety of the neighbourhood would significantly improve. Before long, the landlord took his leave. Wu Heng took a quick look in Zombie World, picked up some goods for Skeleton Basson to carry, and then walked out of his door. … Professional Association, conference room. Four people sat on either side of a long and narrow conference table. The Black Stone Town Professional Association has a total of four squads, and ‘Autruck’ who had just returned, was also called in for the meeting. The executive had not arrived yet, so the atmosphere amongst them was somewhat relaxed. The leader of the first squad spoke up, “Autruck, I hear your squad recruited a necromancer?” “Yes, our squad is short of hands, so we recruited a new member,” Autruck replied calmly. The leader of the third squad said, “I know about this, the executive personally recruited him, intending to arrange him in our squad…. He did not continue, but his meaning was apparent. The undead mage was assigned to the fourth squad only because the third squad did not want him. The female leader of the second squad glanced at Autruck and commented, “Let’s just use him for now since we don’t have enough people, we can figure out what to do later.” The leader of the first squad continued to ask, “Yesterday was your first mission, wasn’t it? How did he perform?” “He performed very well, surpassing my expectations.” “Ha-ha, don’t pretend, he just changed jobs a few days ago. It would be great if he didn’t become a liability.” The leader of the third squad was not buying it. Autruck did not respond. The rest just laughed it off, and the topic was dropped. At this moment, the door of the room opened. ‘Yazde’, the executive of the association, leaning on a wooden cane, walked into the room and took a seat at the head of the table. He immediately spoke, “The investigation of the mining village this time was executed remarkably well by the fourth squad, especially by the squad member, Wu Heng. He has been commended by the City Hall. Due to incorrect intelligence provided by Black Stone Town, the reward for your squad, Autruck, is doubled. Additionally, there will be one medium-grade tool as a reward.” As soon as these words left his lips, all of the squad leaders were taken aback. The City Hall, commending a necromancer? What did he do?