Chapter 353, The Wandering Swordsman
Balconies, courtyards, and hidden spots.
The number of skeleton attendants far exceeded the usual guards stationed at the homes of nobility.
Moreover, they were all undead attendants.
The man leaned against the wall, recalling the intel he'd previously gathered.
Came from a small town, became a Professional less than a year ago, and level shouldn't exceed 10.
Just from the number of undead skeletons in the courtyard, all the previous intelligence could easily be dismissed.
"Intel, as unreliable as always."
He glanced at the main gate across the street and eyed the entire block, calculating his next move.
After a brief thought.
He closed the scroll, slung the sword over his shoulder, and turned to leave.
...
In the study.
Wu Heng distributed several tier-1 corpse core potions to the two maids.
"Thank you, Master!" The two nodded gratefully.
Their faces beamed with joy.
These potions were valuable treasures.
And it was because of these potions that the two maids were much stronger than others of their level.
Andviel, though just an assistant at the guild, had combat abilities comparable to the average squad leader.
Minnie was similar. Despite being the newest to switch professions, her attributes weren't low.
The only thing she lacked was actual combat experience.
But that wasn't a big problem; with time and more training, her rising attributes would yield better results in combat.
"Drink them now," Wu Heng instructed.
The two drank the three potions in succession.
Their bodies received a slight boost.
"Everything okay?"
Andviel said, "I feel alright, though it doesn't seem as effective as before."
Minnie countered, "Not at all, I feel great."
"Viel is at a higher level. Once the body reaches a certain strength, the effect of the potions diminishes. Minnie, since you just switched, you can still take quite a few of these."
"Oh!" Minnie said, then turned to Andviel, "Sister Viel, since they're less effective for you, give them to me next time!"
"No way. Less effective doesn't mean useless."
"Stingy!" Minnie pouted.
Wu Heng smiled, "There will be more potions in the future."
"Got it! Just teasing Sister Viel. She's always so serious," Minnie said, pinching Andviel's waist.
Andviel shivered, watching Minnie flee, and smiled, "Master, Minnie and I will continue cleaning the rooms."
"Hmm, have the beast handlers take part in guarding the premises too."
"Understood."
Andviel nodded and went downstairs.
Soon, from the first floor came Minnie's laughing and pleading.
Wu Heng released Glenda and Xiaoxiao, letting them survey the building.
Once assured there were no enemies or threats, he opened a portal to the zombie world.
...
Guild.
Sheila Grey came out of the Steward's study, her expression still stern.
On her way back to her office, she instructed a staff member, "Inform the squad leaders without assignments to meet me in my study."
"Yes, Deputy Steward," the staffer answered quickly and left.
Sheila Grey returned to her study and began putting on her armor.
Shortly after, there was a knock at the door, and several squad leaders entered.
"Deputy Steward, you asked for us?" one squad leader asked.
Sheila Grey glanced at them, "You're coming with me to investigate the taverns and inns on Lighthouse Street."
The squad leaders frowned and exchanged glances.
"This is about Deputy Steward Wu Heng's case?" one leader asked.
"Yes, there's intel suggesting the culprit is hiding on Lighthouse Street," Sheila Grey answered.
"But... Lighthouse Street is crowded, with lots of inns and taverns. We won't cover it all with just our people," another squad leader said.
The dwarf leader of the third squad stroked his beard, "It's just simple questioning. We're not taking everyone in for interrogation; it shouldn't take that long."
A well-dressed female squad leader said, "Deputy Steward, I have a dance to attend tonight. With so many taverns, won't this take a lot of time?"
Sheila Grey continued to buckle her longsword at her waist, "This task has been approved by the Steward. Everyone is coming along, no exceptions."
She glanced at the female leader, "What's so great about a dance? Once this is over, I'll have Wu Heng take you for one."
The female leader's eyes lit up, "Really?"
Realizing what she'd said, she quickly changed her tone, "No, that's not what I meant! I won't go to the dance, nor do I need Deputy Steward Wu Heng to take me."
Pfft~!
The other squad leaders chuckled.
Fully armored, Sheila Grey headed out, "It won't take long, and you'll still make your dance. Get your members ready and assemble at the gate."
"Yes!"
The squad dispersed, gathering at the gate, heading toward Lighthouse Street.
...
Zombie world, old factory district.
Wu Heng walked out of the dormitory, casually looking around the marketplace they'd set up.
More and more bases were coming here to exchange supplies, forming a long queue along the road.
Many survivors stood by their vehicles, chatting and smoking, all sporting a wasteland look.
Just then, Qi Hancai came up from behind, "Why didn't you call me?"
"Nothing important, just taking a look around," Wu Heng said.
Qi Hancai walked beside him, "More shelters are coming to trade. We've also recruited more specialists recently. I plan to use the land behind the yard before winter hits, building extra warehouses and workshops."
The area behind the yard was vast and overgrown.
"Winter's almost here; that's a lot of work."
"We'll start and continue in spring if needed."
Wu Heng had no objections, "Go ahead. Use any nearby residential areas for storage."
"Right, the military came by yesterday, wanting to discuss pricing for military equipment. Since you weren't around, I sent them away," Qi Hancai added.
Wu Heng wasn't interested in dealing with the military for now.
"Ignore them for now. We'll deal with it later."
"Alright!" The two continued their walk and talk.
Qi Hancai continued sharing updates about the old factory district.
Meanwhile, others from nearby shelters peeked over at them.
Most knew Qi Hancai, the leader of the old factory and an Awakened.
But none had seen Wu Heng.
"Hey, bro, who's that guy next to your leader?" a survivor handed a cigarette to the registration staff, asking directly.
"Which one?"
"The guy next to Leader Qi Hancai."
"Oh, that's our leader. Qi Hancai is the deputy," the staff replied.
This wasn't exactly a secret.
The military knew, and it was structured that way within the old factory too.
The survivor frowned, "Damn, how many Awakened do you guys have?"
The staff grinned, waving him through, "Your turn to exchange. Move along!"
"Oh, right!" The survivor drove in.
Others crowded around, eager for information.
They had thought Qi Hancai was the most powerful in the old factory. But now, it seemed the place was stronger than they imagined.
At the very least, the number of ability users wouldn't be less than two.
Wu Heng and Qi Hancai completed a round of the market, then checked the workshops.
Qi Hancai asked, "When do we clear the roundabout?"
"In a couple of days. Wait for my word."
"Alright!" Qi Hancai nodded.
Wu Heng spoke with her for a bit longer before returning to the dormitory and then heading back to Gold-Silver Island.
"Alright!" Qi Hancai nodded.
Wu Heng chatted with her for a few more minutes, then returned to the dormitory before heading back to Gold-Silver Island.
...
Gold-Silver Island.
Wu Heng lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
He pondered his current situation.
Coming to Gold-Silver Island, it seemed like the number of enemies increased dramatically.
First, there was the matter of the manager of the Deer Merchant Guild fleet being killed. Because of this, Wu Heng was suspended by the guild. To be reinstated, he needed to find the real culprit or direct evidence proving his innocence.
Currently, there were no solid leads.
The second point was the imminent danger.
The enemy wanted him removed from the position of deputy steward, which meant they surely had more plans coming.
Hilaria had mentioned the 'Wandering Swordsman' today, and he conveniently landed on the island at this precise time.
It was hard not to wonder if he had come for Wu Heng.
A Level 16 professional, with experience in killing a deputy steward, still posed a certain level of threat.
The last issue was the pirate's bounty and the white envelope and Pirate King that Philipa had mentioned.
These still posed a threat to him, but clearly weren't directly related to this current incident.
It was highly unlikely that the pirates had orchestrated this whole affair.
"The most dangerous is still that wandering swordsman. Daring to kill a deputy steward without ending up on a bounty list... he's got to be an old hand at this."
"Waiting for him to come after me is too passive. I should draw him out. In a head-to-head fight, I'm not sure I'll lose," Wu Heng muttered to himself.
He released the two ghosts again.
They floated in the air.
Wu Heng said, "There's been a lot of trouble lately. Help keep watch tonight."
"Ah~! My lord, you sure do worry us," Xiaoxiao said.
Glenda, however, continued her usual smile, "Don't worry, we don't need rest anyway."
"Thanks."
The two ghosts flew out of the building and began their watch.
Wu Heng closed his eyes to rest.
...
The next day.
After breakfast, Wu Heng, accompanied by his skeletal servant Bloodhand, had just stepped out the door when he noticed the iron gate next door opening as well.
An ornate carriage, surrounded by several guards, slowly drove out.
The carriage paused beside him, the curtain lifted, and 'Shanaila's' fair, beautiful face appeared.
Shanaila was as stunning as ever, her facial features exquisite, her skin smooth like cream.
If the modern world hadn't been ravaged by a virus...
Bringing her back would easily outshine all the trending celebrities.
Streaming with her, just having her sit there would guarantee some big spender to donate.
"Out wandering again?" Shanaila said softly.
"Heading to the guild for a bit, and you?" Wu Heng asked.
Shanaila said, "Guild business."
"Oh! There have been some chaotic people coming ashore recently. Stay safe."
Shanaila smiled, "Thank you for the reminder, Deputy Steward. I'll be careful."
"Alright, take care!" Wu Heng waved.
Shanaila nodded, blinked discreetly, then put the curtain back down, and the carriage moved on.
Their relationship had to remain distant in the eyes of the public.
Wu Heng walked to the intersection and hailed a carriage parked by the roadside, then got in.
The carriage proceeded slowly, heading towards the central district.
...
He first went to the guild and checked on the skeletal investigator in his office.
There wasn't any useful information recorded in the entire logbook.
The only relevant note was that the target was leaving with the fleet in two days for the next guild location.
The other party was leaving.
"Really has nothing to do with him?
Though Wu Heng still had his suspicions, there was indeed no concrete evidence pointing to the guy at present.
He let the skeleton continue monitoring.
Wu Heng left the guild and headed across the street to the Snake Emblem Consortium.
...
Wu Heng put on the headscarf and left the guild.
On the way, Glenda's voice came from beside his ear.
"Someone's following you, a high-level professional."
Wu Heng abruptly turned around and saw a figure standing behind him.
A loose robe over leather armor, a sword in one hand, with tattoos covering the other arm.
The Wandering Swordsman - Keramu.
He followed me here.
Planning to strike on the road?
He's that bold?
But Wu Heng also felt a bit relieved. At least a direct confrontation was better than an ambush from behind.
"You plan to make a move in broad daylight? I'm just suspended, not dismissed," Wu Heng said, standing still, his eyes locking on the other.
The man across from him undid his robe, slipping an arm out to reveal the large tattoos, and said, "You knew I was coming for you?"
Wu Heng smiled, "Wandering Swordsman 'Keramu', I know you."
Keramu squinted, "You were deliberately waiting for me?"
"Not quite." Wu Heng continued, "We don't have any grudges, do we? Is it worth it for a Tier 5 professional like you to kill a deputy steward like me?"
Keramu tied his clothes around his waist, and said plainly, "Paid to do the job, you can't blame me."
As soon as he finished speaking.
Keramu turned into a blur, charging forward swiftly.
Wu Heng retreated, activating his [Bone Armor] simultaneously.
At the same time, the skeletal servant Bloodhand drew both blades, colliding head-on with the approaching Wandering Swordsman.
Clang~!
A deafening metallic crash rang out.
Sparks flew as their weapons clashed.
Immediately afterward, Keramu sensed danger and lunged to the side.
Almost at the same time—
Bang, bang, bang~!
A series of bullets struck where he'd been standing, causing sparks to scatter from the stone-paved street.
Dodging bullets?
Is this something a melee class should be doing?
Wu Heng was surprised, but he quickly adjusted his aim, firing again at Keramu.
Keramu rolled repeatedly, propping himself up with one hand. With a swoosh, a thick smoke enveloped his position.
Screams echoed down the street.
People scattered in panic, fleeing the area of their fight.
Wu Heng kept pulling the trigger into the smoke.
But the next second, a sudden sound of slicing air came from behind—Keramu appeared mid-air, his sword slicing towards Wu Heng's neck.
Wu Heng was startled, adrenaline surging.
He lunged forward.
At the same time, Glenda materialized, her hand pointing towards Keramu's forehead.
Keramu's pupils momentarily glazed over, giving Wu Heng a chance to create distance.
Rolling onto his feet.
He propped himself up with one hand, casting [Death's Breath].
Thick black clouds enveloped the surroundings, and the negative properties of necromancy began to pervade the area.
Keramu began to feel his throat itch, his head grew dizzy, and his face took on a sickly yellow pallor.
Meanwhile, the skeletal servant who had lost its target earlier charged forward again, blades slicing at Keramu.
Keramu ripped two scrolls apart in his hand.
The negative effects on him instantly vanished. He looked at Wu Heng and said, "Out of all the deputy stewards I've killed, you're still not quite there."
As soon as he spoke.
Keramu planted his tattoo-covered hand on the ground, chanting under his breath.
The next second.
The tattoos began to take form.
Black figures detached from his arm, swiftly moving across the ground towards Wu Heng.
Snakes coiled around Bloodhand's legs, while black rats and ghosts surged towards Wu Heng.