Chapter 175 (1/2)
Hao Ren casually filled out the form—no one cared after all. As he was writing, he pointed at a newspaper, pretending to ask, “What happened in The Beinz Blood Lake again?”
The word “again” would make him not sound less like an ignoramus as he figured that news of the situation at The Beinz Blood Lake two months ago would have already spread far and wide.
“Disappearances, a series of disappearances. It’s the fourth time in a row.” Wilton shook his head. “Four groups of people have disappeared since the first expedition team was sent to locate the Orb of the Holy Synod two months ago. Among them were two mercenary veterans. Tsk, tsk, people still keep coming even after more than 10 people have gone missing.”
“It’s all about the money,” Becky muttered. “I’d have gone too if it wasn’t because of the fact that I didn’t have my own team. If you find the orb, a manor will be yours as reward plus, the title of ‘knight’ to sweeten the deal. You don’t have to work again, ever.”
Standing next to Wilton, Hao Ren took a quick glance at the newspaper which still stank of printing ink. Some key words registered in his mind in particular about the The Beinz Blood Lake incident: “…it has been two months since the orb went missing near the Blood Lake. Its whereabouts are still unknown… Bloch, who was tasked with escorting the orb, was investigated by the Holy See and the Kingdom Joint Review Group. The pope announced that the missing orb was a divine trial and Bloch was acquitted… Civilian Headhunter Mercenaries went missing near the southern part of the blood lake during their attempt to cross it. There were no eye-witnesses. All 36 team members went missing, which adds to the total missing persons of… As the orb is still not found, Prince Hoffman has announced the cancellation of the pilgrimage celebration this year…”
The Beinz Blood Lake incident was probably related to the missing Orb of the Holy Synod.
Subsequent disappearances were still without official confirmation. It looked like The Beinz Blood Lake’s connection with the Otherworld was just a rumour. Its authenticity was in question. Anyway, Hao Ren thought it was still worth a look.
They were a lost ball in high weeds without a clear idea of where to begin. A good starting point was looking into the popular legends or historical sites. The Beinz Blood Lake incident was possibly the best place to start their investigation in this world.
Furthermore, Hao Ren was interested in the strangely-named place since he heard Becky talking about The Beinz Blood Lake and destruction of an ancient civilisation. He sort of suspected that there had to be something behind the so-called end-of-the-world incident and its related historical relics some 10,000 years ago.
Being the slowest among them, Nangong Wuyue was finally done with the form. Becky started to hurry them to leave. There had been no incidents of provocation and exploitation by the local soldiers. They were released and they passed through registration. Outside the garrison, Becky reached her hand out and asked Hao Ren, “Where’s the promised music box?”
This lady’s perseverance was extraordinary.
“Here, take it.” Hao Ren tucked his hand into his Dimensional Pocket and took an MP5 out as well as a charger. “This is a good object. You won’t find anything like it in this world.”
“Is this a music box?” Becky looked at the strange gadget in total surprise. “It looks different from the flying gadget last time.”
As Becky’s voice trailed off, a tingling sound came from inside the pot. Either the MDT or Lil Pea could have been frightened.
“This one doesn’t fly but, it has far more functions.” Hao Ren played with all the functions of the MP5 in such a way to confuse her. “Look, it’s got photos, you can take a picture or video; isn’t it far better than the music-only gadget? This is the charger. Just place it under the sun and it’ll recharge the music box…”
As Hao Ren explained enthusiastically, Vivian sensed something amiss. She asked him quietly while Becky played with the MP5, “Wait a second! How can you give it to a local…?”