428 Sherlocks New Idea (1/2)
In a dark room, Alexandria held a newspaper with the words ”Eternal Kingdom's Dungeon Lord Sherlock Solved the Merchant Band Robbery” on it.
The newspaper wasn't the Winterfell Monthly Digest, which was full of advertisements. The newspaper was the Monthly Chronicles of the Northern Dukedom.
”Lord Alexandria, we don't have news of Phoenix,” the Sludge Monster said as he stood before Alexandria, holding a document holder.
”Hmm, I understand. Find a chance to cut off the tail,” Alexandria said while he looked at the newspaper.
The Sludge Monster awkwardly said, ”It may be difficult to get past the security of Bankazia.”
”Settle it before they arrive at Bankazia,” Alexandria said without lifting his head.
”I got it.”
”Yes, I heard that Sherlock has a powerful Lich called Brainiac. Is that correct?”
The Sludge Monster turned around when he heard Alexandria's question. He opened up the document folder with his wet tentacle and said, ”That's correct. He's called the once-in-a-thousand-year genius Lich who graduated from Specter College. His mentor was the famous Professor Bacon.”
”Professor Bacon? Do you still have our collaboration plan with Specter College?” Alexandria, who was sitting in his chair, asked the Sludge Monster.
”We still have it.”
”Carry out the plan. The sooner, the better.”
…
The robbery of the Merchant Band at the Black Volcano was solved. The only regrets were the death of the 2,500 Merchant Band guards and the missing Dungeon Core. Phoenix vanished after his magical seal was removed.
The fortunate thing was that the loss of Winterfell was shouldered by the residents of Small Distant Town since they took part in the robbery.
When the Merchant Alliance sent someone to account for their properties, they discovered that the wealth of Small Distant Town had diminished. Most of the merchandise, furniture, and Magic Stones were missing. The Merchant Alliance suspected that the residents diverted their wealth. However, it was a mystery why the residents shifted their furniture.
The residents still had immovable properties to pay compensation.
Since the magical seal of Phoenix was removed, the Black Volcano erupted incessantly. Therefore, the foot of the volcano was no longer suitable for living.
The Merchant Alliance sent specialized staff to investigate the situation. The conclusion was:
”Due to Phoenix, the elemental power is chaotic, and the volcano has become extremely active. The eruption will last for a long time. It's suggested that the rating of the tour be increased by a star!”
Though it was a better tourist spot and a piece of good news for the Merchant Alliance, the Elemental Monsters multiplied and created problems.
The Merchant Alliance was fortunate because they had a friendly and helpful neighbor—Eternal Kingdom!
”No problem. My citizens strongly request to guard the lava caves. They want to help the Merchant Alliance maintain order. It's our duty,” Sherlock said righteously.
Sherlock's strong request moved Dungeon Lord Nicholas, who reported immediately to the Merchant Alliance. The Merchant Alliance was very grateful to Sherlock since their problems could be solved!
Sherlock was also paid remuneration. Though Sherlock claimed that he didn't require the remuneration, the Merchant Alliance decided to provide monthly raw materials as remuneration. Raw materials were essential to a developing Dungeon.
The Merchant Alliance didn't make a loss. As long as the Black Volcano was a tourist attraction, they would be able to earn profits.
To the Merchant Alliance, the incident at the Black Volcano was finally concluded. The compensation to the Northern Dukedom was an issue to be solved by the Merchant Alliance.
As for Sherlock, he had to investigate many things.
…
”Are there any leads regarding the mastermind who tempted the residents to remove the magical seal of Phoenix?”
Sherlock sat in a luxurious room, which was decorated with bookshelves and books. The room was filled with the decadent scent of knowledge.
Sherlock felt a bit uncomfortable.
In front of him was a Sludge Monster, who was sitting in an executive chair. He provided intelligence to Sherlock on many occasions. He was also managing the illegal tuition business.
”The mastermind is slick, unlike in Bankazia, where we have many moles for collecting intelligence. I speculate that it's Alexandria. His recent activities have been related to finding the locations of the 72 Devils. It's still a mystery where these unlucky blokes are.”
The red parrot perched on Sherlock's shoulder said threateningly, ”Ha? What are you talking about, Sludge Monster?”
”Hmm?”