A Core Ship From The Start
Chapter 677 - Chapter 677 Chapter 502 Mysterious Investigation Agency_1

Chapter 677: Chapter 502: Mysterious Investigation Agency_1 Chapter 677: Chapter 502: Mysterious Investigation Agency_1 How could I put it, although I had expected this outcome, when I saw the system’s ‘reward’ before me, Duanmu Huai was speechless.

In the past, he had the Fearful Aura, but here’s the thing, the Fearful Aura did have criteria, as long as it was ‘appraised,’ then you could be immune to it.

Now, it’s great, just seeing it reduces your sanity.

System, what do you mean? Is my face that graphic?

I think my face is actually quite good-looking.

If pushed, I might ask for the help of the green skins and brainwash them to appreciate my face. It could possibly increase a few points in Charm.

Possibly?

After solving the trouble of Sentry Ridge, Duanmu Huai returned to Arkham city. He met with Chief Anthony, and thus completely put an end to this matter.

Chief Anthony also told Duanmu Huai that on the day he went to Sentry Ridge, Kristin who created the painting of the Void Ghost, suddenly died of excessive shock.

As for Kristin’s death, he had no opinion. She dug her own grave, causing problems for many others and she couldn’t escape responsibility for it. Even though it was unintentional, her artwork hung in the museum for five years and killed over ten people. She deserved some punishment.

As for the people who were hunted down by the Void Ghost in the museum… well, they surely vanished without a trace, looking like they were just “missing cases”.

Yes, case closed.

Although it is unfair to the new victims’ families, there was no better option.

It is impossible to retrieve the bodies from another dimension.

It is even more impossible to tell them that your family members were devoured by the Void Ghost in another dimension… that would be outrageous…

So what else can be done? It’s time to close the case.

Like this, the case was settled.

However, Duanmu Huai had no intention to stop here.

Now he had an additional task: to use his power to guard the world’s human populations.

Of course, this is no ordinary responsibility, but can it be fulfilled? It is definitely not impossible. Even though this world does not have players like games, there are numerous investigators courting death!

The issue is how to make these investigators awed by his power!

For this, Duanmu Huai certainly had a solution. Like many artists and scholars who are drawn to R’lyeh in their dreams, as the God of Destruction, he could also use his dreams to guide investigators who are under the scrutiny of the evil god, or are investigating some events.

Of course, merely providing guidance is no different from giving verbal encouragement. It’s not very useful. If they have to deal with evil gods and cultists, they will certainly need weapons and ammunition.

Indeed, if cultists can cause trouble using talismans or cursed books, it’s unfair to assume that investigators should approach them bare-handed!

Police officers use weapons to catch criminals, right?

Thus, after discussing with Lorena, Duanmu Huai made a decision.

Firstly, he sold the mansion awarded by the system and bought a three-storied office building in Arkham City. The second floor was turned into a detective agency, the third floor served as apartments, and the first floor was an antique shop.

Yes, an antique shop!

Of course, this antique shop is just a cover, and all the so-called “antiques” displayed inside are actually Duanmu Huai’s Holy Artifacts!

Look, can an official shop operated by the God of Destruction cheat you? Everything sold here is a genuine product!

Apart from that, the antique shop also serves a function, that is, to recover items filled with cursed or evil god energies. This was an idea from Duanmu Huai. After all, instead of deliberately looking for these items, it would be easier to let people send them in thinking they are selling them… Any normal person, once they get any evil cursed items, will not want to keep them. As long as they bring it to the antique shop, Duanmu Huai can destroy it directly.

Duanmu Huai’s current plan is something like this; firstly, he would advertise in newspapers all over the nation, even worldwide, informing them about a detective agency that specializes in investigating various strange events in Arkham City. At the same time, he would let them know that a shop that purchases eerie items also exists here, doing his best to make his name known.

On another front, during his sleep at night, he would scour his dreams to find investigators currently in difficulty and guide them to the antique shop in Arkham City through lucid dreaming. Once they arrive, they would be able to obtain divine artifacts blessed by the God of Destruction himself from the antique shop. No need to mention much, as long as they use these items against the ordinary evil gods and cultists, that alone is invaluable.

Of course, even though these items are good, they are consumables… en, this is totally normal, after all, the God of Destruction is not running a charitable organization, he certainly couldn’t just give them away for free… moreover, if something is offered free, I might not dare to accept it.

After officially opening for business, Duanmu Huai was responsible for supervising the detective agency, while Lorena was in charge of the antique shop. Even though Lorena, as a priestess, did not understand antiques, she was sensitive in determining which items emitted an evil aura.

Of course, for Lorena’s benefit, Duanmu Huai opened a training area in the antique shop.

That is to say, when customers come, the first thing they might see might not be a shop assistant who smiles and greets customers from behind the counter, but a young girl pouring out sweat and throwing small punches at the punching bag in the training area…

Uh well, either way, let her be.

As for Duanmu Huai…

“How comfortable…”

As he sat on the chair, basking in the afternoon sunlight, Duanmu Huai leisurely yawned. Even though he was quite wealthy, the interior decoration of the detective agency was rather ordinary. There were bookshelves filled with books on both sides of the wall, blinds were pulled over the windows, an old-fashioned black phone sat on the desk.

A chair was placed across the desk, along with a genuine leather sofa for sleeping, and a radio sitting next to the cabinet. Beside the bookshelf was a gramophone, giving the whole place the look of a detective agency from the 1950s or 1960s.

Yeah, that’s the way!

During the lazy afternoon, the detective was half-dozing in his chair, sipping on chilled tequila. The music playing from the radio, echoing through the snug and comfy office in the afternoon sunlight. Then the knock on the door, the arrival of a client, a mysterious story unfolds in the dark shadows……

Isn’t that the mood we’re looking for?

Certainly, the detective’s office, other than providing Duanmu Huai’s services, boasts custom-made furniture; much larger than the usual ones. Otherwise, it would seem as if he had stepped into a dwarf’s kingdom. It’s already good enough that he hasn’t been crushed, let alone enjoy the space.

Yet……

“I’m so bored……”

Duanmu Huai stretched out his hand to pet the black cat lounging on him, while the rabbit, Tutu, was fast asleep in its burrow. Since the establishment of the office, nearly half a month had passed without a single case. Despite spending a substantial amount of money on advertising, to the point that he wanted to scatter his cards in every corner of the world, not a single client has shown up.

Has Arkham City’s law and order improved so much?

Or is the timing not quite right?

Even Chief Anthony’s department seems rather peaceful as of late, with no need for his involvement in any cases.

Tired of boredom, is he really going to pass time by posing as an art model at Miskatonic University?

Seems plausible?

After all, why would he waste his 18-pack abs developed through gruelling workouts? Showing it off doesn’t seem too bad. Plus, it gives everyone a chance to appreciate his charm. The common folks might not understand, but surely art students bewitched by the Heretical Evil God would comprehend his allure!

Does something seem off……?

Never mind, don’t overthink.

Regardless, having a good relationship with the professors at Miskatonic University is always excellent.

With that thought in mind, Duanmu Huai immediately put the kitten aside and stood up.

“Let’s go, we’re going to pose at Miskatonic University!”

“Meow???”

Compared to his previous mansion in the outskirts, Duanmu Huai’s detective agency in Arkham City is relatively more accessible. At least he does not have to drive every time he steps out; he can wander around at will. Initially, people turned and ran in fear at the sight of him, even calling the police on him. But humans are highly adaptable creatures. Duanmu Huai has been in this place for half a month, during which the local business owners and residents have become familiar with him.

“Hey, Uncle Tall, it’s rare to see you out. On a case?”

“Just wandering around.”

“Wow, it’s Uncle Tall! I want to fly high today, too!”

“Haha, maybe next time.”

Greeting the neighbors coming and going, Duanmu Huai made his way to Miskatonic University. After a “friendly exchange” with the gatekeeper, he saw Professor Osborne.

“Ah, hello, Mr. Duanmu, the students have been eagerly looking forward to this!”

Upon meeting Duanmu Huai, Professor Osborne was very enthusiastic. As for why he was so excited … well, Duanmu Huai didn’t want to know.

“Professor Osborne, may I ask, the kind of art model you mentioned, is it exactly what……”

“Ah, it’s the kind of art model you’re thinking of, of course, we have certain requirements, and we assure a decent compensation…”

While showing Duanmu Huai around the campus, Professor Osborne briefed him about the situation. As expected, he wanted Duanmu Huai to pose nude; $800 a session, which might not seem much, but upon reflection, $800 per session, thirty sessions a month culminates to $24,000!

That’s $24,000 a month for standing still! What a celestial job!

And the requirement for art models isn’t too stringent, nor too lenient. It’s not about merely shedding clothes but retaining a still pose like a statue for forty minutes. Moreover, the physical expectation for art models is quite specific; aside from having a peculiar talent like Duanmu, ordinary art models are subject to strict requirements regarding their appearance, measurements, height, etc.

Consequently, those with beer bellies or love handles can stop dreaming.

It didn’t take long for Duanmu Huai to be escorted to the studio, where he was relieved to find out that although the Miskatonic University students looked horrified, no one fainted or ran away in panic.

Well, as expected of courageous Miskatonic University, it does cultivate unique students.

“Alright, everyone, this is your model for today, Mr. Duanmu Huai!”

Professor Osborne stood beside Duanmu Huai, addressing his students.

“As you can all see, Mr. Duanmu Huai is extraordinarily talented, a rare find indeed! I had to employ all my persuasive skills to convince him to model for you guys. The idea is to broaden your horizons and give flight to your imagination. Recognize your shortcomings, break free from worldly shackles, and feel the truth of your existence! It’s important for you to understand that the world contains far more than what you currently comprehend!”

“…………??”

Hearing this, Duanmu Huai dropped his gaze in confusion to look at Professor Osborne standing by his side.

Something about that declaration feels off, doesn’t it?

However, Professor Osborne was oblivious to Duanmu Huai’s puzzled gaze, and merely chuckled, nodding his head.

“Alright, let’s get started!”

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