Former Interstellar Mercenary In Urban Cultivation World
Chapter 473: Investigation (Part 3)

Chapter 473: Investigation (Part 3)

"But you know, the mercenary market is a mixed bag. All sorts of people, some not so friendly. One wrong move and you’re in trouble," Ernesto continued.

Amalia asked, "Have you made enemies?"

"Of course," Ernesto replied with a smirk, as if offending others was an honor, "Gathering information sometimes means hitting a nerve. If it weren’t for Yolanda Yoder and Grandpa Florentino, I’d have been dead a h undred times over."

As Ernesto spoke with gusto, it seemed like he was used to this lifestyle, but Amalia remained clear-headed, like a mirror reflecting his words.

Amalia didn’t really buy into Ernesto’s words.

He was deliberately sharing this information to make her lower her guard, to let her know about their relationship with her aunt and thus not be as wary of him.

Thankfully, her aunt had mentioned something similar before, or else solely based on this, Amalia would have definitely been suspicious of him.

Ernesto led Amalia down another small alley after sharing his backstory, finally getting to the point.

"Eduardo Norierga had two partners, Josu Urrutikoetxea and Ángel Solana. Before Eduardo Norierga was killed, they often collaborated, targeting newcomers or wealthy individuals, inviting them to join their small team."

"After using them, they would kill them to cover their tracks. Sometimes, they would use them as bait, luring them to attract mutated creatures out of their nests under the pretense of a rescue mission, but they had no intention of saving them."

Amalia raised an eyebrow, "Didn’t the families of those they killed come looking for revenge?"

"How could they? The mercenary market is vast, and it’s full of all kinds of people. Eduardo Norierga and his crew weren’t stupid. They always committed their crimes in the same area."

"And in disaster zone’s, there’s both threat and opportunity. Every day, thousands die in these areas. How would they know where their loved ones went, and even if they did, there’s no evidence proving Eduardo Norierga’s involvement."

If Eduardo Norierga and his crew dared to do this, they had already planned their escape route and contingencies, otherwise they wouldn’t have continued until death without getting caught.

Ernesto continued, "After completing a mission, the loot would be divided among the three of them. But Eduardo Norierga had the highest cultivation level and the strongest power, so he always got the lion’s share."

Amalia calmly remarked, "Once or twice might be tolerable, but if it happens often, wouldn’t his two partners feel resentful?"

Ernesto’s eyes sparkled slightly, "You’re right, they indeed feel resentful. But they couldn’t beat Eduardo Norierga, so they kept it to themselves. Plus, without Eduardo Norierga, their plans couldn’t proceed."

"Finding a new partner would mean taking on various risks, which wouldn’t be worth it. So even if they’re unhappy, they have to endure it."

Amalia pondered for a moment, "So, after Eduardo Norierga’s death, both of them should have their eyes on his wealth, right?"

This time, Ernesto was genuinely surprised. "You could figure that out?"

"It’s not difficult," Amalia replied.

Ernesto sighed.

Talking to smart people was quite refreshing.

"Josu Urrutikoetxea and Ángel Solana indeed had their eyes on Eduardo Norierga’s wealth. However, Eduardo Norierga had family members, and naturally, they inherited his wealth after his death," Ernesto explained, "They probably used coercion and temptation, as Eduardo Norierga’s family members were quite greedy and cowardly. Josu Urrutikoetxea and Ángel Solana eventually got what they wanted."

A shrewd gleam flashed in Amalia’s eyes, "Did they kill Eduardo Norierga’s family?"

"No," Ernesto shook his head, "None of Eduardo Norierga’s family members were spiritual cultivators. Perhaps it’s karma. Eduardo Norierga not only had no sons, but his daughters were also as ordinary as can be in terms of cultivation talent. Josu Urrutikoetxea and Ángel Solana weren’t worried about Eduardo Norierga’s family seeking revenge since they didn’t possess any spiritual power."

Amalia inquired further, "Aren’t they afraid Eduardo Norierga’s family might expose their true identities?"

"What’s there to fear? If they move to another place, Eduardo Norierga’s family wouldn’t be able to find them. Besides, spiritual cultivators and ordinary people belong to different worlds. Plus, Eduardo Norierga was no saint; exposing them would tarnish his own reputation as well," Ernesto added, "You needn’t sympathize with them. Eduardo Norierga’s family deserved it. They knew where Eduardo Norierga’s wealth came from, yet they spent it lavishly without a shred of guilt. Losing their inheritance is just dessert."

Amalia wore a pensive expression, "So, even without Josu Urrutikoetxea and Ángel Solana’s testimony, Eduardo Norierga’s family could still be formidable witnesses."

"That could work too. But given the stakes involving Eduardo Norierga’s reputation, would his family agree?"

Ernesto expressed doubt.

Amalia chuckled, "Do you think a few ordinary people obsessed with material wealth would care about a dead person’s reputation? Can a dead person’s reputation bring them a carefree life of luxury?"

Suddenly, Ernesto realized he hadn’t seen through the situation after years in the mercenary world.

He felt like a failure.

"You make a good point. I know where Eduardo Norierga’s family is. Let me take you there."

Eduardo Norierga’s family didn’t live nearby, so the two of them retraced their steps back to where Amalia had initially arrived.

"You tell me Eduardo Norierga’s family’s address, and I’ll take you there," Amalia suggested, feeling that walking would take too long.

Ernesto immediately provided an address.

Eduardo Norierga’s family had moved to a neighboring province after losing their inheritance, opting for cheaper rent and living expenses.

While they were greedy for pleasure, before Eduardo Norierga’s schemes, their lifestyle was quite ordinary, and now they were simply reverting to their previous state, albeit in worse circumstances.

The neighboring province wasn’t far, and Amalia arrived there in just half an hour.

Experiencing the feeling of flying, overlooking the earth from above, Ernesto found the sensation absolutely exhilarating.

With average cultivation talent, he knew he’d never reach Tier 2 in his lifetime, let alone experience the feeling of flight.

"Amalia, when we go back, can we fly back?" Ernesto couldn’t resist proposing to Amalia.