Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic
Chapter 943 - 943: The True Academic Spy

"You are..."

The man in the black robe recognized Shard through the mask.

He looked to be in a terrible state, though there were no visible injuries, Shard could sense his mental instability. If it wasn't the influence of a powerful relic, then he must have been directly hit by a spiritual attack like a psychic shockwave.

"What is one plus one?"

Shard asked in a low voice.

"Two."

"What is thirty-nine times three?"

Shard continued to ask, but the man started gagging. Using simple math to assess mental damage is a highly regarded contemporary method of spiritual evaluation. Of course, Shard was certain that the man in his normal state could answer such questions; Circle Sorcerers require extensive knowledge of grammar, history, and mathematics. A Circle Sorcerer who doesn't understand math is not a proper Circle Sorcerer.

"Take me to the city, safely, and I'll give you fifty pounds."

Supported by Shard, the man stepped out into the heavy mist outside the cemetery, panting heavily. He immediately offered an irresistible amount. Though Shard was more interested in proposing a stone tablet transaction, he wasn't sure of this man's identity in the Apna Library, and this was certainly not the place for business, so he first pulled up the man and then asked:

"I'm not doing this for your money, you have to believe that. Address?"

"The University District in the city, Ikem Street, number 21."

The man's voice was low and breathless, as if he was at death's door. However, Shard, who was supporting him, was very sure that he was healthy, just severely exhausted mentally:

"What attacked you?"

Shard asked softly, while at close range, he smelled a strong ink scent from the man.

"The Peace Church's Divine Arts - Thought Steel Seal."

In the Outlander's eyes, the Divine Arts of the Priests and believers of the God of War and Peace were always so intriguing, just like the white dove bombs.

To avoid the church's search, they made a large detour around the cemetery area before daring to enter the city. Once in the city, they didn't dare immediately hire a carriage, instead, they changed clothes in an alley, which allowed Shard to see the man's true appearance, that of a middle-aged man with a scholarly air, his features gaunt, eyes nearly too heavy to open, a gray hue in them.

But the man was too hurt to clearly see Shard's appearance.

After finding a carriage, it carried them smoothly under the cover of night to Ikem Street in the University District. Upon getting off the carriage, the man needed Shard's support to stand steady; fortunately, Shard had already poured some alcohol over him, so the driver simply assumed it was a drunk being escorted home by companions.

Shard was quite familiar with Ikem Street in the University District; just a block away was Princess Margaret's rental at Feather Quill Street. Ikem Street was similarly lined with apartments on both sides common in the University District, with few windows illuminated at this time, casting dim light through the night fog.

Supporting the gentleman, Shard moved along the edge of the road where the streetlights didn't reach. When they climbed up the steps to number 21, the man used all his effort to knock on the front door in a fixed rhythm, by which time Shard had already put his mask back on.

After about half a minute, cautious footsteps came from behind the door—a deliberately lowered and softened pace, indicative of wariness.

"Who is it?"

The voice inside was that of a male.

"It's me."

The man being supported by Shard squeezed out the words:

"I was ambushed by the church, the Hermit Society's contact found to receive the goods brought me back."

He was alerting the person inside that there was a stranger with him, and the person inside clearly understood, as did Shard.

Holding the man, Shard spoke in a low voice to the door:

"This gentleman promised me a reward of fifty pounds."

"Yes, sir, that's no problem."

Answered the voice immediately from inside.

Shard waited an additional 3 minutes and 17 seconds before hearing the sound of the safety chain being removed from the door. Then the wall lamp outside was turned on, and the door opened to a moderate gap, revealing two individuals wearing black robes and masks standing inside.

Aside from them, others were standing further down the hallway in the foyer and at the higher side of the staircase.

Shard paid them no mind, instead, he handed over the person he was assisting to one of them, who carefully took in the nearly unconscious unlucky fellow into the house.

Naturally, Shard wasn't invited inside, a tall man in a black robe handed him an envelope. Squeezing it, Shard knew it contained banknotes.

The people here were clearly wary of Shard. Shard chuckled, stuffing the envelope into his coat pocket, and in a muffled voice from behind the mask said:

"Since I've helped you, may I say another word? I have another deal I'd like to make with you, are you interested in selling me a book?"

"A deal?"

The man in the black robe hesitated, his right hand resting on the door leaving just a final gap:

"If it's legitimate business, of course, it's no problem, but it's too late tonight. Come back at eight on Tuesday morning."

Obviously, citing the late hour was an excuse; Shard knew they needed to first verify what happened tonight. If they thought Shard's identity was suspicious, likely by Tuesday this place would be an empty house:

"No problem, eight on Tuesday morning."

Shard nodded, turned around without hesitation, and left. The man inside the door leaned against the doorframe, watching him disappear into the night fog, waiting a moment before closing the door.

Shard walked alone in the fog, opening the envelope and counting the money. The rustling sound didn't carry far in the fog. His fingers deftly flipped through the banknotes, confirming they amounted to fifty pounds, before shredding the envelope and tossing it into a nearby alley.

"Wasn't my perception wrong just now?"

He held the stack of banknotes between his right thumb and forefinger, slightly swaying it in front of himself, feeling quite pleased.

[No, it was indeed him.]

"Truly interesting."

Shard smirked slightly, quickly turning into an alley unlit by gas lamps.

In the dark alley, a few stray cats were rummaging through a garbage heap by the wall. Upon hearing footsteps, the cats turned to look at the stranger. Stray cats in the city can be quite fierce at night; Shard had seen news of them injuring people. Yet, they didn't bother him, merely watching him.

He casually took out a few pieces of Mia's cat food and tossed them over:

"Among the Circle Sorcerers guarding against me in the house just now, to think one of them was an acquaintance. A real academic spy has appeared."

[Looks like your task has a lead.]

"Indeed."

Shard hurried out of the alley, gazing towards the direction of Feather Quill Street, then continued walking east.

"Sir Lakin Prisia of 'Guiding Moon', accompanying Princess Margaret on her visit to Tobesk, was in that house just now. He is a correspondence student at Xerxes Higher Medical Academy and is currently mingling with Apna Library's people."

The other party was also guarding against him earlier. Sir Prisia didn't seem like a 'guest' of that house; he should also be one of its owners.

Shard voiced his speculation in his heart. As he entered an area unlit by streetlights, he reached into his pocket and, when his hand reemerged, had swapped to a different coat.

His eyes fixated on the next street lamp:

"This is still just a conjecture; definitive proof is needed to ascertain the other party's identity. If Guiding Moon–Lakin Prisia truly is an academic spy from Apna Library infiltrating Xerxes, then whether it's the Stone Tablet book I seek or his Spiritual Light, they will easily be within reach... after all.

Slightly squinting, he turned to face the direction of 21 Ikem Street where he had just left:

"Sir Prisia, you wouldn't want your identity exposed, would you?"

On the way from the University District to Old John's Pawnshop, aside from encountering two drunks, arm-in-arm and vomiting while cursing tax policies, Shard didn't meet any unexpected situations. Before entering the pawnshop, he reopened the alley in transit, recording the contents of the documents within. Shard arrived fifty minutes later than scheduled, indicating to Old John that an unforeseen incident had surely arisen in this task.

Seeing Shard arriving with a briefcase, the old man hastened from behind the counter. After peering about through the open door, he gestured for Shard to place the briefcase on the counter.

Old John poured tea for Shard, who then recounted the events that transpired at the cemetery. The old man listened with a serious expression, and only when Shard mentioned taking the injured man back to 21 Ikem Street did he speak:

"Detective, though I know you're a good man, going out of your way to help him back tonight wasn't just for that money, was it?"

"Correct, Apna Library holds something I desire."

Shard nodded.

Old John placed his hand on the briefcase:

"I can assure you, the church lying in wait at the cemetery wasn't tipped off by us. The Hermit Society will demand an explanation from Apna Library for this matter. We can pressure them to satisfy your trade where possible—consider this as compensation for your troubles. Although we are an obscure Circle Sorcerer Organization, we never shortchange our friends. Treating friendships well is a crucial component of civilization."

Shard revealed a smile:

"Very well, Old Man John, then there's no need for additional payment for the surprises in this commission."

The old man also smiled, looking down at the briefcase:

"I know you're curious about the contents, but I'm not sure if you've peeked through it on your way. Detective, remember, do not lightly get involved in some matters, or if involved, be prepared for the worst scenario."

Usually with a child's temperament, the old man's eyes now glistened, and his demeanor turned somewhat grave:

"Poem Chapter and The Chosen One are no trivial matters."

Shard tapped the countertop:

"I understand, Old Man John. Since I managed to learn about the Guiding Light Hermitage, I naturally have my own channels and methods. Rest assured, at least I'm not aligned with the evil faction."

"No one ever considers themselves evil..."

He opened the briefcase, flipping through the documents within. The contents were about Apna Library and their speculation related to the Fragment of Poem Chapter concerning the The Chosen One of Wisdom and Knowledge. Besides already knowing about 'Lake Schluch' and 'Sage's Glowstone', the part most valuable to Shard was the crucial detail within the fragment: this Chosen One Ceremony needed to be conducted on a water surface.

"...But I believe you aren't evil."

"Why? Do you see me as an upright and kind person?"

Shard asked with a smile, and the old man shook his head:

"Schneider never misjudges people, and at times, I feel you are one of us. Though there is no evidence, take it as the wisdom of an elder—I believe you are also striving for the continuation of this civilization. Do you remember the topic we once discussed about civilization? I run this pawnshop to get closer to our civilization, the civilization of the Sixth Era, humanity's civilization—that is the real Enlightenment... We impart light, you spread fire, it's something similar."

Shard couldn't fathom what Old Man John truly meant.