[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-bear-school-astartes":3,"chapter-bear-school-astartes-bear-school-astartes-chapter-1010":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Bear School Astartes",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1620741,2087,"Chapter 1010 992: Dudu's Home and Upheaval","bear-school-astartes-chapter-1010",1010,"\u003Cp>A good number of people at the Kingfisher Tavern had already started drinking in the afternoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In villages or small towns, you wouldn't see many people like this, as most people still had work to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in Novigrad, they were already having fun sharing tables in the tavern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People in the tavern were shouting about some horse race and also the familiar sounding Anger Fist competition. Merchants were discussing business and news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Triss still did not wear a hat or have her hair covered, standing out from ordinary women.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This proudly showcased her identity as a Female Warlock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People with some knowledge in the tavern knew: this was a witch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they were superstitious, they would avoid looking at Triss, fearing that a glance at the witch would bring a curse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And those more familiar with supernatural powers also wouldn't look much. Although, Female Warlocks were generally charming, with alluring figures and beautiful faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what was equally evident was their unpredictable temper and extreme self-centeredness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's not that there are no ordinary men favored by Female Warlocks, maintaining intimate relationships.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, typically, these men show signs of a thrill similar to being \"drained by a Female Night Demon\" at first, but often fall into emotional distress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an intimate relationship where the female partner is entirely self-centered, ignoring her male partner's feelings, and holds an overwhelmingly dominant position... for most men, this emotional distress is not outweighed by physical pleasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They would rather have a less stunning ordinary female partner than endure this mental anguish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, over time, although the allure of the Female Warlocks has not diminished, and has even flourished with fashion trends in clothing, cosmetics, and more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Except for some fearless young adventurers who want to try something new, few men are willing to establish stable intimate relationships with Female Warlocks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most are just for casual one-night stands to meet physiological needs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, even in men's freely spoken intimate topics, Female Warlocks have always been maintained at a respectful distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, from Lann's perspective...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In an intimate relationship, always in a weak position\"?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He truly couldn't understand what that meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let me think...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Triss walked ahead of Lann, like an exuberant girl, with magic not only extending her life and beauty but also giving her an enduringly optimistic and lively ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The glances in the tavern, attracted to her enchanting beauty only to quickly avert in panic, didn't affect her mood at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are we going to Dudu's house now? You Demon Hunters always have to do on-site investigations, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, you're catching on quickly, Triss.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann nodded casually, walking out of the Kingfisher Tavern with the Female Warlock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door opened to Master's Square, and leaving the square, the closely packed three-story buildings of Novigrad made the roads appear narrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes, a few strings of triangular flags were hung between the buildings on either side of the street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dandelion had already mentioned to them Dudu's address on the way back to the city, so Lann and Triss didn't have a hard time finding it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This area should count as the wealthy district of Novigrad; not only do all the windows feature high-quality, seamless, bubble-free glass, but even the wooden doors were neatly cut and nailed together with patterned iron frames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And actually...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think Dandelion only needed to give us a street number; the house number doesn't really matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann, standing on the street, complained to the Female Warlock beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The house in front of them was quite conspicuous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although this district is for the wealthy, it isn't physically separated from impoverished areas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the empty space between the houses, there was a small fountain, which many poor city residents used as a water source, treating it as a well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The neatly clean stone bricks around the fountain had become dirty and muddy due to the repeated splashing while fetching water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mud oozed from the gaps between the stone bricks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wealthy residents couldn't seem to stop this activity, but they could at least keep their houses clean and tidy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But one of the houses had its door splashed with red liquid, which Lann's Demon Hunter sense told him was paint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, most ordinary people would probably think it was blood from something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The methods of debt collection by gangs didn't seem to differ much by region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The door is locked.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Triss stepped forward and pushed the door. The paint had long dried, and the lock was intact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann positioned his tall body in front of the door, and his palm hit the spot where the door latch was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, a faint red glow of fighting spirit flashed in his hand, and with a \"bang,\" a crisp and clean thud sounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spot where the door latch was fastened was forcefully pushed out with a palm-sized hole, and the rest of the door merely shook slightly, without even a crack appearing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immense power was precisely controlled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And when the door opened unimpeded inward, Triss then saw the structure of the latch inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Solid steel mechanical grip, with remnants of magic on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would have been easier to break the entire wooden door than to destroy the lock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geralt might not have even opened it using Alder's Rune until he was out of breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the face of Lann's muscular strength, there was no difference between the two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There is no unbreakable lock in the world, only the size of the commotion it makes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Breaking into doors often requires carry it out discreetly, without drawing attention, making 'breaking doors' a technical skill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when the Niflgaard people massacred Sintra, didn't they smash down even city gates with crossbow cannons and trebuchets?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann and Triss entered without showing any emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A pale red light on your hand? Rita didn't mention this, is it a new trick of the Demon Hunters?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Triss teased as she looked at Lann.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young Demon Hunter was indifferent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just technology from the Otherworld, nothing to do with magic, it's related to the body. Rita hasn't seen me use it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So what you're saying is...\" Triss's eyes lit up, \"I know you better than Rita?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann didn't say anything further, he underestimated the competitive nature among Female Warlocks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This interior design is not much different from Triss's villa structure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three floors, apart from the walls, the floors and stairs are made of wood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bookshelves filled with books and cabinets with fruit trays and wine bottles are placed against the wall, making the room look not at all spacious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apart from a bit of dust, it seems Dudu hasn't become hysterical or panicked due to business bankruptcy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything in this house shows no signs of venting anger, it's just been unoccupied for a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Most people who suddenly go bankrupt due to accidents don't have this level of composure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann walked over to the cabinet, took the wine bottle on top, unscrewed the glass cap and sniffed, then looked at the fruit tray beside the bottle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he were a normal merchant who went bankrupt, the wine bottle should have shattered on the wooden floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Livia cherry wine, smooth taste, he really knows how to enjoy life.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sharp sound of glass friction, Lann screwed the cap back on the bottle again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing strange about that.\" Triss also walked around the house observing, \"Though he's a Shapeshifter, earning money is meant for enjoyment, isn't it? Shapeshifters know how to live too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's a pity when Dudu left, he didn't seal it properly, the alcohol has evaporated heavily, it's undrinkable now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann smiled at Triss's remark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Considering the extent of alcohol evaporation and the dryness and hardening of the fruit trays... two days? Did he come back midway while hiding from debt?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entering investigative mode, Lann showcased the common occupational habits of Demon Hunters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He began investigating while whispering to himself about his findings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After determining the target's recent active time, Lann started to activate his Demon Hunter senses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, a bright red footprint was highlighted on the originally empty floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first glance, Mentos marked out rough data based on the footprint information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The height matches that of a Half-Elf, but the footsteps are heavy and solid, with boots instead of barefoot with hairy large soles... this looks more like a Dwarf's footprint.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann crouched down, his gloved fingers rubbed over the wooden floor, making a scraping sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Triss also leaned in, but unfortunately she didn't have the same vision, so she could only analyze based on Lann's words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For a Shapeshifter, you needn't doubt what form he changes into.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed.\" Lann's gaze followed the footprints, raising them towards the stairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's see what Dudu came back to get after changing his appearance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under his cloak, Lann's hands instinctively brushed each other, dusting off the floor as he prepared to head upstairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just as he lifted his foot, before it could land on the first staircase, his form halted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hooded head turned backwards, Triss was puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But seconds later...\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The initially ajar door was kicked open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four or five figures swaggered into the house from the doorway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of them only wore a leather vest on their upper body, leaving their chests exposed, their arms and chests covered with workmanship not-too-great cheap tattoos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann even spotted a few magic runes, but they were just appearances, lacking any technical depth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He guessed this person thought magic could grant him power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ha~Tea.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader wore a small cloth hat, snorted twice as he entered, then tilted his head and spat a mouthful of green phlegm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, he glared ferociously over at Lann and Triss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Look, look at this good life!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke with a slight stutter, grinning with a mouth full of yellow, rotten teeth, approaching the two, allowing his entourage to swarm into the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Dudu's house was sizable, removing the furniture, it suddenly became cramped with so many people squeezing in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The fa-famous Dudu Bieberwitt hasn't arrived, but welcomed two strangers instead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Imagine, you must be the lackeys that half-sized Dwarf hired to fetch something! What are you here for? Money? Jewelry? Stocks?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whatever it is! Now! Take us to it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann and Triss exchanged a glance, quickly comprehending the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These gang members were waiting outside Dudu's house all along, they would not give up on their 'collection.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the problem is... Lann is certain that just before coming in, there were no signs of these people around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How did they know someone arrived at Dudu's place so quickly and came after them?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This took less than five minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And under the hood, Lann's nose twitched slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tentatively asked aloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let me confirm, good sir. Is the beggar outside your man?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as these words were spoken, Lann noticed the gangsters' eyes change.\u003C\u002Fp>",1804,"2026-06-06T10:40:38.499Z",1,"novelbin.me","1f0dba03d0d0c43c1d59bce4c3813be6dcdb4172cfa4eae58d7091b32133e72d","bear-school-astartes-chapter-952","bear-school-astartes-chapter-1009",1043,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbear-school-astartes-cover.jpg"]