[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-notes-on-kraft-anomalous-studies":3,"chapter-notes-on-kraft-anomalous-studies-notes-on-kraft-anomalous-studies-chapter-137":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Notes on Kraft Anomalous Studies",{"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},2283615,4467,"Chapter 137","notes-on-kraft-anomalous-studies-chapter-137",137,"\u003Cp>A sudden downpour scattered the faint bloodstain odor from the deck, while a warm land breeze carrying the scent of vegetation filled the sails, delivering subtle hints of toasted wheat, bustling market cries, and more through the porthole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the seaside, riverside ports lacked the briny salt scent permanently etched into the nose; instead, the river as a freshwater source drew the city’s center toward its banks—where buildings rose with overlapping pointed arches, adorned with small turrets and battlements, flying buttresses spanning between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prominent balconies were lifted by high reliefs, draped in green curtains of climbing vines, studded with seasonal pale flowers. The long shadow of the bell tower cut through newly gleaming leaves reflecting golden-red light, slanting downward toward the harbor below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kraft leaned against the porthole for a moment, then stepped aside willingly, leaving the last slivers of sunset to Martin, who was tidying up loose ends. He tried pulling out the short arrow, but after several tugs realized the barbed tip was lodged in a bone seam; he snapped the hollow wooden shaft and hastily shoved the corpse, lying on the ground all day, into a sack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you going to do with this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Someone will arrange a suitable place for it.” Martin tightened the sack’s drawstring, tied a slipknot, dragged it a few steps across the ground to confirm the bulge wouldn’t immediately betray its contents, “We need to move faster—reach your assigned lodging before the next ‘accident.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sounds like you’ve prepared thoroughly?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At least we won’t be slowed by this small matter.” He kicked the sack, seemingly unaware of the faint negation in his tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The truth might be even simpler: after a few pleasantries, the sack was handed off to the harbor constable, with no credentials or secret code. The constable summoned a guard to take it away, asking no questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group switched to a closed carriage and departed ahead. Martin pulled back the window curtain; Kraft saw their former ship’s captain finishing what appeared to be a routine inspection, as eager crewmen were now allowed into the harbor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A perfect timing gap—the man who had completed the inspection clutched his wooden board and paperwork, glancing toward them. Martin drew the curtain shut, giving a slight nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good. That was normal performance. Kraft sensed the knight was quite satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Welcome to Westmin. Rivers University isn’t far—if we hurry, we can reach the banquet before it begins.” Martin exhaled slowly, leaning back against the carriage seat. Wooden wheels rattled over uneven cobblestones, making the occupants sway. The crimson sky was fractured by tree canopies and rooftops, alternating light and shadow; the red glow filtered through the curtain brushed across their faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Also, considering this might cause unnecessary misunderstandings, could you hand those items over to me for safekeeping?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is there something on me unsuitable for entry?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perhaps I forgot to mention—the teapot was found at a banquet scene.” Martin pinched his thumb and forefinger together, mimicking plucking a small berry, “I assure you I’ll safeguard them properly and hand them to you if needed. If you’re carrying anything similar… drugs, it’s best to temporarily surrender them as well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, then what about my sword?” Kraft handed over the basket containing belladonna.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You may keep it, but don’t let your retainer bring the hammer inside. Believe me, a flanged mace draws more attention than your report.” He scanned the three of them, his gaze moving between their bodies and light luggage, frowning, “I retract what I just said.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We might miss the banquet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perhaps we can overlook these small details—it’s an academic banquet, after all, isn’t it?” Kraft refined his earlier guess about Martin’s identity: this man served someone of high status, with lineage or heritage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh no, you absolutely must see how perfectly this suits you—it’s not even custom-tailored.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to contemporary mainstream aesthetics, Kraft was fitted into a snug garment with puffed sleeves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, it was padded like a cotton-padded jacket, stitched with lines forming ridges, as if plowing furrows across a field, giving the flat fabric a three-dimensional shape. Each segmented section bore symmetrical decorative patterns on left and right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The waist was cinched tight; the sleeves flared at the elbows, slender, fastened with buttons adorned with metallic patterns, making the male attire cling closely to the body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the perspective of an otherworldly soul, it was… a garment structurally similar to a down jacket, but far thinner, paired with a belt heavy with ornaments. Frankly, the colors and patterns were overly flamboyant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kup, as Martin’s retainer-in-training, removed his hammer and changed into a similar but less extravagant outfit. Yin Feng’s dress was the most ordinary: a multi-pleated, multicolored long gown, split at the waist, with satin ribbons adorning the flared hem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The little girl stood awkwardly before a bronze mirror, holding up her skirt as the maid placed on her a headpiece that, to Kraft’s eyes, was absurdly ridiculous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【A ten-year-old book friend recommended this reading app—HuanYuan App! It’s truly amazing—I use it to listen to audiobooks while driving or before bed. Download here: .huanyuanapp】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing how much she seemed to enjoy the outfit, Kraft stayed silent, suppressing his inner torrent of sharp, even cruel criticism of this era’s fashion sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If possible, I brought the medical college robe—it’s quite decent too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But our list names a first heir to a title with medical expertise; most invitees, beyond their academic status, come from similar backgrounds—or both.” Martin patiently explained, reverting to the maddeningly fussy manner he’d shown at their first meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Think of it as a social gathering—this banquet is part of a half-month-long series of academic events. You must represent your family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I thought I was only here to represent my own views.” Kraft surrendered. If everyone was a clown, the only one not wearing clown clothes was the real clown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guided by Martin, now dressed in new attire, they passed through buildings with intricate arched ceilings, battlements, and reliefs, and the labyrinthine miniature gardens beneath them. At the end of rows of oaks and lined guards, cheerful lute and flute music drifted ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before an elegant arched gate with recessed tiers, they were halted by armored guards wearing blue-dyed feathered helmets. Martin took the invitation from Kraft and handed it to the attendant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A long, resonant clang of heavy metal echoed high above, blending into the night’s soft light as the ensemble’s lively music softened into a gentle rhythm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re indeed late.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the hall, the atmosphere was lively—as expected. The extravagantly dressed guests were not gathered around the laden banquet tables, but mingling among themselves; no one noticed the quiet entry of their group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least, that’s what Kraft assumed. His hungry gaze swept past unfamiliar faces, locking onto stacked bread trays, golden-brown roasted chicken barely touched, creamy round soups, truffle ham, stewed beef, and some unfamiliar pale mushroom slices dipped in sauces he’d never seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Completely unaware, the attendant behind them had completed verifying names, titles, and adjusting volume levels, cleared his throat, and announced in a voice audible to half the hall:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Professor Kraft Wood!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hand already pressed against the bread tray froze.\u003C\u002Fp>",1192,"2026-06-20T02:15:55.761Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","793371f7161863fa6aa3bef759f14694329e466c1979425a25a029a45ce070ab","notes-on-kraft-anomalous-studies-chapter-138","notes-on-kraft-anomalous-studies-chapter-136",406,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnotes-on-kraft-anomalous-studies-cover.jpg"]