Chapter 183: Detective Ailinuo

Damn, I can't claim that as a 28‑year‑old sunny, upbeat young man, I accidentally gave a perverted, erotic‑style thing to a little girl!

Improper! Even though there's hardly any left, I still want to save face!

After deliberating his wording for a long time, Ji Ming finally forced out a sincere, cautious remark.

"As a special tool… I've naturally already used it up, it's gone."

"This…"

Tensi's expression grew heavy; she stood, paced by the window for a moment, then hauled a large wooden crate from the bottom of a cabinet.

In front of everyone she opened the lid, and—cashmere, cotton, linen…—inside were filled with all sorts of handcrafted fabrics.

With a young face flushed red, the old succubus, already crumpled inside, let out a long sigh.

"Ah, just an elderly person's little hobby to pass the idle time."

Ji Ming glanced over, immediately frowning.

—Clearly, it is indeed a personal hobby!

After all, with your skill, if you really tried to make a living off this, you'd starve in less than three days.

"After making a sheepskin coat last time, I found the material rather fresh, so I made a bit more, not expecting it would be useful."

Probably also aware of embarrassment, Tensi gave a casual explanation, then pulled the sheepskin fabric out and quickly closed the lid.

She spread two thin pieces of cloth on the table; according to her, one was a perfectly normal warm pant, the other a perfectly normal training shirt.

…

Very good, fitting the succubus setting; a careless slip produced a very energetic pair of tights and a belly‑exposing outfit.

Tensi gave a brief showcase, then packed the garments into a bag and pushed it before Ji Ming.

"If the Divine Chosen Lord can truly craft a special sheepskin coat as you described, the future supply will naturally be no longer your concern."

She tapped the table, resolute.

"Moreover, I can apply to the Holy See for a special investment channel, all free of charge."

FREE!

Iamfree!

This sensitive phrase instantly lodged in Ji Ming's mind, making his whole body shiver.

Stiffening his expression, he solemnly tucked the bag into his chest.

"Then, please, elders, await good news!"

Probably another tea party is about to start; after finishing this matter, Buluowa had no intention of leaving.

So Ji Ming simply took the initiative to excuse himself and hurried home to work.

Walking down an already empty corridor, Ji Ming moved his still‑tingling wrist and habitually opened his panel.

But he found, for some reason, today's panel seemed different from his memory, as if it had grown a bit…

Just as he was about to examine it closely, someone suddenly called his name.

"Hey! Can't you see anyone?"

He looked down, his face showing discomfort.

"Why did I run into you again at the stair corner?"

The one who could ambush him here was naturally the mysterious noble Ailinuo, and today she was carrying a wooden box that emitted the scent of cooked rice.

"I went to handle some personal matters, didn't expect to see you here again; are you free now?"

Lazy: What's there to chat about with that red‑haired dwarf? You'd be better off turning around to join the old lady's tea party; at least the bishop is quite big.

Diligent: Please, think of that alchemist's handbook, think of the thousands of hungry players; this is a very worthwhile wealthy‑woman ally to develop!

Damn, a shitty life!

"…I do."

"Alright, then please follow me."

Gracefully turning, Ailinuo still maintained that flamboyant yet rigid demeanor, as if each movement required three considerations.

She pushed the door open; the office décor was even more falsely immaculate, tidy and clean like a hotel room.

But once she spread a map on the spacious desk and retrieved a thick stack of investigation files from the cabinet, everything changed.

It was like a police report; relying on the Church's powerful intelligence system, Ailinuo had compiled all the outer‑city rampaging beast incidents onto the map.

From the initial Chuck Street, to Dong Street which Ji Ming himself had visited, to the bloody incident that just occurred last night…

Loss details, the beginning and end of each incident, every iota clearly visible.

Alright, alright, upgraded from elementary school girl class monitor to middle school girl class monitor, now can make PPTs, huh?

Nobles love to hear praise, and youths even more so.

So Ji Ming did not hold back his vocabulary, his eyes lit up, and he opened his mouth with a string of compliments.

"Father Ailinuo, your work is truly admirable! Relying on the Church's powerful intelligence system, you have meticulously compiled all the outer‑city rampaging‑beast incident data onto the map… what carefulness and wisdom that is!"

"I am proud to have a friend like you. Ailinuo, your intelligence and selfless dedication will surely be seen and praised by more people; your deeds should be spread to Guanghui Capital so that the youths there can see what a true noble exemplar is, I…"

Damn!

Really disgusting, I can't go on!

However, Ailinuo didn't notice Ji Ming's sudden stumble, or rather, it no longer mattered.

She naturally did this hoping for others' approval, but didn't expect to be praised by the Divine Chosen Saint to the point where even her mouth corners were about to lose control.

She could only secretly rejoice in humility, beginning to kick her chair.

"Just some trivial work… all for the stability and peace of Sunlight City!"

Clearing her throat to mask the awkwardness, Ailinuo lifted a pole.

"Although the outbreak locations of rampaging beasts are chaotic and random, from a macro perspective one can still discern high‑frequency and low‑frequency zones."

As the slender tip of the rod traced across the map, some vague borders began to sharpen.

"Take Wood Whistle Street, for example; it has only erupted once so far, and that was a spillover from the neighboring block."

"And Fence Street—just a single incident turned it into a dead zone, and it remains abandoned to this day."

"Therefore…"

She laid a transparent sheet over the map and, according to eruption frequency, divided Sunlight City with varying shades of red, green, and white.

"Still unclear? Then…"

Another transparent sheet appeared, this time distinguishing the territories of the three major factions.

Ji Ming squinted; although many dividing lines on the two sheets didn't line up, the overall trends were the same.

Perhaps from short‑term news it seems everyone is unlucky.

But if one looks at the whole city and lays all the data out plainly, many hidden quirks become apparent.

"Although the three major factions each have presence in the districts, the streets that have never—or rarely—been attacked by rampaging beasts are most numerous within the Adventurers' Guild's territory."

Ai Li Nuo knocked on the Adventurers' Guild in the Inner City.

"I think they could very well be the masterminds behind all this."

The mystery was uncovered, yet Ji Ming felt not confirmation but a hint of surprise.

Was this decryption a bit too easy?

Dealing with those bizarre beings from the Eerie Council, how could things end up so crudely handled?

Moreover, the Adventurers' Guild itself has been visited; as the weakest of the three major factions, they not only have the smallest voice but also the most chaotic interior.

Even with us present, the three of them can make a mess, let alone behind the scenes; can they truly unite to accomplish anything grand?

Or perhaps the great powers are all useless, and any single family can throw the whole city into chaos, ruining everyone's business?

"Your analysis does make sense, but aren't the heavily damaged streets also present in all three factions?"

He shook his head.

"In fact, the fewer‑numbered ones are on the Mercenary Guild's side; relying solely on this would be a faulty inference, I think."

"Um…"

Like being pointed out on a critical mistake in a math problem, a humbled Ai Li Nuo muttered.

"Well… that's why I wasn't that certain… I actually saw it long ago, I just wanted to see if you'd notice!"

Good, you've learned to be stubborn; looks like at least a second‑year middle‑schooler.

"Ah, right, besides all this I came to you for another matter."

Probably aware her reason was absurd, she coughed and quickly changed the subject.

"Just looking at the map doesn't reveal the whole picture, so tomorrow the two of us should go to this place, this place, and this place for a survey, okay?"

…I knew being stopped at the stairwell meant trouble!

"Of course. Even though you're the Chosen One, you still have work, so I'll compensate you double for lost wages."

"What time?"

"Huh?"

"I'm asking what time we set off!"

Because of her delay, by the time Ji Ming left the church, Winter Sunlight City had already slipped fully into night.

He rubbed his hands; perhaps the clouds were too thick and the moon too faint, for the ink‑black sky showed neither stars nor any glimmer of light.

Nevertheless, Inner City's nightlife persisted, the plaza remained crowded, so he easily hired a carriage back to the Clinic.

AdaiEr stood at the Clinic's door and, upon seeing Ji Ming, quickly opened it.

"Doctor, why are you back so late today? Did something happen?"

…Turns out having someone open the door when you get home feels rather strange.

Ji Ming exhaled and carefully shut the door crack.

"It's just that the Church side was busier, not a big issue, just a bit of trouble."

Back inside, the Leinu Tavern had, as usual, placed the pre‑ordered takeout on the table.

Fortunately he wasn't short on cash, so the stove stayed hot; otherwise it would have cooled long ago.

"Eat up; you don't have to wait for me next time."

"Mm."

He had arranged with the rest of his party to venture out of the city yesterday, so after finishing his meal Ji Ming returned to his room under the banner "I'm exhausted today, I need to rest."

"It's fine, maybe you just caught a chill. I'm a doctor; I know my own body. A warm nap will fix it."

After seeing off the caring AdaiEr, he locked the doors and windows.

Even though things have come to this, telling the young girl about the dungeon is only a matter of time.

But for now he still wants to stall, at least until the public test, when everything stabilizes.

Thus, after meticulously making his bed and checking it again, he finally felt at ease to enter the dungeon.

Although most players have day jobs, there are always a few wealthy ones who can game all day.

Consequently, under their exploration and research, virtually all the dungeon's NPCs and functions have been encountered and activated.

Sitting behind the curtain, Ji Ming didn't rush to act; instead he opened a panel he hadn't examined closely before.

【Name: Ji Ming】

【Level: 14 (120/260)】

【Race: Pure‑blood Human】

【Talent: Holy Light Affinity·Perfect, Wood Element Affinity·Excellent】

【Class: Holy Light Chosen Saint, Apprentice Alchemist】

【Vitality: 15】

【Agility: 15】

【Wisdom: 24】

【Charisma: 24】

【Combat Skills】

【Divine Technique: Holy One's Judgment】

【Martial Skill: Polearm Weapon Mastery·Proficient, Combat Instinct·Proficient】

【Magic: Ignition Technique, Enchantment Technique, Suggestion Technique】

【Curse Technique: Fart Technique, Cramp Technique】

【Special: Stun Baton Lv. 2, Precise Throw】

【Life Skills】

【Potions: Eye Protection Liquid Production·Basic, SpiritGathering Liquid Production·Proficient, Rejuvenation Liquid Production·Excellent, Blood Coagulating Powder Production·Proficient, Poison Gas Bomb Production·Perfect】

【Scrolls: Tranquilizing Talisman Production·Excellent, Calamity-Suppressing Talisman Production·Excellent, Breath-Holding Talisman Production·Excellent】

【Normal: Trauma Treatment Technique·Basic】

【Unevaluable: Corpse Sewing Technique, Grave-Digging Technique, Farewell Technique】

【Free Attribute Points: 42】

【Free Skill Points: 6】

As a God-Chosen Holy Disciple, isn't it only natural to have perfect affinity with holy light?

Thus Ji Ming carefully examined it once, and only then did he discover the biggest difference on the panel.

Good heavens! After enduring long periods of being tortured, beaten, and violently beaten, I finally trained the so-called martial skill!

Moreover, as soon as it appeared, it directly skipped the basics and reached proficiency—terrifying!

Could it be…?

Am I a genius with thick accumulation but thin hair?

Haha, thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river—don't bully the poor youth!

Ji Ming was still feeling pleased with himself, but suddenly realized that his previous combat power seemed to come entirely from the Grave-Digging Technique.

Could it be that the shovel-using part of this skill is actually the basic Polearm Weapon Control and Combat Instinct?

……

Although it's a bit lackluster, thinking about it, it's also normal.

Tomb robbers make money from the dead; escaping from the hands of the village elders guarding the tomb is enough—why would we need to confront people head-on?

Although as a leader there's no need to personally fight, adding values and skills, one's combat power should have increased considerably.

——All good things.

Closing the panel, seeing others still not online, Ji Ming didn't continue wasting time waiting, but instead temporarily returned to the real world.

As a game developer, he originally wanted to check online how players felt on the first day of the game.

But he discovered that the ones posting videos this round were almost all the top-tier big Vs from major websites.

【I formally apologize for all my aggressive remarks made early on against 'Code Name: Yangyue', and fulfill my promise to perform a headstand hair-wash for everyone.】

【Now, the organizers of every gaming event worldwide should find a way to contact the 'Great Holy Seat', and prepare now to engrave this year's all trophies with their names.】

【One-sentence review: It's not that 'Code Name: Yangyue' needs trophies, but that these trophies need 'Code Name: Yangyue' to prove their worth.】

Opening private messages, it's all praise; however high the comments blow, here we only lick even harder.

Ji Ming was so astonished that while copying and pasting to increase his vocabulary, he had to curl his toes in amazement.

"How can they be so shameless to say such pretentious nonsense?!!!"