Chapter 469, Gathering Intelligence
Divine Punishment Sect Guardian.
Wu Heng immediately knew who this was.
It was the Guardian who had helped the pirates hold back Imiro.
He hadn't expected her to be a woman—and a witch at that.
The profession of a witch was quite unique.
It was somewhat similar to professions like Warlock or Cleric.
Their power largely came from their "Patron."
This could be a deity, an ancestor's protection, or even powerful fey creatures, any of which might grant a witch their strength.
Of course, Wu Heng had never seen one personally, only read about them in books.
"Deputy Steward, why is this Guardian of the Divine Punishment Sect wanted?" a squad member asked curiously.
The others immediately stopped their discussions.
Everyone wanted to hear the reason.
After all, an 18th-level Professional, previously pardoned, was now listed on a wanted notice.
Naturally, this piqued everyone's curiosity.
Wu Heng thought for a moment before replying, "It's probably related to the recent pirate incident. If you encounter her, don't just think about merits—report it to the Steward immediately."
"We understand. An 18th-level Professional is way out of our league," the squad member said with a chuckle.
Others murmured in agreement. So the pirate attack on Gold-Silver Island was connected to the Divine Punishment Sect after all.
...…
Returning to his office...
Andviel was still seated at the desk, reviewing documents.
"Master, you've received letters. They're on your desk."
Wu Heng paused. "From whom?"
Hearing the word "letter" now triggered an instinctive reaction.
Whether it was a blank envelope or Macintosh's staged warning letters, they always carried a sense of conspiracy.
"They're from Steward Slater and Sister Wen Mansa. I think they miss you," Andviel said with a smile.
"You scared me! I thought something serious had happened again." Wu Heng sat down at the desk.
On the desk were two envelopes—one official from the guild and the other a more ordinary one.
He opened the letter from Slater first.
Dumping the contents onto the desk...
...…
「Deputy Steward Wu Heng:
I received your reply and was relieved to know you are safe.
Recently, I've met some merchants from the coastal region who mentioned that the Island Master of Gold-Silver Island is an 18th-level pirate who was pardoned to officially become the Island Master.
Many other pirate leaders are above level 15.
Please exercise extreme caution.
With your talents, I'm confident you'll reach level 15 and be appointed a new stewardship position before you're 40.
Remember, don't take unnecessary risks.
The second Golden Cat branch in Rentam City's western district has opened with the same profit-sharing model. Your little maid is truly relentless.
Business is thriving, and revenue is several times higher than before.
Blackstone Town's situation is somewhat unstable.
It's not just Blackstone Town, but the entire Ekow Kingdom. The political scene is in turmoil.
Even remote areas like Blackstone Town are feeling the effects, with three garrison commanders replaced in the last two months.
I've heard rumors that the old king is gravely ill, and the princes are vying for power. These are just things I've heard.
Thankfully, the guild is not directly managed by any kingdom, so it hasn't affected me here.
Your statue has been erected in the Overcrowded District, and people visit daily to lay flowers. Your transferred squad members are more beloved than I am as Steward.
Yuli is now a squad leader and often mentions you. She's even planning to write to you soon.
Everything is fine here, so there's no need to worry.
I miss you. Come visit when you can.
—Slater」
Reading the letter...
Wu Heng raised an eyebrow.
Slater had always been attentive to his situation, even learning about the pardoned Island Master from a place as remote as Blackstone Town.
She also reminded him to be careful.
However, the letter arrived late—most of the pirates in the Emerald Sea were already dead by his hands.
His attention shifted to the political instability in the Ekow Kingdom mentioned in the letter.
So the kingdom's politics were turbulent again?
Hadn't the old king awakened? Now he was in a coma again?
Even a place like Blackstone Town was experiencing frequent changes in its garrison commanders. It seemed quite chaotic.
However, for Slater, there didn't appear to be any real danger.
Regardless of the power struggles, the guild remained unaffected.
Wu Heng smiled at the last line: "I miss you. Come visit when you can."
Slater was a strong-willed person.
Previously, she had only subtly mentioned her renovated residence, suggesting he visit to see if he liked it. Now, she directly said she missed him—a rare occurrence.
Setting the letter aside...
He opened the second letter.
「Master:
You've been gone for months. Everything is progressing smoothly in Rentam City. The magic streetlights have been installed across all commercial streets.
The outskirts are expanding, with roads being laid to connect the city to others.
Rentam City has now become the "City That Never Sleeps" you envisioned.
By day, countless trade caravans enter the city.
By night, the wealthy elite from surrounding areas come to indulge and spend lavishly.
The second Golden Cat branch has opened, along with many similar establishments.
Tax revenue has skyrocketed.
Everything is developing according to plan.
But, Master, I miss you dearly.
Every night, I toss and turn, unable to sleep, with only your image in my mind.
Can you come back to see me?」
Unlike Slater...
Wen Mansa, as his maid, could openly express her longing.
This mafia matriarch also seemed to have a poetic side.
Wu Heng missed them as well.
But the distance made visiting difficult, and it would take time.
...…
If nothing pressing came up on Gold-Silver Island...
Perhaps he could visit them before his merit assessment.
"Master, what's in the letters? You're smiling so much," Andviel asked.
"Nothing, just some ordinary letters."
"Sister Wen Mansa must miss you terribly!" Andviel teased.
Wu Heng didn't deny it. "She did say she misses me."
"If you visit, Sister Wen Mansa will be overjoyed."
"Maybe in a few days."
Wu Heng opened a drawer and retrieved some stationery.
He also took out a long quill from his spatial ring.
...…
At the port, inside a cargo ship...
In a dimly lit cabin, two figures sat.
One was a tall, muscular man with dark skin, a bald head, and thick eyebrows. His linen shirt stretched tightly over his chiseled muscles.
The other was cloaked, obscuring their appearance.
The occasional glimpse of a pale arm revealed that she was a young woman.
Tap, tap, tap~!
Footsteps echoed.
A figure dressed like a mercenary quickly descended the wooden ladder.
He glanced at the two and said, "There's news."
"Speak!" the bald man ordered.
"Where's the payment?" the mercenary asked.
The man flipped his hand, producing a pouch of coins, which he tossed over.
The mercenary caught it, counted the contents, and smiled.
"Go on," the man urged.
"The island has received several reinforcements from the guild, led by someone named 'Janvito,' an old mage. The island is heavily patrolled, and the guild's presence is substantial."
The two figures exchanged glances.
The bald man continued, "I heard the one who defeated the pirates wasn't Imiro but a deputy steward from the guild?"
"Yes, his name is Wu Heng," the mercenary confirmed.
"Has he left the island?"
"I don't know. That's not part of this intel."
The bald man grinned. "Did anyone else know you gathered this information?"
The mercenary grew wary. "Why? Thinking of crossing me? I've been in this business on this island for years... you wouldn't dare...!"
Whoosh~!
Suddenly, a thick fog rose within the cabin. The mist formed venomous snakes and hyenas.
The snakes coiled around his neck, biting into his throat.
The hyenas clamped down on his limbs, tearing them apart.
Despite the mercenary's terrified struggles, he was dismembered within moments.
The bald man spoke, "Janvito and Imiro are both on the island. Attacking it would be too dangerous."
The hooded figure slowly removed her hood, revealing an alluring face.
"Then we'll find a way to kill him off the island."
...…
At the guild, in his office...
Wu Heng finished writing two letters with the quill.
He sealed them in envelopes.
After confirming the recipients, he held the first letter and visualized Slater's face.
In an instant...
The letter vanished from his hand.
It worked!
Wu Heng felt a surge of excitement.
He picked up the second letter and thought of Wen Mansa's face.
Similarly, it disappeared.
How remarkable!
Nearby, Andviel watched with her mouth agape.
"Did the letters... just get delivered, Master?"