'Devil May Cry': A magical item personally crafted by Emperor Roselle, corresponding to the 'Sun' Pathway, possessing the ability to purify undead and combat evil spirits and Wraiths. Its specific abilities are 'Holy Light', 'creating holy water', and 'Sun Halo'.
'Holy Light': Summons a sacred pillar of light, wreathed in golden flames, descending from mid-air. It restrains undead and defiled entities, dealing massive bonus damage to them. The Holy Light can also be applied to the blade, lasting for a period of time.
'Creating holy water': Placing the blade in water for approximately five seconds will create holy water, capable of expelling evil spirits, warding off cold, and purifying Wraiths.
'Sun Halo': Targets companions within a twenty-meter radius, including oneself, effectively boosting inner courage and purifying evil powers within the body.
As a magical item, it inevitably carries some negative side effects. Its main effect is that frequent carrying will cause a feeling of heat. This is a spiritual heat that cannot be relieved by physical cooling and will only disappear after isolating the item for a period of time. Additionally, when using it during the day, especially at noon, using it for more than half an hour will cause one to involuntarily praise the Sun. At this time, devout faith will make you forget the current events, potentially leading to fatal danger.
Ending the summoning, as the 'mystical book' disappeared, the scene in the room returned to its original colors.
Lex let out a breath.
He looked at the pure white-sheathed katana in his hand, recalling the details of the appraisal. ''Devil May Cry'' possesses three abilities: Holy Light can directly strike or be applied to the blade to continuously damage undead creatures; creating holy water can be used for assistance, setting up traps against evil spirits and Wraiths; Sun Halo has the ability to purify evil powers, effectively weakening undead creatures or Beyonder like Wraiths, and it can also assist companions, making it very comprehensive.
Overall, considering its collection value and these three abilities, 2100 pounds was money well spent.
As for the negative effects, they are not particularly severe. As long as it is not carried frequently, there will be no spiritual sensation of heat. Regarding using this item at noon, one will involuntarily praise the Sun if the time limit is exceeded. This negative effect is somewhat troublesome, but at noon, he likely won't have to face undead creatures.
After some consideration, Lex decided not to strengthen this item for now, nor to sealed artifact it.
The next day, Cromwell left early. The Arbiter had obtained the 'Sheriff' potion formula last night, so he was probably going to inquire about materials.
Lex didn't go out. After breakfast, he drank tea, read the newspaper, and basked in the Sun in the house.
Yes.
The Sun.
Backlund had a rare sunny day today. At least during the days Lex had been there, the city was enveloped in fog even during the day.
This reminded Lex of another city he was familiar with, London.
Near noon, Cromwell returned, his expression somewhat serious.
"What, you didn't find any materials?" Lex asked casually. He knew that Beyonder materials were not easy to find, but it was only Sequence 8, and in a prosperous city like Backlund, collecting them shouldn't be too difficult.
Perhaps it's a financial issue, Lex thought.
Unexpectedly, Cromwell shook his head and said, "No, someone indicated that he has the eyes of a Fear Demon Worm and the right paw of a Silver-White Battle Bear that I need. He even said he could give them to me."
Lex narrowed his eyes slightly, then smiled, "There's no such thing as a free lunch. I guess the other party proposed other conditions, right?"
Cromwell nodded and said, "Do you know Military Intelligence Section 9?"
Military Intelligence Section 9?
Backlund also has Military Intelligence Section 9?
Lex said calmly, "It sounds like an intelligence department?"
Cromwell sat down on a single armchair: "Yes, the person willing to give me the materials is from Military Intelligence Section 9. They control the Arbiter pathway, and that person invited me to work for Military Intelligence Section 9."
"He wants you to join Military Intelligence Section 9?"
"No, he said I could serve Military Intelligence Section 9 as an external member. I can accumulate merits and exchange them for potion formulas and materials."
Cromwell showed a thoughtful expression: "Before Sequence 6, it shouldn't be a big problem. But if I want to obtain Sequence 5 or even higher formulas, I'll probably have to join Military Intelligence Section 9."
"Even so, if I agree, I will be subject to a certain degree of supervision."
Lex spread his hands: "But at least, you won't have to worry about promotion in the future; you just need to do the work they assign."
"I need to think about it."
Cromwell looked up, a smile blooming at the corner of his mouth: "It's getting late. I'll treat you to dinner. Then, we'll go visit that 'lawyer'."
"I like that idea." Lex stood up, "However, I should be treating. After all, whether I can find investment opportunities still depends on you."
The Arbiter didn't decline, so the two went out for dinner.
Afternoon.
Backlund Bridge Area, Rose Street, Number 29.
Lex followed Cromwell, looking at a two-story building ahead.
"Lynn lives here. Yes, Lynn Beard, the lawyer I told you about." Cromwell walked forward, familiar with the route.
Lex said from behind, "I thought we'd be going to an office or a company or something."
"Today is Friday. Usually on Fridays, Lynn only goes to the office in the morning; he has the afternoon off." Cromwell turned back and smiled, "He's a guy who loves to enjoy himself."
Lex said sincerely, "I really envy him."
Standing at the door, Cromwell pulled the doorbell, but after several rings, no one answered.
Lex spread his hands: "It seems Mr. Lynn isn't home?"
The Arbiter frowned: "Impossible, he has a habit of taking a nap. On Fridays, he usually sleeps until three, then goes fishing, and only comes home in the evening."
"I was already prepared for him to complain."
Cromwell called out: "Lynn, are you home? It's me."
Still no answer, the Arbiter shrugged, crouched down, lifted the doormat, picked up a wooden board on the corridor, and reached inside.
When he pulled his hand out again, Cromwell already had a key.
He opened the door, and Lex saw Cromwell's body pause, then he rushed into the house like lightning.
Something happened?
Lex immediately followed, pulling out 'blood praise'. Upon entering, he saw the living room in disarray, as if it had been ransacked.
Cromwell rushed upstairs, and Lex followed him to the bedroom, where there were clear signs of a struggle.
The quilt from the bed was on the floor, the bedside lamp was overturned, a cup was shattered, and there were bloodstains in the corner of the wall.
The Arbiter growled in a low voice: "Damn it, he seems to have been forcibly abducted."
Without a word, Lex took out his 'Seer coin' and whispered, "Lynn Beard has already been harmed."
He tossed the coin, watching it flip in mid-air, finally landing with the number facing up.
Lex breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Cromwell: "He's still alive, but I don't know when he'll lose his life."
The Arbiter said calmly: "I'll go visit the neighbors around; perhaps they can provide some clues."