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Although Fran was quite confident in the multiple layers of security in the collection room, she still gave Sigrid a word of advice.
"Yeah...I know."
Sigrid nodded in agreement.
Then she got up and went to the foundry to retrieve the newly made product.
It was a composite studded crossbow. Beneath the exquisitely crafted black crossbow was a sizable bolt carrier; the two were seamlessly integrated, appearing as one.
Black Rose (Composite Spike Crossbow)
[Quality: Excellent]
[Capable of firing most standard explosive arrows, as well as specially crafted anti-psyre spiked arrows. Made by the craftsman Sigrid, it is therefore exceptionally refined.]
[Note: Does anyone know what the point of combining these two items is? Can't the bolter also fire anti-psy ammunition? Why bother with a crossbow firing port? Oh, anti-psy bolters seem to be a Grey Knight exclusive...]
Fran picked up the bolt crossbow and weighed it in his hand.
Although it felt slightly heavy, it was very comfortable to hold. Given Haida's current physical condition, she could easily withstand this level of recoil.
"A good level of completion. It's a pity there's no corresponding ammunition, which makes the weapons testing process a bit troublesome."
Upon hearing Fran's words, Sigrid subtly curled her lips into a faint smile.
"Ms. Tinuvel gave me some advice... I was able to use my own abilities to create high-energy solid propellants to provide the necessary propulsion for the 'explosive arrow' munitions. And she provided most of the manufacturing process."
She took out a small wooden box from behind her back, inside which were five standard-caliber explosive arrows.
"I see... You've thought of everything very carefully. But don't expend too much energy on this, otherwise what will happen to the clinic next winter if you're not this warm?"
After making a joke, Fran accepted the crossbow and the explosive bolts.
At the same time, she couldn't help but sigh, this AI really did have a lot hidden... It's a pity she doesn't currently have the device to completely copy its database. Otherwise, she really wanted to just take everything from its inventory.
"By the way, Sigrid, there's one more thing I need your help with. I have a broken chainsaw here that urgently needs repair. I've written a summary of the techniques required. Tinuvel may also know some of the details."
During the conversation, Fran took the chainsaw sword out of his medicine box.
Looking at the strangely shaped blade, Sigrid's molten gold eyes almost gleamed. She had always been powerless against novel creations.
"Did they make the serrated chain directly into a sword? How did they solve the jamming problem? And how did they manage to make it so lightweight..."
"The principle of a chainsaw isn't difficult; it just requires understanding some special techniques. With Dr. Fran's notes, the repair and recasting should be completed within a few days."
After careful consideration, she finally came to a conclusion.
"Then it's hard work for you."
Fran had always been quite confident in the craftswoman's work ethic. The girl was diligent, meticulous, and full of enthusiasm… truly the best candidate for this kind of work. Oh, and she didn't even need to sleep.
"With such advanced casting techniques and technological level... what kind of world produces these weapons?"
Having been exposed to Warhammer-themed artifacts for a long time, Sigrid had developed some curiosity. Since Fran happened to be at the clinic, she might as well ask him directly.
"Oh, that's a very complicated problem."
Thinking back to that house call experience from a long time ago, Fran couldn't help but squint slightly.
"It was a dark, vast, and hopeless world. Danger and corruption were everywhere, individual lives became meaningless, and everyone tended toward madness. Of course, in some ways... it was quite interesting."
"It has a peculiar sense of humor that is rich in self-destructive tendencies."
"Practicing medicine in such a place would seem absurd to me. It's like treating a scalded fish in a boiling pot."
As she listened to Fran's description, Sigrid blinked a few times, feeling a strange sense of unease.
A place that Dr. Fran described in such a way must be unimaginably terrible...
Just then, Fran straightened his clothes and picked up the medicine box again.
"Is Dr. Fran going back?"
Seeing that Fran seemed to be preparing to leave, Sigrid asked a question.
Oh, her expression was like that of a melancholy golden retriever watching its family leave; it was truly heartbreaking…
"Hmm... Although I really want to go straight to my bedroom and sleep, I have other things to do tonight."
Fran rested his cheek on his hand and said with a hint of reproach.
"However, I'll be back at the clinic every night after that, and I won't be away for too long. After this chainsaw weapon is finished, I'll take you to Gormouth."
Sigrid nodded, her expression brightening slightly.
"Yes! I will complete the remelting and improvement soon."
Upon seeing Sigrid's expression, Fran couldn't help but raise his hand and stroke her shimmering golden hair.
Such a pure and dedicated work ethic, just like a recent graduate. Thankfully, she doesn't have to suffer the harmful effects of the modern workplace…
-
Fran's earlier statement about "still having work to do" referred to the search for qualified treasures within Foy.
As the Plum Moon Festival approaches, many organizations hold large-scale celebrations, such as the White Cup Order's museum exhibition. During this time, it becomes much easier to find relics that qualify for the festival.
Furthermore, it would be easier to meet the prerequisite of "completing the theft in full view of everyone".
As for the advanced option one, which involves completing a medical mission at or above the Abyss level, Fran didn't even consider it.
Are you kidding me? Do you think you'd encounter a call to action at this level so easily? And there's also the "above" part; the Abyss level completion is torturous enough...
If it were even higher, she estimated she would have to dig out all the old things in the collection room before she could even try.
Instead of relying on this, it's better to practically devise a theft plan...
Fran stepped out of the Dream Flower Hotel and onto the streets of Foy City.
It's not even midnight yet. Although there's no curfew, there are almost no pedestrians on the streets. The few passersby are mostly in a hurry, as if something is chasing them.
Is it because of the full moon?
She looked up at the exceptionally bright full moon in the night sky.
The moon was in a full phase, its light bright and clear.
-
-
soup!
Chapter Sixty-Nine: The Song of the Cane
Foy City, Black Sea Tavern.
In this port city near the coast, most shops close early during the full moon.
Although the old story of the Abyss Curse has been largely forgotten, the old customs have been preserved and passed down to this day.
Therefore, the only thing visible on the entire street was the tavern, which remained lit up all night.
The Black Sea Tavern's clientele consisted mainly of sailors returning from voyages or pirates hiding their identities.
Most of them were arrogant fools who made a living on the deep sea. Once they reached the shore, they couldn't wait to seek pleasure and didn't care about the long-vanished curse legends.
Or perhaps... they have witnessed the true nature of the "curse" and therefore no longer fear it.
"Another Anglerfish Stout, please."
Bartley sat in a corner of the tavern, finished his drink, and then called for a waiter.
The waitress skillfully collected his empty glass, then took another glass from the tray and placed it on the table. A thick layer of golden foam, almost overflowing the rim of the glass, floated on the surface of the dense, black liquor, swaying gently.
As she handed over the wine glass, the woman seemed somewhat surprised.
The gentleman had been sitting here since the afternoon, refilling his stout every now and then and quickly finishing it. Anglerfish is brewed with roasted malt and rye malt, giving it a dark color and a smooth texture; it's considered a strong beer.
But he doesn't seem drunk at all; his demeanor and tone of voice are no different from those of a sober person.
And his physique was truly impressive. Although he was wearing a leather winter coat, the definition of his muscles was still faintly visible. He seemed to have never neglected his workouts. At first glance, he resembled an iron tower.
"Sir, drinking alone can be a bit boring. Would you be interested in having some fun? For just 20 silver dollars, I'll make sure you're satisfied tonight..."
The waitress's soft hand touched Bartley's shoulder, feeling the solid thickness of his muscles beneath his coat, and her heart couldn't help but beat a little faster.
"Oh?"
Bartley looked up at the waitress.
She had a great figure, full-figured but not bulky. She wore heavy makeup to conceal her freckles, and her face appeared quite radiant under the lamplight.
"Thank you for your kindness, but I'm afraid I can't accept it today... The person I'm waiting for will be here soon."
He waved his hand, took another sip of beer, and then declined the offer.
He craved a bloody battle more than sexual pleasure. Besides, the person he was waiting for today was very important, and he didn't have time to waste on anything else.
"Humph."
Seeing his lack of romantic understanding, the waitress gave a soft snort and then left gracefully with her tray.
Just then, a woman dressed in a black robe entered the tavern. She appeared short and hunched over, and frequently looked around, giving off a furtive impression.
The woman in black quickly spotted Bartley sitting in the corner and then sat down opposite him.
"At your age, it's quite rare to be hit on by a young girl like that. Seriously, why not give it a try?"
Her voice was hoarse and aged, with a hint of subtle sarcasm in her tone.
“Hey, Louisa… enough nonsense.”
Bartley interrupted the other person's rambling on about trivial matters and got straight to the point.
"I need information about Nightmare Guest. Name your price. Don't tell me you don't know; Silver Feather Hydra specifically told you that you know the inside story."
"That annoying woman..."
The woman in black robes, known as Louisa, gritted her teeth, seemingly displeased at the mention of the Silver Hydra.
"But the price I need is very expensive."
"How valuable can the information of a thief who hasn't even reached the high priest level be? Or are you planning to charge me an exorbitant price like you would for a rookie sailor?"
Bartley curled his lip, took another sip of dark beer, and looked at it with disdain.
"No, you can absolutely afford that price."
Louisa smiled sinisterly, making strange noises in her throat.
"I want your life."
Upon hearing this, Bartley's gaze sharpened, and he frowned.
Louisa is one of the most reputable intelligence brokers in Foy City, and her prices for information have always been fair.
What could be the reason for their sudden change of attitude today? It's unlikely they would react so strongly just from hearing the name Silver Feather Hydra.
"You'd better realize what you're saying..."
Before he could finish speaking, he saw several patrons around him suddenly stand up, take out short daggers, and rush straight at him.
So those guys weren't sitting there eavesdropping on intelligence, but plotting an assassination? Bartley understood immediately. He took out a butcher's cleaver from his waist and slipped behind his chair.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
Gunshots rang out incessantly, and the solid wood tables and chairs exploded into fragments under the bombardment of lead bullets. The waitress's screams followed.
Nearly a quarter of the patrons at the Black Sea Tavern had drawn their weapons, intending to kill him.
Yi Bartley hid behind cover, waiting for the enemy's volley to end.
Lin recognized the sound as a flintlock musket, something pirates would probably use. Heh… I had no idea my life was worth so much, hiring so many people to surround me.
Did the news leak out somewhere, or did the Nightmare Hunter anticipate that someone would come after him and therefore set a trap?
Surrounded, he only felt the blood rushing to his head, and his hand holding the meat saw trembled slightly with excitement.
“I know you might be confused right now. But I won’t tell you anything… Go to hell with your confusion, hunter.”
9. Louisa’s hoarse, shrill laughter rang out, disturbing everyone’s peace of mind.
1. It was like the buzzing of a mosquito in the middle of the night, sometimes there, sometimes not, but lingering for a long time.
4. "It's alright."
A few wisps of steam visibly rose from Bartlett's skin, and the blood vessels on his skin became prominent.
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