The eccentric doctor never makes a misdiagnosis!

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Perhaps it was because Fran wasn't interested in such pointless haggling, while the stall owner was eager to get rid of his questionable goods for cash... If he didn't have important business to attend to, he could have let Detrick handle the transaction. With her bargaining skills, she could easily get the price halved.

Once they were some distance from the stall, Haida finally spoke to Fran, asking about the details of the three relics. Of course, she didn't forget to address him by his "disguised" name.

"Ms. Vivian, is there anything special about those white cup relics?"

Given this doctor's experience and perspective, she would never intentionally buy ordinary, meaningless items. Since she took a liking to something, it must have some unknown value.

"Actually, they are one. Simply put, they are three components of an ancient doll."

"The gear structure is the driving center, or rather, the framework. The music box is a 'secret box' that holds the spirit and soul matter. As for that metal sphere... it is its secret furnace core. Although it is severely damaged, it is, after all, a relic from the lost era of the Pure White Period, and it is quite remarkable that it has been preserved to this extent."

Fran explained in considerable detail the origins of these unexpected gains.

As for why she has such a deep understanding of these relics... we must mention Assistant Professor Child, who is currently in Norlington.

Having previously undergone craniotomy to treat his delirium caused by aging parts, Fran could now recognize from a distance that these parts were of the same type as those on his body.

However, the workmanship of these items sold at street stalls is somewhat rough, lacking the delicacy of master craftsmen.

—～． ＋◆～△…：±'⊥招秫→∮群‖'：—

-

Wow! And let's also commemorate the milestone of one million words!

Chapter 139 The End. The Return. The Corpses

"That's the good thing about coastal countries... Seafood is not only cheap to obtain, but also incredibly cheap. A plate of boiled prawns costs only one silver dollar, and it even comes with dipping sauce. You wouldn't even dream of that in Norlington."

At this moment, Fran was gently holding a small paper cup filled with peeled and deveined prawns. The pinkish-white prawn meat, after being soaked in oil, revealed a glossy red hue, with wisps of steam lingering above it.

Watching Fran continuously put shrimp into her mouth, Haida's expression remained unchanged, as if she had become accustomed to such situations.

"Taking a break from a busy schedule" is also one of this doctor's favorite things to do.

Heda still remembers the first time she accompanied Fran on a medical call at the border. After dealing with a few wandering Grik soldiers, the first thing she did was not to count the spoils, but to requisition their campfire and immediately sit down to roast marshmallows by herself...

However, she had one condition when she did these things: that they "did not interfere with her important business."

After finishing the prawn in his hand, Fran licked his fingertips twice, then took out a medical wipe and dried his hands. At this moment, the group had already approached the slave shop of Snow Country's Edge.

"Okay, let me see what kind of staff this store has..."

As he spoke, Fran slightly raised his arm, covering his left eye with his palm. He used the secret technique [Singing Bird] to connect with and share Mu Ning's perspective. At this moment, it was extremely cautiously hidden in the shadows above the chandelier in the shop, monitoring the person in front of it's every move.

"Eight people. One receptionist, three mobile sentries, three stationary sentries, and a leader hidden in the innermost room. There is also a hidden passage inside the shop that allows for a quick escape from the exchange and back to the surface."

"Their tactical arrangements were quite flexible, and they had prepared an escape route in advance. It seems that even the nobles who have submitted to Loreton still retain some of the fighting skills they once had as hunters."

Fran observed the people in the shop with great interest, occasionally offering a comment.

Pan Haida listened carefully to the enemy information she received and quickly formulated a specific battle plan in her mind. As for entering the house as a "buyer" to probe the enemy's intentions with words... to be honest, she had absolutely no intention of doing so.

When the enemy is in the open while we are in the dark, launching a direct surprise attack is the optimal solution if we can know the enemy's specific configuration in advance.

However, there was one thing that the nun was quite concerned about.

The [Calling Bird] technique, activated by covering her eyes with one hand, was the most frequently used secret art by the real Vivian. Seeing Dr. Fran use it so smoothly and naturally now, I felt a strange sense of unease... especially since she was even controlling the other party's Mu Ning.

However, this was merely a second-tier, lower-level secret technique with relatively undemanding conditions, so it wasn't surprising that the doctor, with her experience and occult knowledge, could use it. After all, her library was originally overflowing with an outrageous number of dusty scriptures…

“It is far too inefficient to just talk about it; seeing is believing. Sister Heda, please give me your hand.”

As Wu spoke, Fran extended his other hand.

"it is good."

After a moment's thought, Haida knew what she wanted to do. She then placed her hand on top of the other's palm.

This is the advantage of psychic empathy; it can mentally recreate many scenarios that are difficult to describe in words by connecting thought and perspective. Not to mention, it can also highly simulate the personality of another person through profiling.

With a brief sensory connection, Haida had gained Mu Ning's bird's-eye view.

Steel cages, dried bloodstains, dim lighting, and traitors armed with longswords and crossbows hidden behind high steel shelves...

"I am aware of the specific details."

Although the locations of mobile outposts may change over time, there must be an inherent circulation logic that allows us to deduce their possible whereabouts. Of course, these measures are merely Haida's professionally instinctive caution.

Even if she were to barge in head-on without any regard for consequences, she was confident that she could wipe out the entire enemy force within three minutes.

"Okay. Let's go inside."

Fran withdrew his hand, but instead of heading directly to Snow Country Edge's shop, he went to an empty restroom in a dark alley.

One could see that wisps of pale mist immediately drifted from the old wooden door of the washroom, and everything behind the door seemed to have completely vanished into the unknown.

-

Inside the "Snow Country Edge" slave shop.

The caravan leader, Solous, wearing a black mask, sat silently beside the solid wood counter in the inner room.

Even though it was impossible to discern his expression through the mask that closely resembled that of the Hunter, judging from the oppressive, almost stagnant atmosphere around him... this guy was probably not in a very good mood.

"Damn it, I never thought something like a 'warehouse' being robbed would happen to us... This is our specialty! Are all of Gunther's guards dead? He couldn't even protect a single tribute item."

Solous was currently tallying up his 4% book losses, occasionally letting out a few frustrated complaints. ∈⌒四≤?

Fortunately, some of the slaves collected earlier had already been sold, so even if they lost their stock, the losses wouldn't be too great. However, after deducting the various expenses for traveling to and from Mordway, as well as the cost of capturing the girl with saber-toothed blood... this trip was basically unprofitable.

"The guards of the underground exchange are a bunch of idiots, arrogant brats who have never smelled the smoke of battle. The weapons in their hands are like children's toys to them... It's ridiculous that they were all killed by a lowly alien species that is not even an adult yet."

"If we hadn't also been drawn to the unusual personnel arrangements at the Prince's residence that day..."

After tallying all the book losses, he finally let out a heavy sigh, looking slightly tired.

For Solous, this trip was not only a waste of time, but he also had to spend his own money to pay his companions in full. The "Traitors" would be reliable teammates when everyone had a share of the money, but once they couldn't get their share, they wouldn't care about past relationships.

"boom!"

Suddenly, Solomon heard a deafening explosion, followed by a series of loud crashing sounds.

Caught off guard, he felt his body and internal organs trembling violently, and all he could hear was a faint buzzing sound.

"An enemy attack? Impossible. This is the deepest part of the inner chamber. It's impossible that someone would break in without the outsiders noticing..."

While he was still reeling from the sudden change, Haida outside had already put down the "Black Rose" composite crossbow, its muzzle still emitting gunpowder smoke, and switched to holding two standard large-caliber pistols.

Betraying the name of the Hunter of Secrets, wantonly desecrating the commandments, willingly indulging in depravity, and harming the "Broken Blade" of his former colleagues... he is not worthy of Haida drawing her sword.

Her hunt began.

2 At this moment, Heida and Detrica were taken by Fran to the interior of the slave shop using "Mist in the Door," which was the hidden entrance leading to the ground. The Sigrid-made explosive arrow from earlier had directly destroyed both fixed outposts, along with the people and their cover.

The steel shelves melted into molten iron, and the people were burned to a crisp.

Because it contains the spiritual essence of the primordial sun's combustion and diffusion, the lethality of this shot even exceeds that of some heavy explosive arrows' promethium ammunition.

The incandescent flames blazed fiercely. Molten metal dripped down, and wood chips swirled like ashes.

Under the scorching heat of the fire, only Haida's gray-chestnut eyes remained as cold and aloof as ever.

The so-called infernal hell may well be nothing more than this.

5 "Damn it, an enemy attack! They came down from the ground passage! Wasn't that area sealed off beforehand with the [Secret of Stasis]? But there's clearly no sign that the ritual has been activated..."

One of the women who had survived the explosion cursed as she pulled out her gun, but instead of using cover to fight back, she crouched down and moved quickly between the containers.

The speed of that attack was so fast that she couldn't react at all; it was clearly not a grenade or hand grenade with a delayed firing mechanism. It was most likely some kind of relic capable of launching explosives, and she didn't want to gamble her life on whether the opponent had a second round.

As the intense heart palpitations subsided slightly, she felt her blood heating up with the surge of adrenaline. Just as she poked half her face out of cover, preparing to return fire—

A steel-core bullet with a sharp whistling sound struck her eye socket, shattering the exposed half of her face into a sticky, red and white paste.

After eliminating the three fixed outposts, Haida tore off the travel robe she was wearing and ran without pausing for a moment toward the hiding place of the remaining sentries.

In the blink of an eye, she had collided head-on with another man wielding a standard crossbow.

A bullet fired by a child can also kill, so there are only two things that people with firearms need to be mindful of: ensuring accuracy and pulling the trigger before the other person.

"Bang! Bang!"

With two flashes of gunfire from Haida's gun, the person in front of her collapsed limply to the ground, looking like a rag doll.

One shot to the head, one shot to the finger.

While taking the life of the other party, they then meticulously and ironically eliminate the last bit of resistance the other party has.

In the past, Haida would never have used tactics that demanded such precision in shooting. Sometimes, overcomplicating things would backfire and make things less efficient. But now, she had no doubt that she could do it.

"tread."

The sound came from the steel container that was serving as cover beside her; it seemed to be footsteps.

However, Haida did not rush to the sound.

From a strategic perspective, never be lured, and never go where the enemy wants you to be. Understand their limitations and blind spots, and even guide them to make forced mistakes through strategic planning...

Of course, if you already possess enough "brute force" to break through conventional methods, then you don't necessarily need to follow this rule and can use a more direct and efficient solution.

Haida braced her shoulder against the heavy metal container beside her, then suddenly exerted force using her waist and abdomen as the axis, flipping it over completely.

Dust billowed up as the two "broken blades," who had been preparing to flank from both sides, each had nearly half their bodies crushed under the cabinet. Howls and screams, accompanied by the crackling of burning wood, followed incessantly, like the harassment of mosquitoes.

As the nun raised her hunting boot and stomped heavily on the overturned metal cabinet, the two bodies pinned down creaked and broke under the immense pressure... Only then did their struggles finally cease.

"Gah!"

Mu Ning flapped its wings and flew over Hai Da's shoulder, then let out a short cry.

Although she couldn't communicate with the callbirds like Vivian, she could vaguely understand what they were trying to say... someone wanted to escape.

Because she appeared directly inside the shop, blocking the secret passage to the upper level, the remaining Blade was forced to flee towards the main entrance. If he succeeded, he could try to blend into the crowd and wait for the guards to arrive.

However, this guy was clearly not so lucky.

Following Mu Ning's guidance, Haida intercepted the man at the door just as he was about to escape from the shop.

The guests outside had fled in terror after the sudden explosions, and it would take several more minutes for the guards to arrive.

Fortunately, since all the slaves had been released during the previous night's attack, Snow Country's shops were partially closed. With neither buyers nor "goods," there was no need to worry about collateral damage. This is why she initially used the more lethal "Black Rose."

“The nun’s armor, the brass signet ring, it’s so familiar, and there’s gunpowder and fire… I thought I was back in the meat grinder of the Loretown battlefield more than a decade ago.”

Blocked from retreat, the man with the broken blade licked his lips. Knowing he had no way out, he reached for his waist and drew two more antique-looking folding knives with wooden handles.

"Madam, I bet you're really good with a gun. Those guys all did pretty well on their shooting tests, but you didn't even give them a chance to pull the trigger..." Wu

"However, I suppose you wouldn't refuse to execute me in a way more befitting a Hunter?" Seven

In a sense, this could be considered an "invitation to duel." Lu

"As you wish." Lu

Having said that, Haida also drew her own wooden-handled folding knife, and without a moment's hesitation, she lunged forward, closing in on her opponent. Against an enemy of this caliber, the efficiency of using any weapon would be roughly the same.

Just as the two were about to clash, several burning crimson lights flashed from the body of the man with the broken blade. It was Bartley's most frequently used second-tier lower-level secret technique, [Blood Burning].

At the same time, he flipped one of the two folding knives. A closer look revealed it to be a modified bladed short gun… though it only had a single round, it was perfect for a surprise attack.

“Don’t blame me for being despicable, Sister…this is the only thing I obtained in the Northern Kingdom.” II

"Bang!" The steel-core bullet burst from the barrel.

But before it could hit its target, the power sword "Nirvana" quietly emerged with its gray and invisible spirit, and blocked the shot almost effortlessly in a reverse stance.

In an instant, the two folding knives in Haida's hands also fell to the ground.

One blade was used to parry the opponent's attack, while the other cleanly sliced ​​through his neck, severing his head. The [Burning Blood] technique had indeed greatly enhanced his physique; otherwise, the nun wouldn't have needed to spare a hand to stop his attack.

"Only the last leader remains."

She had already guessed that this Broken Blade would do such things, so when she actually encountered him, she was not surprised at all, and didn't even have the interest to comment on him.

From the start to the end, only two minutes had passed.

With light steps, Haida gradually ventured deeper into the "Snow Country Edge" shop, which was collapsing amidst the incandescent flames, and arrived at the innermost room.

Fran was leaning casually against the wall, holding a brass pocket watch in his hand, seemingly keeping time.

Detrica was still somewhat dazed from the earlier gunshots and flames. She wanted to get closer to Ms. Vivian for a sense of security, but she was also worried that this action would offend her, so she was quite conflicted.

"Two minutes and thirteen seconds, there is still room for improvement."

“Go, Sister Heda. I locked the last guy in the room. Of course, even if I hadn’t… you could have stopped him.”

As he spoke, Fran pointed to the inner accounting room behind him.