The eccentric doctor never makes a misdiagnosis!

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With that, Fran got up from the leather sofa and went into the bathroom in the living room.

Utus remained calm as he witnessed the scene unfolding before him. He had seen the doctor use the mist-like magic that allowed him to teleport back in the fallen city of Morion. Nifl, however, narrowed his eyes slightly, a strange glint in his gaze.

Was he going to use the restroom before setting off? Why did he head straight for the washroom after saying he was bringing the Heir nobleman with him...?

Several minutes passed, and Fran still showed no sign of coming out.

Even through the fog in the doorway, it would take a short time to walk from Foy to the Mordway branch. Although the process could be sped up by consuming spiritual energy, the doctor preferred to maintain energy-saving mode unless absolutely necessary.

Just as Nifl had finished smoking half of her meerschaum pipe, Fran finally pushed open the door and emerged from the bathroom. Behind her stood Sydia, wearing the same style of doctor's coat and dress.

Upon seeing the newcomer's long-lost, familiar lunar spirituality and the indescribable sense of blood connection, the old captain was speechless for a moment, his expression as if in a dream, before finally coming to his senses.

“Ms. Shitia... It’s an honor to meet you. You can call me Nifl.”

“Mm.” Shitia nodded.

Although his expression remained calm, his deep blue eyes still betrayed a sense of感慨 and gratification. Perhaps the Heir remnants lost everything in the war of annihilation, but their bloodline was still being carried on, and they had not been extinguished.

"Mr. Niflår and Professor Utus, it's a pleasure to meet you... fellow ancestors born from the Abyss of Lightless Sea. Dr. Fran has already told me about the Tide Listeners' research, which has been in the works since the beginning of a thousand years ago."

"However, my area of ​​expertise is 'mysticism' rather than 'creation,' so the help I can offer is limited; I can only do my best." (Suo)

Speaking of "creation," Shiodia couldn't help but recall King Hezmut of Heil, who had perished in the War of Destruction. Perhaps the title of "former king" was too heavy; in the past, she preferred to address him as her brother.

The Hazmutes were the nobles most adept at creating newborn Heirs; their creations even transcended certain boundaries, ultimately possessing the ability to self-reproduce. They could truly be considered an independent race. U

After consuming Hezmut's finger bone in the fallen city, Shitia also absorbed a certain amount of mystical knowledge of the realm of creation. Although still lacking, it was enough to surpass most scholars who had studied this field for countless years.

"To be able to meet the ancient Creator has been my lifelong wish. And even without your help, I will find a way to curb the ever-growing madness of the Tide Listeners."

When facing Scythia, even the elderly legend of the Abyss, Nifl, seemed strangely reserved in his speech.

Only Utus knew just how rare it was to see this scene on this rough-tempered and eccentric old man who was quick to anger and glare at anyone who disagreed with him...

"Before that, I would like to ask you to help me verify whether the Hail bloodline of Utus comes from the creation of the nobility or the experiment of the Tide Listeners. I want to use this to determine how far their experiment can go."

"Okay." (Sad)

Shitia granted Nifl's request, and a wisp of translucent tassel slowly rose behind her, then slipped into Utus's ear. She connected with the oceanographer's spiritual awareness and began searching for traces left by the noble creators. Willow

"Professor Utus's Heil characteristics are the result of acquired transformation. His physical 'foundation' is undoubtedly pure human. However, the artifact-making techniques he uses are from the late King Hezmut."

"But his Heyer characteristics are far more pronounced than those of other humans who may have undergone the experiments, even nearly identical to those of a real Heyer. This can be inferred to be some kind of atavism."

After a moment, Xitia withdrew her tassel and came to a conclusion.

Niflü sighed softly upon hearing this, taking another sip of his drink. The mystery of Utus's identity had plagued him for over thirty years, and now he finally had an answer… though not the one he wanted, it was still a relief.

Whether Utus was the real Heyer was irrelevant to the old captain. After all, he was the son who had followed him for thirty years, the first mate of the Leviathan, and the future captain.

After a moment's thought, Nifl asked about other key points from Shitia's previous statement.

"In other words, the 'upper limit' of the Star Abyss Society's research is the complete transformation of humanity... However, this technique comes from the former king?"

“That’s right. ‘Transformation’ is essentially an extension of Hezmut’s creation techniques. The Star Abyss Society possesses most of his remains, and perhaps there is a way to obtain this kind of mysterious knowledge from them and use it to develop and advance.”

Xitia's expression remained indifferent, but her words carried a hint of melancholy and anger.

Her emotions have always been like this. What is revealed is often only the tip of a huge iceberg, but in the unseen places submerged beneath the surface, undercurrents may already be surging and forming a mighty torrent.

“I will investigate the intentions of the people of Lingchao and sever their millennia-old delusions. Until then, please cherish the few remaining members of our ancestral homeland.”

As she spoke, Shitia took a scale from her wrist, crushed it into dust, and placed it into Niflöll's wine glass. She could see that the old captain's body was growing increasingly frail, nearing its limit.

Perhaps his return will come within ten years.

The Scale Dust, imbued with the aristocratic lunar essence, could alleviate this process to some extent, which was one of the few things she could do for the other party. After all, even the late King Hezmut could not create an immortal species with mythical qualities; the Heirs still had to abide by the cycle of life and death.

Nifol himself didn't seem to care much about it.

Before meeting Shitia, he feared only one thing: that death would take him before his wish was fulfilled. However, it's clear that no one truly minds living a little longer. Without suffering and the pressure of survival, who would willingly step into the grave?

"Thank you for your kindness, Ms. Shitia. In closing, I would like to know where you are currently residing? Is it safe enough? The Star Abyss Society's level of alert is rapidly increasing, and even Foy is gradually becoming tense."

Faced with Niflü's concerns, Sydia simply pursed her lips, seemingly unconcerned about such an issue.

Her daily life had been uneventful and peaceful lately: studying occult rituals, reading, taking walks, and waiting for Sigrid to invite her to sunbathe or have meals at regular intervals. As for whether the location was safe, she had never really considered it.

The Foggy Street Clinic boasts a pleasant and tranquil environment, making it an ideal place for recuperation. For instance, when Luya arrived, she was covered in wounds and emaciated, but now her physique is becoming increasingly healthy. She even gained weight last autumn, and her abdomen has noticeably become more fleshy…

Due to a number of factors, even Syldia herself almost forgot that she was currently being hunted almost throughout Gormouth.

“There is no need to worry about that, Mr. Niffield. There may be no safer place to stay, whether in the Abyss or on the land of Gormouth, than near Dr. Fran.”

After a moment's consideration, Shitia responded.

-

-

soup!

Chapter 170 Coffee Shop and Used Bookstore

In the misty path shrouded in gray haze, Fran, having completed his meeting with Nifl, was walking back to the clinic with Sydia.

During their walk, the two of them chatted about what they had discussed.

"Dr. Fran, now that you know the true nature of the Star Abyss Society's research, I want to know... what do you plan to do?"

Although she declared to Nifl that she would put an end to the delusions of the Tide Listeners, Xitia knew very well that it would be difficult for her to do so in her current state.

Currently, Shidia has only recently escaped the Ridge Prison, and her body, mind, and spirit are all in a recovery period after extreme weakness. Dr. Fran's medicine has indeed been quite effective, but even if she were to fully recover, she would still be unable to directly confront the Star Abyss Society.

After all, Xitia did not reach the level of an apostle, otherwise the ancient capital of Hai'il would not have fallen.

The Listening Tide people were able to destroy her race through a war of annihilation during the lost era a thousand years ago. Although there were many external factors involved... after a thousand years of accumulation and planning, they have even less reason not to do it now.

Times change, and things are different here and there.

Even if she were to actually reach the sixth tier now, the Star Abyss Academy might still have a way to deal with it. Xitia knew all too well that her life and freedom were hard-won, and as the last of the Heil nobles, she also bore the responsibility for the survival of her race.

Even when it was something she had to do, she had to consider the risks and be as cautious as possible.

"What do you plan to do..."

Upon hearing this, Fran blinked slightly, seemingly considering which option would be more appropriate.

Remember how she came to Golmouth just to help Heda find materials for the [Mechanized Spirit]? But the longer she stayed there, the stronger the sense of impending doom became.

It's as if this country is riddled with detonators, ready to explode at any moment.

"The Star Abyss Society's research has clearly overstepped its bounds. Under normal circumstances, I have no intention of interfering in wars or the self-destruction of a certain group; I am simply interested in the extent to which they are capable."

The doctor showed unusual indifference toward Shitia's problem.

She seems to genuinely intend to do nothing and let the Listeners push their research forward until they reach the final implementation stage.

But soon, Fran gave Shitia a rather clever smile, and then subtly changed the subject.

"However, if I'm already involved in this matter, it would be rather inhumane to remain uninvolved. Besides, if ending the Star Abyss Society would help my patients recover, I wouldn't mind adding it to their treatment plan."

"As for specific actions, there's no need to rush... We can first give White Cup and the Hunter a hint. Grantham may not be able to interfere, but if the chief hunter has time to return to Gormouth, we'll have far fewer problems."

Since it concerned Shitia's mental illness, Fran didn't mind offering help.

Of course, if conditions allowed, she would prefer to accomplish everything in a way that wouldn't reveal herself. For example, trying to summon a perfect henchman belonging to the Funeral Court...

As the "Red Wolf" stained with the blood of Meredith, once Aheng senses depravity and madness, his hunt will never cease.

"External assistance? Hmm... I don't really know much about that."

As she spoke, Shitia seemed to have thought of something.

“As Miss Vivian mentioned before, although the White Cup Ancestors perished at the end of the Pure White Era due to an unknown calamity, their descendants inherited their ideals and achievements. Among them, the most outstanding Exorcist was named ‘Grantham’.”

"As for the chief hunter of the Funeral Court... I have not had direct contact with him, but I have heard of him. In the final epochal decay of the Lost Age, the hunters were a group of fanatics who were deeply mad and used this to fight against madness, slaughtering out-of-control ancient creatures almost non-stop."

"Even the Funeral Chief from the Era of Decay killed a dragon-type Holy Heir who had already ascended to immortality by crushing himself. And this current Funeral Chief is Miss Haida's father. I wonder if he possesses power comparable to hers?"

This is indeed a question that requires careful consideration.

Generally speaking, Fran would only see Aheng once every three years in the nameless flower garden in Norrington during the winter months of December, and they would mostly remain silent. He didn't really know much about Aheng's current level.

After a moment's consideration, she offered her opinion.

"After the fierce battle in Loreton, the Lord of Funerals has indeed become an Apostle. But I cannot judge whether he is stronger or weaker than the Dragon Hunters of the Withering Era. However... he is not yet fifty years old, and his rate of advancement ranks among the top three of all the previous chiefs."

Upon hearing this, Xitia's gaze sharpened slightly.

Clearly, she also knew what a Sword-wielding Apostle of this age represented... For hunters who uphold the principles of the Blade, in order to reach this rank, in addition to a resolute determination as firm as steel, one must also tread upon mountains of corpses.

During their conversation, Fran arrived at the door of the Fog Street Clinic.

Since it was lunchtime, Shitia and Fran entered the clinic's main hall together, quite tacitly agreeing. There they saw Haida holding a pristine white quill pen, writing a letter at her desk.

What is Sister Heda writing?

Fran gently adjusted the hem of her doctor's gown and sat down beside the nun. Perhaps out of a sense of distance to protect her privacy, she did not directly look at the words on the letter.

"A report on the postponement of a quarterly transfer order."

Haida did not hide anything from this and gave a rather straightforward answer.

"The time limit for the transfer order I originally applied for with the General Affairs Department was one quarter, and that time has already been exceeded. Although supervisor-level secret agents can largely decide the length of their stay abroad, according to established procedures, and to avoid worrying Supervisor Alvin and Ms. Marian... it would be best to send a confidential letter back."

"Overseas mail?"

Fran was clearly already aware of the nun's habit of adhering to the terms of service, but she was more interested in knowing how the Hunters communicated.

Heda had finished writing her report, then closed the envelope and sealed it with sealing wax using her brass ring.

"The fastest way is to send a telegram across the sea through the White Cup Order, but security cannot be guaranteed. Considering that this delayed report itself is not very time-sensitive, I prefer to use the shipping company under the Hunter of Secrets."

"The journey will take about half a month."

Upon hearing her words, a barely perceptible smile flickered in Fran's eyes.

“It just so happens that I also need to return to the main store in Norrington today. It won’t take much time to travel there and back via the Fog Path, so why don’t I act as your messenger?”

"...Then I'll leave it to Dr. Fran."

Since the doctor always seemed to be harboring ill intentions, Haida had no idea what she was secretly plotting. But it was just a casual letter, so she had no reason to refuse.

The Abyss Sea is essentially a vast and complex spiritual entity, therefore, without interdimensional messengers, most of the secret rituals used for communication cannot reach the other side. The underwater communication cables currently used by the White Cup Order... are actually relics from the ancient inhabitants of the Pure White Era.

Considering that neither Haida nor Shitia had eaten yet, and to ensure the health of the medical staff and patients, Fran did not set off immediately but first tied on an apron and went into the kitchen next to the main hall...

After lunch, she pushed open the door and stepped into the boundless gray-white sea of ​​fog, carrying the report.

-

Modway, Belfarin Street.

Vivian was sitting in the café on the upper floor of the used bookstore, leisurely and happily flipping through a popular novel. It was a new book originally from Loretown in the North, with the latest volume just released in nearby Golmouth; it hadn't been released in Norrington yet.

The book is titled "Lady North Wind of the Snow Country".

As an aside, this book is part of a trilogy: First Encounter, The Bride, and The Widow.

As a highly trained and qualified agent of the Secret Service, Vivian has been gathering intelligence in Mordway recently. With the Star Abyss Society and the Royal Court becoming increasingly secure, places with espionage value and low risk of being discovered are becoming increasingly rare.

Furthermore, she never dares to use her real name in any setting.

Vivian is currently unaware of what Dr. Fran did using her name, but due to the caution and keenness of an intelligence agent, she has a vague sense of unease... Therefore, she uses forged documents and identities throughout the entire process.

If she could, Vivian would love to use "Flamemer" as a false name, as a small act of revenge against that doctor. But unfortunately, to ensure the information is verifiable, the backup identities issued by the Secret Service are prepared in advance and do not support temporary name changes.

Her current focus is no longer on investigating the secrets of the Star Abyss Society and the Royal Court, but rather on monitoring their movements. Therefore, she doesn't need to go to dangerous places herself; she only needs to choose a sufficiently safe observation location.

This secondhand bookstore is undoubtedly the most suitable place on the entire Belfarin street. The second-floor café has a beautiful view and a great vista, and you can even sneak in a book during your free time...

If Lady Ginba Yuxi knew that he had done these six things during the mission, a lecture would probably be inevitable. However, strictly speaking, he didn't have any mission orders at the moment, so it was just a matter of finding something to do while accompanying Sister Haida.

And reading is also a way to maintain the legitimacy of one's identity and behavior; yes, there's nothing wrong with that...

Just then, a tall, slender, smiling black-haired waitress approached Vivian's table with a cup of coffee. She steadily set down the cup, revealing that the latte art was shaped like a raven.

"Your coffee, sir."

Gazing at the fluffy and delicate latte art on the coffee, Vivian's eyes suddenly narrowed, and her hand almost instinctively went to the specially made short gun hidden in her sleeve. She had been scouting this secondhand bookstore for quite some time, and logically, no one here should have been able to see through her so easily.

And... she also knows she comes from the Secret Service?

No, not necessarily.

It's also possible that she simply noticed her spying; this isn't Norrington, and the raven pattern should point to the six-eyed raven's snare. Just as Vivian was wondering about the maid's identity, she heard her initiate a conversation.