The eccentric doctor never makes a misdiagnosis!

Page 274

"If my guess is correct, this feather should belong to the 'remains of an apostle'."

"How should I describe it... like the tulips in the gardener's flowerbed by the gate, made of the gardener's glandular scales, which all originated from a non-human being who climbed the sixth step. Simply put, it was a calling bird that stepped into the apostle's high threshold."

"what?"

Upon hearing Fran's conclusion, Vivian's eyes widened, her surprise barely concealed.

In most cases, the summoning birds are one rank lower than the arcane wielder to facilitate their control. For example, the Ravenfeather Apostles of the Lost Age could command storms of birds, with individuals averaging around the third rank.

The highest level the calling birds that surround it can reach is only the fifth step, and it cannot go any further.

Surely a cluster of feathers couldn't possibly be a "prototype" that has survived to this day?

The idea was so absurd that Vivian instinctively rejected it the moment it occurred to her. But she couldn't think of a more reasonable explanation than this possibility.

Seemingly sensing the agent's preemptive strike, Fran tilted his cheek slightly and then twirled his slender index finger.

"Of course not possible."

“I can say with certainty that there is currently no complete ‘prototype’ in the world. Even if some exist that can transcend the limitations of the apostles, most of them are ‘remnants’ left over from the old era. They are mired in deep-seated illnesses and fragmented. Once they emerge from their slumber, they will probably face extinction.”

The doctor's reassuring tone was firm and powerful, and Vivian's chaotic emotions quickly calmed down.

My earlier thoughts were far too shocking and couldn't withstand scrutiny. The one who had taken the form had truly touched upon the deep principles beneath the surface of the world; if such a being existed, Gormouth would have long been thoroughly and secretly infiltrated by it.

Both the Star Abyss Society's research and Crown Prince Murphy's promotion should be quietly eliminated, so as not to ultimately come to fruition.

Hmm... but what if it's a "prototype" with a particular taste? ≈％''÷♀‰

Vivian felt herself getting tangled up in the chaotic logic swirling in her mind. She quickly patted her cheeks to clear her thoughts and turned her gaze to Fran, waiting for the doctor to offer further explanation.

"Although this feather belongs to the 'remains of an apostle,' the spiritual imprint it contains is surprisingly thin."

Fran gently waved the eagle owl's tail feathers, then returned them to Vivian.

"In my experience, this calling bird may have been associated with a Raven Feather Apostle in a much more ancient era. And its master, the Secret Minister named Cluster Feather... she herself should currently only be at the fifth tier."

"That is, the high-ranking priest."

Hearing her explanation, Vivian felt it made sense, but she was still somewhat doubtful.

According to Dr. Fran, the Secret Secretary herself is a high priest, but her callbird possesses apostle qualities? This seems to be the complete opposite of the norm... Could it be that the callbird is the master? But judging from the situation at the time, it doesn't seem very likely.

However, she did not ask about it.

Compared to the fact that the Confidential Secretary might be in its early stages, there's no need to delve too deeply into such trivial matters.

After getting a general understanding of the situation, Fran began to consider how Vivian should deal with her boss. After all, they were both Hunters, and Flutter Feather's current attitude could be described as friendly, so there was no need to deliberately hide anything.

"As the head of the Secret Service, I believe she won't make things difficult for you. You can reveal some information about me as appropriate. However, it's best not to describe the internal workings of the clinic in too much detail, and please refer to it as 'Secret Realm'."

"Although you are not currently employed as a medical staff member, we still have an employment relationship and need to adhere to a certain degree of confidentiality agreement."

After speaking, she handed Vivian a detailed set of rules she had previously written, which included numerous clauses to circumvent the Hunter's Code, as well as the depth of intelligence that could be revealed.

Vivian didn't feel pressured by this; instead, she felt a familiar sense of comfort. Her academic performance had always been excellent; a year ago, she had been preparing for an office job, and she was quite adept at handling this type of task.

"Don't worry, Dr. Fran, I will abide by its contents."

After accepting the confidentiality agreement details from Fog Street Clinic, Vivi felt slightly relieved, but she inexplicably felt that something was not quite right.

After careful consideration, a clue began to emerge. 4

Why would Dr. Fran say he had an employment relationship with her? Strictly speaking, he was mostly just accompanying Sister Heda as a member of her team and was never directly employed by her.

Wait... 3

A fleeting thought flashed through her mind, and she slowly shifted her gaze to Mu Ning on her shoulder.

It then awkwardly turned its head behind it to preen its feathers, its avoidance of eye contact revealing a hint of guilt.

No wonder this guy has been going out so often while I'm asleep lately; he's been doing a "part-time job." This also explains why I can't knock on the "mist within the door" like Sister Heda, while she can...

Although he wanted to settle accounts with Mu Ning immediately, it was clearly not the right time, so he had to hold back for a while.

As night deepened and weariness crept in, Vivian said goodnight to Dr. Fran and then returned to her bedroom at the Fog Street Clinic.

Finally alone with Mu Ning, Vivian narrowed her eyes and took Mu Ning in her palm. Mu Ning obediently revealed the downy feathers on its chest and belly, and was unusually compliant throughout the process, offering no resistance whatsoever.

"You were secretly working a part-time job without telling me, weren't you?" Vivian questioned.

"Huh?" Mu Ning tried to play dumb.

“If Dr. Fran requests your services again, I will take one-tenth of the fee as a penalty.”

"Gah." Mu Ning resigned himself to his fate.

Seeing its "I'm the fish on the chopping block" attitude, Vivian curled her lip and withdrew her previous profit-sharing proposal.

"Hmph, since that's also your earnings, I won't take a cut. You can keep it all for yourself. But you have to let me know in advance if anything comes up."

"Gah!" Mu Ning exclaimed with joy.

-

Fog Street Clinic, in Fran's operating room.

Despite a busy day traveling to and from Norrington, including a high-precision surgery to alleviate Grantham's condition, the doctor didn't feel tired. On the contrary, it fueled her enthusiasm for her work, an enthusiasm that remains undiminished.

She picked up the book "Gousnik's Sewing and Unraveling" and began to study it carefully.

In fact, this technical manual is entirely written in Ork, the hieroglyphic script of the orcs. Fortunately, Fran already had a foundation in this language, so he didn't have to spend extra time translating and deciphering it.

Similar to their racial traits of revering war and devastation, the Ork language itself contains many words borrowed from humans and other cultural systems. This may make it somewhat easier to understand, but it doesn't offer much real help.

"It's been a long time since I've seen such pure OK terminology. It's rough, chaotic, and unconventional, full of bold and imaginative ideas. But the parts about technical insights and experimental records also reveal a rather subtle trace of rigor."

After flipping through a few pages, Fran let out a heartfelt sigh.

Even for someone like her, trying to understand the thought process of a beastman mad doctor was somewhat challenging. Perhaps their skills, though rough, maintained a considerable degree of sophistication, but trying to understand them through written language presented an insurmountable barrier.

"How about we write a translation in the common language, and then have Haida read it and try to profile her?"

Almost the instant the idea took shape, Fran rejected it.

"No, forget it."

"Hmm, Sister Heda's control over her psychic and empathic talents is still shallow, and last year she even showed signs of being corrupted by my personality model. It would be too dangerous to entrust this kind of work to her. Speaking of which... Ms. Tinuvel should be able to provide assistance."

Thinking of this, she turned her gaze to Tinuville, who was still asleep on the operating room inspection table.

-

-

(Time to speed it up!)

Chapter 175 The Hidden War

As a ship AI from the dark age of technology, also known as the "golden age," Tinuville was once equipped with a complete set of STC standard manufacturing templates in the narrow sense.

Even though her database suffered irreversible damage during millennia of turmoil and conflict, the computing array remained largely intact, thus enabling it to handle the vast majority of data analysis tasks, including even the parsing of OK terms.

Orc individuals will grow stronger with each battle, not only in terms of physical strength but also in the gradual unlocking of technological capabilities within their genes and the ascent of their "intelligence." While the orc war leaders will still maintain their fanaticism for slaughter, in addition to cruelty, they will become increasingly adept at scheming and plotting.

In other words, this race is not unknowable or incomprehensible.

Therefore, as long as one uses the right methods, is willing to invest the time, and possesses the ability to simulate the psionic state of the Ork... one can truly master the technology used by this ancient war-torn race.

"Dr. Fran, I've brewed the Atilan 'Gentle Breeze' you brought back. Would you like it hot or chilled?"

Sigrid entered the operating room and inquired about Fran, who was currently conducting research. Tinuville, having completed the firewall's self-examination, stood by after waking up, providing data analysis and relevant literature.

"Thank you, Sigrid. Please make it hot."

As he spoke, Fran took the white porcelain coffee cup, which was steaming, from the maid's hand. He gently blew on it to cool it down and then cautiously tested the temperature with the tip of his tongue. Only after confirming that it wasn't too hot to drink did he begin to sip it.

Even while consuming energy drinks, she did not stop analyzing and studying this technical manual.

The swelling [Grosnik's stitching and unstitching] brought a rather subtle sense of novelty to the doctor. Although it looked like some kind of primitive tribal graffiti at first glance, if one could figure out the erratic and chaotic logic within it, one could further appreciate the charm of the technical principles behind it.

However, the Orcs' technological system also has an inherent flaw: "insufficient precision".

Their creations possess an exceptionally profound foundation and framework, but the details are often extremely crude, greatly reducing their stability and reliability. Therefore, a special spiritual energy field is needed to compensate for this.

With Tinuvel's help, Fran has now basically mastered the contents of this technical manual. This isn't the obscure and profound mechanical physics of the Space Necromancers, but rather biomedical content… well, within her comfort zone.

However, there is still one crucial step missing before it can be fully put into use: the "waaagh force field," or "the power of my thoughts."

“That’s all for today. Thank you for your hard work, Ms. Tinuville.”

Q-Fran carefully put away [Gosnik's Sewing and Unraveling], then patted her cheeks to cool down the chaotic, overheated thoughts in her mind. Even for her, simulating the orc's thought process still required a certain price.

U: "My assistance is insignificant. Your almost superhuman comprehension is the most important factor in quickly deciphering the alien documents."

N. Tinuville answered in a rather humble tone.

Fran's previous maintenance and improvements to her data firewall had already earned the ship's AI's respect. And now, her ability to learn from alien documents only reinforces that impression.

At the same time, she became even more certain of the conclusions she had previously drawn.

The doctor before him was undoubtedly some kind of "non-human being" that maintained a human form. After all, even the high and mighty "golden people" of the Dark Ages did not possess this level of psychic talent and learning ability.

Back in her bedroom, Fran took her usual pre-sleep shower, washing away the day's fatigue. But as she changed into her pajamas and finally lay down on the bed, she noticed something seemed to be shining through the curtains…

Damn it, that's the dawn sunlight.

Liu had already finished treating Grantham late into the night, but he couldn't resist spending too much time on that technical manual, so much so that now it was getting light and the night was coming to an end.

"Never mind, I'll sleep until the afternoon."

A moment later, Fran nodded, determined to catch up on his sleep, and casually turned off his usual Pokémon flute wake-up call.

俬——

See the following day, Modway, Belfarin Street.

Inside a small private room at the exotic tavern "Bell Fork and Bone Cup," Vivian held the tail feather of the calling bird "Gurid," activating its inherent spirituality. She then waited for the Secret Service to find her.

About half an hour later, a short and unremarkable man with his head down lifted the curtain in front of the door and sat down opposite Vivian while looking around hurriedly.

Based on the hidden connection of the Gurid Feathers, Vivian knew that the person before her was the secret lord "Cluster Feather," who had once disguised herself as a maid in the old bookstore café. However, the other person's appearance was so different from when they last met that she was momentarily speechless.

No wonder Lady Silver Feather Hydra said that the Secret Service Secretary "can appear anywhere in any form." This guy looks nothing like he did when we first met. Short, ugly, with shifty eyes and a hint of balding...

"Hehe, what's wrong, Agent Vivian? Don't let your less-than-ideal appearance fool you, your safety is top-notch. When most people don't want to look at you a second time, you've avoided most people's gaze."

"However, considering the issue of public perception, I'll change to a state that most people can accept."

As he spoke, Cuyu raised his hand to cover his face with the sleeve of his black robe. As a few mottled eagle owl feathers fell, his appearance changed into that of a slender adult male with a pale and delicate face and slightly bluish eyelids, seemingly due to a sub-healthy state caused by working.

"How are you feeling? Do you feel any more normal?"

"In fact... I don't care about these things. The definition of your identity will not change because of your appearance. But I still appreciate you showing me your disguise skills, Mr. Cuyu."

Vivian shook her head and responded in a relatively serious tone.

Cuyu, on the other hand, lowered her eyes, seemingly somewhat dejected.

"Sigh, I always said that the Secret Service agents shouldn't have such high academic performance requirements. It makes all the new recruits sound like they've been doing clerical work for ten years, spouting bureaucratic jargon the moment they meet you..."

"Am I really that annoying that all the detectives want to end the meeting as quickly as possible?"

"By the way, this is the original manuscript of 'Lady of the North Wind in the Snow Country' that I compiled before. You can keep it for now. As for information reporting, there's no need for that. Perhaps you're more used to submitting intelligence to the Secret Service in writing."

As she spoke, Cuyu handed Vivian a stack of neatly revised manuscripts, with the author's signature even visible on the title page.

This caused Vivian's expression to become somewhat subtle, and a strange sense of guilt welled up within her.

After a moment's hesitation, she raised her hand to stop Cuyu, who seemed to be about to leave.

“Um, Mr. Cluster Feather… that was just a working phrase I used when I was in the Secret Service, please don’t mind it. This is a summary of intelligence I’ve gathered in Gormouth recently, and I believe you won’t refuse to discuss the situation in Morion.”

After speaking, Vivian handed over a detailed paper document to the other party.

These include the types of research the Star Abyss Society may be conducting, the connection between the Royal Court of Galonson and the Northern Blades, and the anomalies in the fallen city of Morion caused by the Gardener's Glandularity.

Part of it is based on Vivian's own observations, but most of it is Sister Heda's account. It has also been slightly modified according to Dr. Fran's confidentiality agreement, retaining key information while omitting details about the Fog Street Clinic.

"In that case, I'll accept it."

Upon seeing Vivian produce the intelligence file, Cuyu immediately changed his posture from leaving and gracefully took it. After carefully reading it, the flippant look in his eyes gradually disappeared, leaving only solemnity and concentration.

"Sure enough."

"Having been so greatly stimulated, it's no wonder that the Listening Tide people are accelerating the pace of their plans like madmen. Little Vivian, the information you provided is extremely valuable, and very precious. In light of this, I will write a recommendation report for your promotion, okay?"

Upon hearing the words of this secret minister, Vivian's first reaction was not joy, but worry and a rather unpleasant sense of pessimism.