Chapter 47
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Chapter 47: Seekers of Assistance
According to the book, humans have categorized the world’s wondrous constructs into four tiers.
The lowest tier, known as artificial wondrous constructs, can be mass-produced provided that there is a blueprint and necessary materials. They are utilized based on human needs, such as the steam train before Chaoyang’s eyes.
This was also what Chaoyang had previously found puzzling—the locomotive, being steam-powered machinery, exhibited a remarkably sleek and delicate design, with smooth stopping and starting capabilities that suggested a technological level incongruous with typical steam engines. Now he understood; this contraption was merely a wondrous artifact resembling a steam train.
Moving up from the lowest tier, constructs were no longer within the realm of human creation.
For instance, third-tier wondrous constructs, often referred to as mystical artifacts, range in number from dozens to over a thousand. While they could be used by humans, their essence could not be replicated.
Second-tier wondrous constructs still fall within this category. Apart from being even rarer, the primary distinction lies in their possession of a certain “intelligence.” The book did not explicitly state it this way but described them as having some form of independent consciousness. Some of these constructs could be comprehended by humans, while others were entirely incomprehensible.
Before encountering the Ten Thousand Worlds Machine, Chaoyang would have dismissed this as utter nonsense. However, now he no longer dared to easily refute such claims.
As for first-class wondrous constructs, they are truly unique entities.
For example, Greke Academy’s Ten Thousand Worlds Machine.
Each first-class wondrous item has its own distinct name and is considered legendary in existence. Their owners were either colossal corporations or royal nobility. Moreover, most of these constructs are known only by their names, with their abilities and appearances shrouded in utmost secrecy.
Judging from the sophistication of the Ten Thousand Worlds Machine, Chaoyang surmised that every first-class wondrous constructs must be exceptionally powerful—akin to living beings with the ability to influence the world’s geopolitical landscape.
The books did not provide answers on how these wondrous constructs originated.
However, one thing was certain: the wondrous constructs of the old continent have largely been discovered and exploited. To find new wondrous constructs, venturing into the uncharted territories of the new continent is the only option.
This perspective was further validated by Chaoyang reading “The History of Glorious Fortress.”
In reality, just under three kilometers northwest of Glorious Fortress lies a massive mine producing special ores, which are essential raw materials for creating artificial wondrous constructs.
Coincidentally, the owner of this mine is the High Heaven Mining Company, which is also the primary sponsor of the Northern City Police Department.
For Chaoyang, what had once been a hazy world suddenly became much clearer. Although there were still many uncertainties, he now had a complete thread connecting the city he knew to this mysterious new world.
Indeed, his visit to the academy had proven fruitful.
Upon returning to his secret residence on Emerald Street, Chaoyang noticed a slip of paper stuffed under the door.
Upon Opening it, he found a single line of text:
“I’ve made progress on your commission. Please meet at our usual place.”
***
Assuming his detective persona once more, Chaoyang made sure no one was tailing him before opening the door to 375 Oak Street.
Upon entering the living room, he found not only Zhu Di and Dunn but also an unexpectedly familiar face—Miss Jeanne from Yeni Cathedral.
Dressed as a nun, her rosy cheeks glistened with fine beads of sweat, indicating that she had likely taken a brief break from her busy schedule to be here.
However, Jeanne didn’t recognize him, as during their previous encounter, he had been merely a phantom visible only to participants of the Paradise game.
“You must be Detective Chao, who solved the serial murder case, am I right?” Jeanne promptly stood up, bowing respectfully to him.
Slightly taken aback, Chaoyang glanced at the other two people.
“I’ve already outlined the situation to Miss Jeanne,” Zhu Di hastily explained. “Rest assured, she will never reveal our information to outsiders. Considering the significance of your commission, after much thought, she is the most capable person among my acquaintances to assist you.”
“Miss Zhu Di has done considerable favors for Yeni cathedral; I’m grateful beyond words, so how could I report any of you?” Jeanne said earnestly. “I just didn’t expect that the group who broke into the cathedral that day would be connected to you. I assumed they were mercenaries drawn by fame.”
“How did you two meet? Could you tell me more about it?” Chaoyang asked, still looking bewildered.
“Heh heh, actually, it’s quite simple. I helped report some of her troubles,” Zhu Di said, slightly embarrassed.
“If it were that straightforward, other newspapers wouldn’t have refused to publish it.” Jeanne shook her head and turned to Chaoyang. “In the past, our Cathedral had very limited funds, yet the number of injured workers abandoned by companies kept increasing year after year. We were nearing a point where we couldn’t sustain our operations. Thanks to Miss Zhu Di’s efforts in spreading awareness through multiple reports on the plight of these abandoned victims, she sparked widespread public debate. Eventually, this led Count to intervene, compelling the companies to sign medical care agreements with Yeni Cathedral for their injured employees. With corporate support, our situation improved gradually.”
“It was my duty,” Zhu Di said, rubbing her hands together. “Compared to Mr. Dunn, I can only cover simpler community news.”
“But your reports saved many lives,” Jeanne shifted the topic, getting straight to the point. “I am aware of what Mr. Chao seeks now. Honestly, if not for Miss Zhu Di approaching me, I would never have agreed. After all… collecting corpses seems very much like… well, very much like…”
“It does seem like something cultists would do, doesn’t it?” Chaoyang smiled helplessly, having grown accustomed to such misunderstandings.
“Of course, I know you’re not!” Jeanne hastily responded. “Otherwise, you wouldn’t have come to Miss Zhu Di’s aid and rescued Mister Dunn under such dangerous circumstances. The Yeni Cathedral indeed has the capability to provide fresh bodies, but doing so poses certain risks—the biggest concern being public opinion. If discovered, I would undoubtedly face consequences, and my sisters’ reputations would also be tarnished.”
Chaoyang realized that this meeting was essentially a negotiation.
“I understand. What is it that you want? If it’s funding, I can pay for each body—”
“I don’t need money; I just wish to meet someone,” the other party interrupted.
Meet someone? That’s quite a peculiar request.
Surprised, Chaoyang asked, “Who?”
“Zh-ang… Zhang Zhiyuan,” Jeanne pronounced awkwardly.
After hearing it several times, he finally recognized that she was referring to Zhang Zhiyuan.
“He works for you, right? All those who came to investigate serial killings at the Yeni Cathedral that day were your subordinates.”
Upon hearing this, both Dunn and Zhu Di suddenly displayed expressions of distress.
Indeed, in their minds, Zhang Zhiyuan had already perished in the raging theater fire. With a thoughtful nod, Chaoyang asked, “He was. However, may I inquire why you wish to see him?”
“Zh-ang… Zhang Zhiyuan’s friend… possesses secrets of medicine! I want to learn more from him! No… all the sisters of the Cathedral hope to study under him!”
“Huh?” This time, Chaoyang genuinely couldn’t comprehend her statement.
“It’s like this… He told me that boiling water can effectively combat the Scarlet Curse. At first, I didn’t believe it, but during a moment of respite, I tried it and discovered it truly works!” Jeanne grew increasingly animated as she spoke. “Later, when I implemented this method within the Cathedral, the mortality rate among severely ill patients dropped by thirty percent within just one week!”
Boiling water? Chaoyang vaguely recalled such a conversation, but since it wasn’t related to the serial murder case, he hadn’t paid much attention to Zhang Zhiyuan’s casual remark.
As Jeanne finished speaking, she suddenly knelt on one knee and said, “I understand these medical truths must be invaluable, far beyond what mere bodies could compensate for. Nevertheless, I still hope to meet him and plead with his friend to share those secrets with us. Such knowledge could save countless lives, so I earnestly request your assistance!”
