Wizard: Surviving in the Steam Age with Points for Demon Hunter

Give me some points in Chapter 97!

"I'm very pleased that a highly capable investigator has arrived at the Ceres Manor..."

Sayyam placed his hands, fingers interlaced, on his abdomen. He wore only a black turtleneck shirt with the Ceres family crest—a sailboat, a shield, and a lightning bolt—embroidered in gold on the collar.

I remember their family motto was: "Walk through the storm, persevere, and be fearless."

It's clear that this is a very aggressive family.

Wei En thought to himself for a moment, then took out a pen and paper. "If you don't mind, may I make some notes?"

"Please go ahead," Sayyam said calmly, looking at him with his aged face unmoved by the wrinkles. "Where should I begin?"

"Well, let's start with the Black Pearl," Wayne said after a moment's thought. "You know they were the ones who attacked your manor last time, right?"

"The Black Pearl... an old acquaintance." Sayyam's slightly cloudy eyes gradually brightened.

"They are the emperors of the seas of Cordoba, the nightmare of countless people."

"From the city-state of Castel to Ahmed in the north, and then to Mchilo in the south, almost all ships have to hand over twenty percent of their cargo to them."

Wayne paused, then asked, "All of the twenty percent?"

This wasn't 20 percent of the profits, but rather based on the ship's cargo—meaning the Black Pearl received the cargo for free without paying anything in return.

If you resell it, the profit will be five or ten times the initial investment.

"But that was the old rule."

A cold glint flashed in Sayyam's eyes. "Now they've gone even further, demanding that we convert our goods into gold pounds in order to save on ships and manpower."

"That means the cost of all our cargo doubles before our ship even leaves port."

"Based on a five-fold profit margin?"

"Most goods are charged at ten times the cost price, but a small portion, such as metal minerals, are charged at ten times the cost price."

Wayne exclaimed, "Wow, is it really that terrifying?"

Before, they would rob people on the street and then resell the goods. Now, they're too lazy to even go through the middle of the transaction; they just start stuffing the money into sacks...

"So, you... um, had a conflict with them?"

Sayam's lips curled slightly upward, his expression full of disdain. "Since last month, all ships belonging to the Ceres family have stopped handing over the Black Pearl."

"Isabello, that fool who only knows how to lie on his gold pounds and count his money, thinking that he can run rampant in the Sea of ​​Córdoba with enough force. This time, I'm going to capsize his Black Pearl!"

So that's how it is.

Wayne realized there was also a maritime interest involved. "So, the Black Pearl's raid on Basil Harbor a few days ago was also because of this?"

"Sort of, but we were well prepared beforehand and didn't suffer any major losses."

"you?"

"Families that own ships in all the city-states of Castel!"

No wonder they dared to rebel; it turns out they had the entire city-state behind them.

However, this had nothing to do with the case, so Wayne asked directly, "Then do you think it's possible that Master Lugert's death was an act of revenge?"

"Impossible." Sayyam denied it without hesitation. "Although I hate to admit it, Isabello would never bring matters from the sea onto land."

"This is probably the only thing that is correct in his brain, which is full of shit."

Wei En was somewhat surprised, not expecting that this maritime emperor would have such principles and bottom lines.

"Then how do you explain the appearance of Tiki and Elno? Or is their target the statue?"

"So this is why I invited you here," Sayyam glanced at him and said with displeasure, "Young investigator, 100 gold pounds is enough to buy 100 fine maids."

"..."

Grandet, Zhou Bapi, Huang Shiren...

In that instant, many classic examples of stinginess flashed through Wayne's mind, such as a case that might involve the Black Pearl where he only offered a commission fee of 100 gold pounds.

No matter what

"Then, regarding the second question, concerning young master Lugert's theft of the idol..."

"That's impossible too!"

Sayyam raised his hand to interrupt him, his expression changing from dissatisfaction to displeasure. "Even if all the clues point to him, I don't believe he would do such a thing."

"Oh?"

"That statue represents the protection of our ancestors for our Ceres family. It doesn't possess any special abilities, such a thing..."

Even though he didn't finish speaking, Wayne already understood what he meant.

In this distorted and warped world, the word "antique" refers only to relics from past eras, most of which possess special powers.

Therefore, those ordinary and old things are collectively called "old things," which roughly means things that are worn out and useless.

With that thought, Wayne put away the parchment, opened the box he carried with him, and took out "Potion No. 1". "Would you mind if I woke up Master Lugert? I have a few questions I'd like to ask him."

"By the way...you could also talk to him?"

Sayam's expression turned completely cold, and he exuded a terrifying aura, like a venomous snake that might strike at any moment, staring intently at "Potion Number 1"—the Summoning Potion.

Wayne remained unmoved. Whether it was to investigate the truth or for the 25 gold pounds he was about to receive, using the necromancy potion on Ruget, the person involved, was necessary.

Otherwise, he would have no choice but to expose the name "Vazquez" and see if he could uncover more secrets.

But what would be the consequences of doing so—just look at Collins Vázquez, who was still respectfully waiting outside the door; it would be tantamount to putting oneself on the hot seat.

"The wizards of the Ghost School always enjoy desecrating and toying with the dead."

Wei En raised an eyebrow. "We can talk, but don't swear."

Blasphemy is one thing, but is the word "playing with" appropriate here?

"Go ahead and do it. It's perfect timing. I also want to ask Luget." Sayyam used almost all his strength to calmly finish saying those words.

"good……"

Dang, ding ding.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Sir, would you like to have Young Master Ramiro come over?"

Collins?

Wayne watched Sayyam calmly, and saw him refuse without batting an eye: "No need."

"Yes, sir."

[You are targeted by Collins Vázquez. Comment: Rats like to hide at the entrance of their holes and spy on the outside world; this is not a good habit. Reward: Survival Points +2.]

Oh?

It seems the old butler's mood wasn't as calm as his tone suggested.

However, this gave Wayne a greater sense of confidence.

It's good that he's emotional; the more emotional he is, the more useful information we can obtain by waking up young master Lugert.

"Let's begin."

"it is good."

Wayne walked to the bedside, opened the spirit-summoning potion, and put it into Lugert's mouth. That's how it should be used, right?

Sayyam also came to the side, pinching a ring between his fingers and rubbing it from time to time.

Before the two had to wait long, a black light shone from Luget's mouth. Then, the black light spread out, forming countless tiny, faint lights that traveled through his body.

Immediately afterwards, a slightly blurry phantom slowly detached from his body and floated in mid-air—it was Lugert's soul.

"Father, father?"

Lugert looked around blankly, then looked down at his own body. "What... what happened to me?"

"You are dead."

"I...I'm dead?"

"That's right, you idiot!" Sayyam's voice was laced with anger. "I've said it before, strength doesn't define a person's ability; wisdom does."

Wayne: "..."

Is now the time for lecturing?

"I... yes, I've been murdered..." Lugert murmured, "I knew it, I'd been tricked."

Sayyam snorted, "Tell me, what happened? Did you take that statue?"

Wayne couldn't help but glance at him. "Hey, old man, you stole my line—let me tell you, not a penny less than 100 gold pounds, don't even think about deducting money."

"Sir, time is limited, please take note."

"explain!"

A look of sadness crossed Lugert's face as he sat on his own body. "I'm sorry, Father, I did take the idol. But... it was my second brother who told me to take it."

"Genrih?"

Wei En thought to himself, "I knew it. I knew the person I met at the Krems Cathedral that day was the problem. It really was that guy causing trouble."

"Yes, my second brother told me that someone offered a high price for that statue, and he told me to secretly bring it out, sell it, and then replace it with a fake one so no one would find out..."

"Foolish!" Sayyam glared at him angrily. "Don't you think about why he wouldn't do it himself, but instead chose to come after you?"

Rugert gave a wry smile. "He said the family business is facing a crisis and needs this money, and as a member of the family, I should contribute."

"Besides, you also told us that the statue wasn't anything special, which is why I took it with me..."

"Didn't I tell you long ago that your job is to guard this place? Your older brother and I will take care of things at sea!" Sayyam was even more furious.

Wayne realized that this young master Rugert wanted to sell the idols for gold pounds to support his family's business... His intentions were good, but his intelligence was worrying.

"and then?"

"Then I took the statue out, but little did I know that as soon as I left that room, I..."

"What?"

"I don't know how to describe it. It's like I know everything I do, but it's not a state I can control..."

"manipulate?"

Wayne and Sayyam exchanged a glance; this was clearly the work of mystical powers.

"Yes, it was like being manipulated, and that continued for the next few days. Until that day, when I was sitting in that chair over there."

At this point, a look of fear appeared on Luget's illusory face. "Suddenly, a lot of people appeared behind me and tortured me for a long time. Finally, there was that guy named Tiki..."

"I remember his exact words were, 'This time we're just collecting some interest from your Ceres family, we Basques...' Before he could finish, the person next to him stabbed me in the chest with a sword..."

Okay, you've finally gotten to the point.

Wayne's spirits lifted. "Vazquez people?"

"What Vasques?" Sayyam's eyes flickered slightly. "I see. So they were hired by the Basques to kill you. That doesn't seem like Isabello's style."

"Basque?" Lugert was clearly taken aback, glanced at Wayne, and nodded, "Probably."

"..."

Wei En's lips twitched. You two are obviously treating me like an idiot.

"What about the statue?" Sayyam ignored him and continued to press, "Who did you give the statue to?"

"Second brother... I remember it very clearly, it was him who was entrusted with it."

"Genrih!"

Sayyam slammed his fist on the bed. "That bastard, how dare he? How dare he do such a thing?"

"Father, I'm sorry."

Lugert's figure became even more ethereal at this moment, like a wisp of smoke that could dissipate at any moment.

Seizing the last moment, Wayne asked, "Young Master Lugert, during the time you were being manipulated, besides contacting Genrih, did you have contact with anyone else?"

"Or rather, who visits you frequently? Please tell me."

"Hmm?" Lugert's regret subsided, and he looked at him, saying, "Quite a few: Butler Collins, Mother, Third Brother, and several maids..."

"And maids?"

"Yeah, I was manipulated into having sex with them, all of them..."

Wayne: "..."

Are you sure this will work?

How can such a spell control such minute details?

"Disgrace! You are a disgrace to the Ceres family! Damn it, how dare they humiliate us like this! I will sink them into the sea, I will!"

Upon hearing this, Sayam roared furiously, his hands slamming down on Luget's... corpse.

Lugert looked at him with a sorrowful expression, "Father..."

"Collins, go and fetch Genrih. Whatever he's doing, bring him to me immediately!"

"Yes, sir."

Hearing Collins hurrying away outside, Wayne glanced at the notification on the panel.

[You are targeted by Collins Vázquez. Assessment: Beware, the rat is about to emerge. Reward: Survival Points +3.]

Tsk, the killing intent has intensified.

"Anything else? Did anyone behave strangely after the meeting? Like making weird expressions or saying anything inexplicable?"

Sayyam's anger faltered for a moment. "You suspect that the person manipulating him is right next to him?"

"There is such a suspicion."

Wayne was also prejudiced. Since the panel had already indicated that there was a problem with the butler Collins, he could only try to steer the focus to this person.

Upon hearing his question, Lugert lowered his head and thought for a moment, "Yes, there was someone who said some strange things..."

"Who? What did they say?"

"Butler Collins, I heard him say 'For the great dawn'."

Saiyam gasped for breath. "Dawn? Damn it, are you sure?"

"Yes," Ruger nodded, "that's exactly what he said."

Wei En understood; now he finally knew who had placed the power of the Dawn Faith here.

But do the people of the Vázquez also worship dawn?

Or is there some other deeper meaning behind placing this thing here?

"Collins!" Sayyam's face turned icy cold. "I never imagined that a servant I've raised for decades would betray me. I..."

"not good!"

Wern and Sayyam both realized at the same time that since Collins and Genrih both had problems, they should join forces...

"Sir, it seems you need to make a decision."

Sayam didn't speak, but instead took out a necklace from his pocket, pressed it, and said coldly, "I never imagined that those people had already come to the Ceres family."

"Who is it? Is it the Basque gentleman you mentioned?"

Watching his movements, Wayne stepped back to Tina's side and asked.

"You seem to know something?"

"I checked some files, and the real name of the captain of the Black Pearl's first team who attacked this place last time was—Tiki Vasquez."

Sayyam glanced at him. "Anything else?"

"That's all I know. But I think, given the current situation of the Vasques, they wouldn't be so bored as to attack a young nobleman."

Wayne shook his head and said, "The most important thing is, they didn't rob this place..."

"This matter ends here, Investigator. What happens next has nothing to do with you or the Secret Investigation Department. I hope you won't do anything unnecessary."

"That sounds familiar..."

I remember the same thing Collins, the butler, said last time.

"I will pay an additional 100 gold pounds on top of the original commission fee."

"100?"

That's all? Compared to that old butler, this old knight is indeed much stingier.

Just as Wei En was about to ask for some benefits, his keen senses detected the sound of countless chaotic footsteps approaching.

"Sir, did you call the guards over?"

"Um?"

Sayyam noticed the noise outside and his expression changed slightly. "No, I was calling Ramiro to come over... Damn it, they actually went to this extent! Quick, come with me!"

Without waiting for Lugert to dissipate on the bed, he nimbly ran towards the door.

Lugert noticed their expressions and finally cried out, "Father, I'm sorry. I... I just wanted to help you, I didn't mean to..."

My deepest condolences. May you find peace in the afterlife.

Wayne glanced back at him, then pulled the white-haired girl along and followed. "Stay close, Tina."

"Tina, I know."

After leaving the bedroom, Sayyam ran towards the end of the corridor.

As Wayne followed closely behind, he casually pressed the alarm button.

Help! Help! Sister Lacey, it's an emergency! Please come and save me!

If it were just Collins alone, that would be one thing, but the key point is that Elnor didn't die last time either, and he's probably already reunited with the old butler.

With the guards on board, and the still-unseen Genrih... he had no choice but to flee with the old knight first.

Soon, Sayyam led him to a place that looked like a storage room. He quickly pried off the lamp stand on the wall, and a cabinet next to the wall was moved aside, revealing a dark hole.

"Where is this?"

"A secret passage leading to other places."

Just then, a furious roar came from outside, "Collins, what are you doing?!"

"It's Ramiro? It seems they've already made their move."

Sayyam paused, a hint of reluctance flashing across his face. "Let's go, let's escape first."

Wayne had no problem with it. Even a father wouldn't care about his son's life, so it was even less likely that he, as a ruthless money-making machine, would react.

However, this also shows that the old knight was a very decisive and life-conscious person.

"Over there, come with me!"

By this time, the people outside had also discovered their escape.

"Walk."

Sayam gritted his teeth and went straight into the hole, with Wayne quickly following Tina.

"Sir, didn't you have any backup plans? Knowing that enemies were watching you, how did you end up in this situation?"

"Hmph, no matter how good the plan is, it will be useless if a traitor appears."

That's because there weren't enough decorations...

However, Wayne chose not to say these words, so as not to further upset the old gentleman.

Within days, two sons died, and another was confirmed to have betrayed them. Anyone else at this point would probably want to die.

As the two entered, Sayyam blocked the entrance. "Hurry up, Collins knows this secret passage, we don't have much time."

"...You really don't hold back at all."

As they spoke, the two ran deeper into the secret passage.

Wayne felt that the secret passage was built very strangely. Usually, such things are used for emergency refuge and lead to the outside of the manor.

But what's going on with this downward trend?

"Mr. Sayyam, don't run, you can't escape—"

Just then, Collins' voice came from behind, "And that investigator, it's all because of you that our plans have been completely ruined."

"Our original plan was to take over the Ceres Manor quietly and replace them..."

"Collins, he's mine!"

Damn it, Elno followed us too.

Wayne really wanted to yell at Sayyam in front of him, "Your house has been taken over by thieves and you didn't even know? Aren't you a bit too useless?"

"Gentlemen, I advise you not to follow me any further. I have already notified the City-State Secret Investigation Bureau, and they are probably already here with their men. You will definitely not be able to escape then."

That's what they say, but at that moment, Wayne wished he had two more legs.

At this point, he could not keep up with Sayam in front of him, and Collins and Elno behind him were also much faster.

"Before that, you will die...!" Elnor said coldly, "For Tiki's sake!"

[You are targeted by Elno Vázquez's murderous intent. Evaluation: If you choose to fight back, I admire your courage; I'll definitely offer you incense and paper money next year on this day. Reward: Survival Points +3.]

What the hell are you doing, offering incense? Doesn't the control panel have a heart?

Wayne knew that the two behind him were determined to kill him, but he was no match for two captains... no, Collins was probably even stronger.

"We're almost there, keep up!"

Sayyam's voice came from ahead, which made him happy. "Okay, I..."

At this moment, a red notification message flashed on the panel.

[You have entered a place where faith resides in an unknown realm. Because your mental level is greater than 40... Evaluation: Does this feel familiar? Special Rewards: Survival Points +5, Resilience Level +1, Mental Level +1.]

grass,

So why does this secret passage keep leading downwards? It turns out the destination is—the City That Never Sleeps.

So he should be on the third floor now?

"Die!"

Whoosh.

Without thinking twice, Wei En grabbed Tina and ran away the moment he heard the sound behind him.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a tentacle covered in green slime slamming into the secret passage, shattering a patch of rubble, and the liquid corroding the floor and walls, leaving them pitted and uneven.

"Tina, you're angry."

The white-haired girl was covered in dust from the attack, and a red glint flashed in her empty eyes.

Wayne quickly picked her up and continued running, saying, "Soon, very soon we'll be saved."

He dared not let this little darling suffer any provocation. Not to mention the terrifying calamity power emanating from her, the clown doll in her hand alone could destroy an entire city-state.

There's no other way—

As Wayne ran, he opened the panel and said, "Add points to my account!"

That's all for today. Everyone, get some rest after reading.

I'll add an extra chapter tomorrow and try my best to clear up all the backlogs.

(End of this chapter)