Chapter 695, The Verdict Can Be Reached.
The City Lord issued the order, the commander responded and returned to the army for investigation.
On the guild's side, everyone's expressions were no longer as relaxed as before.
The hard-earned clue led to this point, only for the target to have already died.
And had been dead for half a month.
Wu Heng stepped forward and asked, "City Lord Darsil, when conscripting gang members in the city, is it open to any gang?"
Darsil carefully examined Wu Heng. His appearance alone was enough to indicate his identity.
He replied, "All will be conscripted, but there will also be investigations. Gangs with good reputations in the city and no criminal records may be appointed as commanders or captains. Those considered average will be dispersed among the army."
In other words, all gang members would join the army; the only question was how they'd be assigned.
"The leader of the Twin Dragon Gang was appointed captain. That must mean they have a decent reputation in the city?" Wu Heng countered.
"Based on their level and profile records, they indeed match the qualifications for a captain," Darsil answered blandly.
That is to say, from Netare City's perspective—
The Twin Dragon Gang leader was fit for the position of captain.
Wu Heng took two steps forward and asked again, "When did the battle with the enemy army happen?"
"One month ago, the enemy retreated. But the standoff and clashes had been ongoing for a longer time."
"How many died?"
"That's a city secret, not convenient to disclose."
"Were any corpses left?"
"To prevent plague, all corpses were cremated after identity confirmation," the City Lord replied again.
In the exchange of questions and answers—
The returning commander came back.
Three armored soldiers without weapons followed behind him.
"City Lord, these three are members of the Twin Dragon Gang. It will take more time to investigate the rest."
The three brought over looked somewhat bewildered.
They glanced around and bowed proactively. "City Lord."
City Lord Darsil scrutinized the three and said, "These are investigators from the Guild's headquarters. Cooperate fully with any questions. If it's not related to you, don't feel pressured."
"Yes, yes." As they spoke, they looked over toward the guild's side, eyes darting nervously.
Elder Tapani said, "I'll take these three. If they're innocent, we'll release them."
Darsil nodded. "Alright. I hope you can solve the case soon. This city isn't exactly safe right now."
"Take them, we're heading back," said Tapani.
The Guild team took the three gang members.
Following the main group, they started heading back to the guild.
On the way, Tapani spoke quietly: "Any issues with that City Lord?"
"Can't confirm yet," Wu Heng shook his head.
"Now it depends on what these three say," said Tapani.
Wu Heng nodded as well and turned to urge the team to pick up the pace.
......
Back at the guild.
After a brief explanation to the personnel on duty, they prepared to begin the interrogation.
The three Twin Dragon Gang members were separated for questioning.
Wu Heng, along with a level-15 cleric and an investigator, interrogated one.
The other two were interrogated by Elder Tapani and Dean Janvito respectively.
Wu Heng was the lowest level among them, so a cleric was assigned to assist him.
Inside the interrogation room.
Wu Heng looked at the cautious, uneasy gang member and asked, "What's your name?"
"Virut."
"From Netare City?"
"From a small village to the east."
Wu Heng nodded and continued, "How long have you been in the Twin Dragon Gang?"
"Three years."
The other answered carefully.
After a few questions, Wu Heng suddenly said sharply, "Virut, the Twin Dragon Gang leader assassinated the Guild steward. Were you involved?"
The sudden harsh tone startled the man.
The gang member's face instantly changed, eyes full of fear.
"I didn't! I don't know anything!"
"You don't know?" Wu Heng stared him down. "You'd better confess honestly, or I'll have you all executed under the same charge."
The gang member grew even more panicked. "S-Sir, I'll cooperate! But I truly know nothing about this!"
"Was the Twin Dragon Gang previously pirates?"
He hesitated, then nodded. "Two years ago, we were the Sea Dragon Pirate Crew. Later, we sold the ships and came ashore to form a gang. I'm just a low-level member; they never trusted me with anything important."
Wu Heng looked to the cleric, who gave a subtle nod.
The investigator sitting nearby recorded everything.
So, the Twin Dragon Gang were indeed pirates once, and not small-scale. They later went ashore to form a gang.
That matched the tone of the information from the letter.
"I know the city's been in chaos lately, but I had nothing to do with killing a steward. Sirs, I'm barely any level at all! I don't even have a place in the gang. How could I be involved with something that big?" he explained anxiously.
It sounded pitiful, but also quite convincing.
A low-level gang member like him wouldn't have the status or courage to assassinate a local steward.
Wu Heng looked at him again, guiding the conversation, "I believe you. But the elders and dean outside won't be easy to convince."
The gang member said, "Sir, maybe someone else did it. But it couldn't have been me. There are lots of powerful guys in the gang!"
"Then tell me—who in the gang could've killed the steward?"
The gang member fell silent for a moment before speaking. "Our leader. He's level 14, has tons of combat experience, and dares to do anything. It could've been him."
Pirates have always been daring.
Let alone being suspected of killing a steward—
Back in the Emerald Sea, pirates even lured out Guild members to ambush them.
The roles of hunter and prey aren't fixed.
Wu Heng looked again at the cleric, who nodded once more.
"Anyone else in the gang?"
"Not sure. Everyone was scattered. Some probably ran off. We just didn't get the chance."
Wu Heng saw no further answers coming and said, "Stay at the guild for now and continue cooperating until the case is resolved."
"O-Okay."
......
The person was taken away.
Wu Heng and the others headed to the meeting room.
Upon entering, Tapani and Janvito were already inside discussing the case.
Seeing him arrive, Tapani asked, "How did it go?"
"We can confirm the Twin Dragon Gang were former pirates. Their leader is a level-14 Professional," Wu Heng said directly.
"That matches what we got," Tapani said, sipping tea with a smile.
Janvito added, "Let the City Lord's office know. These people are being taken to headquarters."
"That shouldn't be difficult. Pirates and gang members—no one's going to stick their necks out for them," Tapani smiled.
"I bet they're eager for us to finish and leave," Janvito stroked his beard.
Others chimed in, "Following the elder and dean to solve the case—that's an achievement."
"And Lord Wu Heng—when you add this to your tales, don't forget to include us."
"Yeah, let us get some fame too."
Wu Heng also smiled. "If it becomes a story, and everyone agrees, of course you'll be included. It was a team effort."
"Of course we agree."
"Make it exaggerated—gotta hook the readers."
Everyone gathered in discussion, seemingly accepting the case's conclusion.
In this world, investigations are simpler and rougher—motive, testimonies, some scene clues, or aid from special items.
Now the case could basically be considered clarified.
The killer was a pirate long under investigation by the guild. High-level, ruthless, and having joined the city's army afterward, he had means to cover his tracks.
At least for now, a reasonable explanation could be presented to headquarters.
For those involved in the investigation, the merit was already earned.
"Alright, let's eat first. We'll summarize all the clues this afternoon," said Tapani.