[Mission Tip: In places you cannot see, a conspiracy is brewing like a storm in the dark. Sometimes, small things can lead to big ones. When you save Vik University, you might also be saving the world.]
[Mission Level: B → A]
[Mission Requirements: Attempt to stop this conspiracy]
[Reward: 60,000-100,000 experience, Specialization Reward X1 (reward pool changes with mission completion)]
It was clear this mission was not simple, otherwise, there wouldn't have been two different reward pools.
The mission's experience reward was substantial, but not the key. Zhou Ning was most envious of the Specialization Reward. If he could achieve an A-level evaluation, he would likely have a chance to obtain an Elite Specialization.
Zhou Ning guessed that the key to the mission might lie with the Council Member from Ruins.
Thinking of this, Zhou Ning didn't answer immediately. Instead, he asked, "What about Mr. Keen? Isn't he handling this?"
Sherlock said helplessly, "Mr. Keen originally wanted to handle it himself, but tomorrow there's an important state visit at Witsel Church Square, and His Majesty the King will be present, so Mr. Keen must accompany him."
Zhou Ning nodded and didn't waste time. "No problem, how can I help?"
"Excellent!" Sherlock praised, giving a thumbs up, then asked in confusion, "Why did you agree so readily this time?"
"To save the world," Zhou Ning said expressionlessly.
"Cough, cough, cough." Sherlock choked on his own saliva.
He poured himself a glass of water to calm down and said,
"Regarding this incident, we suspect that the person responsible for throwing the Alchemy bombs could be a student, a staff member, a teacher, or even a new student or a student's parent. To avoid alerting the target, we have only informed a few high-ranking officials at Vik University about this operation."
Zhou Ning indicated he understood. "So, what exactly do you need me to do?"
"It's simple." Sherlock looked at Zhou Ning. "We have a method to detect Alchemy bombs, but we need to arrange for a few people to go in beforehand to set up the site. This is where you come in. I've already arranged the on-site operation for tomorrow. If possible, please give us a hand tomorrow. This operation needs to be foolproof."
"No problem, but are you sure there will be enough time to deal with the Alchemy bombs once they're detected?" Zhou Ning asked.
"Yes, there will be enough time. Alchemy bombs capable of causing fatal threats will never be small in diameter. Even if the catalyst is ignited immediately, it takes 5 to 10 seconds to detonate. As long as they are detected in time, it will absolutely not be a problem."
Sherlock thought for a moment, took out the gun from his pocket, ejected five bullets from the magazine, and they clinked onto the table. He pushed them towards Zhou Ning:
"These five bullets have been specially refined. One bullet can destroy the internal structure of an Alchemy bomb. I don't have many of these bullets, so use them sparingly."
Zhou Ning nodded and put away the bullets. Although he didn't know much about Alchemy bombs in his previous life, he did know how to deal with them. Most were made from a mixture of dozens of high-explosive Alchemy materials, then ignited with a special catalyst. The internal structure of such bombs was very precise, requiring many strict catalytic reactions, so if one intended to target them, they were quite easy to destroy.
Sherlock picked up his cup, drank some water, and smiled. "Any other questions? If not, let's head back to the university. I've arranged for a few people to wait for you there."
"Yes, there's one more crucial question." Zhou Ning thought for a moment, weighing his words. "According to reliable sources, the Life Alchemy Society should have sent a Council Member from Ruins. How do you plan to handle this person?"
Sherlock:???????
He was halfway through drinking water when he couldn't help but spit it all out, saying in shock, "A Council Member? Are you sure?"
He didn't expect that even the Sun Keepers didn't know this news... Zhou Ning's mouth twitched slightly, and he nodded, "It's a rumor, but it should be accurate."
Logically, based on what he saw in the TV series "Apocalypse," it shouldn't be wrong.
Zhou Ning would bet that Sherlock's expression at that moment was very much like Li Tie's after conceding a goal in a World Cup qualifier. His composed demeanor gone, he stood up hastily and said, "Wayne, you go back to the university first. I need to discuss this with Mr. Keen."
After leaving Xilin Grocery Store, Zhou Ning didn't linger. After waiting a few minutes, he hailed a public carriage approaching from a distance.
The coachman seemed to recognize Zhou Ning and greeted him with a smile, "Hello, sir, still going to Vik University?"
"Yes, what a coincidence."
Zhou Ning also recognized him. After giving him a friendly nod, he boarded the carriage. Coincidentally, it was his carriage that he had taken two days ago when going from Vik University to Blair Bookstore.
"4 currency."
The coachman quoted the price and then shook his head, smiling, "It's not really a coincidence. In fact, there are only two public carriages that pass Vik University, circulating from five in the morning until late at night. We have to work over sixteen hours."
"No rest time?" Zhou Ning asked in surprise.
"Yes, on the Ascetic Church's monthly Sabbath, we have one day off." The female conductor in the carriage tore off a ticket and handed it to Zhou Ning. "Actually, hard work is nothing; it's for survival. The economy in Blystone is bad now, and people are losing their jobs everywhere. It's better to honestly do this and earn hard-earned money, even if it's only 3 vikta a month."
"That's true. In a few more months, I'll be able to rent a slightly more spacious room, and in another year, perhaps both of my sons will have a chance to go to school," the coachman echoed.
"Although your boss is a Vampire, compared to most bosses, it's actually pretty good," Zhou Ning mumbled, finding a place to sit down.
The coachman also smiled, "Indeed."
With that, the two Gnus started moving forward, pulling the heavy carriage.
Zhou Ning stopped talking and began to close his eyes and rest.
It was already past two o'clock when he returned to the university. Zhou Ning was startled by the lively atmosphere as soon as he reached the university gate. From the main entrance of the university to a large area on the sports field, many tables and stalls were set up in every corner, and in some places, even tents had been erected.
Zhou Ning couldn't help but feel speechless. Was this a freshman welcome? Or a party?
According to past experience, recruitment theoretically started at 7 AM the next day. The Alchemy Department was a large department at Vik University, occupying an area near the main entrance of the university. Originally, Zhou Ning planned to drag John over as a strong arm and also bring a few Alchemy Department girls to liven things up.
But now, it probably wasn't necessary.
At the school gate, a beautiful woman waved at Zhou Ning. "Wayne, over here!"
As he got closer, Zhou Ning realized there were three people waiting there: one woman and two men, all dressed as students. After exchanging greetings, he learned the woman's name was Cherry. She was quite pretty, probably around Zhou Ning's age, in her early twenties, and her black school uniform didn't look out of place.
One of the men didn't introduce himself, but he looked remarkably like Jason Statham, appearing very strong. His hairline was receding too quickly, and in his school uniform, he didn't look like a student at all, but rather like a student's father.
The other man was named Polly, sharing a name with John's dog son. He had a very stern look. Zhou Ning stared at him for a long time but couldn't connect him to that silly dog. He tentatively asked, "Shall we go inside to talk?"