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Chapter 339: A Cloud of Suspicion
🕑 Added 2024-10-14 10:34:06 +0000 UTCRhett couldn't help but scream internally. No wonder the person on the right looked somewhat familiar, even though the face on the left was entirely unfamiliar. After hearing the name, everything clicked. During the battle at the canyon front, a traitor from the Greil Kingdom named Sherman had repeatedly sabotaged them from the shadows. Thankfully, with the help of simulations, Rhett managed to counter these plots each time, avoiding unnecessary casualties. Ultimately, Sherman was cornered and killed by several Saint-level warriors.
Though Rhett hadn't been strong or high-ranking enough at the time to participate in the battle against Sherman, he had seen a portrait of him later in Frost Fortress. That image gave Rhett a rough idea of Sherman's appearance. However, the portrait's quality wasn't great, and Sherman looked much older in it, so Rhett didn't immediately connect the person in front of him with that infamous traitor.
Now, it all made sense. Deputy Commander Bomir had mentioned offhandedly that Sherman's appearance had changed significantly due to his mastery of illusion, and his true face was only revealed after his death. That real face bore a striking resemblance to the young man standing before Rhett now.
Coupled with the fact that they shared the same name and were both in the Greil Kingdom, Rhett was now ninety-nine percent certain that this person was indeed the future Saint-level traitor, Sherman!
Although Sherman had been regarded as a newly ascended Saint in the future, and the person before Rhett was only a Grand Magus with a lifespan of just a few hundred years, Rhett knew it was entirely possible that Sherman had advanced to Saint-level much earlier and used illusion mastery to disguise his identity and aura. That would be a simple task for him...
"Master Haytes, welcome!"
Jean-Claude and Sherman stood up straight upon seeing the two Saints approach. Sherman, on the right, quickly greeted them, saying, "The headmaster is currently conducting an alchemical experiment. He mentioned recently that there's been a breakthrough in the human research project, and I'm sure he'll be delighted to hear of your arrival!"
"A breakthrough?" Haytes's eyes flashed with interest, though his smile remained unchanged. "Is that so? Then I'd love to see it. Let's go find your headmaster—I have some new discoveries of my own to share."
The two young men gestured for Haytes to proceed upstairs.
Without wasting any time, Haytes began climbing the steps, but after just two steps, he suddenly turned around, surprised to see Rhett still standing in place. "Veras, the headmaster's chamber is just ahead. Why aren't you coming?"
"Ah, I just remembered something else," Rhett replied thoughtfully. "Midwinter once told me that he admired a few of the younger alchemists at the Golden Blood Academy, including this Sherman. Since I rarely visit here, I thought I'd take the opportunity to talk to him first."
"Really? I never heard about that... Oh well, I'll go ahead and meet with Gunas. You can wait for me outside later."
"No problem," Rhett smiled, waving at Haytes as he watched him head upstairs.
As Haytes left, a brief silence fell over the scene. Jean-Claude and Sherman exchanged a confused glance. Sherman, unsure of what to make of it, cautiously asked, "Master Veras, is there something you'd like to discuss with me?"
"Heh, nothing too serious. I just wanted to chat," Rhett replied with a smile, patting Sherman on the back. "This isn't the best place for it, though. Let's talk somewhere else."
"Sure... sure," Sherman stammered, scratching his head, not daring to go against Rhett's wishes. He quickly followed Rhett as they walked.
They made their way to a small garden about a hundred meters away from the Golden Blood Palace before stopping. Jean-Claude stood under a red-leafed maple tree, nervously watching the two, then hesitantly spoke up:
"Um... Master Veras, I have some other tasks to attend to. I need to organize the schedule for the Circle Tower members, so I'll leave you to your conversation..."
Rhett waved his hand dismissively, indicating that Jean-Claude was free to go.
Relieved, Jean-Claude let out a breath, turned, and hastened away.
Rhett watched him disappear around a stone gate before turning to Sherman and gesturing to a stone bench by the flowerbed. "Take a seat, no need to be nervous. We're just chatting."
Sherman obediently sat down on the bench but didn't lean back. He kept his back straight, his legs slightly together, and his eyes fixed on Rhett as he paced. Unable to hold back, Sherman finally asked, "Master Veras, you mentioned... that the Circle Tower Master admired me? I've always held Master Midwinter in high regard. His dedication to alchemy is something I strive to emulate!"
"Indeed, it seems you have the makings of an excellent alchemist," Rhett said, stopping his pacing to look at Sherman. "Actually, I'd like to know more about how much interaction you've had with the Circle Tower Master in the past."
"About ten times, I'd say. Since I'm the headmaster's alchemy assistant, I meet with the Circle Tower Master at nearly every annual exchange meeting," Sherman replied, his eyes shifting as he tried to recall.
"So, you've met him about ten times... Does that mean you've been working as Gunas's assistant for over a decade?"
Sherman was momentarily taken aback by the question's sudden change of direction but nodded nonetheless. "Yes, I've been honored to serve as the headmaster's assistant for over ten years."
"What are your usual responsibilities?" Rhett inquired further.
"Um... I'm afraid I can't disclose that," Sherman said, his face showing clear discomfort. "The headmaster instructed us not to share any details related to the experiments without his permission."
"I see... Understandable," Rhett said patiently, though not entirely satisfied with the response. "Is it related to the human alchemy experiments?"
"Of course, the project has been ongoing for nearly twenty years. Both the Golden Blood Academy and the Circle Tower have been working hard on it, as you must know."
"And Jean-Claude, is he also an alchemy assistant like you?"
"Yes, we both became the headmaster's assistants in the same year."
"Did you know each other before that?" Rhett asked casually.
"We were both students at the Golden Blood Academy, and because of our outstanding performances, we caught the headmaster's eye," Sherman explained, swallowing nervously before asking, "Master Veras, what exactly are you trying to find out?"
"Haha, no need to rush, we're just having a chat," Rhett laughed, continuing his leisurely pacing. But when he reached the dividing line between two tiles, he suddenly turned on his heel and asked sharply, "What's your relationship with the orcs?"
As he spoke, Rhett pointed directly at Sherman, using his mental power to scrutinize every microexpression and flicker of emotion on his face. However, all he saw was confusion and shock.
"Orcs? They're our mortal enemies, of course!" Sherman responded, clearly bewildered. "What kind of relationship could I have with the orcs? I've barely even seen them in my life—the only time was at a circus..."
Rhett narrowed his eyes, trying to detect any signs of deceit, but after a few moments, he had to admit that Sherman's reaction seemed perfectly natural. Either his acting was impeccable, or Sherman was truly innocent.
Exhaling slowly, Rhett decided not to press the issue further, not wanting to arouse suspicion. He shifted the conversation instead, "What kind of people do you think the Tower Master and the headmaster are?"
"They're both great alchemists, deeply dedicated to their craft!" Sherman replied without hesitation. "They're both role models for me to learn from!"
"Well..." Rhett exhaled deeply, putting on a warm smile once more. "Thank you for your cooperation. The Tower Master had a good eye—you've already reached the level of a Grand Magus at such a young age. I wouldn't be surprised if you reached Saint-level someday. If I could decide on the Tower Master's behalf, I'd certainly try to bring you into the Circle Tower!"
"Thank you for your and the Tower Master's appreciation. The headmaster is my benefactor, so I won't leave him," Sherman said, his voice filled with respect as the pressure lifted from him. Standing up, he placed a hand over his heart and added, "But even at the Golden Blood Academy, I share the same alchemical ideals as everyone else!"
"Good," Rhett complimented, nodding. "We'll leave it at that for now. Sorry to take up your time."
"Conversing with Master Veras is an honor," Sherman replied, standing and maintaining his respectful demeanor. "I'll get back to my other tasks now. Goodbye, Master Veras!"
"Goodbye," Rhett said with a smile, waving him off.
A half minute later, as he watched Sherman's figure disappear, the smile faded from Rhett's face, replaced by a contemplative calm.
The golden light of the setting sun stretched long shadows across the ground. Rhett stood still, pondering for a moment before reaching out to grasp a handful of golden dust, his mind replaying the conversation. He was inclined to believe that this version of Sherman was merely a talented alchemist with no apparent ties to the orcs...
However, from the moment he had laid eyes on Sherman, Rhett couldn't shake a strange, inexplicable feeling—everything was just too coincidental!
He had only come to the Golden Blood Academy to investigate and disrupt the human alchemy experiments and gather information on the Blood God Cult's leader, but now he had unexpectedly encountered Sherman...
"It's too much of a coincidence. Is there some connection here?" Rhett muttered, furrowing his brow as he pondered fruitlessly before slowly making his way back to the Golden Blood Palace.
"Jesse, I'm questioning you now! What does our Tower Master's disappearance have to do with you? You'd better answer honestly!"
"Heytes, I'm just as curious—what does your Tower Master's disappearance have to do with me? I'd like to know where he went too! Don't you understand how serious his disappearance is for this experiment? And what motive could I possibly have?"
"I don't care about that! You're the one who's been in contact with him the most, so you're the one I have to question!"
"Well, I'm telling you now—I don't know! I have important experiments to conduct, so stop bothering me. By the way, if your Tower Master is missing, then I don't see the point in continuing this year's exchange meeting!"
A fierce argument erupted in the top-floor alchemy laboratory.
Heytes and an eccentric-looking old man with wild, frizzy hair stood face to face, glaring at each other.
After the heated exchange, an eerie silence fell over the room.
At that moment, Heytes was gripping his wand so tightly that his hand trembled slightly. He stared daggers at the head of the Golden Blood Academy, his chest heaving with anger.
Originally, Heytes had only wanted to gather some information and have a productive conversation with Gunas. However, Gunas's unexpectedly hostile attitude not only fueled Heytes's anger but also deepened his suspicions of the headmaster.
With a cold sneer, Heytes said, "Hmph, since you're unwilling to have a proper discussion, I won't hold back. If I've come here to confront you, it means I have reliable information!"
"You're talking nonsense! What suspicious information could I possibly have?" Gunas retorted, a worm-like vein pulsing up the back of his neck as he trembled slightly, waving his hand dismissively. "If you have any real evidence, let's hear it—I'd love to see what flimsy excuse you've come up with! If not, then leave at once!"
"Fine!" Heytes took a deep breath, his eyes sharp as he continued, "Six months ago, you personally urged our Tower Master to investigate a new discovery in the study of human alchemy, specifically related to the head. This secret was so important that he didn't even share it with me. But it just so happens that after that outing, he never returned. Are you seriously telling me that has nothing to do with you?"
"Impossible! I haven't contacted your Tower Master privately since last year's exchange meeting!" Gunas roared back, shaking his head in disbelief. But then he paused, his brows furrowing in confusion. "Wait, did you say... there was a new discovery related to the head? That's absolutely impossible! I did notice something unusual in the head area during my research, but I never mentioned it to anyone..."
As he spoke, Gunas's eyes became unfocused, his gaze wandering aimlessly around the room, his mind clearly unraveling. Heytes, noticing the erratic shifts between Gunas's lucidity and confusion, took a cautious step back and summoned a barrier of flame around his body.
"Who told you that secret?" Gunas suddenly snapped back to reality, his eyes regaining their clarity but now filled with a hint of fear. He stared at Heytes, his voice rising in hysteria. "How could you possibly know that secret?"
Heytes, increasingly unsettled by Gunas's bizarre behavior, narrowed his eyes. "Gunas, stop with the theatrics..."
Boom, boom, boom!
Heytes's words were abruptly cut off by a series of terrifying impacts from outside.
It sounded as if someone were slamming against the door, and with each impact, the sound grew louder. Heytes and Gunas both turned to face the door in shock.
Rays of twisted, earth-colored light pierced through the cracks, followed by a deafening hum. The once-impenetrable alchemical metal door quickly crumpled into scrap.
A light cloud of dust spread out, revealing the silhouette of Rhett standing atop the twisted remains of the door. He softly said, "Gunas, I'm the one who told him about that secret..."
"Veras? What are you doing at the Golden Blood Academy?" Gunas's eyes were filled with uncertainty as blood vessels began to rupture in his eyes. In a low, hoarse voice, he demanded, "How do you know about the secrets of the human research... You're not even an alchemist! Was it 'them' who told you...?"
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