leonardwarren Chapter 27 Caution and the Murderer
Chapter 27 Caution and the Murderer
In the distance, several wizard apprentices were walking towards them, covered in dust, clearly having just returned from a mission.
Upon seeing these trucks fully loaded with supplies, a glint of greed flashed in their eyes; they clearly wanted a share of the profits.
"Who do you think you are? How dare you even think about taking this car?"
The leading wizard apprentice saw through their intentions at a glance and shouted sternly without any politeness.
"This belongs to Boss Hick! If you don't want trouble, get out of here!"
The apprentices, embarrassed by the scolding, were about to retaliate when they heard the name "Hick," and their arrogance vanished as if doused with cold water.
"I'm so sorry! We'll be leaving right away!"
The group hurriedly apologized, turned around sheepishly, and practically ran back to the wizard's tower.
Rizzo stood aside, his eyes narrowing slightly, watching the apprentices taking stock of the supplies and the lead apprentice talking quietly with Heaton.
Just a name was enough to instill such fear in these apprentices that they turned and fled...
He thought to himself, it seems I have underestimated the power of this young master Hick inside the tower.
Originally, I thought two thousand magic crystals was an astronomical price, but now I couldn't help but waver: Is this price really enough to entice this level three apprentice to risk killing someone?
"You mean, the knights of the Moreno family want to see me? They want my help... to kill someone?"
After listening to Dila's report, Hick's fingers tapped unconsciously on the table.
"Yes, Boss Hick."
Dila answered respectfully.
"The message came from your family's servant named Heaton. From what he said, it seems the lord would like you to make the decision yourself."
Hick lowered his eyes and fell into deep thought.
Please ask him to kill the murderer who killed young Master Moreno...
A new apprentice who has just entered the Silent Forest...
Oh……
A name instantly popped into my mind—Klara!
Hick's lips twitched upwards almost imperceptibly, carrying a hint of absurd coldness.
He truly is the "protagonist"! Wherever he goes, there is no peace.
"Dila".
Hick raised his head, his tone calm yet unquestionable.
"Find a secluded spot within the Wizard Tower's perimeter and have them wait. I'll be there shortly."
"Understood!" Dila accepted the order and immediately turned to make arrangements.
Hick stood up and carefully smoothed out every wrinkle in his wizard robes, which symbolized his status as a third-level apprentice, as well as the insignia that represented his mentor, Perot.
He appeared calm, but his mind was racing with plans for the upcoming meeting.
The possibility that the murderer is Krall is... at least 70%.
That subtle intuition almost convinced him of the answer.
After making preparations, he stepped out of the room and solemnly instructed an apprentice standing at the door:
"Go and find out where Clara is right now."
"Brother Hick, he should still be in the main classroom listening to the lecture," the apprentice replied immediately.
Hick paused, his sharp gaze sweeping over the area: "Should? I need confirmation. Go check again, confirm his location."
"Yes! I'll go right away!"
The apprentice was startled by that gaze and dared not be negligent in the slightest. He took off running towards the main classroom.
Hick did not continue forward, but stood still, patiently waiting for definite news.
The gentleman does not stand under the wall.
This ancient proverb echoed repeatedly in his mind.
Although he used his power to isolate Klar, making her life difficult and seemingly safe, within the Wizard Tower.
But once you step outside the protective area of the Wizard Tower, who knows if that mysterious "protagonist" might be lurking in the shadows like a venomous snake?
What if the other side seizes an opportunity and delivers a vicious blow...
Hick had no doubt that, given the bizarre methods Krall had displayed and the potential of that mysterious ring, he, the "mini-boss," could very well become a stepping stone and "experience treasure chest" for Krall to make a name for himself.
Hick's Wizarding Manual, rule number one: Never underestimate any potential enemy, especially those who seem to have no way out but always manage to pull off miracles.
Knowing how terrifying the "protagonist" was, Hick was cautious to the core.
"Boss Hick!"
The apprentice came running back, panting, his face filled with certainty.
"Kral is still in the large classroom. Instructor Khaki has only covered half of his 'Basic Rune Analysis' course. He's sitting in the last row, very... well-behaved."
"Very honest?"
Hick chewed on the word, and instead of relaxing, he frowned slightly.
This doesn't sound like a word to describe Clara, especially after she was suppressed and isolated by him.
Is it lying low, or... is there another scheme?
He needs to see it for himself.
"understood."
After saying that, Hick took a deep breath, no longer hesitated, and turned to walk in the opposite direction from the large classroom.
Instead of rushing out of the Wizard Tower to meet the Moreno family knights, he went around to the corridor connecting the outer perimeter of the tower.
The view from here was expansive, offering a clear view of the tower exit where the large classroom was located. He found a shady spot to stand, like a patient hunter, his sharp gaze sweeping across the area below.
Time ticked by. Finally, the doors to the large classroom opened, and the apprentices filed out.
Hick's gaze instantly locked onto the figure walking alone at the edge of the crowd—Klar.
He kept his head down and walked at a moderate pace, as if he really was just leaving after class.
Hick noticed that his hand was habitually rubbing his unremarkable, ordinary ring.
Hick's tense nerves relaxed slightly.
It seems that Krall is indeed unaware of this meeting, at least so far she has not shown any unusual behavior.
"call……"
Hick let out a soft breath before setting off to speak with the Moreno family knights.
Hick emerged from the wizard tower and was led by an apprentice to the location arranged by Dira.
As Hick arrived, the knights saw him wearing the wizard's robes of a third-level apprentice, with the insignia representing his mentor, Perot, gleaming coldly in the dim forest light.
His face was expressionless, and his gaze swept calmly over the crowd, yet it sent a chill down the spines of several battle-hardened knights, as if some invisible force had pierced their souls.
Dila immediately bowed: "Boss Hick, the person has been brought. This is Rizzo, the Knight Commander of the Moreno family."
Knight Commander Rizzo stepped forward, placed his right hand on his chest, and performed a standard knightly salute, his posture very low.
"Lord Hick, on behalf of the head of the Moreno family, I extend my sincerest greetings and bring you some unfortunate news and an urgent request."
His voice was loud, but he deliberately toned it down.
Hick nodded slightly in return, his voice flat and emotionless.
"explain."
Concise and to the point, it carries the unique detachment of a wizard.
Horn took a deep breath and quickly recounted the young master's murder and the killer's suspected escape into the wizard's tower to become an apprentice, his tone heavy with grief and anger:
"We used all our resources to investigate, and the clues eventually pointed to a new apprentice that Guita had recently taken in."
"However, due to the rules of the Wizard's Tower, we cannot take direct action. Therefore, we implore Lord Hick to lend a helping hand, find and... eliminate that despicable murderer!"
He raised his head, his eyes burning with the flames of revenge, and took out a heavy, bulging velvet bag from his bosom, offering it with both hands.
"This is a small token of my appreciation, Lord, two thousand magic crystals. A greater reward will be given upon completion!"
Hick's gaze lingered on the bag of magic crystals for a moment, but he didn't reach out to take it. He remained silent, seemingly weighing something in his mind. For a moment, only the sound of the wind filled the open space.
"name?"
Hick finally spoke, his voice still flat.
"Clara Layton!"