The Wizard's Pursuit of Truth

The Divine Eagle Territory was the most remote from the Dark Land Headquarters, and it also managed the fewest Wizard Cities.

This was related to the territory’s geographical environment; the concentration of natural particle energy wasn’t very high.

As compensation, the stipends for Wizards serving here were generally higher than those in other territories.

A Winged Griffin streaked across the sky. Its body was five meters long, and its wingspan was an astonishing twelve meters.

Wang Ya stood at the front of the Flying Griffin, a Wooden Mask on his face. It was somewhat similar to those worn by Illusory Dream Wizards, but the pattern on it was a burning red lotus. A faint Energy Shield protected him from the buffeting winds as he looked down at the forests and grasslands below.

Beyond this mountain range lay Celestial Wings Wizard City.

The griffin beneath his feet was a temporary public mount from the last Wizard City; as a Child of the Dark, he had that privilege.

Celestial Wings Wizard City got its name from the fact that it raised Flying Griffins.

They could be used as mounts for traveling Wizards.

Other Extraordinary Creatures also served as mounts, stationed in the Noon Wizard Cities of other territories.

Zack pressed down his robes, which were being blown about by the wind, and said with great annoyance, "What kind of backwater dump is this Celestial Wings Wizard City? They don’t even have a Teleportation Array. They can’t be *that* poor."

He wasn’t extravagant enough to use a Particle Energy Shield. A Puppet Wizard’s body was inherently weak and had little Particle Energy; they relied more on manipulating Puppets to fight.

Of course, there was another reason... Zack Antuun peeked his head out, glanced at the height below, and his face instantly turned pale. He quickly took a deep breath and pulled back.

’A Wizard City with a pillar industry, yet it doesn’t have a Teleportation Array...’ Wang Ya glanced at the Flying Griffin beneath his feet, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

In the sunset glow, a magnificent Wizard City stood below. It was surrounded by plains and mountains that stretched into the distance, where enormous shadows faintly appeared, reaching even above the clouds.

That was the border of the Divine Eagle Territory, the Apollo Giant Mountain Range. It was also known as the spine of the Wizard World, spanning both the Outer Zone and inner areas. Its source was rumored to be in the Core Area.

It was very far away. If a mortal were to walk within the mountain range, they might not find their way out in a lifetime.

On the other side of the mountain range was the border of a Wizard Influence called the Natural Ring Tower.

The Flying Griffin landed at the city gate, attracting the attention of many Wizards. Most of them were Wild Wizards; Wizards from the headquarters were very rare.

"Let’s get this straight, Wang Ya Harak, I’m definitely not your lackey, and I won’t help you with anything." Zack Antuun straightened his robes and said with a scowl, "Don’t let anyone get the wrong idea and think that I, Zack Antuun, am weaker than you."

A few figures in Wizard Robes bearing the insignia of Law Enforcement Wizards approached them. The leader was a middle-aged man of about forty, with a hooked nose, blue eyes, and a wide smile on his face.

"You must be the Wizards from the headquarters. I’m Murphy, captain of the Celestial Wings Wizard City’s law enforcement team."

"That’s right, we’re from the headquarters. For everything else, ask this guy." Zack Antuun pointed at Wang Ya, sidestepped the Law Enforcement Wizards, and headed into the city.

His attitude made several of the Law Enforcement Wizards’ faces twitch. ’So rude.’

Wang Ya hadn’t intended to hide his Wizard Task; in some respects, he needed to rely on these Law Enforcement Wizards for information.

"Hello, Wizard Murphy. My name is Arthur." Wang Ya smiled and extended his hand.

Perhaps out of long-standing habit, Wang Ya had subconsciously used the name Arthur.

"So it’s Arthur Wizard. Is there some business that brings you to Celestial Wings Wizard City? Is there any way we can be of assistance?" Murphy said with great enthusiasm as he shook Wang Ya’s hand, his gaze fixed on the Red Lotus Mask.

"It concerns a Wizard Task regarding the previous death of the Blood Wizard, Klau."

When Murphy heard this, his pupils visibly contracted for a moment. He quickly recovered, acting as if nothing was amiss.

"I remember that matter was already settled, and a City Lord Mansion Wizard uploaded the relevant information report."

Wang Ya’s powers of observation had always been keen. He noticed something was off about Murphy and took a subtle glance at the Law Enforcement Wizards behind him.

The micro-expressions of at least half the Law Enforcement Wizards betrayed a problem: nervousness.

’It seems there really are some issues surrounding the death of Blood Wizard Klau.’

Wang Ya was a little alarmed. ’This was information reported by a City Lord Mansion Wizard. Could it be that even the City Lord’s Mansion is deliberately hiding the truth?’

At the same time, he also grew curious.

’What about a Level 2 Wizard Apprentice is worth the Law Enforcement Wizards and the City Lord Mansion Wizards colluding to cover up? They’re two different organizations.’

’Reporting a case of corruption could lead to a promotion, a transfer away from one’s current Wizard City, and a hefty reward... unless this Blood Wizard knew something, or some other reason led to both sides tacitly fabricating the report.’

’As for the true cause of Blood Wizard Klau’s death, I’ll have to enter the Wizard City and get a grasp of the situation before I can be sure.’

As a member of the Dark Land, Wang Ya had an obligation to handle such matters.

A True Sight Ball was stored in his sleeve, active the whole time, recording their conversation and his point of view.

"The report uploaded by the City Lord’s Mansion states he died during a mission to eliminate Extraordinary Creatures. Captain Murphy, can you tell me about Klau? It seems he was also a member of the Law Enforcement Wizards."

"No problem. I’ll tell you anything Arthur Wizard wants to know."

「Inside a residence in the Wizard City」

Murphy took the initiative to invite Wang Ya to a small banquet, while the rest of the Law Enforcement Wizards were out patrolling the city.

"Klau was just unlucky. He was the most talented and outstanding among us Law Enforcement Wizards... but who would have thought he’d lose his life while eliminating some Extraordinary Creatures causing trouble in a Mortal Kingdom," Murphy said, his tone filled with regret.

’Something’s not right with this guy!’

’He’s being way too friendly.’

Wang Ya sneered inwardly. He didn’t believe any Wizard would be this warm. Even those in official positions looking to curry favor with a Wizard from the headquarters wouldn’t be so obsequious and enthusiastic.

"The case files are at the City Lord’s Mansion, correct? Wizard Murphy, could you act as an intermediary? I would like to meet with the Wizard in charge at the City Lord’s Mansion to discuss reviewing the relevant files."

Wang Ya picked up a cup of thick milk tea and blew on the hot steam. A faint blue light flickered in his pupils.

"Of course. I’m acquainted with the administrative Wizard at the City Lord’s Mansion. If Arthur Wizard wishes, I can even take you to meet the City Lord," Murphy replied without hesitation.

[Target: Murphy]

[Power: Level 2 Wizard Apprentice]

[Spiritual Power: 23]

[Physique: ???]

[Details: This Wizard’s State is abnormal. His physical body and Spiritual Power do not match. He has undergone a special Witchcraft procedure. His Spiritual Power is connected to an unknown area within the city. Perform detailed analysis of physical state?]

Wang Ya’s expression remained unchanged as he smiled and said, "It would be wonderful if Wizard Murphy is willing to help."

Inwardly, however, he was shaken.

’The Murphy in front of me isn’t Murphy! He’s an unknown entity wearing Murphy’s skin!!’

’Could it be that the Law Enforcement Wizards whose micro-expressions gave them away are in the same situation?’

Wang Ya felt like he was onto something. ’Could Klau’s death be related to this as well?’

’If the Law Enforcement Wizards are like this, then what about the City Lord’s Mansion? And then there’s the information about Klau’s death...’

’The more I think about it, the more terrifying it becomes!’