Chapter 1, Two Identities

One afternoon, Brother Bo reimbursed a total of seven boxes of arrows. To his surprise, when the camel told him that today's training was over and he could go home, along with this statement was a bill that stated six boxes of arrows amounted to one hundred and twenty silver coins

During his time of wandering, he had seen many disabled individuals, but never had he encountered anyone as ugly and terrifying as the gentleman before him

With a sound of "whoosh," the partition of the peeping window was pulled aside, revealing a pair of murky yet exceptionally fierce small eyes. The person glanced at Mr. K and the brother Bu who was following behind him. After a considerable pause, accompanied by a clattering sound, the door was opened.

Bo Ge has always believed that disabled individuals are almost all cowardly and humble, constantly seeking the pity of others. However, standing before this hunchback, he felt a chill run through him, as if he could be killed at any moment

At the Cathedral of Saint Clement, no one dares to "knock casually" on his door, which similarly implies that those who do knock are either faced with an urgent matter of utmost importance or are individuals whom he cannot afford to offend.

Originally, this cannot be considered a bad thing, as he is not a person with lofty ideals. Being able to ascend to the position of bishop has already satisfied him. However, there is one prerequisite: he must absolutely not allow someone who holds a grudge against him to rise above him.

While speaking, the camel driver pulled out a small booklet and a badge from his pocket and threw them in front of Brother Bu

At least at this level, that fat man is a tyrant whom no one dares to provoke

Upon seeing Count Bavadweber emerge from the church, Boge promptly and respectfully opened the car door

Seeing Brother Bu's face turn pale, the hunchback laughed. The more useless the trainee appeared, the happier he felt: "If killing a person makes you like this, I can't imagine what would happen if you were to be tortured for a confession. You are quite fortunate; the work in Section Three is the easiest. You only need to collect some intelligence, reporting anything you hear or see. There is no need to specifically seek out information, nor are you responsible for any actions."

Upon hearing this, Brother Bu no longer hesitated. He must possess the identity of an official spy; only in this way could he intimidate certain individuals, and only then could he utilize the resources of the Intelligence Bureau

The table by the window at the back belongs to Mr. K, and the person sitting in front is the one he just mentioned who is responsible for the duty. At this moment, the duty officer is a young man in his twenties, exuding an air of a non-commissioned officer.

Of course. Bishop Ivelis no longer had any impression of Boge, yet he said, "For your matter, I can say I have exerted great effort. That young man is the most outstanding among the children from the Shamu Monastery. I originally intended to cultivate him to become a high-ranking member of the Church"

In almost an instant, he felt as if he had been struck by a carriage, and his entire body was thrown out.

Mr. K smiled slightly: "In the realm of ordinary knights, I suppose that is considered impressive, but compared to those truly formidable knights, it still falls far short"

Bishop Avelis let out a quiet sigh; just the thought of these matters made him feel uneasy. He was well aware that if he did not take this step, he would likely remain stagnant in the position of bishop for the rest of his life

Unfortunately, he does not understand that tolerance has its limits. For the Intelligence Division, a useful spy is not necessarily a treasure. If left unchecked, even the most useful spy will ultimately meet the same fate.

After much delay and hesitation, they entered a hall spacious enough for horse racing

The training department mentioned by Mr. K is actually located in the basement

At that moment, he suddenly heard someone knocking at the door

He then realized that the existence of alchemy was not merely due to people's desire to transform inexpensive metals into gold; the original purpose of alchemy was actually to create magical devices.

Just as the stretcher passed by him, he saw very clearly that the person lying on the stretcher was not dead, but merely seriously injured

One is the Finance Office, where salary allowances, expense reimbursements, and fund disbursements are processed. The second is the cafeteria, where you should already be familiar with the taste of the dishes; the only advantage is that the kitchen is staffed twenty-four hours a day. The last place is the armory, which mainly contains weapons and tools manufactured by the intelligence department, as well as some weapons available for purchase from outside.

Upon hearing Mr. K's explanation, Brother Bu's originally racing heart calmed down somewhat. However, when he brushed past the stretcher and saw the distorted and deformed arm of the person on it, along with the blood frothing at the corners of their mouth, his body stiffened once again

This was the first time Brother Bu had come to such a place. Contrary to his expectations, the prison was not as dark and damp as he had imagined. While there was indeed a somewhat eerie feeling, what struck him more was the noise here. From time to time, he could hear the sounds of shouting and cursing, as well as the loud banging against the iron bars of the cells.

The individual you see here is a scoundrel, guilty of multiple murders, robbery, and sexual assault, committing every conceivable crime. He commands a group of around 100 people, all of whom are scoundrels like him

However, there is certainly no need for outsiders to be aware of these matters

The letter was not sealed with wax, and such letters of recommendation do not require confidentiality, so Bishop Avery casually opened the correspondence

A soft sound of "whoosh" was heard, as if something had shot out from one end of the stick

In fact, it is not just one matter; I have another issue that I need Your Excellency's assistance with. Therefore, I would like to entrust both matters to you at once. The Earl of Bavadweber then mentioned his true intention: "There is a small town to the north of the capital, Rupnair. I wonder if you have heard of it?"

"Can I refuse?" Brother Bu sighed

It is unclear when Mr. K also entered the hall. He seemed to be there to observe the commotion

However, it is said that knights who have reached the highest realm possess insights into this world that surpass those of ordinary people. In their eyes, the world is different, and the powers they can wield are likewise beyond our imagination

Although the current archbishop is in excellent health and has no intention of advancing further, the position of the archbishop is unlikely to change for at least the next ten years. However, after ten years, the situation becomes unpredictable. If Sheffis indeed ascends to become the next archbishop, life will become difficult for oneself at that time

To advance further, one requires not only physical strength but also a profound mental fortitude. Knights of this caliber possess not only formidable combat abilities but also certain special powers, the most renowned of which are the holy knights of the church, of whom you should have heard.

The recommended book was not personally written by the king; it is entirely a bureaucratic document. However, there is indeed His Majesty's handwritten signature at the bottom

Mr. K continued, "Knight ranks are generally divided into four levels and categories. The lowest rank of knight is merely physically strong, while those who have discovered the internal energy circulation of their bodies are of a higher rank. The two you just saw belong to this level.

All of this is very useful, but the price is definitely not cheap. The money that Brother Bu earned from working for Earl Bawadweber not long ago was spent almost entirely within just a week

Among the various departments of the Fack, the headquarters of the Secret Investigation Division is the most austere, consisting of a row of four-story brick buildings. The exterior walls are devoid of any decoration, and not a single sculpture can be seen. Those unfamiliar with this place might mistake this unremarkable structure for a multi-story warehouse

Brother Bu glanced at the badge, which was dark and resembled a piece of iron, with a faint rose pattern visible on its surface

It seems that Mr. K guessed what Brother Bu was thinking. He pointed to the wall and said, "In our line of work, experience is very important. The more you have seen, the more you know, and it becomes easier to discover things."

When the prison door opened, the harsh sound of metal grinding drew everyone's attention. The people locked up here were mostly desperate criminals, but when they saw a figure resembling an executioner walk in, fear and despair were evident in everyone's eyes

"Rest assured," Mr. K said dismissively, "there is probably nothing easier in this world than becoming a spy; even an idiot could become a competent spy."

Father Latour? The bishop had no recollection of that name at all, which is understandable, as there are thousands of priests in the entire diocese of Fack, and it is impossible for him to recognize them all

"You mentioned that there are a total of four levels. What about the highest one?" Brother Bu inquired

Upon entering the headquarters of the Secret Investigation Department, the middle-aged man reminded, "This is not a place where one can wander freely. If you are not accompanied, do not venture around indiscriminately. There is no distinction between nobles and commoners here; unless you are a direct superior, no one will concern themselves with your matters, and likewise, you have no authority to interfere in others' affairs"

If that object is indeed a magical device, it seems that the rumor is not entirely accurate; at least, wizards do not only act in times of crisis, but also engage in various activities in their daily lives

The strange and ugly hunchback had never come to watch him practice, yet seemed to be able to guess the results of his training. Therefore, after a terribly awful lunch, the originally motionless target transformed into a moving target that swung back and forth

That arrow is indeed very small, with the shaft resembling a slightly longer toothpick, and the arrowhead being only the size of a grain of rice, yet exceptionally sharp and pointed, while the end of the arrow is adorned with a small wooden fin.

The person just now is a knight; being able to withstand such a heavy blow indicates that his body has been well trained. However, if he is continuously spitting blood and cannot stop, it suggests that his mastery over the internal energy circulation of his body is still insufficient

Such insincere words should not be taken seriously by the Count

Immediately, a sound of "puff" came from the opposite side

"There is no one from the Intelligence Bureau on my side," the Count sighed softly. He was known for his diplomatic skills, and in the capital of Rupnail, few dared to disregard him, but the Marquis de Pricot, who was in charge of the Intelligence Bureau, happened to be one of those rare exceptions.

Mr. Bu listened quietly from the side. He had no dissatisfaction; this matter was entirely within his expectations. Count Bawadweber would definitely not let him off easily. In fact, even when not working under the Count, Miss Canny's working style was quite similar during their time in the touring theater.

When two people have interacted, they already understand each other's character, and there is no need to beat around the bush regarding certain matters. Moreover, the count does not believe that the task he is about to undertake is particularly difficult

This person's face is crooked, their back is hunched, and their entire body is bent like a shrimp

Looking at these terrified and desperate eyes, Brother Bu seemed to have gained some insight

A bald giant fortuitously walked out from inside, his face as expressionless as a slab of granite. His bare head was crisscrossed with scars, and his muscles bulged like inflated balloons. Brother Bu's rigid body had no time to evade.

To be a spy, one needs keen ears, bright eyes, and a quick mind; there are rarely occasions for violence. For a spy, if it comes to a physical confrontation, there is an eighty to ninety percent chance that his life is nearing its end

Because he is a member of the secret investigation department, only personnel from the secret investigation department can handle this matter. Generally speaking, such individuals will become the final lesson for new recruits, as it allows you to understand what coldness is, and it also serves as a warning to you.

"Yes, but not your instructor." The gatekeeper, a hunchback, also entered the hall: "There are a total of five instructors here, each teaching different subjects, but I am responsible for the most fundamental things. Please wait a moment while I tidy this place up."

The Earl of Bavadwe understood perfectly what such a question implied; he took out a roll of something from the pocket of his garment with two fingers.

This was originally meant to be told to you on the last day of training, but it is the same to say it now. The camel held the bill, looking as if he was not afraid of you denying it: "Let me first explain the content of the training. The first week is to teach you combat techniques, and what is taught varies from person to person. For a kid like you to learn Xi Jin's fighting style would definitely be courting death, so I taught you something that is easier to grasp and more useful.

Of course, Count Bavadweber could not speak the truth. He could not say that a few months ago he had inadvertently seen a report from the secret intelligence agency at His Majesty's place, which mentioned the name of this small town. It was only by chance that he brought up this small town with his subordinates and unexpectedly learned that he actually had an estate there.

"I have other matters to attend to, so I will not accompany you. After the training concludes, remember to visit my office first. Either I or the duty secretary will arrange for someone to escort you out. Do not attempt to leave alone, as it could be life-threatening. It is difficult to enter this place, but even more challenging to exit," Mr. K stated.

The difficulty of the training has significantly increased. Out of more than 400 arrows in a box, fewer than 10 can hit the target. Essentially, hitting the target relies entirely on luck, let alone hitting the bullseye.

At this moment, Brother Bu is sitting in the carriage

Bishop Avery shook his head repeatedly; he was neither an omniscient person nor a geographer. Although he resided in the capital, Rupnail, he was not very familiar with it. If he were to be left alone on the street, there would be a 70% chance that he would get lost. Usually, no matter where he needed to go, he would be taken there by a carriage.

"They can also be injured, but knights who have mastered the internal energy circulation of their bodies know how to suppress their injuries and how to relax the damaged organs. What comes out of their mouths will be black blood clots," Mr. K explained

Although the car door was opened, the Count showed no intention of getting out. After a few minutes, a middle-aged man in his forties quickly emerged from the headquarters building of the intelligence agency and the library.

"Is this matter urgent?" Bishop Ivelis inquired

Those slightly swollen small eyes were already frightening enough, yet they were still far less terrifying than the degree of horror presented by that face. In Brother Bu's view, it could hardly be called a face; it resembled a piece of skin trampled by a horse, affixed to a deformed stone.

Brother Bu was unable to respond; he didn't even have the strength to nod.

According to convention, in the games between nations, the church has traditionally played the role of a notary and mediator, and the greatest taboo is to become too deeply involved.

Boge had long heard that the Secret Investigation Department was the most tightly controlled agency in the Kingdom of Fack, even surpassing the military in terms of security, but he never expected it to be this stringent.

The camel did not say anything more, but simply handed over an arrow that glimmered with a green sheen. The color was so lovely, evoking a sense of lushness, yet in the eyes of Brother Bu, it held no charm whatsoever. On the green-tipped arrow, one could faintly detect a hint of almond fragrance, which undoubtedly indicated that this was a deadly poisoned arrow.

Your assessment has been approved. From now on, you are an official member of the Secret Investigation Department. This is your item; it is advisable for you to memorize the contents of the booklet and then burn it, ensuring that even the ashes are disposed of properly. The badge must be hidden in a place where it will not be discovered, and it must not be lost, as it cannot be replaced if lost.

This is quite embarrassing, but Brother Bu has no intention of regaining his dignity; he is not so reckless as to challenge such a monster for the sake of his own honor

"What would happen if a knight has already mastered the internal energy circulation of the body? Would they not be injured?" asked Brother Bu.

To speak frankly, the combat techniques taught by that hunchback are indeed very suitable for someone like Brother Bu, who is not physically strong. From the very first move, they specifically target the weak points and vital areas of the human body, with particular attention given to places such as the eyes, ears, back of the head, throat, and groin. What is even more terrifying is that the combat techniques taught by that hunchback appear to be unarmed, but in reality, they conceal sharp blades.

Bishop Avery stood up and pushed the food and plate aside, walking to the door, as he had no desire to continue eating this breakfast anyway

Even if it is not broken on the spot, do not expect to pull it out; no matter how carefully you try to extract it, the arrow will surely be damaged

This description stirred a surge of passion within Brother Bu; however, deep down, he had completely forgotten his childhood desire to become a knight. At this moment, in his mind, knights had become synonymous with monsters.

"I am very pleased to meet you. Is there anything else I can assist you with?" Bishop Avery said with a broad smile on his face. The last deal had indeed left him very satisfied. Although the direct profit was not substantial, he had made a considerable fortune from the trading of gold and silver.

At that moment, a loud bang from "Kuang" left him stunned, causing a ringing in his ears and dizziness in his eyes. The ground and the surrounding walls trembled continuously with the sound, and countless dust particles fell down with a rustling sound.

The camel smiled and said in a nonchalant tone: "That guy is also a spy, and I've heard he's quite a good one. It's precisely for this reason that he has become increasingly reckless

The carriage of Count Bavadweib is parked right in front of St. Clement's Cathedral, with St. Clement's Square in front, which is quite spacious and offers ample parking space

Count Bavadweber had long anticipated the bishop's reaction. To be honest, he was not in a much better position; prior to this, he had no knowledge of such a place: "This small town is indeed not very famous. If it weren't for the incidents that occurred during this carnival celebration, I would be as unaware of it as you are."

"Three weeks?" Brother Bo interrupted Mr. K's words: "I have never received any training. What can I learn in three weeks?"

After the Earl took his seat, Bishop Avery once again inquired about the Earl's purpose for being there

After Bo Ge dismounted from the carriage, Count Bawadweber simply said, "I will have someone bring your carriage here." He then greeted the middle-aged man and took his leave.

I have come this time primarily to express my gratitude to you; the person you introduced to me is indeed a remarkable talent. Count Bavardweber also wore a beaming smile.

The training department is located on the fifth underground level, similarly separated by a thick iron door. All the iron doors along the way are actually identical in appearance, wrapped in iron sheets and covered with a dense array of rivets. In the center of the door, there is a gap that serves as a peephole, allowing those inside to see the person standing outside the door

For clergy, wasting food is inherently a grave sin; however, in the event of an emergency, it is naturally a different matter

Mr. K said

Currently, a single gold coin is approximately equivalent to one-quarter of an ounce of gold, which means that the paper notes in hand are equal to eight hundred gold coins. However, these vouchers can be directly traded and can actually be exchanged for eight hundred fifty to nine hundred gold coins on the black market

The office is quite small and simple, with two desks placed one in front of the other in the narrow room, and a row of cabinets for storing files neatly arranged against the wall

Continue walking to the left at the stairway entrance, Mr. K's office is near the end of the corridor. A nameplate is hanging above the door, inscribed with "Department Three"

Only the first box is reimbursed by the government; thereafter, you must pay out of your own pocket. I assure you, this is the cheapest option available. If you go to the armory to buy it, you will find the price is several times that of this.

"Is the armory also located in this building?" asked Brother Bu.

What he cannot figure out is why Count Bavadweber would seek him out? Becoming a knight-guard is actually quite simple; for the current church, a knight-guard is merely a title exchanged for money. The real trouble lies in finding a qualified recommender.

Upon taking the stick, Brother Bu realized that it was actually a hollow tube, and the mini arrow was inserted from one end. Inside the tube was a strong elastic rubber band, which was responsible for propelling the arrow over such a long distance

"Does Marquis de Pricot also have to abide by this rule?" Boge attempted to present a challenge to the middle-aged man

"Lord Bavadweber, it is a great honor to meet you. The Marquis de Pricot has informed me of your arrival here and the purpose of your visit. The person beside you must be Baron Pingpu."

The entire prison resembles a massive multi-layered cage, surrounded by a ring of cells housing inmates. In the center is an open area, approximately the size of a playground, but the ground of this playground is covered with barbed wire. Such a cage is stacked layer upon layer.

Along with that poisoned arrow was a black hood, the kind worn by executioners at the gallows

Having said this, the camel turned and left, leaving Brother Bu alone.

"Guardian Knight? Why is this title mhetushucom .com being used?" Bishop Avelis remained silent

The distance from St. Clement's Cathedral to the headquarters of the Detective Agency is not far; both locations are situated within the central ring of the capital, Rupnail, and can be reached by carriage after traversing a few blocks

Brother Bu can no longer imagine it. If such a monster is not considered powerful, then just how strong are truly formidable knights

By the time Brother Bu finally managed to get up from the ground, the giant had already walked away, oblivious to his surroundings

"Are you bringing in new recruits for training?" said the ugly camel. His voice was exceptionally hoarse, like striking a broken gong, yet his tone conveyed a sense of slickness.

The warning from the camel caused a chill to rise in Brother Bu's heart, significantly alleviating the dreadful feeling that followed the act of murder. Brother Bu touched the badge, and the rose pattern on it suddenly vanished, replaced by a line of coded text

"From now on, you are an official member of the Third Section of the Secret Investigation Department." Mr. K said to Brother Bu after he signed a document: "Now I will take you to the Training Section, where you will undergo three weeks of training..."

"Take a good look, this is the weapon you will use to save your life in the future." The hunchback handed the stick to Brother Bu, along with an arrow that was the length of a finger.

Early in the morning, Bishop Avelis had a premonition that good things were surely waiting for him today

"Are we supposed to buy the practice arrows ourselves?" Brother Bu exclaimed, as this amount of money was already considered a fortune for him after years of wandering.

Brother Bu was not surprised; it seemed rather extravagant to have a dedicated doorkeeper in such a place. It is indeed very reasonable for the doorkeeper to also take on cleaning duties and serve as an instructor for basic subjects.

"Is that person the instructor here?" Brother Bu couldn't help but ask

This could certainly not be a mere decorative item. Brother Bu vaguely sensed that it might be a magical device

"You don't mean to suggest that I should join the Secret Investigation Department, do you?" Brother Bo asked with a bitter smile. The fact that Count Bawadweber brought him here but did not allow him to enter St. Clement's Cathedral speaks volumes.

Indeed. The middle-aged person's response was straightforward and unexpected

Upon reflection, Bishop Avery secretly speculated that the Count's generosity might imply an intention to draw him into a scheme. Naturally, when dealing with members of the Church, it is most appropriate for those within the Church to take the lead.

Suddenly, Brother Bu's eyes widened as he stared ahead. On the wall in front of him was a concave human shape, with a trace of blood hanging below it. The gatekeeper and janitor was cleaning the bloodstain with a large mop.

Therefore, Count Bavadweber did not answer the bishop's question; he merely leaned forward and asked in a low voice: "In that small town, there is a Father Latorre. I would like to know which faction this priest belongs to and for whom he is working"

Moreover, he has no room to retreat; Count Bavadweber has already arranged for him to obtain the status of a knight-guard, for which he has incurred a significant debt. If he cannot proceed according to the original plan, that debt alone could destroy him

One can only turn back and have someone come to fix this humanoid dent. Dropping the mop in hand, the hunchback grumbled as he walked over: "Every time, I have to go through so much trouble."

Murder is surprisingly easy, yet equally difficult. When Brother Bu emerged from prison in a daze, he felt a tumultuous sensation in his stomach, as if the tides were turning violently; he wanted to vomit, but could not.

Of course, Brother Bu would not believe it, but he would not voice it.

As he passed by the first floor of the basement, Brother Bu faintly heard a muffled yet piercing scream through a thick iron door. Even without thinking, he could guess what was happening here

While Mr. Bu was lost in thought, Mr. K had already taken care of all the necessary arrangements for him

Mr. Bu was attentively listening to Mr. K while also observing his surroundings

Upon a careful glance at the signature, although he is not an authentication expert, he still possesses absolute confidence that this signature is genuine

Mr. K pondered for a moment and said: "I have never seen a knight who can reach such a supreme realm, nor do I know if such a person exists in this world

Rest assured, even when I am not present, there will always be someone on duty in my office, not only during the day but also at night. There is always someone there 24 hours a day, and that person knows how to reach me. If it is truly impossible to contact me, that person will pass your matters on to a higher authority.

For the average person, a magic device is undoubtedly an obscure term that they have never heard of. It was only after Brother Bu read those alchemical books that he became aware of the existence of such a wondrous thing in the world

Within a distance of twenty meters, the force of these arrows can be considered exceptionally strong. Most of the misfired arrows are embedded in the wall, and the arrow shafts, which are as thin as toothpicks, are too fragile; over eighty percent of them break immediately after being lodged in the wall

The middle-aged man walked up to the car door and said

The doorman of the headquarters of the Secret Investigation Department immediately ran out; in the capital of Rupnare, there are not many who do not recognize the carriage of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Earl Bhavadev.

Feeling somewhat dejected, Brother Bu took out some money from his pocket and settled the bill, finally concluding his first day of training. He did not forget Mr. K's words and first went to the office of the Third Division. However, before leaving the headquarters of the Secret Investigation Department, Brother Bu asked Mr. K to take him to the armory.

Let us first get to know each other. I am aware of your identity, but here, any identity is meaningless, even names hold no significance

"Do you know what that guy you just killed was doing? Why was he so reckless? Why was there no public trial followed by the legal procedure for execution?" said the camel.

Boge slowly put on the ugly and menacing hood of the executioner, then carefully inserted the green arrow into the tube

However, in that case, he would have to leave here and enter the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. There, he would be under the watchful eye of a current archbishop above him, with at least four archbishop candidates nearby, all of whom are keeping a close watch. Not only does he lack the authority and prestige he currently possesses, but he must also be extremely cautious in his speech and actions.

Thinking of this, the good mood of the morning suddenly turned into a complete mess. Recently, he had been troubled by this matter. Half a month ago, his old rival, Shefis, suddenly abandoned the position of the Abbot of Anden Monastery and applied to become a candidate for Archbishop.

Indeed, it is yet another magical device. Brother Bu has already confirmed that there is at least one magician serving in the Intelligence Division

The door to the observation room opened gently

With a heavy heart, breakfast has become tasteless, and Bishop Willis feels an impulse to throw both the plate and its contents out the window

Perhaps it was because he was quick to settle the bill, on the third day that camel taught him some other things, and the things taught by hetushu.com made Brother Bu increasingly fearful.

The training is about to conclude; today is the final lesson, and the title of this last class is "Coldness." The dim yellow eyes of the camel flicker with a hint of ferocity: "Soldiers can learn this lesson on the battlefield; those who cannot will perish in combat. We have no place to learn it, so we can only specifically set up this class.

Bu Ge did not inquire how much the Earl spent for this title, knowing that even if he asked, the answer would surely be inflated. He would have to pay far more than the actual figure. He was also certain that the Earl would not make it impossible for him to get by; this debt could be owed for a long time.

Without saying a word, Lord Bavadweber placed a letter on the table: "This is the letter of recommendation issued by His Majesty"

This amount of money is not substantial, but in comparison to the favor requested by Count Bavadweber, it seems somewhat excessive.

So far, the only ones who know of his strong interest in that small town are Brother Bo, Andrew, and the two stewards. Bishop Avis may be able to guess something, but at most it would be mere speculation. Moreover, although this bishop is greedy, he knows how to keep his distance and will not meddle in others' affairs

"This is the newcomer who was trained before you," said the guard coldly. This statement greatly frightened Bo.

"It is possible. If you decide to do so, there will be no loss; it will simply be regarded as unsuitable for you to remain in the intelligence department," said the hunchback. "This may be a good thing for both you and the intelligence department."

A seemingly ordinary pair of gloves, with a blade hidden between the fingers; a pair of exquisitely crafted boots, with retractable serrated blades embedded in the soles; a vest made of calfskin lined with thin steel plates... Who could discern the lethal intent concealed within such an outfit?

Although the cost of arrows is expensive, training must continue; after all, life is more important than money

In addition, you need to familiarize yourself with certain things, and the armory is one of them. Within this building, there are only three places that allow for relatively easy access.

When Mr. K left, the camel had already wiped away all the bloodstains.

Gazing at the translucent gem embedded in the ceiling, Brother Bu could not help but recall a rumor he had heard in the past

After a while, five or six people hurriedly carried out a stretcher. On the stretcher lay a person of robust build, dressed in thick soft protective clothing, wearing a hard sponge protective helmet on his head, and similarly equipped with arm guards, elbow pads, knee pads, and leg guards on his hands and feet

Just now, my exceptionally bad mood suddenly calmed down; being able to sit in the bishop's position shows that I do possess some level of cultivation

He has already designed a bright future for himself, so he will absolutely not allow himself to retreat before even taking the first step

The camel did not know whether it was being teased or ridiculed: "However, you must learn something. I do not intend to teach you swordsmanship or martial arts. If you are interested, you can find someone else to teach you."

Upon opening the door, the bishop realized that his morning premonition had come true; standing at the threshold was the great God of Wealth—Count Bhavadevi, the Minister of Finance

Although he did not care about the assassination incident and did not deliberately inquire about the investigation results, he occasionally heard some rumors that the assassination seemed to be related to Sairaval.

In legends, there are magicians who can summon lightning with a mere gesture, cause mountains to crumble with a single step, and slay countless foes with a single incantation. However, such beings do not exist in reality. The magic that a magician can wield with their bare hands is quite limited, and most spells require the assistance of specific magical devices to be effectively cast.

"You don't need anyone to teach you; anyone can use this. All it requires is practice," said the camel, tossing a cardboard box up and down. "This box contains a total of 400 arrows, which is enough for you to practice. If your shots aren't too far off, the arrows that hit the target can still be retrieved and reused."

The simplicity of this room is somewhat surprising; there are no decorative items, nor is there even a single personal belonging in sight. However, embedded in the ceiling of the room is something resembling a crystal ball, though this object is much smaller than the typical crystal ball, being only the size of a walnut

Inside the observation room, the guard pointed at a prisoner who was wandering alone, through the iron bars.

"First, familiarize yourself with the place. In the future, if you have any matters, come here to find me," Mr. K said

These questions clearly do not require Brother Bu's response, but the following words took Brother Bu by surprise

Let the monks under him bring up breakfast, as Bishop Avery has always enjoyed his breakfast in his own lounge, only going down to the hall to dine with the other monks on holidays or special occasions

The loud noise diverted the attention of everyone present here. After the sound, there was a few seconds of silence, followed by a flurry of hurried and chaotic footsteps.

Half an hour later, this unmarked black carriage drove into a prison on the outskirts of Rupnail

As they spoke, the two individuals had already reached the fourth floor. The headquarters building of the Secret Investigation Department was equally simple both inside and out. The building even appeared somewhat old, with the floorboards creaking underfoot.

The Earl of Bavadwe did not know this middle-aged man, and he was not familiar with the people from the Intelligence Bureau. However, he had anticipated that things would turn out this way when he arrived. At the very least, he would never have dared to hope that the old stubborn Marquis de Pricot would agree to meet him. Even the inclusion of Boge into the Intelligence Bureau was only made possible by the will of His Majesty the King, which finally persuaded that obstinate old man to nod in agreement

Even without thinking, one can tell that the figure on the wall is the result of the earlier sound made by "Kuang"

What kind of person could endure such a blow and still survive? It is already difficult for him to imagine, and what kind of terrifying monster could inflict such misery on someone like that?

"The internal energy circulation of the body?" asked Brother Bu. Knights are frequently depicted in poetry and drama, yet there is never any mention of the internal energy circulation of the body in those works.

Three weeks passed quickly without him realizing it. Bu Ge learned many things, most of which were very interesting, but a small portion also evoked feelings of melancholy. On the day just before everything was about to conclude, he was taken by that hunchback onto a cart.

What if you are not here?" asked Brother Bu

The meaning of these two items placed together is self-evident

Glancing at the prices there, Brother Bu let out a soft sigh. The camel that was responsible for his training spoke correctly; the price of a box of arrows in the armory was indeed several times more expensive than what he had in hand

In the third week, what I will teach you is how to convey messages. The Intelligence Division has its own messaging network, and throughout the entire Fak territory, there is at least one of our people in every moderately sized village. You need to know how to utilize this network

Is that small town related to the assassin and the books at the carnival celebration? Bishop Averyllis was unaware of what the count was plotting; for him, it was better to stay away from such matters.

It is said that the royal families of various countries and certain prominent noble houses secretly support a number of magicians. These magicians usually focus solely on their own cultivation and do not concern themselves with worldly affairs, only intervening to offer assistance when their benefactors are driven to a desperate situation.

Bishop Avery took a look and saw several gold exchange vouchers, which could be redeemed for a total of two hundred ounces of gold. Recently, the speculation in gold and silver had made him well aware of the uses and values of such items.

His intuition has always been remarkably accurate In fact, those who are able to attain the position of bishop within the church all possess similar abilities This foresight into the future is a capability that naturally emerges when one has reached a considerable level in the cultivation of divine arts The higher the level of cultivation in divine arts, the clearer and more accurate the foresight into the future becomes

This shooting practice is very enjoyable, and Brother Bu does not mind having more opportunities to practice. With interest and youth combined, he has already achieved quite a good shooting level in just one morning.

Of course, those above are aware that the personnel in the intelligence department are, to some extent, taking advantage of the conveniences offered by the department. No one can stop such occurrences, nor does anyone intend to do so. As long as one does not exceed the limits, no one will intervene. However, if one crosses the line, well... you have already seen the example.

In one corner of the hall, there is a storage room. The hunchback moved out a target made of straw from inside. He placed the target against the wall and then pulled the bow to a distance of about 20 meters from the target

He was a stout man of considerable height, with a face full of flesh that gave him a fierce appearance. In the vast expanse of the playground, he was the only one wandering about, while the other prisoners stood against the wall, looking as if they were trying to avoid him at all costs

Watching the count's carriage disappear into the distance, Bo Ge followed the middle-aged man into the four-story building

As for me, my position here is the head of Section 3, and you may call me Mr. K. You are designated as Staff Member 47 of Section 3. There is no need for you to be acquainted with others in Section 3; if you have any matters to discuss, you can contact me directly.

"It seems that this matter does not require my assistance," Bishop Ivelis said, gently weighing the recommendation letter.

That instructor must have already mastered the internal energy circulation, right? Is he very strong?" asked Brother Bu.

"You will get used to it." The hunchback appeared very gentle as he patted Brother Bu's shoulder, seemingly comforting him: "Most people feel just like you do the first time they kill someone, but as long as you get through this hurdle, it will be fine"

Unfortunately, true magical devices are now rarely seen. For the Church, wizards and magical devices are the greatest taboos. The Church can tolerate the existence of alchemy and can accept that some individuals privately study alchemy, but it will show no mercy towards wizards and magical devices.

Although he could understand, he still felt somewhat uncomfortable, as no one would feel pleased to be trained under a doorkeeper and cleaner. However, Bu Ge did not dare to request a change of instructor; if he were to be assigned that bald monster from earlier, he could not even guarantee that he would be carried out on a stretcher.

After completing the transaction, the two individuals chatted for a while longer before the count took his leave.

In the second week, I will teach you some small techniques, such as the use of certain tools, how to conceal oneself, and how to open simple locks

Fortunately, during the following two weeks of training, there was no need to spend too much money. The only expense was for a set of universal keys purchased while learning lock picking. However, Brother Bu is also aware that although it is called universal, this set of keys can at most open the commonly used locks on the market. When encountering specialized door locks, it is still necessary to seek assistance from the lock-picking experts at the secret investigation department

Fortunately, Mr. K beside me quickly reassured, "Don't worry, you don't need to undergo such training. The Intelligence Division has more than ten departments, each responsible for a specific area. Some handle internal affairs, some focus on external matters, and there are those specifically responsible for operations. This person is most likely a newcomer just recruited by the operations department."

"Next, we shall proceed to the Secret Investigation Office," the Count said. This statement was directed not only at Boge but also at the coachman. As soon as the words were spoken, the carriage turned and took another road

In addition to the fact that he indeed has no subordinates working in the intelligence department, the Count also has another thought: he does not wish for too many people to interfere in that small town

Pay close attention. The camel pointed one end of the slender stick towards the target twenty meters away

This is what a knight needs to learn. If you are interested, you can find a knight training ground to take a look. Although the training methods vary from place to place, the fundamental concepts are quite similar, Mr. K said

With a flick of the hand, the camel driver produced a one-foot-long stick from the palm of his hand, which had just been empty moments before. Upon closer inspection, it resembled the baton held by a conductor in an orchestra.

The earl instructed the coachman to stop the carriage in front of the headquarters of the Secret Investigation Bureau, and then greeted someone outside the window. In fact, there were not many places in Faque where he dared to wander freely, and this building was one of them

The middle-aged man did not seem to have the intention of inviting the Earl into the headquarters of the secret investigation office. Earl Bavadweber is a very intelligent individual and, of course, would not be so lacking in tact as to wish to sit inside.

No one can blame him for being too specialized; within the Cathedral of San Clemente, he is the absolute ruler. It is precisely because of this freedom that he has never intended to ascend; otherwise, with his qualifications, he could have already become a candidate for the archbishopric.

As soon as the door opened, Brother Bu heard the sounds of punches and kicks coming from inside. The sounds were sharp and exceptionally crisp, and there was a slight explosive sensation in the air. However, his attention was quickly drawn to the person who had opened the door.

The first matter has been resolved. Although the title of knight-guard no longer holds much significance, it is better to have it than not. The count said while commanding the coachman to get the carriage moving, "I spent a sum of money for this title, and I will deduct this amount from your remuneration, after all, it is you who obtained this title"

Brother Bu did not know exactly how many underground levels the mysterious headquarters of the Secret Investigation Office had, but he could be absolutely certain that the depth of the headquarters exceeded its height

In my opinion, given your physique, if you were to face others openly and directly, it would undoubtedly end badly for you. Therefore, I intend to teach you some less than honorable techniques

He spent several days familiarizing himself with the situation in this small town, and many aspects of the town piqued his interest. He saw a new avenue for profit. With the exorbitant profits from trading gold and silver about to vanish, he indeed needed a new source of funding

Mr. K is well-acquainted with Brother Bu's information. When the Secret Investigation Department brings someone in, they must thoroughly investigate that person. However, even such an agency as the Secret Investigation Department cannot uncover the traces of forgery within that information.

This also implies that behind this benefit, there may be several substantial rewards.