by <unknown>
No matter how much he explained himself, he would not be able to clear the suspicion. The Beyond Grade As would still suspect him… and Black Star was the one who caused all of this!
Manison glared at Han Xiao and almost wanted to fight him right here in front of everyone till he could vent all his anger out.
This time, Clotti slowly stood up and said with a freezing tone and expressionless face, “No matter who here caused Gaud to go missing, we will drag you out and make you understand the consequences of challenging the dynasty!”
As he was speaking, he glanced at Manison faintly.
The three Universal Civilizations’ direct members usually did not speak, but now, they all made serious statements, expressing that they would catch the culprit no matter what. Many glanced at the Mechanic Emperor from time to time.
Manison’s expression became worse and worse.
However, Sorokin was looking at Manison more and more gently.
If not because this was not the right time, Sorokin would have given Manison a thumbs up and praised him.
At this time, Han Xiao, who had not said much, cleared his throat, attracting everyone’s attention.
“Gaud joined the association before this happened. He’s also one of our members and is protected by the association. Now that he’s missing, this isn’t just an act of provoking the dynasty but also the association’s authority. It’s our duty to find the culprit. This is the purpose of the association!
“Therefore, I propose that the association shall announce to the public that we’ll be investigating this case thoroughly. All Beyond Grade As will be searching for leads together and releasing a kill order across the universe!”
After he said that, whether sincere or fake, everyone expressed their approval and agreement.
“The vice president is right. The association must not be excluded!”
“Who dares target our member? Do they think we’re all decorations‽”
Han Xiao’s proposal matched how the majority of people felt. Some were worried that if they did not make a stand, the dynasty would take revenge like the Tragedy of the Pinnacles and threaten their lives.
Since Han Xiao had proposed to provide assistance, it would more or less direct the dynasty’s hatred somewhere else so that they would not be the target for the dynasty to vent its anger.
Furthermore, protecting its members was one of the association’s duties. Most people were glad to see the association make a move. This meant that they would receive the same treatment in the future.
The atmosphere in the room suddenly became united.
Clotti glanced at Han Xiao. His expression became slightly less cold as he nodded at Han Xiao and sat back down.
He had intended to acquire the association’s help. After all, this many Beyond Grade As was an extremely powerful force. Gaining their help would largely increase the chances of finding the culprit.
Black Star was the dynasty’s ally, and he had given them a lot of face by making the decision on the spot to provide assistance. Seeing this, Clotti agreed more with the dynasty’s strategy.
Letting Black Star control the association was definitely a good thing for the dynasty.
Looking at everyone’s reaction, Han Xiao maintained a serious expression on the surface while secretly heaving a sigh of relief in his mind.
This was the effect he wanted to achieve—having all the organizations suspect each other while not knowing that the true culprit was right under their noses…
He had completely muddied the waters.
Chapter 1230: Werewolf Becoming the Detective |
The next day, with the Beyond Grade A Association taking the lead, all the Beyond Grade A organizations made a joint announcement. They claimed that this was an insult to the association and that the association would assist the Crimson Dynasty in finding the culprit to avenge Gaud.
As so many Beyond Grade As used their influence to search for clues, it instantly caused chain reactions in the Flickering World, affecting countless normal organizations.
The dynasty also made a public response based on the Beyond Grade A Association’s announcement, praising Vice President Black Star’s act of taking the lead, not at all mentioning Manison, the actual president. The difference in treatment was clear.
At the same time, the Beyond Grade A Association publicized a universe kill order. Every member chipped in some money, making up an outrageous reward as high as four billion Enas. Among them, the Black Star Army alone contributed half a billion, expressing their determination to find the culprit to the outside world.
The outrageously high reward immediately triggered the enthusiasm of the entire Flickering World. Almost everyone was guessing who the real culprit was every day.
Plus, the dynasty exploration army dispatched a ton of manpower and resources to search for clues, causing the focus of the Flickering World to shift. Although the Flickering World was still the main focus of the galactic residents, the search for Gaud also attracted a lot of attention. Other than fighting in the war, these organizations were also sending their men all over to look for clues.
The federation and the church did not only watch either. They both made announcements stating that they felt just as provoked as the dynasty was and would be sending forces to assist the dynasty in their investigation.
Organizations in the galaxy got questioned one after another. The dynasty collected all kinds of information related to the time surrounding the incident, but they had yet to find any clues.
…
In the remote conference room of the Super Star Cluster Alliance, a meeting was being held.
“… After this, there’s no way the dynasty will put it behind them. They’ll have to settle it no matter what. Never mind if they solve it, but if they end up not being able to solve it, they’ll undoubtedly find a temporary ‘culprit’ to take the blame, save the dynasty’s reputation, and vent their anger. We’re the best choice for the dynasty.”
The remote projections were all of the Super Star Cluster civilization leaders. Listening to the Star Arc Civilization leader speak, everyone had a serious expression.
At the start, they had doubted one of their own and asked if they did it as soon as they met, thinking this was the stupid act of one of their allies. However, after sharing their internal information, only then did they clear each other’s doubts and unite on this matter.
The Star Arc Civilization leader brought up his opinion at the right timing, receiving agreement from many other leaders.
Everyone knew that their situation was against them. Whether the dynasty could find the real culprit or not, the Super Star Cluster Alliance would still very likely take the blame. The three Universal Civilizations would definitely not mind using this opportunity to frame them for a crime they did not commit.
The Tragedy of the Pinnacles was a bloody lesson. No Super Star Cluster civilization wished for that to happen again, so they had no choice but to let the three Universal Civilizations take the moral high ground among the public and toy with them. Therefore, the Star Arc Civilization leader spoke to their hearts.
The others nodded. “That’s right. We can’t sit and wait for our doom. We have to turn the situation around. Explaining ourselves won’t work. It’s best to find a clear ‘culprit’ and announce it so that the three Universal Civilizations can’t use this against us… Manison is a suitable target.”
Seeing this, the Star Arc Civilization leader heaved a sigh of relief and smiled with satisfaction.
He had brought this proposal up in the meeting because he wanted the help of the entire Super Star Cluster Alliance.
They would only have a higher chance of making Manison take the blame if they worked together; the Star Arc Civilization alone was not enough.
Now, the entire Super Star Cluster Alliance had come to an agreement to frame Manison.
…
In the Mechanic Emperor’s secret base, Manison did not look happy. He hung up the
call from the federation and frowned slightly.
“The dynasty’s request is too much, telling me to show all my Felons, submit the logbooks of all the spaceships under my command, and even open up the memory database of all my mechanical soldiers for them to check… Hehe, they say they hope I can cooperate with the investigation, but they’ve actually already marked me as the main suspect. The only thing that’s left to do is to bring me over and interrogate me.”
Manison shook his head. He could clearly see that the three Universal Civilizations were also planning to use this opportunity to find out the coordinates of his various bases.
Although he did not do it, he was not so naive as to think he could stay out of it completely.
From Manison’s perspective, the Super Star Cluster Alliance was most likely the culprit. The Super Star Cluster Alliance would certainly not be willing to sit and wait for their doom, so they would definitely do something about it. Manison, however, happened to be between the three Universal Civilizations and the Super Star Cluster Alliance and was the most suspicious. He was the most suitable sacrifice; someone was probably going to pin the incident on him.
“I must prepare some way to fight back and make the Super Star Cluster Alliance take the blame they deserve… Hmm, speaking of which, if they try to frame me, that should prove they’re the real culprits.”
Manison’s thoughts were very clear.
If possible, he might have wanted to frame Black Star and teach that b*stard a lesson.
However, that was way too difficult to do, almost impossible really, so he could only forget about that idea.
…
In the Holy Accord organization’s base…
“To think that this happened in the outside world…”
The various revived Primordial Ones gathered, watched the images on the communicator in Oathkeeper’s hands, and chatted continuously.
“The times are so terrifying now. Even an Esper Ability as powerful as Energy Control has appeared.”
“Pity, he got killed right after he entered the Beyond Grade A territory. Black Star is indeed right. The world outside is dangerous.
“This culprit messed up. No matter how perfectly he executed the plan, as soon as the dynasty figures out the Sanctums and revives Gaud, the truth would be revealed…”
The others nodded.
Oathkeeper, however, was a little worried. “If the dynasty can’t find the culprit, once you revivors appear, the dynasty will suspect you guys too. This isn’t good news.”
Beiger sighed and said, “So, we’re affected by the culprit too. We’ll have to be more cautious when we decide to go public.”
The people sighed and felt that the problem had just fallen down the sky out of nowhere.
…
In the Black Star Army Commander’s office, Han Xiao said in his chair. Virtual screens hovered before him, displaying the activities on the quantum network.
Over the past few days, he had been doing this to pay attention to the direction this matter was taking. He had witnessed the spark he lit spread like wildfire, affecting bigger and bigger areas. He felt more and more like a mastermind behind the curtains stirring up storms in the universe.
“This is probably going to be the norm for some time. The dynasty will not stop till they find the real culprit, it’s like a hornet nest.”
At this time, his communicator suddenly rang. He took it out. It was surprisingly a call from Tarrokov.
As he picked it up, Old Tar’s remote projection appeared in the room.
“Old Marshal, it’s been some time.”
Tarrokov nodded and said with a serious expression, “Black Star, I’ll keep things short. The dynasty needs your help now.”
“Go ahead.”
“Gaud has been missing for many days. The dynasty has already searched all the records of the area within a month’s duration before and after the incident, but we have yet to find any solid evidence. Therefore, the upper echelons have decided to form a task force especially in charge of this matter. The dynasty hopes to invite you to join as an expert, relying on your abilities to search for leads on the quantum network. What do you think?”
Han Xiao almost laughed out loud.
“Ahem, I’m the consultant of the three Universal Civilizations. This is my duty. I’m ready anytime.”
“Okay. The task force will gather online in a day’s time. If you can find any clue, the dynasty will reward you generously.”
Tarrokov did not waste any time. He pointed out a few more things and hung up the call right after. He had been busy as hell lately; he really had no time to stay for a chat.
Han Xiao put the communicator down and smirked.
As a werewolf, I successfully got others to believe I’m the seer and even got voted as the detective!
By inviting him, the mastermind, to investigate this case, anyone could be captured but the real culprit…
Furthermore, he would even join as an expert, meaning he had a lot of control over the direction of the investigation. With his capabilities, doing something without anyone noticing was too easy.
This way, he had more targets he could frame…
However, forging clues was still risky. Han Xiao planned to be cautious and see how the ‘suspects’ reacted.
While he was being secretly glad, a notification suddenly popped up on the interface.
_____________
You have triggered the mission [Wanted Order]!
Mission Introduction: An important member of the Crimson Dynasty is suspected to have been ambushed and is now missing. The dynasty trusts your capabilities and has asked you to join the investigation team.
Mission Requirements: Solve the case and capture the culprit.
Reward: Depends on the Mission Rating.
_____________
What the hell?
Han Xiao’s expression froze, he was stunned.
The situation now was still within his control, but the interface gave him a surprise.
Excuse me, I’m the one who did it. How can I still trigger this mission?
How am I supposed to complete it? By capturing myself‽
Chapter 1231: Werewolf Detective |
“I wonder what the reward is.”
Han Xiao was curious.
The mission requirement was to catch the ‘culprit’, not the ‘true culprit’. He wondered if the mission was based on the truth or the dynasty’s perspective.
If it was the latter, did this mean that as long as he could prove someone was the culprit to the dynasty, the mission would be considered complete?
If that was the case, he would have a chance to complete it.
No way was he going to turn himself in, not in this life. A werewolf would not kill himself, only frame others. That was the only way to live.
Han Xiao shook his head. He did not have the compulsion to clear out every mission. From the way he looked at it, it would be best if he could complete this mission, but it would not matter if he could not complete it.
According to the nature of the mission, the reward was most likely going to be mainly the dynasty’s Contribution Points. If this was in the past, he would have needed them to acquire more blueprints from the dynasty. Now, however, with Jayz’ treasure, the dynasty’s Contribution Points were no longer valuable to him. The only thing that was still useful would be Political Assets.
…
The next day, Han Xiao entered the online channel of the dynasty task force on the dot. His remote projection appeared in a conference room.
As soon as he entered the room, projections appeared one after another, sizing each other up.
Han Xiao saw familiar faces like Clotti, Kant, Ravenlaude, and so on, as well as unfamiliar faces.
Before they started chatting, Tarrokov appeared, attracting everyone’s attention. “Everyone here is a member of the dynasty’s task force, so I won’t waste any time. You all know what needs to be done. This team has gathered the experts o
f various fields. You guys are authorized to use all resources the dynasty has in the Flickering World. The dynasty only has one requirement; find the culprit and Gaud’s whereabouts.”
The next moment, Clotti said, “I’m the team captain for the task force for the time being. Any requests to utilize resources can be made through me. As for the detailed arrangements of your jobs, the vice-captain will decide.”
This time, a tall, skinny dynasty officer stepped up, looked at everyone, and did a dynasty style greeting.
“You can call me Sherlock Dillman. I work for the dynasty’s intelligence department. Pardon me for not sharing the details of my work. For this task, the upper echelons have sent me to be the vice-captain. I’ll be in charge of the investigation work. My power alone is limited. Everyone will have to work together.”
Han Xiao raised his brow.
Sherlock? The name sounded like a famous detective. This person was definitely not ordinary. He should be the dynasty’s special talent in the investigation field.
The task force did not need muscles, only expertise. Therefore, Sherlock was the vice-captain, and the Beyond Grade As in the team were experts in different fields. In simple terms, the Beyond Grade As were acting as tools.
The rest introduced themselves one after another. There were three experts in charge of the quantum network search, Kant, Judith—the dynasty’s direct member—and himself.
Sherlock allocated different jobs for the experts in different fields one after another. Very soon, he came to the three of them and quickly pointed out the requirements.
“… That’s the situation we’re in. The Virtual Domain is a key area of the search. Please find clues to the best of your abilities. I’ll leave it to Your Excellencies.”
Sherlock bowed. His attitude was very respectful. After that, he turned away and went to assign tasks to the others.
Seeing that Sherlock had left, Kant scratched his head and said, “You two are more than enough. I’m not a Virtual Mechanic, so why did the dynasty call me here?”
“The dynasty was probably just being nice and did not think you’d agree, but to their surprise, you’re actually thick-skinned enough to really come,” Han Xiao joked.
