The Record of Unusual Creature

Hao Ren casually filled out the form—no one cared after all. As he was writing, he pointed at a newspaper, pretending to ask, “What happened in The Beinz Blood Lake again?”

The word “again” would make him not sound less like an ignoramus as he figured that news of the situation at The Beinz Blood Lake two months ago would have already spread far and wide.

“Disappearances, a series of disappearances. It’s the fourth time in a row.” Wilton shook his head. “Four groups of people have disappeared since the first expedition team was sent to locate the Orb of the Holy Synod two months ago. Among them were two mercenary veterans. Tsk, tsk, people still keep coming even after more than 10 people have gone missing.”

“It’s all about the money,” Becky muttered. “I’d have gone too if it wasn’t because of the fact that I didn’t have my own team. If you find the orb, a manor will be yours as reward plus, the title of ‘knight’ to sweeten the deal. You don’t have to work again, ever.”

Standing next to Wilton, Hao Ren took a quick glance at the newspaper which still stank of printing ink. Some key words registered in his mind in particular about the The Beinz Blood Lake incident: “…it has been two months since the orb went missing near the Blood Lake. Its whereabouts are still unknown… Bloch, who was tasked with escorting the orb, was investigated by the Holy See and the Kingdom Joint Review Group. The pope announced that the missing orb was a divine trial and Bloch was acquitted… Civilian Headhunter Mercenaries went missing near the southern part of the blood lake during their attempt to cross it. There were no eye-witnesses. All 36 team members went missing, which adds to the total missing persons of… As the orb is still not found, Prince Hoffman has announced the cancellation of the pilgrimage celebration this year…”

The Beinz Blood Lake incident was probably related to the missing Orb of the Holy Synod.

Subsequent disappearances were still without official confirmation. It looked like The Beinz Blood Lake’s connection with the Otherworld was just a rumour. Its authenticity was in question. Anyway, Hao Ren thought it was still worth a look.

They were a lost ball in high weeds without a clear idea of where to begin. A good starting point was looking into the popular legends or historical sites. The Beinz Blood Lake incident was possibly the best place to start their investigation in this world.

Furthermore, Hao Ren was interested in the strangely-named place since he heard Becky talking about The Beinz Blood Lake and destruction of an ancient civilisation. He sort of suspected that there had to be something behind the so-called end-of-the-world incident and its related historical relics some 10,000 years ago.

Being the slowest among them, Nangong Wuyue was finally done with the form. Becky started to hurry them to leave. There had been no incidents of provocation and exploitation by the local soldiers. They were released and they passed through registration. Outside the garrison, Becky reached her hand out and asked Hao Ren, “Where’s the promised music box?”

This lady’s perseverance was extraordinary.

“Here, take it.” Hao Ren tucked his hand into his Dimensional Pocket and took an MP5 out as well as a charger. “This is a good object. You won’t find anything like it in this world.”

“Is this a music box?” Becky looked at the strange gadget in total surprise. “It looks different from the flying gadget last time.”

As Becky’s voice trailed off, a tingling sound came from inside the pot. Either the MDT or Lil Pea could have been frightened.

“This one doesn’t fly but, it has far more functions.” Hao Ren played with all the functions of the MP5 in such a way to confuse her. “Look, it’s got photos, you can take a picture or video; isn’t it far better than the music-only gadget? This is the charger. Just place it under the sun and it’ll recharge the music box…”

As Hao Ren explained enthusiastically, Vivian sensed something amiss. She asked him quietly while Becky played with the MP5, “Wait a second! How can you give it to a local…?”

“It’s okay. An MP5 won’t cause any damage to the world’s equilibrium.” He waved his hands as he was not bothered. “I’ve done my homework. They’ve got some kind of alchemy skill; snapping pictures and playing music aren’t strange in this world. The electronic gadgets from Earth simply look strange in design, and they’re small in size; If you don’t open them up, they’ll remain just like an alchemy machine.”

Hao Ren was right. But, something he did not realise was, the skill of alchemy in the plane was still at a small scale and things were hand-made. Entertainment gadgets like the MP5 were usually made by senior alchemists for the enjoyment of the elites or customised for military use. Ordinary people did not have access to such luxury.

After tinkering for a while with the wondrous gadget, which had a display screen, Becky quickly shoved it back to Hao Ren as if it was hot iron. “No, this thing’s simply too expensive for me. All I want is just a music box. I can’t have this. Even the village head’s crystal box is already worth three fine horses. You should leave this to the rich…”

“It’s my gift to you. I don’t want to take advantage of you,” Hao Ren shoved the MP5 back to her. The MP5 meant nothing to him after all. “Because, I have a favor to ask from you.”

“Oh? Just say it.” Becky was too excited with her new found toy. She nodded her head as she hesitated on whether to accept the gift.

“I need you to be our tour guide as we’ll be going to The Beinz Blood Lake.” Hao Ren was upfront. “We’re strangers here. It’s not convenient for us to go around in an unfamiliar place. You know my home’s in the empire far north…”

“I’m just wondering—,” asked Becky. “—the last time we met you were alone. Now, there are so many of you… Were all of you teleported here?”

“We’re into teleportation research!” Lily said proudly without even thinking. Hao Ren sent her a complementing glance; the husky maiden’s instincts had grown.

Becky looked suspiciously at these strange “wizards” whom she still considered strangers. Years of mercenary experience told her that something was off about these fellows but, she also knew that they needed help and she could very well land herself a good job—the “music box”, which was worth an enchanting armour, was proof of that. The kind looking guy just parted with it without blinking an eye; he was either a filthy rich member of the Veteran Wizard Tower or a nerd, a greenhorn who did not know the value of money.

Or, this man was suffering from brain damage due to the fall.

No matter what it was, the deal seemed profitable.

Becky’s mercenary instincts (we cannot say how smart she was while she still held on to the so-called “music box” in her hand) told her that it was going to be lucrative. So, she nodded. “Deal. Since many mercenaries have signed up for the search, I might as well join the bandwagon. But, before that, I think you should register as a mercenary—The Beinz Blood Lake and its surroundings are high risk areas, a no-go zone for civilians.”

Y’zaks listened with interest to what Becky said about mercenaries. He remembered mercenaries existed back home too—in fact, he was attacked by no less than a thousand mercenaries and the braves simply because he was the King of Demons. He was thrilled by the idea of playing a mercenary this time. He curiously asked, “No trouble for registration?”

“No trouble. The mercenary’s the most out-and-out life for money, life for reputation, and life for everything. Money’s the boss. Life’s the capital. No one can fool anyone. The registration’s the easiest part—to come back alive’s the trickiest part,” Becky said proudly, exuding her pride as a senior mercenary. Then, she asked, “Oh ya, do you lot have wizard qualifications or ID cards? It’s required for mercenary registration.”

Hao Ren was plagued with silence.

Why did no one ask about that when others came over from the other side?!