The staff member turned around and brought over a full bag of Lime Powder: "Here."
Thank you.
Wood took the Lime Powder, dragged it near the open cargo bay, sprinkled it over the charred footprints left by the mysterious monster.
Here, here, here.. these are all traces it left behind..
Wait a minute!
Peterson grabbed Wood: "How did you know there were footprints on the ground—no, wait! Our equipment has scanned this area dozens of times, it detected nothing. How were you able to—"
I don't know how to explain it to you.. When I was watching the surveillance footage, I.. Anyway, re-examine the area where I scattered the Lime Powder with your instruments, you'll have an unexpected discovery!
Wood imitated Master, giving Peterson and the others cold, stern instructions, while inwardly thinking—
(God! The power the Boss infused into my body is working!)
(The feeling of becoming the center of attention and an urban legend's exorcist hero is absolutely amazing!)
(Boss! How can I thank you! My great Boss!)
Peterson did not know Wood's true thoughts; seeing his expression suddenly turn cold and arrogant, his words becoming certain and forceful, Peterson instantly dared not underestimate him and ordered the staff to carry the equipment and carefully inspect the area where the Lime Powder had been scattered.
Before long—
“—We have detected multiple areas of high-temperature residue, the shapes of these traces closely resemble human footprints.”
The Staff handed over the thermal image automatically generated by the instrument.
Peterson narrowed his eyes as he looked at the thermal images, where one footprint after another showed clearly defined toes and heels.
This guy.. seems, perhaps, to be truly a bit.. Has Mike's family situation been cleared up?
It's been investigated.
Staff handed over a thick stack of files.
Mike's wife, Nancy, was raised as a devout Catholic due to the influence of her Greek parents. He and Mike met and married at church, their relationship has always been stable.. Nancy's father runs a gift shop that primarily sells modern imitations of antiques and artifacts. Therefore, although the entire family are devout Catholics, items related to pagan beliefs are occasionally placed in a prominent position in the living room—of course, considering these are all modern imitations, they clearly do not constitute blasphemy against God.
But if not all the items in the living room are modern imitations..
Peterson's expression gradually turned solemn, he turned his gaze toward Wood. "Do you have time after work?"
Huh?
Wood was stunned.
Where are you taking me?
To the Bar.
No! I can't go to the Bar! I'm allergic to alcohol!
Wood quickly refused.
(What if I slip up after getting drunk and let Peterson know that my "ability" actually comes from Boss, that Boss last night.. He already has a prejudice against me..)
It's not about drinking. I'm taking you to meet someone—someone very important.
But—
No buts! Get in the car with me right now!
Peterson grabbed Wood forcefully, forcing him into the vehicle.
Fasten your seatbelt! And—remember, I'm your Boss, you're my subordinate!
Oh, oh!
Wood nodded repeatedly.
Peterson's mood improved greatly at the submissive attitude. While driving, he explained, "Your performance just now satisfied me, so I have decided to introduce Old Man to you."
“Who is 'Old Man'?”
Old Man is a very powerful wizard—don't look at me like that! I'm different from Boss Jason; although I am also a Catholic, I don't reject other faiths.
But you hate me.
Wood looked aggrieved.
Black Men hating White Men needs no reason!
Peterson shouted, stepping hard on the gas and charging forward.
..
..
Pushing through the noisy and boisterous dance floor, Peterson led Wood into a corridor illuminated by an eerie red light, where two tall and burly Black bodyguards stood at the end of the hallway.
“You are—"
Agent Peterson from the Special Events Investigation Department!
Peterson flashed his credentials.
I want to see Old Man immediately!
You don't have an appointment.
Old Man said I wouldn't need an appointment—
Sorry, brother, your name isn't on the list.
The bodyguard rudely interrupted Peterson, his gaze falling upon Wood standing behind him.
“Who is this white guy?”
His name is Wood, a temporary partner assigned to me by Boss Jason.
Wood..
The Black Man on the left had a subtle expression: "Do you know the Master Private Art Museum?"
I know him! Mister Master is my Boss, he has temporarily loaned me to the Special Events Investigation Department.
Wood explained with an innocent expression, completely unaware that Peterson's expression was—
You're just my sidekick!
I am sorry, Mister Peterson.
Wood bowed his head in apology.
At this moment, the Black Man on the left suddenly spoke, "You are on Old Man's list."
“Huh?”
What!
Wood and Peterson cried out in unison.
Especially Peterson—
No! Are you sure you haven't—
We are certain there has been no mistake.
With those words, the tightly closed door slowly opened.
Go inside.
The Black Man on the left made an inviting gesture.
Wood looked at Peterson tremulously, "Mister Peterson—"
Just let him in!
Aren't you angry?
What do you think!
Peterson's dark face was filled with rage.
Wood looked again at the two Black bodyguards guarding the door: "I can take Mister Peterson—"
“You may.”
Deep within the room, an old and majestic voice rang out.
Old Man?!
Peterson let out a cry of surprise: "Old Man, do you still remember me?! I am Peterson! I once—"
Wood.
Old Man's voice was not loud, yet it could clearly suppress Peterson's shouting: "Bring your companion in."
“..”
Peterson looked at Peter in disbelief: Just what is this guy's background! Why does Old Man value him so much! An elite like me has actually become a mere foil!
(It must be because of Boss! Because of Boss, I have gained the Old Man's favor!)
Wood thought excitedly as he walked into the room, which was filled with the scent of herbs.
Author's Note:
----------------------
Shou: Thank you, Boss. Boss, you are like a second father to me.
He: Good girl~ Be good~ (Thinking: With the way you're acting like you've been sold and are still helping them count the money, it's a good thing you ran into me..)
Thanks to readers "Little Rabbit Not Well-Behaved", "If You Don't Study Hard You'll Work in a Factory", "Half City of Sand" for providing nutrient solution.
A new story has been released, so I'm giving out some red envelope comments for everyone~ Mwah~
Chapter 5: Seal of Osiris (5)
Unlike the stereotypical, cluttered, dark, oppressive wizard rooms seen in television dramas, Old Man's room was also filled with animal bones, mummified animals, terrifyingly shaped dried herbs, but all these items were organized and displayed within glass display cases. The display cases were equipped with recessed spotlights, providing abundant illumination; at a glance, it felt as if one had stepped into a museum of wizard culture.
Old Man sat on a leather sofa wearing an expensive suit and sunglasses, clutching a cigar, his aura resembling the Godfather.