Chapter 189: Investigation (Part 1)

"Guild Master Theron requests your presence in Conference Room Seven," the messenger stated formally. "Mission briefing for assigned team. Report immediately."

Perfect.

’They’re watching me carefully,’ Rey assessed with cold satisfaction. ’Good. Thorough suspicion followed by eventual trust provides better long-term cover than immediate acceptance would.’

"Eru, thank you for your prompt response," Theron greeted professionally. "Please be seated."

Deliberate composition designed to test Rey while maintaining team survivability.

He activated a mystical projection showing the dungeon’s mapped sections.

One of the other Searchers—a muscular man named Gareth—spoke up. "The report mentioned coordinated entity attacks and capabilities exceeding normal classifications. What’s our tactical approach if we encounter similar threats?"

Rey’s expression remained neutral while his mind sharpened focus.

Holy warriors from the Church of the Five Ancient Gods, trained specifically to combat corruption and serve as military elite. Their ranking system paralleled Nether’s Guard classifications—weakest Paladins comparable to Category A Guards, strongest approaching Category S before ascending to Angel status.

The parallel structures suggested deliberate design rather than coincidental development.

Perfect test of his concealment techniques.

"Momentarily," Theron replied. "Paladin Seris is traveling from the regional Cathedral. She has extensive experience with corruption investigation and combat capability exceeding even Gold-rank classification."

Paladin Seris entered in full ceremonial armor—polished steel with holy engravings that radiated faint divine light, constructed as a Tier 7 Artifact with protective enchantments operating at levels that would challenge most Category A opponents. At her hip hung a sword whose mystical pressure suggested Tier 8 classification—capable of cutting through corruption and normal defenses with equal efficiency.

"Guild Master Theron," Seris acknowledged with formal courtesy. "I’ve reviewed the mission parameters. The Church authorizes full investigation with instructions to document corruption sources and eliminate threats exceeding normal dungeon parameters."

He introduced each Searcher systematically. When he reached Rey, there was a subtle emphasis in his tone.

Seris’s visor turned toward Rey, and he felt the weight of her analytical perception—mystical techniques designed to detect corruption, deception, and hostile intent.

After a long moment, Seris nodded slightly.

Rey inclined his head respectfully. "The Gods bless those who serve their purposes regardless of bloodline. I’m honored to assist the Church’s investigation."

Theron continued the briefing. "You depart tomorrow morning. The estimated duration is three to five days, depending on findings. Paladin Seris has final authority on tactical decisions and threat assessment. Any questions?"

"Dismissed. Report to Equipment Hall for supply distribution, then prepare for departure."

The next morning, the seven-person team assembled at Salimoor’s eastern gate—six Searchers and one Paladin, equipped with standard exploration gear and mission-specific detection artifacts.

Kaela and Jaren stayed close to him, their earlier gratitude translating into protective concern. The other three Searchers—Gareth, a woman named Lyssa, and a younger man called Finn—maintained professional distance, their expressions suggesting they’d been briefed about Rey’s suspicious circumstances.

Rey attempted conversation after an hour of travel.

Silence.

He tried again several minutes later with a different approach.

Again, no response.

’She’s here to observe and eliminate if necessary,’ Rey concluded. ’Not to befriend or integrate. Her silence establishes that I’m under investigation regardless of Guild membership status.’

The journey took two days of steady travel. Rey used the time to build rapport with the other team members through carefully calibrated interactions—helpful without being intrusive, competent without appearing threatening, friendly while respecting professional boundaries.

Though it wasn’t too much of a problem.

’In the end, if any unexpected situations occur, I can just escape and start my plan from scratch using other methods. I’m patient enough for that...’