The Bizarre Detective Agency

Chapter 765: The Test

"Don't be so cynical, Cesar. Think about it—this is a perfect opportunity to put our outer campus on the map," Professor Daisy Schmidt tried to persuade him. "Everyone will know we were the ones who discovered the hero!"

Cesar wanted to argue, but only managed a weary sigh. "Nuno and the others won't let you get away with using Mr. Lu Li."

"We're not using him, Professor Cesar," Dean Rolens countered, his excitement barely concealed. "We simply want a hero who has done so much for us to receive the recognition he deserves."

"And achieve your own goals in the process?" Cesar scoffed.

"And what if it's a noble goal?" Professor Schmidt shook his head. "We've been languishing in the shadows for too long... How many linguistics students do you have? Six? Seven? Even fewer than Nuno has in archaeology... Look out the window at the real University of Claire. With just one manor, a handful of professors, and a few dozen students, we hardly deserve to be called an 'outer campus'."

"Nuno won't buy that excuse," Cesar retorted.

"I'll speak with him myself," Rolens hastily assured him.

Cesar gave up and turned to Lu Li. "And have you asked the opinion of our supposed legendary exorcist?"

"We were just about to," Professor Schmidt said, confident in the nobility of his intentions, then turned to Lu Li. "Mr. Lu Li, we would like to..."

"I have no objection," Lu Li interrupted. He had gathered the gist of their plan from the conversation."Just don't forget your promise."

"Promise...?" Schmidt paused for a moment, then remembered. "You mean the Shadow Maiden and the Merchant?"

"Yes."

"Rest assured, we will mobilize every resource we have to find them!" Professor Schmidt promised with enthusiasm.

Convincing them had been easier than expected. Dean Rolens was ecstatic.

The outer campus of the University of Claire had languished in obscurity for too long. Even as a part of the true University of Claire, it failed to attract students. It had a paltry few dozen students, many of whom saw the outer campus as nothing more than a springboard, hoping their achievements would catch the eye of the World Tree's inhabitants and earn them a place in the real University of Claire...

"I don't understand. What do you want to do with Lu Li?" Katerina suddenly asked.

Remembering that another hunter was present, Professor Schmidt explained their arrangement with Lu Li: the outer campus of the University of Claire would help him find the people he was looking for, and in return, they would use his fame to enhance their own prestige.

"And what do I get?" Katerina asked bluntly.

Her directness had its advantages.

"Everyone will know you're the one who brought Mr. Lu Li here. You'll become famous," Professor Schmidt answered.

That sounded... acceptable.

Katerina was easily convinced.

The first results of their collaboration came quickly. Lu Li and Katerina, who were supposed to wait in the conference room for the emissary from the World Tree, were instead escorted with great fanfare to a luxurious suite on the university's top floor, reserved for distinguished guests. They were provided with hot water, food, and fresh clothing.

When the clothes arrived, Lu Li requested one set for himself.

The warm water washed away the dried grime and dust. Lu Li submerged his face, enjoying a brief moment of peace as his thoughts drifted from reality.

While Lu Li and Katerina rested, Dean Rolens set to work.

He hired people to spread rumors through the streets and used his connections to contact aristocrats, officials, journalists, and even theaters, telling them all about Lu Li and suggesting they stage a play about his heroic deeds as soon as possible.

Of course, all this hinged on the assumption that Lu Li was truly who he claimed to be. If not...

"You will become a laughingstock."

In the dean's office.

"We already are, Madam Leliya," Dean Rolens replied with a bitter edge to his voice.

Madam Leliya, a tall woman in a purple robe and a pointed hat, didn't dwell on the topic. "Bring me the 'hero.' The truth will be revealed soon enough."

Rolens rose from his seat. "Please, follow me. Professor Schmidt, would you be so kind as to fetch Mr. Lu Li?"

Daisy Schmidt nodded and left the dean's office. Ascending to the top floor, he knocked on the door of the suite.

"Mr. Lu Li? It's Professor Daisy Schmidt."

A soft click.

The door opened a moment later, revealing Lu Li, clean and dressed in fresh clothes. He wore a pristine white shirt that accentuated his lean figure. His slightly damp black hair framed his face, making his dark eyes seem even more mysterious.

"Remarkable..." Professor Schmidt couldn't help but murmur. He gave a slight bow. "Mr. Lu Li, the emissary from the World Tree has arrived. She is waiting for you in the conference room."

"Very well."

Lu Li put on his black coat, instinctively reached for his empty belt, and then lowered his hand.

"She is Madam Leliya, a professor of mysticism from the World Tree," Schmidt informed him, closing the door behind Lu Li.

"Aren't you going to get Katerina?"

As they passed Katerina's room, Lu Li paused. "She's very wary. It would be best to let her know where we're going."

"Of course," Schmidt gestured for the guard standing by the door to knock and summon Katerina, then continued to lead Lu Li to the conference room.

The room was crowded, filled with professors from the outer campus and a few faces Lu Li didn't recognize. All eyes turned to him, sizing him up with curiosity.

Professor Nuno Alexandrovich was the only one absent. He was feeling unwell and had opted to stay in his ward and await the results, hoping to avoid any more trouble.

Upon entering the conference room, Lu Li became the center of attention.

"He's so handsome..." a young assistant standing next to Madam Leliya whispered.

"Heroes are often handsome. So are swindlers," replied Madam Leliya, her face half-hidden by the wide brim of her hat. She placed an oblong stone with an opening in its center on the table. "Insert your finger."

"What is this?" Lu Li looked at the stone, which looked as if it had been broken off from something larger. The faint outlines of lips were visible on its surface.

"The Mouth of Siloens. It can distinguish purity from defilement, truth from lies," Madam Leliya stated, her gaze fixed on Lu Li.

The conference room fell silent, the only sound the soft, collective intake of breath. Under their intense gazes, Lu Li approached the table and extended his index finger toward the dark, unsettling opening in the stone.

"I warn you, if you are impure, you'd better not do this," Madam Leliya said suddenly, crossing her arms. "The Mouth of Siloens will bite off your finger, and the wound will never heal."

Lu Li paused for a moment, then inserted his finger into the Mouth of Siloens.