The Bizarre Detective Agency

Chapter 781: Farewell

The renown of the "Legendary Exorcist" from the past hadn't faded. On the contrary, it grew, fueled by certain events that had reached them from the Main Continent.

For instance, the title: "He Who Tolled the Death Knell of the Evil God."

This was because Lu Li had killed an evil god—or, to use the more widely understood terminology of the Age of Anomalies, a divine entity.

As unbelievable as it sounded, it was the truth.

Interestingly, his other deeds were discussed less than his appearance—ever since Lu Li attended the party at the Lange estate.

Sensing a commercial opportunity, the museum director promptly announced that a portrait of Lu Li would be added to the collection, prompting a surge of visitors to buy tickets.

Art, once the exclusive domain of the aristocracy, suddenly seemed to be everyone's new passion—though it was only a fleeting trend.

Meanwhile, the news that Lu Li was planning to leave was known only to a few.

Dean Rolens thought Lu Li's schedule was too tight, while Professor Sesar believed it was just right.

The conspirators had been dealt with, the next wave of trouble had yet to materialize, and slipping away from Midnight before another plot could be hatched seemed like a wise move.The outer university could continue to use Lu Li's name as a promotional tool for some time, helping to conceal his departure.

That evening, Lu Li received a letter from the Great Tree. It was signed by Professor Wayne, and inside was a ticket for the Prisi caravan.

[Midnight — Port of Storms]

Professor Wayne warned Lu Li to be wary of strangers. Many of Lu Li's inquiries since his arrival had pointed toward the Main Continent, and someone might have deduced his next destination.

Knock, knock, knock.

There was a knock at the door. Dean Rolens, Professor Deizi Shmidt, and Professor Sesar entered.

"This is the clay you needed," Dean Rolens said, as Professor Deizi Shmidt set down the several clay pots he was carrying.

"And this... we thought you might need it."

Dean Rolens carefully placed an object wrapped in old leather on the table.

It was a Spirit Gun.

"An exorcist should have his own Spirit Gun," Dean Rolens said softly.

Lu Li lowered his gaze, his expression calm, and reached out with his left hand. He took the Spirit Gun, noting the three roses on its barrel that had yet to bloom.

A familiar sensation flowed from his palm into his chest, and Lu Li's grip tightened instinctively. It felt as if he were holding a shard of salvation, and a strange connection formed between him and the Spirit Gun.

"Where did you find it?"

Lu Li released his grip, and the strange sensation vanished, along with the whispers that tainted his mind.

"It was on display in the museum," Dean Rolens said with regret.

"It's a shame we couldn't find any ammunition for it."

Without ammunition, the Spirit Gun could still be used to physically strike an anomaly.

The damage, however, was negligible.

"Thank you. I'll take it," Lu Li nodded slightly.

"We hope you reach the Main Continent safely," Dean Rolens said, "and find the one you're looking for."

To conceal Lu Li's departure, they wouldn't be seeing him off tomorrow.

When they had left, Lu Li put the Spirit Gun back in its holster and slipped it onto his belt beneath his coat.

"Just like in the legends!"

Prusius hopped around Lu Li, his tail wagging.

Lu Li opened a clay pot, and a faint, earthy scent wafted out.

Lu Li called for Elder Sister:

"This is the best clay in Midnight."

Elder Sister climbed onto Lu Li's shoulder. She wasn't shouting; she was much quieter than usual, subdued by the thought of their impending separation.

"...They might be flawed!"

Elder Sister was grasping for an excuse.

"What if the little clay man dies from using your clay!"

"Do you want to keep following me?" Lu Li regarded Elder Sister with his calm, dark eyes.

"Yes!"

"Reason."

Elder Sister was at a loss for words. She stammered, her head turning from behind her eerie mask to glance at Prusius.

Prusius, who had apparently read about such situations in a book, understood the signal. He scurried to the door and put his front paws against the wood, but he couldn't reach the handle. He turned and looked back at Lu Li.

Lu Li opened the door, waited for Prusius to go out, and looked at Elder Sister:

"You can speak now."

"First, I want to travel! Second, you look like a good person! Third, you're probably very convenient! But the first reason is the most important!"

Elder Sister shouted again, her voice seeming too loud for the thin door to contain.

Letting an anomaly of unknown origin tag along wasn't a good idea.

She might be a problem herself, or she might attract problems.

When you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you, and becoming too deeply entangled with anomalies could also turn you into one.

But strictly speaking, Elder Sister was the spiritual embodiment of the City of Phantoms, inextricably linked to the church there.

Besides, Elder Sister had asked for his permission.

If she'd chosen to follow him in secret, Lu Li would have been none the wiser.

"Alright."

After a brief pause, Lu Li agreed to Elder Sister's request.

She was capable of hiding herself. During the trip to the Great Tree, for example, she had gone completely undetected.

Either that, or she had been detected, but no one had paid her any mind.

Lu Li opened the door and let Prusius back into the room.

"My name is Prusius! Hello, Miss... Elder Sister!"

Learning that Elder Sister was joining them, Prusius, who loved excitement, couldn't wait to introduce himself.

"Just call me Elder Sister!" she shrieked haughtily, planting her hands on her hips.

"Um... no 'Miss' then?"

"You don't!"

While Elder Sister and Prusius were talking, Lu Li took a clay pot and gave it to Dean Rolens, asking him to send it to the City of Phantoms.

By the time he returned to the room, the debate over titles between Prusius and Elder Sister had ended with her as the clear victor.

The night passed peacefully.

The next morning, Lu Li woke to find luggage prepared for him by the outer university.

Inside were two changes of clothes, some food, and enough shillings to ensure a comfortable journey.

"Should we say goodbye to them?" Prusius asked as he and Lu Li left the room and headed downstairs.

Prusius was wrapped in a special black robe that hid his anomalous silhouette.

Although the black robe made him look like an anomaly himself.

"There's no need."

Lu Li pulled his hood up, shrouding his face in shadow. Following Dean Rolens's instructions, he made his way to the library, intending to leave the outer University of Claire via a secret passage.

...

Lu Li gazed at the Prisi caravan in the distance.

Workers loaded and unloaded goods from the vehicles while passengers gathered at a wooden barrier for ticket inspection.

"It's a shame Miss Katerina isn't with us," Prusius said regretfully.

"It's bad manners to speak ill of people behind their backs."

A cold snort suddenly came from nearby.

"Miss Katerina!" Prusius exclaimed, delighted, and his tail started wagging under his black robe.

"You came to see us off!"

Lu Li's gaze fell on the leather armor Katerina was wearing again, and then on the bundle on her back.

"You already got what you wanted. You don't need to follow me," Lu Li said calmly.

"I changed my mind," Katerina said, striding over to Lu Li and sighing.

"I can't get used to that kind of life. It makes me anxious and afraid... Anyway, the point is, I changed my mind and snuck away to find you."

She was well aware of how foolish her choice was.

"Welcome back!" Prusius said cheerfully, turning his head to Lu Li.

"Please, Lu Li? Let's take Miss Katerina with us."

"Let's go," Lu Li said, turning and heading towards the caravan.