The Handbook for Completing Demi-Human Girls

Chapter 319: 94 List of Suspects

In Valentina's eyes, the mist within the True Ice seemingly possessed a life of its own, surging rapidly. It appeared to flee erratically, yet intangibly formed obscure images one after another. She became momentarily lost in thought as she stared at the images within the True Ice, failing to notice the rims of her eyes gradually reddening under the True Ice's radiance.

"Miss Valentina?"

It wasn't until the Myan officer beside her noticed her anomalies and spoke to her did she abruptly snap out of her daze. She rubbed her eyes somewhat astonishingly, but this sudden snapping-to suddenly made her realize her eyes were hurting immensely, and her stomach was also somewhat nauseous.

She turned her head to look beside her to find Fisher had been staring at her all along, yet his face devoid of any particular expression. The unbroken gazes from others allowed her to quickly recover from her previous state, explaining to the others,

"It's nothing, I'm just feeling a little... unwell."

"Ah, apologies, this is truly an oversight on our part. We forgot to inform everyone not to stare directly at the True Ice for too long. Previously, many of our researchers experienced severe discomfort whilst looking directly at the True Ice. It's inevitable. This is a mineral said to be used by the Phoenixes in legends; we indeed must be careful when coming into contact with it."

Valentina nodded nonchalantly at the officer's words. In her heart, though, she faintly felt that the sensation of staring at the True Ice just now was less like discomfort and more like some sort... of guidance?

It was as if the mist within the True Ice wished to reveal some type of images to her, but just as she was about to see them clearly, she was interrupted by the officer beside her. It was only after detaching from that state did that intense discomfort surge up.

First, a burning sensation in her eyes, then nausea in her lower abdomen, and finally, severe phantom pains creeping into her long-numb legs. As she forcibly endured the discomfort, she increasingly felt that the Frostwood Sycamore Tree or the legendary Phoenix held a profound connection to her family's genetic disease.

Valentina's facial expression was calm; in front of others, she always maintained a composed demeanor. She looked towards the officers quite naturally and spoke up,"We have other matters to attend to later, so let's cut to the chase regarding the disposal of this piece of True Ice... The family's intention is this: either you can discuss with the Sardin Woman's Country in private on how to share this piece of True Ice, but you yourselves should be clear about the Sardin Woman's Country's temperament. By then, who this True Ice will belong to is hard to say. Alternatively, temporarily hand the True Ice over to us for safekeeping. This way you won't need to worry about the True Ice being coveted by others. When the time is ripe, you can ask for it back."

The two officers looked at each other, momentarily unable to make up their minds.

If Mya wasn't such a traditional small country, they could openly bring out the True Ice to declare themselves the orthodox followers of the Frost Phoenix faith. However, the problem was that this world didn't solely care about the orthodoxy and purity of faith, it also cared about whose fists were larger.

The more powerful Sardin Woman's Country possessed the confidence to flip the table at any time, and Mya clearly didn't dare gamble on whether they would do so.

They had no choice but to nod first, standing up simultaneously and addressing Valentina,

"We understand, however, we still cannot make up our minds for the time being. Please allow us to relay the Turan Family's intentions to our superiors... Please rest here for a moment, we will return shortly."

"Suit yourselves."

Valentina nodded with closed eyes. Once the officers and maids had retreated from the room, Balzac immediately turned to Valentina and said,

"This piece of True Ice is a raw stone, and its quality is exceptionally high. If it was unearthed from that Cangniao-zhong tomb, there is a high probability it indicates the ancient Phoenixes had a habit of rewarding their subordinates with True Ice... Now that's strange. If True Ice is some sort of mineral, then even if the Phoenixes had disappeared, it shouldn't be natural for so long to pass without discovering other True Ice."

"Then wouldn't such a scarce amount of things be very valuable?"

Balzac glared at the starry-eyed Filis beside him, completely unwilling to entertain her. Meanwhile, Valentina in the wheelchair had already comprehended his meaning, musing over the words and continuing,

"You're saying, True Ice is highly likely an item manufactured by the Phoenix Race themselves, rather than a naturally occurring mineral?"

Just as Balzac was about to nod his agreement, Fisher beside him gently tapped the table, interjecting into the topic,

"There's another possibility: True Ice is a naturally occurring mineral, but it's not a natural mineral of this world."

As soon as Fisher spoke these words, everyone... except Filis and Sertil who had been slacking off all along, looked at him with some surprise, seemingly completely failing to grasp the meaning of his words.

"Wait, what do you mean by that? A mineral not of this world, what else could it be..."

Balzac was the first to voice his perplexity. Even Valentina looked quietly at Fisher, seemingly awaiting his elaboration.

Fisher naturally had his reason for saying this. Counting this time, he had seen True Ice a total of three times across his lifespan. The previous two times yielded no gains. But this time was entirely different, because he had gained the Spirit World Vision strengthened by the Demi-Human Completion Handbook. Thus, the very instance he saw the True Ice this time, he realized the divine peculiarity of this mineral.

In Fisher's eyes, the entire mineral displayed a bizarre sense of obtrusiveness, seemingly clashing entirely with this world as it continuously generated violent world fluctuations that only Mana could induce. The mineral itself was even more peculiar; like a radiant light source, it constantly rippled with light-blue divine light throughout space over and over again.

That light-blue divine light slowly propagated within the physical space. Everything surrounding it, including the air, table surface, and the bodies of those around it, was an obstacle to it, as if everything around was repelling it. Yet uniquely, when it reached the vicinity of Valentina, that radiance gradually aggregated and gathered around her body.

This was the true reason Fisher had been continuously staring at Valentina earlier. Simultaneously, he suddenly recalled something Eimhart once mentioned to him.

Legend has it that in their childhood, Phoenixes would be forced to continuously gaze at raw True Ice. Through prolonged gazing, they gained the ability to foresee the future. Though up to now Fisher couldn't verify the truth of this prophecy, one thing was certain: True Ice could only be utilized by the Phoenix Race. Otherwise, the Cangniao-zhong wouldn't have brought such a massive block of True Ice into the tomb.

If only the Phoenix Race could use True Ice, could it be due to their unique constitution? Then would Valentina, who could equally react with the True Ice, also be highly correlated to the Phoenix Race? Moreover, the DemiHuman Completion Handbook had previously designated Valentina as an unidentified special demi-human species, and the Mana Circuit on her body wasn't human-shaped either...

Thinking this, Fisher's eyes brightened slightly. He subconsciously shot Valentina a glance, a look that caused Valentina to shiver with fear, her fingers trembling. She completely failed to comprehend why Fisher would look at her with an intense gaze she'd never witnessed before.

Fortunately, that intense and eerie gaze didn't persist for long. Fisher had already turned his head to continue explaining to Balzac,

"Do you still recall the incident with the Curse on the island? That was the Southern Ocean. Why could a Curse from the Northern Border smoothly traverse such a vast distance with zero hindrance to lock onto that scroll, yet Ilos merely fleeing to the southernmost tip of the Northern Border managed to evade the Curse's reckoning?"

"This indisputably illustrates that the Curse's coverage area is limited, at least in Reality. However, within the confines of the Spirit World, its coverage area expands infinitely. The True Ice substitutes for the Spirit World's function, possessing similar functions to the Spirit World. Ergo, I feel it's some sort of mineral originating from the Spirit World, rather than a physical world mineral."

Balzac wasn't a Magician. At the very least, he hadn't read Fisher's thesis on Mana originating from the Soul. Consequently, he completely failed to understand Fisher's words. However, Valentina nodded thoughtfully and began muttering,

"Herdor's hypothesis was correct; the Spirit World genuinely exists... Then, your implication is: the Phoenix Race employed some method to acquire this mineral from the Spirit World. Thus, those invisible Curses from before are also existences intrinsically linked to the Spirit World. This is also the fundamental principle behind why only you and Herdor utilizing Magic produced effects against the Curses back then, correct?"

Fisher shot Valentina an admiring glance. She indeed lived up to being the Eldest Miss of the Turan Family. Not only possessing broad knowledge, but she could also swiftly deduce the specific principles regarding newly acquired theories. Therefore, he nodded and stated,

"Alternatively phrased, it isn't solely that Curse that is intrinsically linked to the Spirit World; even the Phoenix Race and the demise of the Frostwood Sycamore Tree are intrinsically linked to the Spirit World. This simultaneously clarifies that the Phoenix Race's withering and the Curse that assaulted us are inevitably linked. And this is the very problem they failed to resolve up to their deaths..."

A problem the Phoenix Race couldn't even resolve, eventually leading to their bodily demise and the extermination of their race—doesn't this adequately elucidate the danger obscured by the Frostwood Sycamore Tree?

Yet, upon hearing Fisher's warning-like words, the reactions of Valentina's subordinates weren't terribly intense.

Filis gazed out the door, insensitive and oblivious, seemingly contemplating when they could leave. Balzac pursed his lips; although his uncertainty and pressure were palpable, he ultimately didn't betray a hint of timidity. Only Sertil, the mechanic, instantly turned pale; she opened her mouth hesitantly for a long time but ultimately felt too embarrassed to speak upon discovering no one else had spoken.

As for Valentina, she had mentally prepared herself long before setting foot on the quest to find the Frostwood Sycamore Tree. Naturally, she wouldn't shrink back because of a remark or two from Fisher.

Just as everyone in the room was lost in thought, the sound of approaching footsteps was heard outside. Valentina shifted her gaze towards the door, only to see the two officers who had departed earlier returning. Removing the hats on their heads, they addressed Valentina,

"Miss Valentina, the General has acceded to your proposition and assented to temporarily request the Turan Family to safeguard the True Ice. We will take responsibility for transporting the True Ice to your residence in Mya, until your family members arrive to take over."

Valentina stroked her chin and spoke softly,

"Rather handing it to us than yielding to the Sardin Woman's Country, huh? It appears it hasn't been peaceful around here during my absence from the Northern Border... Fine then, let it be so. We have other affairs to attend to later, and it just so happens you can escort us into the city."

...

...

"Form up, over here!"

As negotiated between Mya and Valentina previously, right as they exited the warm room and stepped into the frost-filled blizzard, a squad of soldiers marching in orderly steps was already on standby upon the port's road. And the horse carriage prepared for them by the Turan Family had also gradually pulled to a halt, welcoming Valentina, this local emperor hailing from Snowflake Fortress.

Previously, when they went to the Sardin Woman's Country to find Ilos, they left rather hastily, hence they only brought a single horse carriage. This consequently created a tremendously cramped situation inside the cabin; Herdor and Fisher were even squeezed together in the driver's seat.

This time, Valentina very meticulously ordered two horse carriages, even equipped with dedicated coachmen. This way, it wouldn't be as cramped. In the front were the three ladies, Valentina, Heidelin, and Sertil, while in the rear were Fisher, Balzac, and Filis. The True Ice was placed inside Valentina's carriage cabin.

"Um, are there any gentlemen in the rear cabin who can lend a hand?"

Right as Fisher was about to board the carriage, Heidelin's voice calling for help suddenly emerged beside the front carriage. Fisher turned to look, only to see Sertil and Heidelin standing beside Valentina's wheelchair with utter helplessness written over their faces, bending over and shouting toward the rear cabin like so.

Fisher made a move to board the carriage straight away, yet turning his head, he discovered Balzac and Filis had already boarded. Filis even hid behind the cabin curtain and blinked at him, tilting her head in the direction of their boss.

"..."

Resigned, Fisher had no other option but to turn and walk toward the front cabin, asking Heidelin,

"What's the matter?"

"Eldest Miss's wheelchair is genuinely far too heavy. Previously it had been Herdor assisting to lift it onto the carriage. Who could expect it to be this heavy? The two of us plus the coachman simply lack enough strength, we can only call another gentleman to aid us... Ah, my, though I guessed that only the kindest Mr. Fisher from the rear cabin would come over, not bad, not bad."

Heidelin blinked at Fisher, yet he ignored her, merely looking at Valentina before him. Minituarised Valentina now sat on the wheelchair composed of complex Cardinals beneath her. Turning her head slightly aside, she pursed her lips, seemingly carrying a bit of embarrassment, but simultaneously bearing a tinge of untimely stubbornness.

Fisher squatted down and gently gripped the Cardinal Wheelchair beneath her. In his mind, he recalled her anomaly when witnessing the True Ice,

"Excuse me, Miss Valentina."

"Sir, let me lend a hand..."

The coachman beside them wiped his sweat. Watching Fisher grip the wheelchair beneath the Eldest Miss with one hand, he intended to lend a hand lest Fisher misjudge the weight and drop the Eldest Miss. Yet unexpectedly, the very next moment he actually effortlessly hoisted Valentina up entirely. That rapid elevating movement made Valentina experience a coarse sense of weightlessness, causing her to grab the black long skirt beneath her with a flushed face.

"W-Whoa, w-w-wait... slow down."

Right as Fisher was about to look up, he felt a frigidly cold finger pressing against his forehead, seemingly preventing him from raising his head. Although the motion was gentle, it caused his head-raising action to come to an abrupt end, even slightly tilting his head to the side.

Bearing Valentina's wheelchair over his shoulder combined with his motion of tilting his head from being poked by a finger looked exceedingly comical. In pair with his somewhat irked dead-fish eyes, even Heidelin covered her mouth and chuckled softly, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

"Alright, alright, hurry up and settle the Eldest Miss onto the horse carriage. If you shake her for half a day more the Eldest Miss will develop acrophobia."

"Heidelin!"

Amidst the coachman's dumbfounded gaze, Fisher effortlessly walked over to the horse carriage's front and placed Valentina onto the horse carriage. It was only upon touchdown at this point that he noticed Valentina's bashful action of tightly clutching her black skirt with both hands. It seemed his movements just now were indeed a bit rough, thus causing the other party embarrassment.

Yet fortunately, Valentina was an exceptionally introverted person. No matter how furious she was, the most she could do was ruthlessly glare at Fisher before swiftly wheeling the wheelchair back into the cabin's interior of her own accord.

"Alright, alright, thank you, Mr. Fisher, though unfortunately there's no reward... Speaking of which, you really are strong. These muscles aren't just for show. Do you exercise frequently?"

Sertil hopped onto the horse carriage after a hasty greeting in fear of the cold. On the contrary, Heidelin beamingly walked over to express gratitude on behalf of her master. It was just unknown why she extended a finger to gently stoke Fisher's chest while expressing gratitude.

Reminiscing when they were aboard the Narwhal, Fisher rejected her with sheer decisiveness and righteous indignation. However, having undergone the Reproduction Ability enhancement of the Sheep-kin, he actually sneaked an extra glance at her figure hidden beneath her heavy clothing. This singular glance deepened Heidelin's smile even further.

Thus, she fiercely pinched Fisher's muscle. After taking advantage, she then waved her hand and boarded the horse carriage. Straightening the emerald hair crown atop her head, she addressed Fisher,

"Hurry back to the rear carriage, it's cold outside~"

"This woman..."

Fisher exhaled a breath of hot air on an intensely freezing day, walking towards the rear cabin through gritted teeth. Unforeseeably, this singular phrase seemingly triggered some keyword, abruptly waking up Eimhart who was dozing in his arms.

"Woman? What woman, who did you go pick up again?"

"...There's no woman, I merely suddenly discovered a matter. That Valentina, can resonate with the True Ice. Either she carries an item relating to the Phoenix Race, or she's a Mixed-Blood Species possessing Phoenix Race bloodline."

When speaking the final sentence, his words became irrepressibly excited.

Within the Northern Border, the Phoenix Race could signify quite a few things. The legendary masters of the Frostwood Sycamore Tree, the leaders of the Six Tribes, the possessors of the Completion Handbook's [Royal Choice Sequence] label, the highly probable identity of the God of the Sky, the World Destroyer...

"Mm-hmm, keep making it up, keep making it up... Awuu, I'm dying of sleepiness. I thought it was some rare occurrence, alright I know already. I'll add Valentina's name to the list."

Fisher's motion of boarding the horse carriage stalled slightly. Originally paying Eimhart's words no mind, he abruptly asked curiously,

"List, what list?"

"The list of criminal suspects resulting in Fisher's death."

Eimhart let out a yawn. Ever since his body was injured by the Soul Completion Handbook previously, he frequently stayed inside Fisher's embrace catching up on dozing, and only rarely woke once. Naturally, this occasion was no exception.