Chapter 110: Hunt For The Murder Hunter

POV Cornelius

The next day we sent people out to ask around the town. They came back in the afternoon and reported back.

“What did you find out?” <Cornelius>

“I went to the city guard. They don't know anything more about it and don't want anything to do with it. Everything that happens in the dungeon is either a matter for the Adventurers' Guild or the governor, if it concerns the administration.” <Soldier 1>

“Have you made it clear to the guard that this is a search for an assassin?” <Cornelius>

“Yes, I mentioned that. They said that if there's a wanted poster and you have proof of his death, you can claim the bounty. Or if you've witnessed a murder, you should make a report to them and a bounty will be offered. Provided it didn't happen in the dungeon. Then it's not their business.” <Soldier 1>

“That doesn't help us. Completely useless. Who was with the adventurers?” <Cornelius>

“I was at the Adventurers' Guild. I spoke to the woman at the counter there.” <Soldier 2>

“Was she able to help you?” <Cornelius>

“Yes, she could. She explained something to me about how the guild deals with assassins. It rewards anyone who hunts down an adventurer's murderer and provides proof.” <Soldier 2>

“Did you give her the description and ask if anyone has claimed such a reward in the last 24 hours?” <Cornelius>

“Yes, I have. But the description is too vague to identify a specific person. It is true, however, that someone has received such a reward in the last few days, but she doesn't know the exact details. You should contact the guild master directly. The decision as to whether the story is credible and therefore deserves a reward is entirely up to her. She cannot and must not disclose any information about it in order to protect people from potential disadvantages.” <Soldier 2>

“Then we need to talk to the guild master directly. Arrange for us to be granted an appointment with her.” <Cornelius>

“Very well, noble hero.” <Soldier 2>

With that, the soldiers took their leave and we were alone.

“Hmm, that didn't get us anywhere. Why are you so obsessed with finding this person?” <Javier>

“He could make a valuable ally. Don't forget our bigger mission, now that the Church has reminded us. We are to find and kill these champions of Luna. Besides, we know they're not human. There's also a good chance that they're demons. That means we'll go out and fight them one day, because I don't think they'll come to us. Think about it, this is a typical long-term quest. I'm sure there'll be a demon king somewhere and we'll have to defeat him. My fingers are itching just thinking about it. Don't you feel any different?” <Cornelius>

“Yes, of course. Demons and all kinds of monsters. Strike everything down without hindrance and without consideration. Yes, that makes my blood boil. I can hardly wait.” <Ansgar>

“No women!” <Eleonore>

“That's all right, but it won't be possible, Eli. We'll be launching and carrying out more than one major expedition and there are female servants in the entourage alone. That can't be avoided. Besides, we need a lot of capable people for these expeditions and we can't afford to exclude anyone just because they're the wrong gender. And we can't start the search early enough. Making contacts early on and binding these people to us is therefore necessary. We will have to leave the Empire to do this, so good preparation is extremely important.” <Cornelius>

“Hmm, there's a lot of truth in that. We'd better get to know these people early on and shape them in our interests. People who are also righteous and stand up for order are ideal candidates for us.” <Javier>

“That's exactly the point. The sooner we find such people, the sooner we can take them into our service and train and mold them accordingly. The church would also prefer to have faithful and loyal people in our service.” <Cornelius>

“But they're hard to find, at least as long as you don't like adventurers. I can understand that loyal soldiers are better, but is that enough? They're nothing more than foot soldiers and cannon fodder.” <Ansgar>

“Yes, I know that myself, but I still don't like them. I'd prefer it if we could get enough capable people together without having to fall back on them. But I'd rather have adventurers than mercenaries, they're even worse.” <Cornelius>

“Hmm, where does your hatred of adventurers and mercenaries come from? You've been one yourself more than once in games.” <Javier>

“They're all just commoners, stupid and uneducated. They're also very often unreliable. All members of the guard or the military have at least been trained by the Empire, so they have received education and training. You can't say that about most adventurers. We heroes are something better and most of them don't give us the respect we deserve.” <Cornelius>

“Hmm, ah, that's your plan. Adventurers who behave law-abidingly and righteously are to join our ranks and then be trained by us. That's a good idea. This murder hunter would be a good choice. Let's wait and see if we become aware of him.” <Javier>

“I have a request, Eli. Please don't be jealous of all the women who come near me. You also accepted the princess, albeit reluctantly. Now believe me, I have no interest in the lower folk.” <Cornelius>

“But nobles, yes? Hmmpf.” <Eleonore>

“Eli, please, that's not the point. We need the most capable people we can find. That increases our chances of coming out of the final battle victorious and glorious. And since we are the heroes, we are the ones who take all the glory. The rest can take what's left.” <Cornelius>

“Harhar, yes, I'm looking forward to that. When is the time?” <Ansgar>

“Hmm, it'll be a few years yet. We're nowhere near strong enough yet. We need to at least get strong enough to take on everyone we know, and for that we need at least level 70, preferably 80. The people with the highest levels we know are around 80. I believe we didn't have the time to reach level 100 unfortunately. I also want to visit at least all the accessible dungeons and labyrinths and conquer one dungeon and all labyrinths. Who knows what we can find there. I doubt that we'll be able to conquer all the dungeons, as is required of us as an alternative. I find it easier to defeat the other champions.” <Javier>

“I see it the same way. What hero is reborn in a world of magic where there are dungeons without entering and completing them? Of course I want to defeat as many as possible until the end. And then defeat the Demon King in a famous and epic final battle. That will be so cool.” <Cornelius>

“Always just fighting. At least I hope these other champions aren't as battle-hungry as you are. Otherwise I wouldn't have a peaceful night.” <Eleonore>

“Certainly not, Eli. We have the experience of years of roleplaying and some of us also have several VR combat experiences. I doubt that the other side has that and can oppose us at all. Everything will be fine.” <Cornelius>