He had already expected the things that Arishem wanted to inform him.
The governnt indeed raised its vigilance against the cult and is now developing ways to increase its security. Also, the City Lord indeed received so heat from them because the city nearly got destroyed.
They also submitted the 'drill' to the researchers in hopes of discovering ways to counter it. As of now, this was their biggest project since a tool that could siphon vitality from the Ley Lines was sothing they could not permit to exist.
Truth to be told, it wasn't necessary for Arishem to tell him all of this. Cedric had no plans on entering the murky waters of politics anyti soon and frankly, he could already predict his actions based on the information they release in public.
Still, he appreciated the gesture even though the old man was just doing this out of respect and necessity. It seems that the old man was set on forging a good relationship with him and he's not against it.
"...I see." Cedric sighed after Arishem concluded his reports. "Wait here for a bit. I have to get sothing...well, soone actually."
He didn't wait for them to reply. He made his way toward the basent and bypassed the security asures he installed there. He then grabbed his captive who was in a suspended death state and brought him to his visitors.
"This is...?" Arishem raised a brow.
"A cultist of course." Cedric replied, unceremoniously dropping the guy's body in front of them.
"While all of you were busy dealing with the demons and cultist, I caught a response from their SOS. I initially thought that they wouldn't send reinforcents because that would be bad for them but just in case, I went out to see if so would co." Cedric explained.
Arishem and the City Lord's eyes narrowed after hearing this. Indeed, this was sothing that they hadn't considered. That said, they couldn't be blad because they were dealing with pressing matters back then.
"To my surprise, a group of reinforcents did co." Cedric continued, "In truth though, they were not reinforcents but replacents."
"They intend to use the ongoing chaos to blend with the surroundings and replenish their forces here. They also brought this..."
Cedric then took out an item that resembled a flag, catching the attention of his visitors.
"...this is the tool they used to hide from our senses. This one is an upgraded version though. Thankfully, it's useless against . I could see them plain as day even with this."
"I ambushed them. Confiscated all of the items I deed important and spared this one to get information from him." He said, he then took out a mory chip which he passed on to Arishem.
"That chip contains proof of how the interrogation went. I squeezed out as much as I could from that guy but even so, there's still a small chance that he's still hiding sothing. That said, he's just an ordinary Team Leader for the Cult I suppose so he's not bound to know a lot. Most of the things he knew are already recorded on the chip."
Arishem and the City Lord looked at him in surprise. Just from a single glance, they could tell that this captive was at least Tier 4 in strength alone. The fact that Cedric, a re Tier 2, could not only ambush him but also catch him alive for interrogation proves that he's skilled enough to handle things on his own.
The old man looked at the City Lord and the latter nodded at him. Arishem then pocketed the mory chip for safekeeping.
"Thank you for covering us. Seriously, depending on how much information you got from him, the rewards we have might not be enough to repay your efforts." Arishem chuckled.
"Eh, there's really no need for that. I'm not really lacking anything so far..." Cedric humbly replied.
"That might be the case but still, you deserve this much." The City Lord replied before handing him sothing.
It was a thick book and looked ancient too. The first thing he noticed about it was its sll. He could tell that this book had been passed down to many people already because the faint trace of their scent still lingered on it.
Next was the appearance of it. The book was really old. It looked fragile to the point that he was afraid of touching it because he might damage it further. Still, from the way the City Lord carelessly dropped it on him, it seems that the book was at least durable enough.
Upon inspecting the book using the system, he was stunned...
**
[Record of Laws]
: An ancient text filled with information about all sorts of Conceptual Laws.
: This book has been created since the dawn of the Superhumans and it has been passed down to the next generation since then. Fabled heroes of the old updated this sa book constantly, increasing the knowledge it holds which also increases its value.
**
"This is sothing that a VVIP like you would have access to in the future anyway." The City Lord didn't miss Cedric's surprise expression. "Giving this to you this early only expedites the process, that's why we think that it might not necessarily be enough to compensate you for your efforts."
"...this is really valuable." Cedric hesitated, "Can I really keep this?"
"See, that's the thing. You can't." The City Lord replied directly, not mincing his words. "At most, we can lend this to you for a year and that's it. I'm certain that you could already tell how ancient this thing is."
"This isn't a copy of the book. It's the original one. Each page it has is filled with knowledge and traces of nomological insights about Concepts and Laws, making it very valuable. Its durability is low so you have to be cautious of how to handle it." Arishem added on the side.
"Again, this is sothing that you'd have access to in the future anyway. We're just giving it too early to help you decide on your path of growth this early so that you won't have to fumble for a while." The City Lord concluded.
Cedric wasn't upset with this. Not at all. Even though he could only borrow this book for a year, it was already enough for him.
Don't forget, Cedric has perfect mory and he digests information fast, so a year should be more than enough for him to morize this book from cover to cover.
"I won't refuse it then." Cedric smiled, "It just so happens that I love studying. This is perfect. Thank you."
When he said this, he ant it. For Cedric knowledge is the best possible reward he could ever receive from his service.
"...here, you can have this too." The City Lord unexpectedly gave him another item.
This one looked like a token. It has the royal insignia on it and he also saw initials embedded on its surface.
Cedric noticed the astonished expression of Arishem on the side, which made him really curious about what this item was.
**
[Starlight Royal Academy's Token]
: A proof of eligibility to partake in the Starlight Royal Academy's entrance examination.
: Note! This item is currently ownerless.
: Tip - sar a drop of your blood to this item to bind it to you.
**
Cedric inhaled sharply upon finishing his inspection. It turns out to be the Starlight Royal Academy's Token!
No civilized Superhuman wouldn't know of the Starlight Royal Academy! It wouldn't be called the 'Breeding Grounds of Legends' for nothing!
Just like the book, the Starlight Royal Academy has existed since the Dawn of Superhumans. It has raised so many Superhumans and almost all of those that left a mark in Humanity's history once studied here!
Hell, even their drop-outs were formidable enough to protect an entire city alone.
One had to know, that admission to the Royal Academy was extrely strict. This token only guarantees the right to participate in their entrance exam. No amount of rit could guarantee direct admission to this academy.
This token itself isn't sold anywhere. It is earned by either performing ritorious service or granted by soone of high authority.
"This...this is too much." Cedric hesitated greatly upon the implications.
"Take it." The City Lord urged. "You deserve it. Besides, your growth will just be stagnated if you remain in my city. Your real stage is there, at the Royal Capital. Perhaps, even the whole world itself. Don't limit yourself here, you've got a bright future ahead of you."
This is a staggering faith in his abilities. It's honestly quite confusing for Cedric that a re stranger like this guy held that much faith in his skills when he himself still thinks that he has a long way to go.
That said, the City Lord might be right. This city is too small for him, everyone in this room knows that too.
"I'll do my best to not disappoint you then." Cedric swore as he accepted the token.
"Glad to hear it." The City Lord grumbled before standing up. "Right, that's all we're here for. I'll see you when I see you I guess."
And just like that, his visitors left his ho, leaving him feeling complicated.
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