Luke left the Secret Intelligence Bureau through the back door with Karina and hired a carriage while on the road.
Due to the high cost of steam-powered trains and the need for professional maintenance, animal power was still the main driving force.
Many nobles, officials, and merchants were unwilling to smell the pungent smell of engine oil. They preferred to choose luxurious carriages to show their noble status.
The terrible road made the carriage very bumpy.
This was Karina's first time on a field mission, and she was very nervous. Both of her hands were placed on her knees, looking as if she was about to pull out her wand and release magic at any moment.
Luke, who was sitting opposite her, smiled and said to her, "Relax, I'm really afraid that you'll release your magic and blow up this carriage."
Karina smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, Inspector. Every time Captain Black Mamba comes back from a field mission, I have to help her write a report. They always encounter some vicious murderers.
"Although some people are innocent, but I know that Cape District is really dangerous. I have to protect your safety."
Luke didn't expect Karina to be so nervous because she wanted to protect him.
"Oh? When you want to protect me... is it because you want to? Or is it because of your 'loyalty'?"
Karina thought for a moment. "I-I don't know. The device's stimulation of my brain made it impossible for me to distinguish whether it was my intention or an order from 'loyalty'."
"No, differentiating them is possible as long as you master the method. The brain is the most complicated organ in the human body. It's not something that could be completely controlled by a device. I'll teach you a method to combine breathing and meditation. As long as you're familiar with it, you'll be able to distinguish which is your true thought and which is forced upon you.
"Although this wouldn't allow you from being controlled by the device, it would allow you to recognize your true self."
"Really?" Karina was very excited, but then she asked worriedly, "Will this bring you trouble?"
"If you don't anyone, who will know?"
"Thank you, Inspector. I definitely won't tell anyone."
Luke taught Karina how to breathe and meditate. The distraction made her relax very quickly.
The carriage stopped at its destination.
It was a very narrow alley that did not even have an official name. The people in the industry called it the Black Medicine Alley.
In the Golden Shield Empire, magic potions were monopolized by the country. Only with the approval of the Imperial Pharmacist Association could one engage in the production and sales of magic potions.
However, the price of regular magic potions was generally high, which gave birth to the black magic potion industry. Not only could the quality of magic potions produced by private workshops not be guaranteed but there might also be side effects. However, price was their most advantageous competitive advantage.
Moreover, some black magic potions had effects that regular magic potions did not have.
The special environment of the Cape District created a large-scale black magic potion industry.
Black Medicine Alley existed in a semi-public manner.
Luke and Karina's arrival immediately attracted the attention of the people in Black Medicine Alley.
With a look at their clothes, one could tell that they were people of status, especially Karina. The temperament of a former noble lady was difficult to imitate and hide.
Someone surrounded them, trying to stop them from entering Black Medicine Alley.
Luke took out an imperial mark that was worth 100 dollars to the leader.
"I'm a potion buyer, looking for Ralph."
The man took the money and looked at Luke and Karina. Then, he waved his hand to disperse the people surrounding them.
"Ralph? An old man who took the aphrodisiac made by their family died last week. Many merchants did not dare to sell their medicine anymore.
"Sir... If you want to buy an aphrodisiac, I can introduce you to one. The formula used by the Imperial Pharmacist Association is guaranteed to be safe and effective, and to satisfy your female companion.
"Ralph's family loved to add strange things to their potions."
Karina could tell what aphrodisiac was, and she lowered her head with a blush.
Luke took out an imperial mark that was worth hundred dollars.
"Ralph and I are friends. Please take me there."
The man quickly took the money.
"No problem! Actually, the old master who died was already eighty years old. The potion made by Ralph's family is a little strong. You'll definitely be as strong as a dragon after taking it.
"Please follow me."
Luke and Karina followed the man in.
The entire alley was filled with the smell of medicine. Some medicine's raw materials and containers were casually thrown on the muddy road, and some reacted with colorful bubbles.
The management was not standardized, and the hygiene conditions were very worrying!
The man brought Luke to the door of a workshop.
"This is Ralph's magic potion workshop. You can enter. Let me remind you out of kindness, the medicine from Ralph's family... It's best to drink half a bottle."
"Thank you."
Luke brought Karina into the workshop, and the pungent smell of magic potions became even stronger.
They entered a small courtyard.
A well was connected to a sink, and a few female workers were sitting on both sides of the sink, brushing medicine bottles.
At the other end of the courtyard was a small door that led underground. A strong man stood outside the door.
Luke didn't stop and continued to walk in.
The man blocked the entrance. "Who are you? If you're to talk about business, wait here."
Luke grabbed the man's arm and twisted him to the ground. Then, he stepped over him and walked to the basement.
Karina carefully jumped over the man's body and did not forget to say, "I'm sorry!"
The man's scream alarmed the people in the underground workshop.
When they saw Luke coming down, they immediately rushed up with the weapons they could use.
Luke didn't stop and continued walking in.
"Karina!"
"Yes, Inspector..."
Karina took out the magic wand hidden in her sleeve. The tip of the wand emitted a strong light, and a person who was close to Luke was sent flying by the magic beam.
Then, the magic beams were continuously fired, and everyone who rushed up was sent flying.
Karina lifted her dress and quickly caught up to Luke. She then used magic to move a box that was blocking the way to the wall.
She kept apologizing to the stunned people, "I'm sorry... I'm sorry. Inspector, wait for me..."
Luke kept walking forward, and at the same time, he saw that those who were attacked by Karina's spell could still get up.
If he brought Shelly here, it would be a different scenario.
Passing through the material distribution room, the mill room, the dissolving room...
Karina followed Luke and pointed her wand forward. The light emitted from the tip of the wand scared most people away.
Anyone who dared to attack would be thrown out by magic.
Luke passed through the rooms without any obstruction. In the end, he was blocked by four people.
Their bodies were different from the ordinary people they had just met.
The leader was a short old man with a beard and white hair. His forehead was bulging like the longevity god.
"Who are you?" The old man asked Luke angrily.
Luke slowly took out his inspector badge from his pocket and put it on his chest. "The new inspector of Cape District's Secret Intelligence Bureau... Meteor."