In the end, under Vera's recommendation and sales pitch, Levin purchased a bottle of Bull's Strength, a Pain Suppression Potion, and a Life Restoration Elixir.
The principle behind the Life Restoration Elixir is to enhance the body's self-repair mechanism, accelerate wound healing, and eliminate bacteria and viruses to prevent infection.
It is highly effective for emergency treatment on the battlefield when no doctors are available.
These three potions alone cost Levin five Gold Wilmas.
Half of his previous bonus was spent, which is equivalent to over a year's salary for an ordinary city guard.
Of course, after Levin's promotion, his salary also increased, from 35 Silver Wilmas per month to 50 Silver Wilmas.
Five Gold Wilmas is equivalent to five hundred Silver Wilmas, which is exactly ten months of Levin's current salary.
"Never mind, there's still more than five hundred Silver Wilmas left for emergencies... Potions really are expensive..." Levin sighed, packed his things, and checked his other acquisitions.
**[Deception Successful!]**
**[Trickster Myth Points Gained: 5]**
**[Current Tier: One (60/100)]**
These points were earned during his confrontation, deception, and disguise with Vera, making Levin's efforts worthwhile.
"Just 40 more points to upgrade to the next Myth Tier..." After finishing his inspection, Levin quickly made his way back to the camp.
Climbing over the wall and changing clothes, he prepared for bed, but suddenly felt the urge to relieve himself.
Even the deputy's quarters didn't have a private restroom, so he had to go to the camp's communal facilities.
"Why now... Well, I guess I have to go."
For the sake of his health, Levin reluctantly followed his body's instincts and headed to the restroom.
"Hmm?" Levin's ears twitched, his extraordinary senses picking up the sound of something heavy falling nearby.
Someone had infiltrated the camp! Levin reacted immediately, shouting in the direction of the sound, "Who goes there?"
A dark figure swiftly dashed toward Levin, just as he was about to apprehend them, he noticed the person's face.
"Don't shout, Levin, it's me." A pair of striking blue eyes glimmered in the starlight, revealing Ellie.
"Where was the last place we investigated today?" Levin remained cautious, confirming Ellie's identity.
Ellie nodded in satisfaction and answered, "Vera's Alchemy Workshop."
Only then did Levin relax, curiously asking, "Ma'am? Why did you come in over the wall instead of through the gate?"
Oh, I also came in over the wall, so that's fine.
Ellie looked embarrassed, her gaze flickering. "Well... I went out to investigate the clues we found during the day..."
Levin's expression turned subtle. "Ma'am, working overtime for the safety of Wilma at night is commendable, but why sneak around?"
Ellie's cheeks flushed slightly. "Well... there are many reasons, but in any case, don't tell anyone. Also, I found a new lead. We should investigate it tomorrow."
Levin looked surprised. "A lead? Where did you find it? Ma'am, you could have taken me with you."
Ellie coughed twice. "Ahem... It's from a... rather secretive source. Can you help me keep it under wraps? Also, what are you doing out here in the middle of the night?"
Only then did Levin remember his urgent need, which he could barely hold back. "Ma'am, I came out to use the restroom! I really have to go now!"
Ellie: "..."
After relieving himself, Levin shivered involuntarily from the loss of body heat.
Thinking back to Ellie's late-night investigation... no, search, the more he thought about it, the stranger it seemed.
"What kind of investigation needs to be so secretive?" He needed to investigate secretly to hide his Trickster abilities, but what was Ellie hiding?
Her werewolf abilities?
Could Ellie have tracked down the illegal potion syndicate by scent?
He decided to ask her in more detail during the next day's search.
Levin tucked away his belongings and exited the restroom.
"Finished?" A cool female voice suddenly echoed in Levin's ear.
"Whoa, Ma'am, what are you doing here? You scared me!" Levin was so startled he jumped.
"Come over here; there's something I need to discuss with you." Ellie pulled Levin aside to a secluded corner of the camp.
"Since you've already found out, I won't hide it from you." Ellie stood close to Levin, so close he could almost feel her breath.
"I went out today to follow up on the afternoon's clues through a... well... less than legal informant..."
Ma'am, are you the 'less than legal' informant? Levin thought to himself.
"Anyway, I promised not to expose her source, but we need to report this lead to our superiors immediately. You understand, right?" Ellie winked at Levin, adding a playful touch to her usually stern demeanor.
Levin nodded knowingly. "Understood, Ma'am. We'll say that after a day of investigation, we happened to stumble upon the criminals' trail."
Ellie snapped her fingers and patted Levin on the shoulder. "Exactly! You're quick on the uptake! Thanks a lot!"
"Don't mention it; it's all for the safety of Wilma's citizens. But, Ma'am, what did you actually find?"
"I found... I mean, my informant found their base of operations." Ellie inadvertently slipped, her cheeks reddening slightly as she hastily corrected herself.
"Ahem, your informant... found their base? Are you sure?" Levin skipped over the details and went straight to the point.
Ellie nodded solemnly. "Yes, it's a warehouse outside the city. They've dug out the underground of the warehouse to use as their drug manufacturing hub. On the surface, it appears to store imported soybeans, but only the outermost bags contain soybeans. The rest is filled with 'Kiss of Delirium'!"
"Then there's no doubt. We need to report this to our superiors immediately, and it would be best to launch a raid tonight to catch them off guard." Levin's tone turned serious, acknowledging the harsh reality of an impending all-nighter.
"Yes, let's report this together." Ellie concluded, decisively leading Levin to the office.
They shut the office door and activated the voice communication function of the transmission crystal.
"Hello, this is the Guard Headquarters. Inspector Edel Ludwig speaking." A cold male voice came through the crystal.
"Inspector Ludwig, good evening. This is Captain Ellie Gray of the East Fourth Unit."
Levin followed suit, "And I am Acting Deputy Captain Levin Yasin of the East Fourth Unit."
"Oh? It's you two. So, did you find any leads on the case I assigned you this morning?" The cold voice now carried a hint of surprise.
Ellie responded, "Yes, Inspector Ludwig. After a day's investigation by Deputy Captain Yasin and myself, we have successfully identified a base used by the illegal hallucinogenic drug production and distribution syndicate. The detailed investigation report is not yet prepared."
The male voice on the other side of the crystal hesitated for a moment, "You've done well. Arios will be arriving at your division shortly to hear your report. Gather your team and prepare for an emergency operation. The report can wait until the mission is complete."
"Understood, Inspector Ludwig," Ellie replied.
Raven couldn't shake the feeling that Ellie seemed noticeably relieved after hearing that the report could be delayed.
"Good luck with the operation. Arios is already on his way. Do you have anything else to report?"
"No, Inspector Ludwig."
The crystal dimmed, and the call was cut off.
"Gather the team and prepare for an emergency operation," Ellie ordered, her expression grave.
"Yes, ma'am," Raven responded, standing at attention.
The camp, which had been silent moments before, now buzzed with activity as Raven blew the emergency assembly whistle. In less than five minutes, all twenty members of the East Fourth Division were fully dressed in their uniforms and armed, assembled neatly on the training ground.
"Emergency operation! Don your armor! Equip your rifles!" Raven commanded, and the officers promptly ran to the armory, quickly suiting up.
The Council of Sages provided each member of the Guard with two sets of armor—one for physical defense, made of fine steel, and another, enchanted leather armor, designed for magical defense. The latter was typically reserved for situations involving criminals with magical abilities.
In addition to traditional weaponry, the Council of Sages had also equipped the Guard with modern firearms. Each guardsman was issued a flintlock rifle, and officers like Ellie were provided with pistols. After Raven's promotion to deputy, he was also issued a pistol. However, due to the risks of misfires and other safety concerns, the Guard typically did not carry firearms while on regular duty; they only armed themselves for operations requiring heavy firepower.
The Wema City Guard's 100% firearm equipage rate was unusual on the continent, where most nations still relied heavily on cold weapons for their primary forces.
Raven donned his armor and slung his rifle over his back. Though the combination appeared somewhat comical, in Wema City's unique environment, it was the most effective setup.
The flintlock rifle's bullets had significant armor-piercing capabilities, rendering even the finest armor ineffective against a well-equipped force. Thus, when both sides possessed firearms, armor was essentially obsolete. However, Wema City strictly regulated the circulation of firearms among civilians. Most of the foes the Guard faced, including supernaturals, still relied on cold weapons. The steel armor provided excellent protection against these, as Raven had experienced in his battle with the scimitar-wielding man.
So, armor with firearms was the ideal combat form for the Wema City Guard.
After about fifteen minutes, everyone was fully equipped and assembled once again on the training ground.
Raven jogged up to Ellie, saluted, and reported, "Ma'am! The East Fourth Division of the Wema City Guard is fully assembled and awaiting orders!"
Ellie had also donned the enchanted steel chainmail provided exclusively for officers, which offered superior protection and magical resistance compared to standard armor.
In addition to her pistol, Ellie had not carried a flintlock rifle, as for someone like her, a transcendent, her well-forged military saber was far deadlier than a rifle.
Ellie nodded at Raven's report and addressed the team, "East Fourth Division, attention!"
The entire team, including Raven, snapped to attention.
"By order of our superiors, we will conduct an emergency raid on a suspicious location tonight! The suspects are extremely dangerous and ruthless! Are you afraid?"
"No, ma'am!" The twenty-plus officers shouted in unison, their voices ringing out into the night.
"Good!" At that moment, a man in an inspector's uniform stepped into the camp. It was Inspector Arios Blazer, who had tested Raven just a few days prior.
"Since the East Fourth Division is ready, follow me!"