IUD-CHAPTER 212 THE PRELUDE

(From here on out, I will release 1 extra chapter if I receive 10 new reviews and 100 Power Stones.)

Beneath the pitch-black moonlit night, a massive oil tanker docked at a port on Academy Island. Resembling towering skyscrapers, its lights illuminated the area, every window aglow. It exuded an air of grandeur and luxury.

At the entrance of this oil tanker, elegantly dressed men and women walked in pairs, orderly boarding the ship.

Every one of these individuals carried an air of nobility on them.

Whether male or female, they all wore impeccable smiles on their faces. As they handed invitations to the staff on the side, they made their way to the deck.

At this moment, the deck was covered with crimson carpets, and tables covered in white cloth were arranged around.

Upon these tables, champagne and delectable cuisine nearly overflowed, their aroma even neutralizing the slightly salty sea breeze.

Pairs of elite socialites gathered on the deck. Some engaged in conversation, while others raised toasts, creating a lively scene.

Not long after, an extended limousine arrived from one direction of Academy Island, stopping in front of the oil tanker.

As the limousine's door opened, two people emerged.

Who else could it be other than Fang Li and Aria?

"Hū————!"

The brisk sea breeze swept by, lifting the tails of their formal wear.

Fang Li wore a jet-black tailcoat, looking akin to the heir of some prominent enterprise. His demeanor seemed to mature a bit under the circumstances.

Aria, on the other hand, donned a dress that resembled a pristine princess gown. Her delicate shoulders were exposed to the air, draped with a thin veil, transforming the already incredibly cute Ojou-Sama image into a true aristocrat.

"It's not that I have transformed into a real aristocrat, but I was already one!"

Aria seemed to be explaining to someone, revealing her cute little fangs and directing her crimson gaze straight at Fang Li, looking like a lioness ready to devour.

To this, Fang Li raised his hands in surrender and said, "Alright, alright. I know you're a noble. Otherwise, how else could you have obtained the invitation so quickly?"

"I only made a call to someone in the Ministry of External Affairs, saying that I've been feeling a bit bored at Butei High lately, so I wanted to relax at the Dance Party held at sea," Aria said nonchalantly. "As a result, the next day, the invitation arrived at my doorstep."

Indeed, as befitting a noble-born Ojou-sama, even the Ministry of External Affairs offered such things at a moment's notice. It's no wonder she could commission an S-Rank Butei without batting an eye.

"Then, I just prepared the gown. You, on the other hand, have even arranged for a limousine," Fang Li cast a glance at the extended limousine behind him and chuckled. "Could it be that the Ministry of External Affairs provided that too?"

"You don't need to go begging for things of this level from others, right?" Aria looked at Fang Li with a puzzled expression and said, "You're also an S-Rank Butei. Your usual compensation must be quite substantial, and you're a workaholic. Achieving something like this should be simple for you, right?"

"True but I won't waste money where it's not necessary," Fang Li said. "For Butei, money is almost equivalent to their life. It's a principle mentioned in any field."

Firearms, Ammunition, and Equipment are indispensable combat factors for Butei.

Even within the Main God's Dimension, Equipment is an integral part of a Divine Envoy's strength.

In the Main God's Dimension, Equipment requires Exchange Points, so naturally firearms and ammunition are not free.

Butei aren't policemen; the Equipment they use can't be reimbursed by the government. Regardless of the type of Equipment, they need to arrange for it themselves.

Thus, Butei is a class driven by money.

Even in the world of Butei, the saying "Money is equivalent to strength" holds true.

Though not entirely accurate, it's mostly correct.

At least, having Equipment is definitely better than not having any.

"So, I'd rather keep the money to buy Equipment than waste it," Fang Li said calmly. "Of course, I won't live frugally because of this. At most, I'll just avoid extravagance."

"I didn't expect you to hold onto such traditional Butei values," Aria said, half amazed and half impressed. "Perhaps that's why you're so reliable."

Fang Li suddenly smiled, nudging Aria with his elbow, and said, "Does that mean you should give such a reliable person like me a chance to be your dance partner?"

Seeing Fang Li extend his elbow towards her, as a noble-born Ojou-sama, Aria naturally did grasp Fang Li's intention. Her charming face took on a slightly rosy hue, she cleared her throat, and with a somewhat pretentious tone, she said, "This is only a one-time thing. Treasure this opportunity."

After saying that, Aria placed her hand on Fang Li's elbow and held onto his hand.

And so, United Kingdom's most famous Holmes descendant and partner walked with purposeful steps towards the oil tanker.

…

In front of the oil tanker, the staff bowed politely to Fang Li and Aria.

"Esteemed guests, please show your invitations for us to inspect briefly."

Fang Li and Aria exchanged a glance before Aria retrieved the invitation and handed it to Fang Li, who then handed it to the nearby staff.

After inspecting the invitation, the staff immediately bowed again.

"Mr. Fang Li, Miss Kanzaki, welcome to Martya Maritime."

Both Fang Li and Aria politely nodded with smiles, behaving like genuine members of high society. Amidst the respectful attitude of the staff, they made their way to the deck.

For students of the Assault Department, infiltrating and investigating weren't uncommon tasks.

Thus, for this level of disguise, Fang Li was already adept.

As for Aria, despite being a bit straightforward, her noble background suited her well to this kind of occasion and wouldn't result in any missteps.

In this scenario, Fang Li subtly observed the surroundings without leaving a trace, then discreetly glanced at the top of a building near the harbor.

There, faint reflections were shimmering.

Beside him, Aria seemed to notice Fang Li's gaze and whispered, "Reki is over there."

Fang Li nodded gently, retracting his gaze, and followed Aria onto the oil tanker.

At the very top of the oil tanker, inside a room, a young girl looked through the glass window, observing Fang Li and Aria making their way to the deck and a seductive smile gradually appeared on her delicate face.

Although that smile was enchanting, it resembled a thorn-covered rose, akin to poisonous wine, radiating a sense of danger.

...

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