Early morning.

The fog has not yet dissipated.

A group of people from the Inspection Office arrived at the Lapp Textile Factory early, and the person leading the team was none other than Director General Goff.

“What a strong smell!”

Some people in the crowd covered their mouths and noses:

"The nearby river is full of dead fish and the water has changed color. Is this a place for people to stay?"

"It is said that it is because of the latest technology that the cloth needs to be steamed and dyed at high temperatures, so the water will deteriorate and have a strong odor." One person said:

"Of course, I don't really understand it either, but I've heard people say that. It does produce a lot of smoke."

Everyone looked up at the towering chimneys, from which thick black smoke was rising high into the sky.

This black smoke will eventually become part of the air and cover the entire city of Signo.

Someone murmured quietly: "No wonder the air quality in the city has been getting worse in recent years. Factories should be farther away from the city."

"Welcome! Welcome!"

Before they finished their discussion, a man came out of the factory gate and bowed enthusiastically:

"Goff, my friend, why didn't you tell me in advance that you were coming so that I could prepare."

"Jack." Goff smiled faintly: "We are here to investigate a case and may need your cooperation. Can we stop the factory today?"

"Stop work?" Jack's face changed drastically: "Goff, are you kidding me?"

"The machines in my factory are different from those in other places. It takes a long time to get used to starting and stopping them. The wages of so many workers and the wear and tear of the machines will cost at least thousands of pounds. Who will pay for this?"

Thousands of pounds? Everyone in the field looked at each other in bewilderment.

They didn't realize that just stopping the machine would have such serious consequences.

"Jack!"

Dina stepped forward and said, "We are not discussing this with you. Female workers disappear from the textile factory every month. We must conduct a thorough investigation."

"You are..." Jack looked sideways.

"Dinah!" Dinah said solemnly:

"Dinah Yeager."

"So she's the daughter of the Yeager family." Jack nodded, and his originally kind expression suddenly became serious: "Then you should know what this textile factory represents?"

"The clothes it produces are to be sent to the front lines. Do you want to leave the soldiers at the front lines without a change of clothes?"

Turning around, he glanced at everyone in the field: "The Lapp Textile Factory is an outstanding industry in Signo City. The Frank and Foster families of the Noble Council all have shares in it."

"I want to see today who dares to stop the work!"

There was silence in the field.

Everyone looked at each other, with a look of retreat in their eyes.

Goff frowned in displeasure, but did not force himself to speak.

The person the other party was talking about was too important, and even as the chief inspector of the inspection department, he couldn't help but be cautious.

"Oh well!"

Goff sighed and waved his hand: "Let's go in and ask some questions. Is that a problem?"

"certainly!"

Jack smiled again and extended his hand to lead the way inside: "Welcome!"

The second floor of the factory.

Caesar Foster held a cane in his hand and looked at the patrol officers wandering around below with a gloomy look in his eyes:

"Recently, the city has been under strict inspection."

“It should be.”

Pharmacist Robert appeared behind him and nodded. "The suicide attack by the firebenders caused heavy casualties among the nobles in the city. It also caused Earl Barrow to lose face in front of Princess Sack. Even the morale of the troops on the front lines was somewhat shaken. This is no small matter."

"Besides, you have a lot of people here, and since you took in those people, it's inevitable that some information will leak out."

Firebenders! This is what the people of Cologne call those who control fire. They are believers of the blazing sun, and are also called fire thieves by the people of Gondor.

Robert, a famous and successful businessman and pharmacist in Signo City, is actually related to hostile forces.

It's not just him! The same is true for the Foster family.

"What should we do now?" Caesar lowered his head and asked, "Will they find that place?"

"Don't worry, it won't happen." Robert smiled and waved his hand:

"The factory machines kept running, and the passage was blocked by the rotating propellers, so no one could get in."

"As for the other secret passage..."

"Not to mention that it's not easy to find, I also set up witchcraft traps on it, making it even more difficult to get in."

Caesar nodded slowly.

After a pause, he continued:

"But this is not an option right now. The inspectors and police officers have already focused their attention on the North City."

"Sooner or later you'll find the problem!"

"Yes!" sighed Robert:

"And the time given by that person is too tight, only ten days, it's really hard for us to handle it."

"otherwise……"

"Make some noise to divert attention?"

Caesar nodded.

downstairs.

Dinah carefully checked every floor and every room in the factory, her eyes constantly scanning the area.

“Let’s go!”

Goff came over and waved, "Go to the next one."

"General Manager."

Dinah followed in small steps and whispered:

"I feel like there's something wrong here. Carey has said before that his fiancée's disappearance was also related to the textile factory."

"Um."

Gove was able to become Chief Minister not only because of his status, but also because of his keen understanding of the case.

"You are right. The Lapu Textile Factory must be hiding something, but we can't find it out at the moment."

"Chief..." Dina's eyes lit up: "What do you mean?"

"Investigate in secret." Goff lowered his head and said in a serious tone:

"I feel like the fire thief's suicide attack is just the beginning, and it's very likely that it's not over yet."

"If my feeling is correct, they must have a base in the city."

"check!"

"We must find out!"

As he spoke, he raised his head and looked towards the second floor. His keen perception allowed him to detect a hint of murderous intent just now.

The attack by the fire thieves put the entire city of Signo under martial law, with a curfew imposed on the people and all on-duty personnel not allowed to leave without permission.

Even Carl, who was just idling around, had to cheer up and clock in at the inspection hall every day.

This resulted in very slow progress in reforging the broadsword.

Only after get off work every day do I have time to come to the fragment of the divine domain and hammer my weapons.

"bite……"

"when!"

Refining room.

Karl, with his upper body naked, held the fire tongs tightly in one hand and wielded a hammer in the other, hammering the iron plate on the anvil continuously.

Every time the hammer fell, sparks flew.

After being hammered a certain number of times, it will be taken to the forge to be burned and something will be integrated into it.

The extremely high temperature melts the metal.

Later, it was placed in the ice water on the side. Thick white smoke instantly emerged and filled the entire refining room.

This continues over and over again.

The iron plate has gradually taken on the shape of a broadsword, with fish scale patterns appearing on the surface from being hammered.

"Um?"

Carl suddenly frowned, stopped what he was doing, turned around and stepped out of the fragment of the divine domain.

The night was dark, and the waning moon was obscured by dark clouds. Although it wasn't so dark that you couldn't see your hand in front of you, it was still hazy.

Open the window.

Something seemed to be moving in the corner.

Carl jumped down from the second floor, came to the shadow, cast light magic and looked at the corner of the wall.

"people?"

It was 'she' who triggered the witchcraft trap set in the yard, triggering the warning.

…………

"quick!"

"Hurry up!"

Eugene, dressed in police uniform and holding a long knife, came to the gate of the courtyard with a group of police officers and knocked on the door.

"Open the door!"

"Open the door!"

The violent knocking on the door not only woke up the owner of the courtyard, but also caused the neighbors to light their candles one after another.

Many people opened their windows and looked outside.

"What are you doing?" Carl was interrupted when he was in deep sleep. He couldn't help feeling angry. He put on a bathrobe and opened the door.

"Is it you?"

He looked at the police officers in front of the door with anger on his face:

"What?"

"Do you really think that a noble who has fallen can be bullied at will? Tell me who your superior is? I will complain to the Council of Nobles and I will make sure that none of you can ever wear this uniform again!"

"Baron Karl." This time, Eugene was not as polite and respectful as last time. Instead, he spoke with a cold face: "Someone just reported that you are hiding a missing little girl. We have been ordered to come and search!"

"Bullshit!" Carl was furious. "I am a noble. Without the permission of the Noble Council, you have no right to search my residence."

"besides……"

He said angrily:

"Whoever said I was hiding a missing little girl here, call him over here. I want him to know the consequences of framing a noble!"

"Sorry." Eugene shook his head. "We are keeping the identity of the informant strictly confidential."

"and……"

A sinister smile suddenly appeared on his face. "Because of the fire thief's attack, the city lord has ordered a strict investigation of any suspicious person, including nobles, so we are now qualified to search your residence."

"Please make way, Baron!"

"Why waste time talking to him!" Police Officer Nelson, who had a bad attitude last time, rushed into the yard:

"I've known for a long time that he has a problem. I stopped him from entering. There must be something shady hidden in the yard."

"search!"

"Keep an eye on him, don't let him escape!"

"baron?"

Turning around, Nelson said with disdain: "Bah!"

Karl’s expression was cold, but he did not forcibly stop them, allowing the police officers in front of the door to rush into the courtyard.

Nelson switched courts and strode toward the corner.

"Um?"

The empty corner made his expression change slightly, and he subconsciously turned around and cast a questioning look at Eugene.

How could there not be any? "No!"

“Neither here!”

They searched the entire yard, including the basement, but did not find the so-called 'missing girl'.

"snort!"

Carl snorted coldly:

"What do you have to say now?"

"Feel sorry!"

Eugene came back to his senses, a flattering smile appeared on his face again, he bent down and said respectfully: "It seems that this is a misunderstanding. I am sorry to bother you, Baron."

"Let's go now!"

"roll!"

"Yes." Eugene laughed dryly: "Let's get out, right now!"

He waved his hand and left quickly with a group of people, just as hurriedly as he came.

Karl watched them leave until their backs disappeared, then he closed the gate and dodged back.

Not long.

He took out an unconscious little girl from a deserted alley, went to a house, and laid the little girl in the yard.

"Um……"

The little girl opened her eyes in a daze, and when she saw the familiar environment around her, her frightened expression turned into ecstasy.

"Father!"

"Mother!"

She screamed softly and struggled to get up, ignoring the bruises all over her body.

"Amy?"

Inside the house, someone spoke hesitantly, and as the candlelight lit, a couple rushed out in panic.

"Amy!"

"My Amy, am I dreaming?"

"Mom, it's me." The little girl sobbed and cried:

“It’s me!”

The mother and daughter hugged each other and cried bitterly.

"Merciful Lord of the Dawn, thank you for sending our daughter back." The father knelt on the ground and kept praising the Lord of the Dawn.

Dark place.

Carl slowly withdrew his gaze.

He knew that some people disliked him, but such a straightforward frame-up was an eye-opener.

* * * Night.

Several figures appeared in the night.

This is the North City Industrial Zone, where various textile factories, smelters, and warehouses gather and where the trade of goods is prosperous.

"Dawu!"

Dinah whispered, "Are you sure you're going in the right direction?"

"That's for sure."

Taro Dao Dao nodded upon hearing this:

"I followed Kairi here to investigate several times. If there is a problem, it will definitely be there."

"Lapp Textile Factory..."

“This factory is not normal!”

"Sir." Someone whispered, "Haven't we caught quite a few people? Many of the missing girls have also returned to their homes."

We conducted a thorough investigation over the past two days and have arrested many "suspects".

Police officers and inspectors went out and found the missing girl in many people's homes and basements based on clues.

In their habitual perception, it was enough to get the job done and there was no need to cling to the Lapp Textile Factory.

If it weren't for the insistence of their immediate superior, half of the group wouldn't be here.

"It would be abnormal if they caught him." Chief General Gove said seriously:

"Some of them are just too coincidental, and some of them don't seem to be real criminals. They may have been framed."

"good!"

Dinah nodded in agreement:

"They just don't want us to continue investigating. The more they want us to do so, the more we have to investigate to the end."

"I hope your guess is true." Someone whispered, "The Noble Council asked us not to disturb the factories in the North City, so as not to affect the supply of the soldiers on the front line. This operation has not been approved."

"Sir!"

"You should know what this means."

"I know." Goff nodded. "If someone finds out, I might be condemned by Parliament. But don't worry, I'll take the blame if anything goes wrong."

"No." A man behind him shook his head and said, "It means that if something happens to us, no one will know what happened. This is not safe."

"..." Goff's eyes moved slightly: "Don't worry, although we are few in number, our strength is not bad. We don't have to be afraid even of the great knight."

"Don't be afraid!"

really.

They were all elite members of the Patrol Office, and almost all of them were knights.

As the chief, Goff is a top-level knight who can fight against the great knight.

In the city of Signo, people can't say that there is rampage, but there are certainly not many things to be afraid of.

"You guys are so long-winded."

Daowu shook his head:

"It's right in front. Don't make any noise and go in quietly to avoid alerting the people inside."

Upon hearing this, several people lowered their bodies and rushed forward silently.

This is the warehouse of the Lap Textile Factory. It is not far from the factory and there are people patrolling even at night.

The group avoided the inspectors' sight and headed inside.

Daogu was obviously very familiar with the nearby terrain. He led his men around in turns until they arrived at an underground warehouse.

“I don’t know what happened before.”

Daogu paused and shrugged, "It's up to you what to do next."

Goff drew his sword, stepped forward, and appeared behind a patrol officer in a flash.

The sword spine tapped lightly.

“Bang!”

The other party only felt a numbness in his neck, his eyes rolled back and he fainted.

"Walk!"

Goff waved his hand and rushed forward at an accelerated speed.

The group of people pushed open a wooden door and suddenly stopped.

Ahead was an area similar to a square, with torches on the surrounding walls illuminating the square.

A short, ugly man in a purple robe stood in the middle with his hands behind his back, looking at the group of people.

It seemed like a long wait.

"Robert!"

Goff's eyes narrowed:

"Why are you here?"

"Of course I'm waiting for you." Robert put one hand on his chest, bowed to the few people, and said slowly:

"My friend, you are here after all!"

"Um..." Goff looked around cautiously: "You knew I was coming?"

"Guess." Robert paced in the field, "People like us are very sensitive to the emotions of ordinary people, so I saw the doubt in your eyes, and I guessed that you would not let go of the Lap Textile Factory easily, and you would definitely investigate secretly."

"well!"

He sighed, with regret in his voice: "You shouldn't have come!"

"So what if you come?" Goff said:

"Could it be that you are really related to the fire thief in Cologne?"

"What do you want to get from me?" It is difficult for an ordinary person to hide his thoughts from a wizard apprentice, even a scheming chief inspector. Robert heard this and chuckled and shook his head: "There is no need to bother. I can tell you directly that the Fire Bender does have some relationship with me."

"More than just firebenders!"

"And the followers of Iris are also related to me."

"You are so brave!" Goff's face changed drastically: "Aren't you afraid of the laws of the Kingdom of Gondor?"

He did not take action directly. The other party appeared here alone, so it was impossible for him to not have a trump card.

He even spoke out the secret out loud, which might be...

Feel confident and fearless!

Thinking of this, Goff couldn't help but tense up his body, and a sense of alarm rose in his heart.

"Law?"

Robert shook his head: "This thing only protects the strong and is never useful to the weak."

“Boom!”

He stamped his feet lightly, and the ground made a dull sound, and a rustling sound was heard in the darkness.

"I wish you wouldn't come, but unfortunately you did. You should pay the price for the path you chose."

The words haven't finished yet.

One after another 'humanoid spiders' emerged from the darkness and surrounded the group.

"Followers of the Spider Goddess!"

"It's Spider-Woman!"

The crowd was restless, and many people had panic in their eyes.

They had heard of this half-human, half-spider creature before, but today was the first time they saw it.

"superior!"

Someone growled:

"Take down Robert first!"

It is obvious that the one controlling Spider-Woman is Robert. As long as we take him down, the current crisis will definitely be resolved.

“Swish!”

Before he finished speaking, he rushed over.

The sword at his waist was unsheathed, pointed at Robert, and a fierce murderous intent locked onto the target first.

It's a knight! "Be careful!"

Gove yelled:

“Don’t be impulsive!”

"Heh..." Facing the incoming sword, Robert's expression remained unchanged. He just shook his head slightly and clenched his left hand.

Magic item - Ring Star Sword! The starlight gathered and formed into six three-foot-long thin swords that appeared out of thin air around him.

The Star Sword trembled slightly, then suddenly shot out and swept towards the attacking knight, like six brilliant galaxies.

"puff!"

“Puff!”

The starlight streaked across the void at an astonishing speed, ignoring any intercepting weapons and piercing the knight on the spot.

knight!

Die! A formal knight, in front of the mysterious Robert, had no power to fight back, and couldn't even get close to him.

…………

A courtyard somewhere.

Police Officer Nelson was terrified and backed away:

"don't want!"

“Don’t kill me!”

His knuckles were covered in blood, the sword in his hand had long been knocked away, and his eyes were full of fear.

"Heh..." Karl was wearing a black cloak, his facial features were completely covered, and he shook his head slightly when he heard this:

"Where are your companions?"

"Call……"

"Eugene?"

He wasn't quite sure about the name.

"I don't know, I don't know." Nelson shook his head repeatedly, suddenly turned around and ran out.

Running and shouting:

"Someone come! Someone is..."

"puff!"

Before he could finish his words, his body split in two from the abdomen.

(End of this chapter)