Masteria Online: Shattering the Dark God's Grand Scheme-Chapter 79 - Yet Another Quest

Susie straightened her back, trying her best to look professional. She began explaining. "I’ve been trying to track the source. The chemical signature is distinct. If I could get close enough to take proper samples, I could identify the exact compounds used."

"You’re in no condition to continue alone." Lumi said firmly. "Join us. We’re investigating the corruption’s source, and your expertise could prove valuable."

Susie’s eyes lit up. "You’d take me?"

"Of course." Lumi nodded. "You are a researcher. We may have mages, but sometimes we need someone who understands science. This is that exact situation."

"Then yes, absolutely, I’ll join you." Susie agreed immediately. "I have equipment that might help track the chemical traces, and I have some theories about what’s really happening here."

With Susie in tow, they returned to Mickey’s station.

"Susie!?" Mickey exclaimed in surprise, a complicated emotion building up within him.

"Hm?" Susie looked at the unfamiliar penguin. "Im sorry. If we’ve met, I don’t remember you."

"No, no." Mickey shook his head. "Apologies. I’ve heard of your name, though we’ve never met. I can’t believe someone like you was almost taken out! You are a lot stronger than me."

"Eh." Susie sighed, took a seat. "I was ambushed. Those sneaky bastards..." She shook her head. "Enough of that. I heard you had research about who is behind this?

"Yes!" The penguin was ecstatic to have actual combat data about the monsters, quickly showing her the documents. He immediately began to explain various theories and conclusions.

At his words, Susie grew interested and contributed her own observations, the two researchers quickly falling into animated discussion despite having just met.

They discussed for a couple moments, until Lumi had to break it up. "Friends, sorry to interrupt, but we still have a mission."

"Ah," Susie shook her head. "My apologies, my bad. I was just... sorry."

"I apologize too." Mickey responded, gracefully turning and grabbing various compiled documents. He handed them to Lumi. "You are going back to the Glacial Observatory, right? Could you deliver my research reports to leader Johno?"

"Of course." Lumi nodded. He then gestured for Mickey to follow them. "You should come with us. You’ve seen it’s dangerous here. It’s best to take refuge at the Glacial Observatory for now."

"N-no, I..." Mickey flinched at the thought. "I couldn’t. I may not be as strong as you all, but I’m still considered a strong penguin here. I can’t abandon my duty to this research station. If I did so, I may preserve my life, but my research here is crucial to understanding the threat!"

Lumi regarded him for a long moment.

"You misunderstand." he said calmly. "Mickey, you’ve already done a great service to this island and all within it. We plan on taking care of the threat as soon as possible. That wouldn’t be enough time for further research, not from here."

He held a hand out. "Come, Mickey."

Mickey’s flippers trembled slightly. "I..." He gazed around nervously. He then took a deep breath, coming to a decision. "Alright. As long as I can take the research equipment with me.

"Of course."

...

Back at the Glacial Observatory, Johno received the reports with interest. The picture they painted was becoming clearer.

There were strange robed figures, necromantic creatures, missing wildlife, and chemical poisons. All signs pointed toward the Darkwitch.

[Quest Complete: Corrupted Waters Investigation - Part 2]

[EXP +14,000]

[Level Up! 23 -> 24]

[Level Up! 24 -> 25]

So much EXP!

Lumi had to force himself not to grin. His level was progressing at a much faster pace than he anticipated.

With his six skill points, he resolutely appointed them.

[Light Affinity: 1/2] -> [Light Affinity: 2/2]

[Mana Well: 0/20] -> [Mana Well: 5/20]

[Mana Well: 5/20]

[Increases your Max MP.]

[Max MP +16%]

"This confirms our suspicions," Johno said gravely. "The Darkwitch must be stopped. But first, we need more intelligence."

He turned to Susie. "Susie, you stopped by here once. You were strong, I never imagined you would almost die."

"Ugh." Susie shook her head. "I was caught off guard. It was my bad."

Johno shook his head. "Who did something wrong wasn’t you. Now we know for certain that there is an active agent attacking our people."

He turned grim, going deep in thought. After a moment, his voice was heard once more. "This is the first time we’ve directly seen a person behind this. Tell me, what race were they? Human?"

Susie opened her mouth to speak, but then closed it. A moment passed before she answered. "I don’t quite know. They were draped in cloaks and I couldn’t quite tell."

"Hm?" Johno was confused. "Surely you could see an outline more or less?"

"That’s the thing." Susie explained. "It was weird. They were... a bit seal-like? That said, it didn’t quite match. Didn’t look like any seal I’ve ever seen."

"Hmm." Johno nodded. He pulled out some documents and passed them to her. "Just note it to the best of your ability."

Susie took the documents and started noting down what she experienced. While she did so, Johno began explaining. "The Second Ice Station has an agent named Alvida. She has been attempting to track the movements of monsters, which would hopefully help us find the source of the corruption. I already had thoughts of having you find her. With Susie having been ambushed by a mysterious figure, I believe it would be best for you all to find her, in case she has met danger."

He paused, then smiled gratefully at the Knights. "Words cannot describe how much I appreciate you Aria Knights. In just one day, we have progressed more than we have in weeks, thanks to you."

This caused the party to react in various bashful ways, with Zara even turning away with a blush.

"Think nothing of it," Valeria spoke up. "It is the duty of every Aria Knight to uphold justice and fight evil."

"Thank you." Johno nodded gratefully, "Truly."

He then gestured out towards the sea with his flipper. "Could you find her, and escort her and her reports back? Unless, of course, she’d like to stay in the Second Ice Station."

He gave a heavy sigh. "I worry heavily for all our people. We lose capable men and women too often, at an increasing pace. I wonder how many we don’t even realize are dead yet."

[Quest Received: Corrupted Waters Investigation - Part 3]

[Objective: Find Alvida. Bring her back if requested. Bring back her research results.]

[Recommended Level: 35-40]