In Ethan’s mind, Lindong has always been a knowledgeable teacher; however, today Ethan gained a brand new understanding of her erudition.
Lindong held his face and blurted out the names of 46 humanoid creatures modified and distorted by Bazatous, more than half of which aren’t even included in the Reception Bureau’s manual! After that, she classified them seriously, carefully dividing them into ’barely acceptable’, ’needs a lot of mental preparation’, and ’better use transformation magic on dates’ categories, bluntly saying if he insists on transforming, he should pick from the ’barely acceptable’ category.
Most creatures in this category are the early works of abstract artist Bazatous, a time when His aesthetics were not as flamboyant as now.
"Oh, and those with tentacles are also no good; categorize them under ’needs a lot of mental preparation’."
After saying that, Lindong hesitated for a while, her brows furrowing in concern, and then she reconsidered, "Maybe it’s better to put them in the ’better use transformation magic on dates’ category, I’ve thought it over, and I really can’t accept them."
In summary, Lindong loves cleanliness and simply can’t accept creatures with ’sticky’ attributes or anything dirty and messy.
Ethan feels he has made new progress in his study of witchcraft disciplines.
Why do they seriously discuss what form he should transform into for so long?
"I don’t intend to change at all!"
Ethan loudly clarified, reflecting upon it, the reason they discussed for so long was purely due to his fascination with knowledge related to the Evil God; he never wants to miss any knowledge related to occultism.
But clearly, his clarification seemed to come a bit late.
As the discussion deepened, Lindong’s face also became more solemn; her expression complex, "I know, this is just in case; remember the ’barely acceptable’ category. Once we get back, I’ll make you a set of parchment books."
Initially, she was just speaking casually, but when she talked about those rare creations of Evil God, Ethan unexpectedly showed intense interest.
Lindong, Lindong. Human hobbies are wonderfully diverse, and one should have an understanding and inclusive mindset.
Even if he turned into an octopus face, he’s still Ethan, isn’t he!
She kept reassuring herself.
Ave’s call interrupted this discussion pertaining to human interests, she immediately identified herself, "Calling Old Sen, calling Old Sen, this is Ave, still awake?"
Ethan almost forgot to identify himself; he was still racking his brains on how to convince his girlfriend he really wasn’t interested in becoming an octopus face. Even when playing Baldur’s Gate 3 before, he refused the main brain’s invitation!
"Early this morning, I received feedback from the Gear City Reception Bureau, how did you manage to create a pollution zone while suppressing the riot? It’s me, Ave, utterly surprised!"
"The pollution zone was just a facade for commercial competition, details will be explained when we return... Has Captain Hagrid gone back?"
"They have returned, but they seemed really downcast. Gear City branch assigned a task; since you’re heading to Gear City, draft a written assessment and take it with you. Task dispatch by Ave, over."
After the communication ended, Ethan ensured the metal figurines were working as usual and embarked on his journey to Gear City.
By the time he reached Gear City, adhering to the map and road signs, it was dark; the entire city seemed lifeless, with many patrol units deployed by the Kingdom Army, conducting thorough security checks on everyone visiting Gear City.
At this moment, the Reception Bureau investigator’s identity card came into play; they cross-checked his identification card, and patrol guards didn’t question the puppet cat sitting on his shoulder anymore, merely instructed him to settle in the hotel and head to Gear City branch immediately. All investigators were working overtime on the Haywood Mine anomaly, extremely needing first-hand information from the mine.
This was no difficulty for Ethan; nobody knew better than him what happened at Haywood Mine, and his specialty was performing artistic alteration based on facts.
The story was highly immersive.
When branch investigators heard about the sudden appearance of red ice corroding the mine and twisting miners into monstrous creatures, they imagined themselves as Ethan hiding within piles of corpses, holding their breath as if they could see those monstrous entities passing in front of him.
The records clerks concluded that the current Haywood Mine has transformed into a dead zone under Evil God’s pollution, filled with numerous assemblers. Brave comrades observed that the pit’s interior is the core polluted area, home to a colossal unknown object resembling a worm.
Encountering it within the dark, confined mine undoubtedly leads to death.
Yet upon confirming pollution zone’s existence, branch investigators sighed in relief—as the new director banned exploratory tasks within polluted zones post-appointment, they needn’t worry about suddenly being dispatched to Haywood Mine as expendables.
Combining B-grade investigator Rose’s report, this was the second time recently the brave comrades withdrew safely from a polluted zone, indicating this newcomer has some skills.
Even B-grade investigators couldn’t match his extensive experience.
"Mr. brave, Lady Rose mentioned your contribution in the letter, after discussing, the branch decides to interview you for promotion to D-grade investigator!"
The scribe admired Ethan, evidently realizing their previous oversight—unexpected that a minor town on Empire’s border could cultivate an investigator of talent, intellect, and unafraid of confronting danger head-on.
"Regarding the promotion, do you have any additions you wish to make?"
"Well, there is indeed one thing."
Ethan spoke, "I heard from Lady Rose that investigators can apply for a title change during promotions."
"Certainly, ’brave’ hardly reflects your contributions."
The scribe nodded; she fully understood his feelings, "I’ll submit the request; the Reception Bureau will craft a new identity card tailored to your recent contributions."
Before night fell completely, Ethan returned to the inn with his new identity card.
This was a pivotal moment; from today onwards, that embarrassing nickname ’brave’ would be cast far away.
He ceremoniously invited Lindong (in human form) to sit across him, participating in the mini promotion celebration he organized himself; he poured two cups of water to substitute for champagne, ensuring the atmosphere was right.
"Teacher, let this important moment be hosted by you!"
Ethan pushed the delicately packaged wooden box towards Lindong.
"Congratulations on your promotion to D-grade investigator."
Lindong raised her cup, smiling tenderly, reading aloud the information on the new identity card, "’The boy who survived’."