Chapter 82: "Hypnotic Mist" and "Corrosion Spell"

Chapter 82: "Hypnotic Mist" and "Corrosion Spell"

As Lynn arrived at the harbor's dock, a group of people had gathered in a dim alley next to the "Broadaxe Tavern." Pushing his way through the crowd, he spotted a short, chubby body lying lifeless on the ground.

Ralph, standing at about one and a half meters tall, appeared robust, but his upper body was a gruesome mess, with half of his neck missing. His eyes were wide with fear, and he clutched an iron wrench tightly in his hand.

"Oh, dear, poor Ralph. Who could have done such a cruel thing to him? What will happen to little Demi now if he's really gone?" a female dwarf wept, her voice choked with sadness.

"Damn scoundrel! If I find out who did this, I'll smash their skull in with a hammer," another dwarf exclaimed, pounding the earthen walls with his calloused fists.

Even Lydia, usually cheerful and lively, was seething with anger, clenching her fists tightly.

Suddenly, Lynn furrowed his brow and crouched down, placing his hand on the fabric of Ralph's robe. With the help of his "Magic Hand," he removed some white powder that had adhered to the body.

After using "Basic Material Analysis," Lynn discovered that this substance wasn't documented in the system's database.

"This is powdered withered root, typically used to assist in casting the first-tier spell 'Hypnotic Mist,'" a voice behind him spoke, and Lynn turned to see a middle-aged wizard.

Dressed in a standard robe with three dazzling gemstones on his chest and the emblem of a silver eagle, the man introduced himself before Lynn could ask, "I am Leya, the Chief of Security in Iyeta Harbor."

Lynn nodded in acknowledgement and asked, "Hello, Chief of Security. I'd like to know why Ralph died here and if there are any other findings."

"I've just questioned the staff at the 'Broadaxe Tavern.' This dwarf came early in the morning, got himself completely drunk, and then left alone. About ten to fifteen minutes later, people heard fighting and cries for help in this alley. When we arrived, his body had already undergone severe corrosion, and there was no chance of rescue," Leya explained succinctly. "I believe it was likely the work of an apprentice wizard, but we can't determine the motive yet. I've already sent the security team to conduct inquiries."

No one had seen the attacker's face.

Lynn sympathized with their reactions. Even an apprentice wizard could cause significant destruction with a fireball spell. Under such circumstances, no one would willingly approach danger.

Considering this, Lynn turned to the Chief of Security and said, "Lord Leya, could you please keep an eye out for someone around one meter seventy to one meter seventy-five tall, possibly with injuries to the legs, arms, or the waist area?"

"Injuries I can understand, but why specifically one meter seventy? Did Professor Lynn see something?" Leya asked, puzzled.

"Shoe size!" Lynn pointed to the ground in front of Ralph's body, giving a straightforward response.

Darren, Lydia, and the others immediately looked in the direction Lynn had indicated. However, they could see nothing but confusion.

Leya, on the other hand, was different. He walked directly to the spot where Lynn had stood, and through his heightened perception, he could see faint footprints in the dust.

"Generally, a person's height is about seven times their foot length. Of course, what I mean is... if the assailant were a typical human!" Lynn explained, "For example, my height-to-foot-length ratio fits this standard. However, if it was someone like an orc, elf, or any other unusual creature, it might not apply."

At the very least, it could serve as a useful lead.

As for tracking these footprints? That was pure fantasy. The entire alley had been trampled by the onlookers, and only the area near the body remained relatively clean, leaving behind a few traces.

Unlock exclusive early access to a more than 100 chapters before anyone else by becoming a valued member of my Patreon community.Witness the debut of this chapter, unveiled through Ñôv€l--B1n.