The Last Gentleman

The descriptions related to [Open Source] involuntarily reminded Yi Chen of past events at the lake and the terrifying entity he had encountered in the Fish Scale Abyss.

However, based on Yi Chen’s recollection of that scene, the entity dwelling in the abyss appeared to be at a tier far beyond Open Source—a more profound, ancient, and unique level.

It seemed to bear some connection to the origin of diseases.

...

Snap!

The supervisor snapped his fingers, signaling the end of the hourglass timer and sealing the documents.

“As you’ve seen, the 'False Moon Incident' was orchestrated by a Open Source patient. Their pathogenic characteristics were closely tied to the 'moon,' marking them as a rare and unique case.

Possessing extraordinary concealment abilities, this patient could fully integrate among humans, eventually causing a near-catastrophic event that almost destroyed an entire city.

That said, the Open Source patient has been eliminated, and the False Moon Incident was resolved two months ago, with cleanup completed just last week.

All that remains is for you to visit the abandoned clinic and confirm whether the last vial of the secret medicine is still there.”

Captain Edmund attempted to probe for more details:

“Can you provide us with more information about the secret medicine?”

“You will only learn certain 'partial information' about its compatibility with you once you successfully retrieve it and complete the mission.

For now, the only thing I can share is that the secret potion, developed by the Twilight Clinic, has been classified as a key inter-organizational secret due to its 'special effects.'”

As the supervisor spoke, he took out four Polaroid cameras and a photograph. The picture depicted the exclusive secret medicine crafted by the Twilight Clinic.

A weathered glass vial, filled with silver liquid, its cork stained with unsettling grime. On the discolored label of the bottle, a handwritten note in crooked script was faintly legible:

“Twilight Clinic Original Formula – Twilight Silver Liquid”

—Dr. D.M. McCoff

The supervisor tapped the photograph rhythmically, like a telegraph operator.

“Using the bottle design shown in the picture, locate the remaining potion. If you search the clinic thoroughly and still can’t find it, photograph every corner to prove that it has been stolen.

It’s that simple. If there are no issues, you may depart.”

Edmund responded promptly, “We’ll begin the mission tomorrow.”

“That’s fine. After all, you’re rookies! As long as the task is completed by the end of the month, that’s sufficient. If there’s nothing else, we’ll conclude our conversation here.

Good luck!”

As the group was about to leave the table, Yi Chen, who had been deep in thought, suddenly interjected:

“I have a question... Are all the details in these documents accurate?”

The supervisor, who had already turned away, paused for a moment and turned back again.

“Oh? Do you think the information I personally provided is false?”

“There’s just an intangible sense of inconsistency.”

“The documents provided are only ‘partial information.’ Many classified details have been redacted. To maintain readability and fill in the gaps, some elements were artificially adjusted or supplemented. Slight inconsistencies are normal.

Is there anything else you wish to ask?”

“No.”

The supervisor, showing a good-natured attitude, personally escorted the four out of the "Gentlemen’s Hall" and waved kindly as they parted ways.

Watching the four figures fade into the distance, he muttered under his breath:

“The First Gentleman’s chosen candidate, alongside three excellent new recruits holding blue letters... How far can they go, I wonder?”

Adjusting the tilt of his top hat, he turned and re-entered the Gentlemen’s Hall.

As the supervisor ascended to the upper levels, Professor Chamberlain, a white owl perched on his shoulder, was already waiting for him.

“Oh? Isn’t this the renowned White Owl? What brings you here? Are you looking to take on a dark-tier mission?”

Chamberlain didn’t respond to the banter and instead went straight to the point:

“I heard you assigned the mission involving the 'False Moon Incident' to William, Edmund, and their group?”

“I merely provided an option. The decision to accept it was entirely theirs.”

Upon hearing this, Chamberlain strode directly toward the supervisor.

Though the two were of similar height, Chamberlain’s presence utterly overshadowed the other.

“Edge, we’ve known each other for some time.

As the supervisor of the Hall, you should be more aware than anyone of the value of talent. The False Moon Incident hasn’t truly ended. Even if the risk is ‘minimal,’ should it resurface, they will undoubtedly perish.”

Edge, the supervisor, leaned back slightly, smiling as he replied:

"I only scheduled tasks according to the 'algorithm.' Their squad's level matches the requirements for retrieving the secret medicine, that's all.

Of course, considering the minuscule potential risks involved, I'll arrange for some free high-ranking gentlemen to observe in the shadows. If danger exceeding the mission's scope arises, we'll do everything possible to ensure their safety."

"No need for arrangements; I'll take care of it... wait a second!"

Chamberlain suddenly realized something. "You brat, you predicted I’d intervene from the start, didn’t you?"

Edge raised his hands quickly, feigning innocence. "Huh? I didn’t say anything! Since Professor Chamberlain happens to have time, I won’t need to assign anyone else."

Snap!

A claw-like hand gripped the supervisor's shoulder.

"Edge, you seem pretty free these days too, don’t you? Even making time to personally greet the new gentlemen downstairs... How about we both guarantee the safety of these kids? After all, they’re just heading to the Twilight Clinic to retrieve a bottle of secret medicine—it won't take much time."

Edge, who had planned to decline, suddenly felt a wave of killing intent.

"Uh... sure! I’ve been quite free lately anyway.

These kids won’t be leaving until tomorrow, so... how about letting me off tonight, Professor Chamberlain?"

As soon as he finished speaking, only a single white feather was left drifting onto the supervisor's shoulder—Chamberlain had already disappeared.

"Sigh~ Miscalculated a bit.

I didn’t expect that old white owl to value this student so highly. Looks like that young man, who’s been on leave for half a year, might indeed possess some hidden characteristics I failed to notice.

Oh well~ To satisfy my own curiosity, I might as well tag along and play with these young ones."

...

[Street District]

Edmund personally spent his own money to prepare essential supplies for the squad's journey beyond the city walls, such as various potions, compressed food, camping tents, and so on.

Just as he was about to buy replacement fuel for a kerosene lamp, Edmund noticed that the kerosene lamp strapped to Yi Chen's waist was merely a standard civilian model, unsuitable for a gentleman in combat.

"William! You need to replace that kerosene lamp of yours.

These old-fashioned kerosene lamps are easily damaged in battle... Plus, the place we’re heading to has been entirely abandoned, so we’ll often need kerosene lamps for prolonged lighting."

However, Yi Chen, deep in thought about the mission, only snapped out of it after a moment.

"Huh? Kerosene lamps... Is there more to them than meets the eye?"

"Of course! In this messed-up world, any investigation into the outside could plunge us into complete darkness. A kerosene lamp is an essential item.

It’s also one of the officially recognized necessities for gentlemen.

There are plenty of shops in Zion specializing in kerosene lamps. We still have time today; let’s pick one out together."

"High-quality kerosene lamps must be expensive, right?"

Edmund patted his chest. "No problem~ If you’re short on cash, I can cover the rest."

"I’ll pay you back later."

Yi Chen didn’t refuse. From the moment he was born in the cemetery, he understood the importance of a kerosene lamp. Looking at his own rusty, oversized lamp that creaked while running, it indeed needed replacing.

They walked into a lamp shop named 'Helios’s Sacred Flame.'

As Yi Chen’s eyes scanned the price tags beneath the lamps, his hand unconsciously reached for the meager amount of silver coins left on his belt.

The thought of escaping quickly surfaced in his mind.