Chapter Thirty-Two: The Proof of Weigel’s Rat

Upon witnessing the Debt Collector's sudden threat with sword and blade, you and the Stone Smith were thrown into chaos, unsure how to react.

“Stone Smith, put away your hostile gaze. That’s the Rat’s Token from Vigel—grant me this courtesy,” the Debt Collector’s cold voice said.

Vigel?

That was the name of the diary’s owner—the true holder of the Rat’s Token.

The misunderstanding seemed to deepen. Morningstar took a sip of coffee, its warmth chasing away much of the chill that clung to him.

But it was a fortunate misunderstanding.

The Stone Smith’s aged face was etched with confusion and fear as he questioned the Debt Collector.

You knew nothing of Vigel, so your ears pricked up, secretly listening to their exchange.

Through their conversation, you learned Vigel was once a sewer rat of New City District 8, later joining the Death League, seeking a home outside the city. The sewer folk detested the denizens of Black River Prison, but deeply respected those who ventured beyond New City—pioneers, powerful and fearless in the face of death.

After leaving the sewers, Vigel set out on the thorny path to the High Heavens, becoming a hunter of several terrifying calamities. He was a man who valued loyalty; even when destitute, he would never sell the Rat’s Token to a traveling merchant for money.

Even in the sewers, rats had their idols, and Vigel was theirs. Thus, the Debt Collector Li believed you and Vigel shared a bond beyond words.

Your association implied you were stronger than your aura suggested.

Morningstar pressed his lips together. He had no connection to Vigel—he’d simply stumbled upon the Rat’s Token by chance.

Under Li’s oppressive presence, the Stone Smith gradually withdrew his hostility toward you.

Li sheathed his long blade and asked about Vigel’s recent circumstances.

Morningstar’s heart skipped. He hurriedly searched his information and memory logs, but found nothing that could help him answer.

Debt Collector Li’s cold yet curious gaze fell upon you, urging you to make a choice.

1. Tell the truth.
2. Invent a story.
3. Remain silent.

The first option was likely impossible.

As for the second, lacking sufficient information, could his character truly fabricate a believable lie? Too many words risk exposure; best to choose silence for now.

“Can’t tell me? I see. That little rat’s whereabouts are beyond even a Debt Collector’s reach now. But if you can’t give me news, we can’t help you seek news either, even if you and Vigel are connected.”

Li’s voice was icy, and he fell into contemplation.

Whew...

He’d managed to muddle through. Morningstar was relieved, and from the text, it seemed that inquiring about Night Watcher Ford was still possible.

Li continued to scrutinize you, sensing the taint of Stone Sickness upon you. He informed the Stone Smith that you were not an investigator from the prison’s upper echelons, but a courageous soul from its depths.

After a brief pause for thought, Li offered to help your investigation, provided it did not harm the sewer’s interests, and that you agreed to a single request.

Morningstar considered this. His chief aim was to find an “Ancient Book”—this shouldn’t threaten the sewer’s interests.

It was worth a try; he clicked to inquire about the request.

Li spoke: In the Steam Age, people held a ritual called a gravestone, burying the dead and marking their cause of death on a stone. He was fond of this old custom, and wished to learn Vigel’s manner of death, to record it on his cloth strip.

If someday you discover how Vigel died, he asked you to return and tell him.

He sensed the lantern aura upon you, and those with such an aura always meet again in unexpected places.

Accept or refuse.

Was it merely a verbal promise?

He couldn’t leave the sewers empty-handed.

After a moment’s thought, Morningstar accepted.

Accept.

“May you honor this trivial promise, and grant him this small, silly wish.” Li looked at you. He was the steward of order here in the sewers; nothing escaped his notice. “You wish to inquire about a Night Watcher?”

These game NPCs were remarkably perceptive. Morningstar chose “Yes.”

Li explained: “That weak Night Watcher, stained with shadow beast’s aura, came here to sell a book. But the book was written in obscure language, unreadable. The rat’s nest wouldn’t buy such a strange book at a high price.”

That Night Watcher later ventured deeper into the sewers, where the paths grew more tangled and perilous.

Li offered to help track the Night Watcher’s movements; everyone in the sewers owed him a favor.

If you didn’t mind, he asked you to wait there while he sought information.

Game prompt: Information on the Ancient Book has been updated.

Debt Collector Li departed, assuring you of his usual efficiency.

He’d gone already?

Morningstar was baffled. The Debt Collector came and went in a flash.

Judging by the circumstances, if he truly wanted news of the “Ancient Book,” he’d have to rely on this Debt Collector, master of favors.

Morningstar finished the last sip of his coffee and looked at the text; the Stone Smith’s demeanor had changed drastically.

“So you’re afflicted with Stone Sickness too? You should have said so sooner.” The Stone Smith put aside his mocking expression, bowed slightly, and grew much gentler.

He offered to repair your weapon for only one White Day Coin—a price that could not be lower. Such specialized repairs demanded much of his spirit and energy; even the gem merchant beside him would charge at least two White Day Coins!

As for stones with shadow affinity, he had none—you’d have to buy those from the gem merchant.

“I refuse to lower the price! Attribute stones aren’t cheap!” the gem merchant declared loudly.

You possess a Blackwater Stone; do you wish to spend one White Day Coin to repair the Shadow Stinger Dagger?

One White Day Coin—two less than the original price!

The rat’s nest was ruthless to outsiders.

The price was acceptable; Morningstar chose to repair.

He took out the Blackwater Stone and the Shadow Stinger Dagger.

Bang, bang, bang!

“Haha, gem merchant, this traveler doesn’t need your shoddy Blackwater stones. Guest, your material is excellent—just like you.”

The Stone Smith mocked the gem merchant and began repairing the Shadow Stinger Dagger with full concentration.

Waiting for repair...

Morningstar rubbed his hands and sold the ruby to the gem merchant, earning one White Day Coin plus twenty Moon Silver Coins.

According to the gem merchant, the extra twenty Moon Silver Coins were a mark of respect for Morningstar.

Then, a new text appeared.

You felt a hint of fatigue, but the cold and gloom of the surroundings pressed upon you. Would you like to enter “Vigilant Rest Mode”?

Vigilant Rest Mode: Recovery rate is lower than normal, but abnormalities are more easily detected.

Yes.

“So full.”

Morningstar left the dining table; today’s meal was worth three previous ones, and his strength was replenished considerably.