I Pioneered Scientific Magic

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."

Lynn nodded, agreeing with Leya's assessment. If it had been a full-fledged wizard who attacked Ralph, he wouldn't have had any chance to resist. Only apprentices needed to use magical materials when casting low-tier spells.

Lynn glanced down at the pale yellow powder in his hand. The attacker must have used "Hypnotic Mist" first. So, did they intend to capture Ralph alive?

Clearly, the apprentice had underestimated the physical resilience of a dwarf. "Hypnotic Mist" didn't seem to have worked well, and it had even incited resistance from Ralph.

With the attacker's strength, any blow from the wrench would have caused significant harm to Ralph. The final blow was likely delivered by a first-tier spell, "Corrosion."

"Does anyone know what Ralph was up to these days? Did he have any grudges or conflicts with someone? Or did he say anything he shouldn't have?" Lynn asked the group of dwarves.

"Ralph has been in the workshop for most of the past half-month, crafting airships with us. He didn't go anywhere. Yesterday afternoon, he even stood in for Lydia to keep an eye on the airship. Last night, only last night, we went out for drinks to celebrate, leaving Ralph in charge of guarding the airship. We didn't want anyone sneaking in and sabotaging it," Darren said, choking on his words. "It's my fault. If I hadn't assigned him the night watch, he wouldn't have waited until early morning to go to the tavern..."

Darren's voice trembled, and tears the size of beans rolled down his cheeks.

Lynn recalled that he had seen Ralph a few times when he visited the workshop. Ralph was one of the dwarves responsible for crafting the airship's cabin.

Was this about the design plans for the airship? Lynn couldn't help but consider this possibility. Ralph's timing of death seemed too convenient.

Yesterday morning, he had conducted a flight test in the square. Today, one of the core creators of the airship had died, and the attacker had initially used the non-lethal magic "Hypnotic Mist." It seemed like an attempt to capture Ralph alive for interrogation.

Though he pondered this, Lynn continued to ask if Ralph had exhibited any strange behavior recently. He also questioned a few individuals who were among the first to hear the cries for help and discover the body in the alley. He requested a detailed account of the events from start to finish.

Unfortunately, after the thorough questioning, Lynn realized that they had very little to go on. The townspeople had fled when they heard the commotion in the alley, alerting the guards and the Chief of Security, but they hadn't dared to venture into the dangerous situation.

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.

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