Warhammer Divine Throne

"It seems that's all we can do for now," Veronica realized she had been somewhat anxious.

Thus, for three consecutive days, Laine and Veronica examined the situation at the Gladiatorial Arena, but the results were disappointing. During these three days, Lops relied on his exquisite long halberd skills and excellent martial arts to make a name as a "Long Halberdman" in the arena, accepting numerous challenges. However, to Laine's dismay, he still found no trace related to Belte.

This could only mean one thing: Belte should not be in the Gladiatorial Arena.

Three days later, during the night, at Amber Avenue 53.

In the dining room on the first floor, silver cutlery and white candlelight illuminated the bright dining hall. Laine hosted a banquet at his new home, entertaining Alfred and Lops. Having accomplished this much in the task, Laine had already informed Lops and Alfred of his mission, hoping they would assist him.

Lops's young face was full of excitement; he was glad to be of use and to be told by Laine what precisely he was doing. The young wandering knight felt his hard work over the past three days wasn't in vain: "So, Mr. Laine, your goal is to find that Fallen Hunter Belte! I'm willing to help you!"

"Thank you for your assistance." Laine placed the butter bread he baked, honey roasted chicken wings, and fruit salad on the table covered with a white tablecloth. Meanwhile, Veronica and Catherine were grilling lamb chops.

The Jialan Witch differed from the female sorcerer; she could cook herself. Although not very skilled, she had no problem making something for herself to eat. The female apprentices of Jialan often had to cook and do chores for their mentors. Speaker Margarita didn't need Veronica to work for her, so poor little Catherine had to be proficient in all household skills, while Veronica only needed to deal with it a bit.

Today was the day for Laine's friends to visit home, so the witch naturally needed to show her skills in the kitchen.

After everyone was seated, Alfred prayed for a moment before indulging in the feast. Lops was somewhat reserved, but with the warm hospitality of Laine and Veronica, he gradually relaxed: "Thank you, Mr. Laine, this is the best dinner I've ever had."

"You're welcome." Laine thought for a moment before speaking again: "Have there been any gains these days? Is there anyone particularly strong among the gladiators, or did you sense any terrifying aura?"

"No." Lops expertly cut the steak with knife and fork: "The three strongest gladiators in the arena are me, Bennett, and Bach. Bach is a robust farm owner, considered a noble. He's adept at using the long spear, but quite humble by nature, only comes to fight a few matches each month to earn some extra money."

"Hmm~" Laine stroked his chin, knowing Belte was unlikely to be in the arena anymore.

After all, Marinburg adhered to the Empire's laws. Under the control of order, the arena was not a place where all kinds of riffraff could enter and fight. This wasn't the chaotic Southern Realm or the kind where even Lords would enter the competition like in the dark elf regions. In Marinburg, let alone Legendary Powerhouses, even elite-tier humans could easily find work. Merchants were more than willing to hire them as guards. In such circumstances, the arena was genuinely only filled with small fry, unable to stir up much trouble.

The only possibility was that two strong individuals might agree to a duel in the arena due to personal grudges, but that was just a random occurrence.

Laine and Veronica exchanged a glance, and from the witch's judgment, the arena was indeed the least likely of the three places. After Lops's three days of investigation, the arena could basically be ruled out.

"You've worked hard, so should we investigate the underground tunnels next or the Aesthetic Society?" After a great meal and sending off Lops and Alfred, Laine and Veronica sat in the first-floor living room, continuing to discuss their next steps under the illumination of the grand chandelier and magic floor lamp.

"Our division with Vice President Jacob is that he leads the demon hunters to explore the underground tunnels. Our task is to investigate the Gladiatorial Arena and the Aesthetic Society. Now that the arena has been checked, we should begin investigating the Aesthetic Society," Laine analyzed the current situation.

"The Aesthetic Society won't be easy to deal with, Laine; you know that. There are at least two Members of Parliament in Marinburg's Upper House who are members of the Aesthetic Society, especially that Count Edmond Huron. He is Agneda's resolute pursuer, and he's declared more than once that if Agneda agrees to his marriage proposal, she will become Countess," Veronica gently tucked her long, black-brown curls behind her ear. Being a Legendary Wizard of Fire and Light Elements, the Jialan Witch didn't fear the cold.

"So we need evidence to prove the Aesthetic Society is part of the Chaos Sect; otherwise, we cannot search the Aesthetic Society's headquarters. Mind you, it's in the Shield Coin District; any misstep and we could become unwelcome in Marinburg. Lord Schultz supports me, but the Upper House has more than just Lord Schultz," Laine knew that every step had to be cautious, especially when facing the Aesthetic Society, which was already tightly linked with Marinburg's upper echelons. One wrong step could mean losing the only opportunity to eliminate this Chaos Sect.

"Now, I wonder how Vice President Jacob and his team are doing." Laine embraced Veronica, inhaling the lily fragrance from her body and hair: "Tomorrow, we'll first go to Shield Coin District, check the Aesthetic Society headquarters, and perhaps... buy you some new clothes?"

"You're paying?" Veronica gently leaned on Laine, her sweet face beaming with a smile.

"Of course, I'll pay," Laine nodded matter-of-factly: "As a gentleman, it's my duty."

"Then I'll give you the chance," the woman smiled radiantly: "But my Great Knight better not run out of money then!"

"Don't underestimate your partner!"

......

Marinburg, Underground Tunnels.

Marinburg was like a giant tree, with the districts above ground being its branches, trunk, and leaves.

The underground tunnels of Marinburg, however, were its roots.

Jacob, the Vice President of the Demon Hunter Guild, led three young demon hunters to the entrance of the underground tunnels.

Jacob held a large cigar in his mouth with his long thick coat, and beneath his tan men's trench coat was well-crafted scale armor. His heavy boots, wide-brimmed hat, black mask, and deerskin gloves covering his forearms left this vice president only revealing two fierce eyes and a mouth.

Even with only his eyes revealed, Jacob's terrifying aura of aggression hadn't diminished in the least. Apart from the scar next to his eyes, any tunnel guard who saw Jacob's eyes felt an icy chill in their backs.

They were eyes that doubted everything, eyes that believed everyone to be guilty, eyes as fierce as a cheetah constantly scanning back and forth, suspicious of everyone's purity, searching for any signs of corruption.

Jacob was an old Demon Hunting Master, who had dedicated decades to cleansing corruption and eradicating evil. Even among demon hunters, Jacob's methods were ruthless. Once, upon discovering a cult base, he buried the whole village of dozens alongside them. Once, due to suspicion, he burned an entire street to ashes.

When the Demon Hunter Guild deemed Jacob unable to distinguish whether a handshake was a sign of goodwill or an assassination attempt, this aging Demon Hunting Master finally semi-retired, spending most of his time in the guild's headquarters teaching the young.

Behind the Demon Hunting Master was a large ax and a longsword, and he was also equipped with a short fire cannon at his waist. Besides these, nobody knew what other weapons the Demon Hunting Master might carry.

"Vice President Jacob, I've found Belte's trail!" a young demon hunter softly said.

"Excellent," Jacob took a deep drag from his cigar and blew out a beautiful smoke ring.

"The hunt has begun."