The Martial Unity

The more Rui looked at the libraries of Gehu, the more he came to like it. Unlike the Derimont Bazaar, the libraries of Gehu had a positive impact on society. Here, one could come to freely learn as much knowledge as they wanted to, potentially to change their life for the better. It was an avenue of opportunity for the average person.

Rui simply walked in, sauntering around nonchalantly.

He was wearing the badge that Sian gave him, so he was sure that soon enough, he would be approached by someone.

For the moment, he was curious about the inventory and catalog of the entire library. There was so much information here that he was actually intrigued and curious about it. 

This place held his interest even outside of being the base of operations of the Beggar's Sect. He could use it to quickly gain tons of relevant and important information that would help him if he stored it in the Mind Palace. He could even gain more intelligence on substances like the primordial seed. It was definitely something that was worth considering.

However, the books weren't the only things that drew his attention. All of the libraries and their various sections had a public sitting area that extended far and wide, accommodating many people, as well as private accommodations for the wealthier who wished to have more privacy and comfort.

Rui could sense anti-sensory technology in these private compartments, making them increasingly difficult to sense. Some had managed to even hamper his Riemannian Echo, which was quite impressive.

Looking back at his visit to the Derimont Bazaar, he knew that the purpose of these private compartments was simply to hide the use of anti-sensory measures of the Beggar's Sect, so that people didn't grow suspicious, or use it to locate members of the Beggar's Sect since nobody would be able to distinguish them.

"You seem rather interested in this particular section, sir," A staff member drew his attention. "If you wish, I can bring you to a qualified expert who can recommend an assortment of relevant literature that will surely be of interest to you."

Rui nodded. "Please do."

She smiled courteously. "Please come this way."

They walked down the many halls and corridors of the expansive establishment before she guided him to a mundane office with shelves stacked with all kinds of documents. Inside sat a short man in formal attire, and round-rimmed glasses engrossed in writing.

"Professor Carl, we have a guest who wishes to consult you."

The man didn't respond as he continued to obsess over the document he was working on.

"Professor Carl." 

"Hm?" The man furrowed his eyebrows, looking up at Rui. "What can I do for you?"

"I came here to make a payment," Rui replied. "I was hoping to gain your help with it."

It wasn't long before the door closed behind them and powerful anti-sensory measures were taken.

"Sian did inform me that you might come, Senior Falken." The professor spoke first as his entire demeanor changed. "It seems that the Derschek branch of the Beggar's Sect has been graced with your services."

"Yes, I do intend to complete a portion of the commission payment in this place," Rui noted. "I also wanted to consult an on-site expert of this branch in particular."

"You're searching for the Silent Shadow." The professor replied expectantly. "Many are, but almost none succeed in finding her."

"Sian did inform of that." Rui nodded. 

"Then you are aware that we are unable to supply you with her location and identity." Professor Carl remarked impassively. "The intelligence community at large has failed in finding her. We estimate that only a powerful Martial Master with especially powerful senses would be able to sniff her out. While our modus operandi gives us many significant advantages that conventional intelligence-gathering approaches do not have, it is not particularly effective when it comes to cases like the Silent Shadow."

"I understand, rest assured that I do not expect the Beggar's Sect to lead me to her," Rui remarked. "However, I was still hoping to learn about the information that you have managed to collect and the insights that your sect has made while investigating her."

Even though the Beggar's Sect had already made it clear that they could not lead Rui straight to her, he was sure that the results of their efforts would be useful to begin with.

"I also would like to get a general overview of the broad state of geopolitical affairs of the Derschek Region, as well as the Shadow Isles," Rui said. 

He could definitely come to learn of these matters with his own efforts, of course. But it was just far easier to get it from the Beggar's Sect.

"That is trivial information," The professor remarked. "We can disclose that to you free of charge, consider it a token of our goodwill. However, the results of our investigation on the Silent Shadow will cost you."

"That's not an issue. I will pay for it while completing operations in this region." Rui replied casually.

"That's your prerogative." The professor nodded before nodding to the silent staff member who immediately left the room. "It will take a bit of time to gather and organize. Is there anything else that you would like to purchase?"

"That will be it for now." Rui shook his head. 

"Then let us talk about your commission payment operations." The professor eagerly remarked. "Unlike the Derimont Bazaar where there are numerous operations catering to numerous agendas. Our branch only has one."

Rui raised an eyebrow, surprised. 

The professor's demeanor grew more severe. "We will enlist your services to dismantle the hitman market of the Derschek Region."

Rui's eyes widened with surprise.

He didn't know that the Derschek branch of the Beggar's Sect had only a single, yet incredibly ambitious agenda. Based on the brief amount of time that Rui had spent in the Derschek Region, the assassination industry was deeply rooted in the very fabric of its civilization.