Chapter 378 - Chapter 378: 136. Human-shaped 'machine” _2

Chapter 378: 136. Human-shaped “machine” _2

Translator: 549690339

Of course, the precondition is that the cargo ship is indeed related to the Blackbone Hermit, Aberrations, and other unstable factors. If the crew on board are honest and the goods are genuine and legal, Noland Lee would not target them.

In order to further determine the situation on the ship, he has to go out to sea.

After discussing the details of the maritime operation with Denise Green, Noland Lee adopted her suggestion. He decided to invite the Golden Merchant’s Sword to join this operation.

And the one cooperating with him was Derek Davis, with whom he had cooperated once before.

This man who could transform into a Grey Behemoth asked gravely as soon as he heard that Noland Lee was going to investigate the cargo ship at sea:

“Are you sure? Ray Lee. You performed excellently in the last Life Elixir theft operation, contributed greatly, and are irreplaceable. However, the situation at sea is much more complicated than the Sand Sea in the Savage Stone Wasteland. You want to approach the cargo ship secretly, which means that we cannot go to sea in large ships, but can only sail on an Alchemy Skiff or a yacht. Waves higher than five meters, surging underwater undercurrents, and strange sea fogs, any of these things would be too much for us.”

After saying that, Derek added:

“I’m not questioning your decision. I just want to make sure you know all the potential dangers.”

“Yes, Derek, I’m well aware of the risks you mentioned,” Noland said in his study room, the two of them sitting face-to-face on either side of the desk.

Noland continued:

“Not only am I aware of the risks of maritime operations but I also weigh the pros and cons of operations at sea and on land.

“At first, I considered investigating the cargo ship with the help of the Golden Commerce Guild after it arrived at port. But the problem is that it would involve too many people and things. For example, the supervisor responsible for shipping and ports within the Chamber of Commerce, the Re-forged Association, who would learn about the investigation, etc.

“Instead of getting involved with unrelated people on land, we should be more cautious and resolve disputes secretly at sea.

“At the end of the day, between entangled human affairs and the cold indifference of the ocean, I ultimately chose the latter.”

Noland spread his hands:

“That’s my thinking, Derek. Whether you join in or not is up to you. To be honest, I’m only 80% sure that there is a Life Elixir on that ship and direct evidence that the Re-forged Association is involved with Division Intelligence Unit Three, Five, Six, and the Blackbone Secret Society. If we are unlucky and encounter that 20% probability, then our trip would be in vain. You need to be prepared for that.”

Upon hearing this, Derek leaned against the chair back, frowning and sinking into deep thought. His shoulders and upper body were so strong and muscular that the bench beneath him seemed as small as a child’s play-chair.

“I’ll lead the team, but we need more than just ourselves,” Derek said, raising his head.

“You can find trustworthy members of the Golden Merchant’s Sword to help, as I trust your judgment,” Noland said calmly, looking the man in the eye.

In reality, he determines whether a person is trustworthy through Deconstruction. When it comes to identifying friends and foes, Deconstruction is second to none.

By consuming a hundred or two Energy Points, Noland can obtain a person’s “identity” information and some of their recent memories. From this, he can determine their loyalty. This is far more efficient and reliable than any truth serum or Soul Interrogation Potion.

As for phrases like “I trust your judgment in selecting people,” these are actually just social pleasantries. One can’t say things like “If something goes wrong, you’ll be held responsible for the people you choose.”

It’s clear that Derek knows the reinforcements he brings are crucial, and there’s no room for carelessness.

After pondering for nearly half a minute, Derek nodded slowly and said:

“I have thought of a suitable candidate, Ray Lee. This person will definitely not betray or sell us out. However, whether or not she will help isn’t up to me. I have to go back and discuss it with the supervisor.”

Noland said:

“Based on my estimates, our enemies may include not only third or fourth-rank alchemists but also Fifth-order Alchemists and the ‘Imperial Fist.’ I have witnessed the power of Biochemical Giants. Frankly, when it comes to combat capabilities, these extraordinary creations of biochemical mutations are no less formidable than ordinary wizards and alchemists. So, would you mind revealing our helper’s strength?”

Derek touched his beard and introduced:

“She’s a Sixth-rank Alchemist named Esme Smith. She’s the Chief Alchemist of the Golden Chamber’s Maritime Fog Expedition. Although she’s not a Combat Alchemist, her maritime knowledge can help us avoid many unnecessary battles. If you plan to use the sea fog to trap that cargo ship, her abilities are precisely what you need.”

“Excellent. Let’s go with her.” Noland tapped the tabletop with his fingertip:

“I’ll trouble you to go and talk to her.”

Derek stood up, threw down a sentence, and left the study:

“Don’t go far, I’ll be back soon. The supervisor should be free at this time.”

After Derek left, Noland sat quietly in his chair with his fingers forming a triangle, awaiting news.

He said he was only 80% sure that there was a Life Elixir on the ship, but in reality, he was 100% sure.

The so-called “The Liquor Quotation from Dark Water Liquor Company” was actually the Cipher Mother Text.

Noland didn’t know why Grett had the Cipher Mother Text used by Intelligence Department 6 stored in his head.