Chapter 76: Rewards

He had already expected the things that Arishem wanted to inform him.

The government indeed raised its vigilance against the cult and is now developing ways to increase its security. Also, the City Lord indeed received some heat from them because the city nearly got destroyed.

They also submitted the 'drill' to the researchers in hopes of discovering ways to counter it. As of now, this was their biggest project since a tool that could siphon vitality from the Ley Lines was something they could not permit to exist.

Truth to be told, it wasn't necessary for Arishem to tell him all of this. Cedric had no plans on entering the murky waters of politics anytime soon and frankly, he could already predict his actions based on the information they release in public.

Still, he appreciated the gesture even though the old man was just doing this out of respect and necessity. It seems that the old man was set on forging a good relationship with him and he's not against it.

"...I see." Cedric sighed after Arishem concluded his reports. "Wait here for a bit. I have to get something...well, someone actually."

He didn't wait for them to reply. He made his way toward the basement and bypassed the security measures he installed there. He then grabbed his captive who was in a suspended death state and brought him to his visitors.

"This is...?" Arishem raised a brow.

"A cultist of course." Cedric replied, unceremoniously dropping the guy's body in front of them.

"While all of you were busy dealing with the demons and cultist, I caught a response from their SOS. I initially thought that they wouldn't send reinforcements because that would be bad for them but just in case, I went out to see if some would come." Cedric explained.

Arishem and the City Lord's eyes narrowed after hearing this. Indeed, this was something that they hadn't considered. That said, they couldn't be blamed because they were dealing with pressing matters back then.

"To my surprise, a group of reinforcements did come." Cedric continued, "In truth though, they were not reinforcements but replacements."

"They intend to use the ongoing chaos to blend with the surroundings and replenish their forces here. They also brought this..."

Cedric then took out an item that resembled a flag, catching the attention of his visitors.

"...this is the tool they used to hide from our senses. This one is an upgraded version though. Thankfully, it's useless against me. I could see them plain as day even with this."

"I ambushed them. Confiscated all of the items I deemed important and spared this one to get information from him." He said, he then took out a memory chip which he passed on to Arishem.

"That chip contains proof of how the interrogation went. I squeezed out as much as I could from that guy but even so, there's still a small chance that he's still hiding something. That said, he's just an ordinary Team Leader for the Cult I suppose so he's not bound to know a lot. Most of the things he knew are already recorded on the chip."

Arishem and the City Lord looked at him in surprise. Just from a single glance, they could tell that this captive was at least Tier 4 in strength alone. The fact that Cedric, a mere Tier 2, could not only ambush him but also catch him alive for interrogation proves that he's skilled enough to handle things on his own.

The old man looked at the City Lord and the latter nodded at him. Arishem then pocketed the memory chip for safekeeping.

"Thank you for covering us. Seriously, depending on how much information you got from him, the rewards we have might not be enough to repay your efforts." Arishem chuckled.

Cedric noticed the astonished expression of Arishem on the side, which made him really curious about what this item was.

**

[Starlight Royal Academy's Token]

: A proof of eligibility to partake in the Starlight Royal Academy's entrance examination.

: Note! This item is currently ownerless.

: Tip - smear a drop of your blood to this item to bind it to you.

**

Cedric inhaled sharply upon finishing his inspection. It turns out to be the Starlight Royal Academy's Token!

No civilized Superhuman wouldn't know of the Starlight Royal Academy! It wouldn't be called the 'Breeding Grounds of Legends' for nothing!

Just like the book, the Starlight Royal Academy has existed since the Dawn of Superhumans. It has raised so many Superhumans and almost all of those that left a mark in Humanity's history once studied here!

Hell, even their drop-outs were formidable enough to protect an entire city alone.

One had to know, that admission to the Royal Academy was extremely strict. This token only guarantees the right to participate in their entrance exam. No amount of merit could guarantee direct admission to this academy.

This token itself isn't sold anywhere. It is earned by either performing meritorious service or granted by someone of high authority.

"This...this is too much." Cedric hesitated greatly upon the implications.

"Take it." The City Lord urged. "You deserve it. Besides, your growth will just be stagnated if you remain in my city. Your real stage is there, at the Royal Capital. Perhaps, even the whole world itself. Don't limit yourself here, you've got a bright future ahead of you."

This is a staggering faith in his abilities. It's honestly quite confusing for Cedric that a mere stranger like this guy held that much faith in his skills when he himself still thinks that he has a long way to go.

That said, the City Lord might be right. This city is too small for him, everyone in this room knows that too.

"I'll do my best to not disappoint you then." Cedric swore as he accepted the token.

"Glad to hear it." The City Lord grumbled before standing up. "Right, that's all we're here for. I'll see you when I see you I guess."

And just like that, his visitors left his home, leaving him feeling complicated.