Mechanical Alchemist

"What a clever disguise, it doesn't look like synthetic skin; it must be some kind of alchemical creation..."

Su Lun glanced at the faux mustache Katya had donned and pondered inwardly.

If this group of pirates hadn't seen through it, her disguise was indeed clever.

However, Su Lun was also curious why a lady, seemingly from a noble family, would come to a pirate tavern.

Was she playing some sort of adventure seeking game?

He watched as the little mustache took a seat at the bar. Although she had disguised her appearance to look like a pirate, likely being her first time, her demeanor was slightly unnatural. She ordered a drink from the bartender and started drinking.

The others didn't see the true face hidden behind her cup; her lips moved slightly, as though she was talking to the air.

....

Su Lun was rather impressed by this young lady, but he didn't pay her further attention.

If such a young lady dared to enter, she was probably protected by a master, meaning he, an outsider, need not worry.

After all, this was a seedy tavern frequented by pirates, flavored with the scent of lust and hallucinogenic potions. The waitresses, tall and attractive, were dressed in hot pants and tank tops, unabashedly showcasing their figures as they moved around the tavern. Occasionally, a handsy pirate would tear off their clothes, eliciting raucous laughter. The patrons seemed to enjoy this spontaneous entertainment, generously tipping and rejoicing; the dancing girls on stage moved seductively, their clothes gradually shedding; everywhere there were images prompting the secretion of hormones...

Here, pirates could indulge in ultimate pleasures just by spending money.

The information dealer's message hadn't arrived yet, so Su Lun continued to wait patiently.

As time passed, more and more patrons filtered into the underground tavern.

Some descended from upstairs; others came through secret passages. All seemed to be significant pirates, and many greeted each other upon entering.

"Hey! Captain Martin, I heard your 'Blue Lion Company' recently plundered a gemstone merchant's ship and made a fortune?"

"Hahaha... all just hard-earned money; and we lost several brothers, too. Still, not as much as you 'Triple Eels' made. I heard you kidnapped a baron and demanded a ransom of five billion?"

"Oh, isn't that Captain Ferdinand? Long time no see. I heard you went down south; those plantation owners are all rich folks. How was the loot...?"

"..."

Although Su Lun knew the tavern was expensive and not frequented by any nobodies, he hadn't realized that so many "captain-level" pirates would attend.

Drinking his beverage, he casually remarked, "Oh, it seems we have many big shots here today."

Hearing this, the girl massaging his shoulders also smiled sycophantically, "Because today is Saturday, it's the captains' gathering day."

Su Lun then realized there was such a tradition.

Nonchalantly, he replied, "Oh, I almost forgot. No wonder I saw so many familiar faces."

The pirates in the tavern weren't just drinking; as they chatted, they started a card game, betting big amounts, making the atmosphere quite heated.

....

Su Lun quietly watched this fellow from a corner.

However, as he observed, he suddenly spotted another acquaintance!

At that moment, a middle-aged man in a suit with a bowler hat walked in. His appearance was highly distinctive, with a crow perched on his shoulder and a cataract-like false eye in his right eye, exuding an air of danger and malevolence.

Su Lun immediately recognized the man, feeling slightly surprised, "Isn't that Gwenb Mary, the Crow Godfather from the Old Lington Outer City? He's come out too?"

Moreover, after sensing his soul fire, it appeared he had also advanced to the fourth tier.

Clearly, many in the tavern were unfamiliar with this figure from Old Lington, and out of curiosity, they began to whisper among themselves.

"Who is that guy?"

"Some newcomer dubbed 'Crow,' sprang out of nowhere and suddenly made a name for himself. I heard he recently swallowed up several small pirate crews and expanded his power quickly..."

"A newbie getting into the seas stirring this much, what tier is he?"

"Apparently, he's fourth tier."

"Fourth tier and so audacious?"

"Don't underestimate him. I heard he's a Curse Magician, with very sinister methods and capabilities. 'Bald Eagle Crew's' Arcade got taken out by him. Just the other day, I also heard they seized one of Ruying's naval ships..."

"...."

Listenting to these whispers, Su Lun pondered thoughtfully.

It's normal for professionals from Old Lington to be stronger than their external counterparts at the same tier, especially this former underworld boss.

But... a newbie pirate?

Su Lun savored the title a bit.

In Old Lington, it was basically impossible to set sail. Originally, it was a huge risk when Mr. Jing took them out, and it was even more impossible for others.

Apparently, Wengerb was most likely recruited by the "King of the North Sea."

He sensed something for a moment and muttered to himself, "But then again, this guy is really strong."

Few people in Old Lington had seen Wengerb in action, so not much about his abilities was known to outsiders.

Now, upon sensing his soul, Su Lun also noticed something peculiar about the crow on that guy's shoulder.

At that moment, just as Wengerb was walking towards the bar counter, a pirate captain approached with a red-beaked parrot.

People talk behind others' backs, but that silly bird, probably used to mouthing off among pirates, mimicked human speech to mock the crow, "Where does this idiot come from… where does this idiot come from..."

Wengerb ignored it, took a seat, but the crow on his shoulder looked over, tilting its head with a flash of red in its eyes. Just that look, and the red-beaked parrot stiffened as if electrocuted, then fell headfirst to the ground with a "thud."

It was this eerie "Crow Kills Bird" technique that instantly quieted the bustling tavern.

Not far away, Su Lun watched the scene, narrowed his eyes slightly, and pondered, "A soul curse similar to 'Death's Gaze', perhaps..."

A moment later, the tavern resumed its lively atmosphere.

No one minded the dead parrot, and its foolish owner didn't dare say anything.

Wengerb seemed to be there to recruit comrades, and that's how it is in the pirate circles—those with strength never lack followers; after showing a gesture, people immediately approached to get familiar.

...

More and more people filled the tavern, and soon the underground bar was packed.

Su Lun's gaze occasionally rested on the bar, watching the "little mustache" looking slightly uncomfortable, and he smiled lightly to himself.

No matter how much the young girl disguised herself, she couldn't muster the demeanor of a rugged man. Although dressed in men's clothes, she still looked like a handsome little mustache.

She was having a drink, and just then, a female pirate, about two and a half meters tall wearing a bull-horned iron helmet, walked in and sat next to her.

The female pirate's clothes resembled a sack, and her unveiled arms were knotted with muscles like elephant legs, visibly strong.

This was a Viking.

Vikings are born warriors, swimming in the icy waters before they learn to walk. Riding magical beasts, weight lifting, wrestling, rowing, sailing… these were survival skills they mastered from childhood; they are born warriors, extremely belligerent.

But they had no loyalty to speak of, they would sell their services for profit.

So even though Oleg claimed the title of "King of the North Sea," the Vikings did not fully obey him.

Pirates and mercenaries were their real calling.

Perhaps thinking Katya was a clean-cut man, the female pirate rudely threw an arm around her shoulder, lifted a mug as big as her head, "Hey, handsome, wanna have a drink?"

Katya, frightened by this barbaric flirtation, instinctively looked back at Su Lun, seated in his booth.

Su Lun pretended not to recognize her, drinking on his own. He was wearing the same clown mask outfit as during their previous meeting, which wasn't hard to recognize.

The Viking female pirate, seeing "little mustache's" anxious demeanor, became even more enthusiastic.

Finally, Katya couldn't bear it, hastily shrugged off the female pirate's arm. She squeezed through the crowd and came to Su Lun's booth, asking for help, "Mr. Nicholas, may I sit here?"

Upon hearing this, Su Lun affected a cautious look, "Who are you?"

Katya glanced at the two ladies next to him, didn't say it outright but pointed to the "Star Amulet" at Su Lun's waist.

Su Lun pretended to ponder for a moment, then gestured for the two ladies to leave.

Once they were gone, Katya patted her chest and let out a huge sigh of relief, "That scared me to death~"

This exclamation suddenly shifted back to a delicate female voice.

Su Lun, feigning sudden realization, exclaimed, "You are… Miss Katya?"

"Yep."

Katya looked around to make sure no one was watching them, then made a tearing gesture on her face.

Su Lun watched as the alchemical face mask was peeled off, revealing indeed that girl with the little freckles.

"Nice piece…"

Su Lun appraised the face mask, admiring inwardly. To have eluded his perception, the material and craft of that mask must be quite sophisticated. Too bad it's single-use, destroyed once torn.

Tsk tsk~ the rich have money indeed.

Upon seeing Katya reveal her true face, Su Lun gave up his seat and gestured for her to sit down.

The girl, with an expression of fright, hid beside Su Lun by the wall.

Su Lun asked curiously, "How did you come to a place like this?"

"I... I sneaked out."

Katya stuck out her tongue, her face flushing slightly as if embarrassed, "I've never been to a tavern, so I wanted to see what it was like. I thought I'd pick any tavern, but Astrology told me this place was interesting. So... here I am."

She paused, then glanced at the burly female pirate and shrank her head slightly, "Sorry for the trouble."

The story sounded problem-free and logical, just a tale of a noble lady curious about the lower world, wanting to see it for herself.

Fairy tales are often written like this.

Astrology indeed can explain some inexplicable coincidences.

Although Su Lun felt something was off, he didn't pry further.

There was no malice, so it was none of his concern.

He looked at the frightened girl and said, "You've seen it now, do you want me to escort you out of the tavern?"

Katya blinked, her big watery eyes filled with wonder, and asked in a pleading tone, "Mr. Nicholas, may I... may I stay a bit longer? The stories from those pirates are quite interesting too."

She paused, then quickly added, "If you find it troublesome, please feel free to take me out."

Her words were full of the demeanor of a well-bred young lady, not making it difficult for anyone.

Upon hearing this, Su Lun had no good reason to refuse, and he shrugged, "As you wish."

"Thank you, Mr. Nicholas, I won't cause any trouble!"

Katya, with permission granted, showed a hardly concealed joy on her face, and sat down obediently.

The noble lady probably had really never seen the lower world's pirates or been to a pirate-filled tavern before.

With Su Lun blocking her view, she looked like a little thief hiding her bell under her arm, restlessly peeping around.

However, pirate taverns are all about pure, unadulterated desires, gambling, drugs—you name it, they've got it here.

Pirates gambled fervently at the tables while the hallucinogenic potions in the air excited the blood, and the scantily clad dancers passionately gyrated their bodies...

One couldn't help but wonder what a young girl would make of all this.

Su Lun glanced at Katya pretending to be calm and shook his head slightly, drinking on his own.

No one spoke, making the atmosphere slightly awkward.

However, it didn't take long for Su Lun to realize that she indeed was a sociable girl.

As if suddenly having made a friend, she felt no need to be fearful, and quickly became friendly.

"Mr. Nicholas, are you a pirate?"

"No."

"Oh~ Then let me buy you a drink."

"Never mind, I'll buy you one instead."

"Ah... Thank you so much."

"Mr. Nicholas, why do you drink with a mask on?"

"I'm used to it."

"Ah! Is it... did I bother you? Should I call those two... two... back again?"

"..."

"Those pirates really are wanted criminals. I've only ever seen them at the gallows before, oh my, I didn't expect there'd be so many here..."

"My goodness, a few thousand liuxi could... could... make them do that?"

"They... they gamble with their hands? Oh, they really cut it off!"

"Ah... that Baldy, I know him, he's quite famous on the Empire's wanted list..."

"..."

The two of them chatted on and off like this.

The lady, accustomed to sipping elegantly from a stemmed glass, found the pirates' large beer mugs somewhat unfamiliar but intriguing. Katyusha watched the pirates at the next table chugging their drinks and decided to emulate their hearty style. However, it didn't take many drinks for her face to flush a tipsy red, appearing nearly drunk, and her speech became slightly slurred. Yet, the more she drank, the more spirited she got.

"Mr. Su Lun, shall we toast? I see they're all downing it in one go..."

"If you can't handle your drink, just have less."

"I can handle it, mmm...burp~ Cheers!"

"..."

Su Lun watched, somewhat helplessly, but he had to wait for information and couldn't leave just yet.

Fortunately, it wasn't long before the man with the cock's comb hair came over with the information Su Lun needed.

....

Su Lun left the Sailor's Pub, carrying a very drunk Katyusha on his shoulder who was babbling incoherently.

It was noon when he entered, but by the time he came out, the sky had darkened and snowflakes began to drift down.

As soon as he stepped out of the pub, Su Lun noticed a guard lurking in the shadows.

The guard's stealth skills were impressive, eluding ordinary detection.

Su Lun pretended not to notice and, still carrying the drunken lady, hailed a carriage.

Before long, the carriage stopped in front of the Starry Inn in the north of the city.

As Su Lun got out of the carriage, he was met by an anxiously waiting elderly steward.

Upon recognizing them getting out of the carriage, he immediately rushed over, "Oh! Miss, where have you been?"

At the shout, Katyusha seemed to sober up a bit, barely managing to open her eyelids and recognizing the person in front of her, "Steward Herbert... I went to have some drinks... burp~"

Having delivered the lady, Su Lun said to the steward, "She's all yours now, I must be going."

Steward: "Sir, thank you so much."

"No need. She has helped me, too."

Su Lun didn't linger and turned to leave.

....

Su Lun returned to the inn where he was staying.

All the way there, he thought a lot.

He continuously recalled the entire sequence of events whereby he had encountered Katyusha that day.

No matter how much he thought about it, nothing seemed amiss.

It was like a perfectly staged play: a noble lady curious about the world of the common folk, on a discreet visit, happened to meet a kind stranger?

It was precisely because the encounter was too perfect that it felt unreal, as if something was missing.

Su Lun even hypothesized that Katyusha might have approached him intentionally.

So, what could her motive be?

"Could it be Astrology? Or am I just overthinking it?"

Su Lun eventually concluded.

By this time, he had already arrived at the doorstep of the inn.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

He knocked on the door.

Jieke opened the door respectfully, "Teacher, you're back?"

Su Lun nodded and told him, "I'll be next door, call me if you need anything."

After instructing him, he went next door.

The newly acquired information showed that a group of sub-humans from the Sun Slave Traders would be moved in three days. The escort team appeared normal, a routine convoy with some adventurers.

Su Lun passed the message to Yuta, planning to help intercept these Dalu people when the time came.

With these two days, he could prepare some high-level puppets and rune threads.

PS. Sorry, the writing is a bit sluggish.