A Scientific Urban Detective.

Chapter 857 Request
"No, not this time." Lin Wuming shook his head and declined Iisu Rize's offer of service—the strangely dressed man with the flame-shaped longsword was already quite distinctive; he was the acting pope of the Amakusa-style Cross Cult, Kenkyu Saiji.

That guy isn't an enemy, so there's no need to hire bodyguards...

“Alright, then…we’ll head back first.” Iisu Rize wasn’t surprised; she had only mentioned it casually, and she never expected Lin Wuming to hire her.

After all, Lin Wuming's "Nameless Force" is one of the largest violent organizations in Academy City. They can handle missions that require combat internally, and unless they want to find cannon fodder, there is no need to bother others.

“Well then… we’ll be leaving now.” Iisu Rize waved her hand and said, “See you later, Lord Lin Wuming.”

"Goodbye, Nameless Senior." Diaozhong Tea House greeted Lin Wuming privately one last time before leaving with his companions.

The "Corpse Eater Squad" members were now considered experienced members of the Dark Guard, so they instinctively realized that there was a deeper secret hidden behind this mission—something that was beyond the reach of small fry like them. To avoid getting involved in trouble, the best course of action was to leave as soon as possible.

“Sister Osora Aquinas.” Lin Wuming looked at the black-haired nun who had been left behind.

The latter also carefully examined Lin Wuming, seemingly comparing him to the image in his memory.

"Mr. Lin... Mr. Lin Wuming?" She hesitated for a moment before calling out.

“It’s me,” Lin Wuming nodded, then added, “I’m not using my wheelchair today for some reasons.”

The nun suddenly looked enlightened: "...I see."

She hesitated to confirm because she felt the man in front of her was somewhat different from the one in the intelligence report; it turned out he was missing an important tool.

"I really don't recognize him..." Gao Ping Hongliang muttered to himself, his expression ashen, as if the sky had fallen.

Lin Wuming ignored his reaction and continued to ask the nun in front of him, "Sister Osora, what brings you here to see me?"

“I…” Osora hesitated again, “I want to seek your protection. I am currently being hunted by the Orthodox Church because their forces cannot enter Academy City, so…”

Hearing this, Gao Ping Hongliang's face turned even paler—Crusaders, troops, pursuit...

After considering these keywords, as a mid-level cadre in charge of border city defense, how could he not know that this seemingly young and beautiful nun was actually a huge problem!
—When she came for help yesterday, she didn't mention that there were pursuers behind her, and that they were "military" level pursuers!

Otherwise, no matter how bold Gao Pinghongliang was, he wouldn't dare to make such a troublesome decision on his own!

Shirai Kuroko rolled her eyes—it wasn't unexpected that this woman was troublesome; after all, anything involving the nameless senior was bound to be troublesome.

However, judging from their reactions, it became even more certain that the nameless senior and this nun really did not know each other.

Knowing the plot in advance, Lin Wuming wasn't surprised at all. On the contrary, he thought Sister Osora was quite frank, without any nonsense, and directly stated that she had come to seek refuge.

"But why did you come to find me?" Lin Wuming asked again. "We don't know each other at all, do we?" "..." There was another brief silence. Sister Osora's reaction seemed a little slow. "Because the orthodox church is so powerful, with believers all over the world. The only place I can think of without the orthodox church is Academy City. And Academy City... the only person I know by name is you, Mr. Lin Wuming."

To be precise, the only person with sufficient strength and influence to protect her was Lin Wuming.

Regardless, the intelligence obtained by Osora Aquinas indicates that Lin Wuming had at least some contact with the Christians. Although his dealings were primarily with the Anglican Church, it at least suggests that he had some understanding of Christianity.

“I see…” Lin Wuming nodded. “If you’re seeking asylum, I can find you a place to stay for a couple of days. But if it’s longer, I can’t make that decision myself; I’ll need to consult with the chairman.”

As he spoke, Lin Wuming pointed in the direction of the "building without windows".

If this were a matter between nations, Orsola Aquinas's actions would resemble seeking political asylum, given the complex relationship between the two major factions: the "scientific" and the "magical."

Given Lin Wuming's current strength and status... it's not that he can't make decisions, but it's certainly very troublesome. He not only has to deal with pressure from the Roman Catholic Church, but also face inquiries from the General Council.

Therefore, it's better to leave this kind of matter to Chairman Aleister to decide.

Although Lin Wuming only promised to "take him in for two days," Osora Aquinas was not disappointed at all; instead, he showed a surprised expression.

"You...you're willing to offer me shelter?"

“It’s only a day or two,” Lin Wuming said. “I can make decisions about things like this.”

Seeing Lin Wuming make such a decision so casually, Gao Ping Hongliang couldn't help but let his imagination run wild—it seems that the rumors that the chairman intended to promote Lin Wuming to vice chairman are not entirely unfounded!
"...Mr. Gao Ping!"

Suddenly hearing a voice calling his name, Gao Ping Hongliang awoke with a start and quickly regained his senses: "What did you say, Lord Lin Wuming!"

Lin Wuming asked, "Now that things have been taken care of here, you can tell me what you need."

"Huh?" Takahira Kōrō looked puzzled. "What...do I need?"

Lin Wuming nodded: "You went to great lengths to bring Sister Osora in, and even paid out of your own pocket to hire the Dark Guard. You couldn't have been doing this for a good cause, could you?"

“It could also be doing a good deed…” Gao Ping Hongliang wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. Ever since he realized he might be involved in big trouble, he had no desire to curry favor with the “nameless director.” He was just grateful to avoid being held accountable…

"Oh, right," Gao Ping Hongliang suddenly remembered this and quickly said, "I have something to ask of Lord Lin Wuming!"

“Go ahead,” Lin Wuming nodded, then added, “Of course, don’t mention anything that violates the law or public order and good morals.”

"This..." Gao Ping Hongliang looked troubled, but he couldn't care less about that now. "It might indeed be a little illegal... Please forgive me for taking it upon myself to bring Sister Osora in here, and don't hold me accountable!"

(End of this chapter)