Storm of Gods

Chapter 30 The Addict

The past few years have been quite turbulent in Tianjing, with various mysterious incidents and cult activities. While the situation doesn't seem to be out of control, the fact that it's been going on and on like this suggests that there's an organized group behind it, and they're doing so very cautiously.

The Night Patrol has been investigating. They finally managed to track down the Lickers last time, but the trail went cold when they reached Li Xin. Luo Jin's plan was to drive away the Lickers and put constant pressure on them until they led the way to the organization behind them.

Of course, this is just Luo Jin's wishful thinking, and the possibility of it being realized is extremely low. The organization that can create Lickers should have anticipated this, as organizations that believe in evil gods are the most troublesome.

“There are already six: two psionic awakeners and four ordinary people. The psionic awakeners were drained,” Casey said with some concern. “The perpetrator’s meticulousness and combat strength are beyond that of a Licker. If I’m not mistaken, he should be a Drainer, a level higher than a Licker. Don’t ask any more questions; someone will handle it. The Church has also taken action, and the Knights have been notified. Catching the culprit is only a matter of time. You should study hard at the Faculty of Orders now; you might even become my leader in the future.”

Casey realized that the topic would put pressure on Lin Fei, so she immediately changed the subject, saying, "Boss Luo is the best. This kind of clown is no match for him. I'm going back too."

"Ah Xin, take your sister Casey home. It's too late and not safe," Lin Fei said.

“Sister Fei, I’m also a Night Patrolman, and I’m really good at it!” As she spoke, she lifted her skirt, revealing a Hextech pistol tucked into her snow-white thigh. She drew the gun and fired in one smooth motion. “If I run into you, this is my chance to prove myself.”

? . . .

Li Xin touched his nose, wondering if the monster would get excited by this pose.

Those who knew better didn't rub salt into the little rich girl's wounds. The generational hierarchy was already too complicated to sort out, so they just left it at that and let each do their own thing. "Aunt Fei, you go upstairs and put Xueyin to sleep. I'll see Sister Casey off and be right back."

Li Xin and Casey went downstairs together. The carriage was waiting downstairs. Of course, it belonged to Casey's family. Judging from the driver's appearance, he should be quite skilled.

“Go back, I’m a Night Watchman too.” Casey didn’t care about that. She’d seen all sorts of strange things among the Night Watchmen, and with the recent crackdown on the murderer going on so intensely, the other party probably wouldn’t dare to act recklessly.

"Let me see you off, if the carriage can bring me back later." Li Xin smiled sincerely.

Casey chuckled. "Okay, thank you."

The two boarded the carriage. Not all carriages were the same. The one he had ordered was just comfortable, but the one in Casey's carriage was the epitome of luxury. The materials used in the carriage looked very expensive and exuded grandeur. The floor was covered with a soft carpet that seemed to cost more than Li Xin's entire outfit. The leather used for the seats was not very noticeable, but it felt very comfortable and bouncy.

Casey knew that Li Xin wanted to understand the situation of drug users. New members of the Night Patrol were more curious than fearful, so sharing more information wouldn't hurt Li Xin.

"After being parasitized by the abyssal worm, the weaker ones will become food and incubators. Once they survive, they will become Lickers. Lickers feed on flesh and blood. Of course, as their strength increases, they will naturally seek psionic energy, but the way they absorb it does not change. Once they evolve into Devourers, they can efficiently absorb the psionic energy of Awakened Ones and will also hunt more actively. Devourers grow faster."

In front of Li Xin, Casey made no attempt to hide her worry: "This addict always appears with a mist, which is likely one of his abilities, and it has caused us a lot of trouble in tracking him down."

"Where did the incidents occur for the six victims, and at what time?" Li Xin asked.

“What, you want to be a great detective?” Casey laughed. “One was by the fountain in the East City, three were homeless people in the sewers, one was at home, and this guy was a rich businessman. The incident caused a big stir, and when his family found him, he was already a dried-up corpse. The last one was an outer member of our Night Patrol team who was ambushed while on patrol.”

Unlike Lickers, Absorbers have a greater need for psionic energy, while ordinary people can only enjoy it as a snack.

"Where was the ambush? Didn't the others notice?" "When we were attacked, our men reacted quickly and blew whistles, but the enemy still managed to disappear under the cover of fog," Casey said. "It mostly happened at night and early morning. Oh, and it was drizzling that day."

Li Xin thought for a moment, "Is it possible that this user's ability is triggered by water?"

Casey's eyes lit up. "Now that you mention it, I do remember. That wealthy businessman was attacked while swimming!"

Li Xin pondered for a moment, "I remember the Night Watchers' data mentioned that most Lickers eventually turn into monsters, and the possibility of them evolving into Drainers is extremely low. Drainers, on the other hand, retain their rationality and their appearance does not change. In most cases, the Transformer is already a master?"

Casey was taken aback. "Where did you see this? We Night Watchers have this?"

"Maybe I remembered it wrong, or maybe I saw it in the library of the Faith Academy. You know that's the largest library in the kingdom, and I like to see these strange and unusual things."

Casey smiled and nodded. "That's true. It's rare to see a Night Watchman as fond of reading the newspaper as you. The Order House is a good place. It wasn't easy for Old Luo to get you there. As for the water you mentioned and the issue of the users' identities, I'll talk to everyone about that tomorrow. The Night Watchman's authority is to register and manage Awakened Ones. If the situation you described is true, it would be a very good clue. Once it's discovered, you'll be credited!"

Seeing Casey's excited expression, Li Xin wasn't too optimistic. He just had one thought: the more powerful a person is, the greater the temptation to fall into depravity. There are too many awakened people in Tianjing, and quite a few of them have reached this level of power. Moreover, they are either of high status or have unpredictable whereabouts, so it's not easy for them.

Casey casually patted Li Xin's head, acting very naturally as his aunt.

Li Xin felt awkward and wanted to dodge, but his mind worked while his head remained still. The touch of money seemed to have a magical power, and in about twenty minutes he arrived at Casey's house, the best noble district in the inner city. Once inside, he would definitely be safe.

Drug addicts have brains. If they touch an influential wealthy businessman, it will trigger a massive manhunt. If they touch a nobleman, it will anger the church and invite powerful figures, and they will surely die.

After getting off the carriage, she had only taken two steps when Casey turned back. "Ah-Xin, remember to study hard, and remember to think of your aunt... and your sister!"

"Sister Casey, I've always thought of that. Remember to top up your card when you miss me." With that, he waved, leaving behind the giggling rich girl.

Sigh, what bad intentions could I possibly have? I just wanted to help Casey share some of the burdens of having too much money.

On the way back, they could see the city guards patrolling from time to time. The young rich woman's elegant and fearless figure made Li Xin fall into deep thought.

The carriage clattered along as Li Xin pondered the question about the user: water... atomization ability?
This is not just speculation; various experiments exist within the castle, including those involving divine relics and abyssal worms.

Generally, the ability to create mist requires a sufficient water source, especially if the area is large. According to Casey, an entire block was shrouded in dense mist, indicating that the user's control over the ability was already very proficient.

The incident only happened recently, most likely due to an uncontrollable increase in appetite. In Tianjing City, where water is readily available, activating this ability would be extremely easy. In a city with nearly a million people, finding an imposter would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.

For addicts, hunting ordinary people doesn't really make much sense, but they still do it, perhaps to confuse the public or to control their appetite, as fresh flesh and blood can temporarily suppress hunger.

(End of this chapter)