Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic

After bidding farewell to the Witch, Shard went to Spider Alley to meet up with Mr. Benhart, and then they took a carriage together to "Crowley Steam Bath" at 18 Glover Street in the north of the city.

Since it was confirmed that the secret laboratory appearing in Freeman Wood’s memory that Shard obtained was likely connected to the steam bathhouse, the two decided to start their exploration from the secret passage in the bathhouse, covering the entire path leading from the steam bathhouse to the exit by the Taton River.

Therefore, instead of entering the bathhouse as guests by removing their clothes, they used Illusion Technique to conceal themselves and entered the damp interior wearing their clothes.

Even though it was early in the morning, the place was still operational, but there were not many guests. The room that had been used was currently empty. Mr. Benhart explored the wall and gently pressed a brick on the uneven gray wall used for decoration, revealing a hole beside the corner cabinet, suitable for climbing down.

Shard stood there and looked down:

"I don’t understand, after bathing, they really don’t mind crawling into such a sewer?"

Even if the chosen passage is safe, the sewers, hidden from sunlight for years, are definitely not clean.

"Those people don’t come here just for bathing; compared to the profits of shady businesses, what does it matter? I’ve done a bit of investigation these days and can only say the nobles of Moon Bay City are indeed wealthy for good reason."

Mr. Benhart clicked his tongue but did not dwell on the topic.

Although there was an iron ladder fixed on the wall, they both jumped down the hole, one after the other. The ground below was not far from the hole, and upon landing, they looked around to find the space unexpectedly spacious, similar to the Morgue pipeline in the Lower District of Spider Alley, which could almost accommodate a carriage.

The air had a faint odor and a moldy smell. The ground was moist but fortunately not flooded. There was no gas lamp in the sewers, so Mr. Benhart summoned two Light Orbs to illuminate the surroundings.

"From the map, if we head to the left, it will lead to the direction of the secret passage exit. Heading to the right would take us deeper into the city’s sewer system, where the terrain is much more complex."

"When I came down last time, I took the right, but after turning a corner, you can see the iron gate, and the lock is already rusted. Georgia Black’s group probably hasn’t gone that way."

Despite saying this, he still took Shard to check the right side. The pitch-black sewer led deeper into the city, and the rust on the iron gate’s lock didn’t seem fake.

To prevent anyone from having time-controlling powers like himself—though the likelihood is small—Shard decided to break the gate lock. He and Mr. Benhart checked the passage behind the gate, confirmed there were no traces of activity, and then proceeded to the left side of the passage together.

The Light Orb guided the way, while Shard looked down at the map, marking the places they passed. Mr. Benhart began to introduce the situation regarding the sewers:

"The history of the sewer system in Moon Bay City is not something an outsider like me can uncover in days of investigation. The city’s sewer system still meets urban needs, but most parts were built in modern times. The ancient sewer system we are exploring is partly still in use, while some sections were abandoned due to issues like land subsidence and groundwater. Locally, there are many different legends about the sewers."

Shard raised his head curiously and asked:

"What kind of legends could there be about the sewers?"

"It’s said that before Moon Bay City was established, a huge Ancient Empire Ruins were buried beneath this land. When Moon Bay City’s ancient sewer system was built, it accidentally connected with those ancient ruins, even converting parts of its passageways into the sewer system. To this day, if you venture deep into the sewers, you can still hear wailing sounds, supposedly the Curse voice of Ancient Wraith Spirits due to their ruins being excavated."

"That... if there were truly such powerful Wraith Spirits, they would have long since razed Moon Bay City on the surface. I suppose the wailing is from test subjects during experiments by the Dragon Feast Cult, accidentally heard by homeless people entering the sewers. Are there any other legends? At least this one sounds interesting."

At the next corner, turn left, the green paint symbols on the wall are marks guiding the direction of the secret passage to prevent becoming Lost.

"There are quite a few interesting legends; Moon Bay Region has been controlled by the Seven Great Families for years, there will always be rebellion. Historical records indicate that around Common Era Calendar 1577, a large-scale bloody war occurred in the Moon Bay Region. By then, the United Kingdom of Carsonrick was already formed. History books say the war was between Moon Bay City’s authorities and pirates from the Outer Sea. But the actual situation was that some Moon Bay City’s nobles started a revolt, attempting to overthrow the Seven Great Families’ control."

He raised an eyebrow at Shard:

"The Seven Great Families occupy so many seats in the city council, there’s always someone dissatisfied or wanting more. But that rebellion was ultimately suppressed, and rumors say that the rebels hid quite a substantial treasure beneath this city, awaiting new rebels to emerge and use that wealth to overthrow the Seven Great Families."

"Hmm... Are you certain this isn’t a rumor intentionally spread by the Seven Great Families?"

Shard asked, and Mr. Benhart laughed:

"There are other stories, like the recent popular rumors in town. No, I’m not talking about the one about the Dragon and the city; that story has been circulated in Moon Bay since ancient times, not a recent product. This is one I heard not long ago from Ptolemy: A cursed Foreign Prince turned into a monster, lurking in the sewers of Moon Bay City, yearning for a kiss to restore his original form. And the girl who can offer this kiss will gain endless Wealth."

Shard looked at him in astonishment:

"Firstly, that con artist hasn’t starved to death yet; it already says much about the citizens of Moon Bay City’s poor anti-fraud awareness. Has the City of Wealth become rich enough to support such con artists? Secondly, a Foreign Prince? Draleon’s princes are numerous, but none have disappeared. Are they referring to princes from the Little Duchy? Finally, isn’t this story adapted from a fairy tale? Honestly, which sane girl would venture into the sewers for such a rumor? Not to mention finding someone in such a filthy environment, just locating the entrance to the sewers and jumping down is already a tremendous challenge."

Mr. Benhart laughed:

"That’s why it’s an interesting urban legend. Like ghost stories in the sewers, tales of sewers living and devouring people... I won’t bore you with those; they’re quite dull."

"As long as there are no Water Ghosts here. I’ve seen plenty of those in Green Lake. Once heard that someone in Tobesk raised Water Ghosts in the sewers to sell them on the local black market for huge profits. It’s now the year 1854, and thirty years have passed since that person was arrested; I wonder if they’ve been released yet."

The two followed the arrows painted along the side walls of the sewer and easily reached the other end of the secret passage. The exit here wasn’t particularly guarded, just a door that could only be opened from the inside and locked automatically when shut.

Since it was daytime, there should be quite a few people in those houses along the riverbank. So, the two performed Illusion Technique once more before leaving. Mr. Benhart pointed out the now faint traces of blood to Shard, confirming there were no clues outside before returning to the sewers.

While passing through the sewer earlier, Shard had marked their path on the map given by the Countess. However, this map deviated from the actual environment, missing three or four intersections. Additionally, the layered structure of the sewers made the real environment more complex than imagined.

Even though Shard had "Enhanced Spatial Awareness" to gauge the general terrain, to avoid missing any clues, they could only conduct a "carpet" search. Fortunately, Miss Belindel had performed Divination beforehand, marking possible clue locations at several intersections.

Shard and Mr. Benhart splitting to search would undoubtedly be more efficient, but knowing the dangers here, neither had plans to act irrationally.

Therefore, starting at nine-thirty in the morning, the pair began traversing all secret passage branches leading to the city’s sewers.

This time-consuming and labor-intensive task couldn’t be completed within a morning. At noon, they temporarily left the sewer area, with Shard returning home to visit the Elf Girl and then being scorned by Mia due to his smell. In the afternoon, he regrouped with Mr. Benhart, and the two bravely re-entered the underground:

"If I really catch the guy experimenting underground, I’ll definitely make him pay!"

Fortunately, the Great Witch of Fate was indeed skilled in Divination Arts, and both Shard and Mr. Benhart weren’t entirely unlucky. Despite finding nothing in the morning, the first sewer branch they entered after regrouping in the afternoon showed signs of abnormal activity.

"Soul remnants; the resentment is indeed substantial."

The Light Orb led the way, two dark shadows swayed on the corner’s walls, and as they turned the corner, they felt the sudden drop in temperature.

Strong Wraith Spirits carrying resentment often affect their surroundings by lowering temperatures, spreading fear, and absorbing light. Realizing they’d made a discovery, the excited duo prepared for a fight. Mr. Benhart had specialized Arcane Technique for detecting Wraith Spirits, and he grabbed a pinch of powder from his pocket, scattered it in the air, then took a deep breath that made him gag from the sewer’s stench:

"Follow me; I’ve memorized the scent of that Wraith Spirit. I’m feeling like I’m about to throw up the sandwich I had for lunch, damn it."

That last sentence was a local slang curse.