Chapter 44

The potential for enormous gains did not cause Qin Ran to lose his composure.

On the contrary, Qin Ran became even more calm.

He was very clear that to truly gain such substantial benefits, it was absolutely not a simple matter.

Whether it was with the same faction or the opposing faction, it would require a great deal of effort.

The former required a mission as a foundation, to make the relationship with the other party more harmonious. Simply put: to increase friendliness to a sufficient level, and obtain equipment, skills, etc., from the other party.

The latter was simpler to operate, but it required sufficient strength and manpower, to defeat the other party. In layman's terms: to loot equipment, skills, etc.

For Qin Ran, he was still far from the steps mentioned above.

Because he had to deal with the immediate crisis before considering anything else—

With a heavy wind from the punch, the other party's fist was already inches away from Qin Ran.

Faced with such a powerful punch, Qin Ran did not want to risk broken bones and did not block it head-on.

His proficient [Dodge] and E-level evasion made his steps agile, like a nimble cat, and he lightly dodged the first strike.

"Huh!"

The other party was clearly surprised that Qin Ran could dodge his punch.

Although surprised, the second punch quickly followed.

Whoosh!

This punch was even heavier and more forceful than the previous one.

It was also faster.

Almost instantly, it appeared in front of Qin Ran, leaving him no chance to dodge with his agile steps and light figure as before.

Moreover, facing an even heavier punch, Qin Ran was sure that if it landed, it would not just cause a concussion; his skull would deform under the impact.

If his skull deformed, there was no way he could survive.

Even with a data-based body, it was impossible.

After all, the head, heart, and other vital areas were always considered critical.

Without hesitation, Qin Ran used his waist strength, lying back with his upper body while his legs remained firmly planted.

The punch grazed Qin Ran's face, the wind from it ruffling his hair.

Qin Ran felt a heat on his face, followed by the sensation of liquid flowing down.

Combined with the stinging pain, it was clear that his facial skin had been grazed by the punch.

However, Qin Ran did not pay much attention.

Because the third strike was coming!

A straight punch turned into a heavy elbow, like a hammer, aiming for Qin Ran's abdomen.

Maintaining the iron bridge position, Qin Ran, with no leverage, was instantly in an extremely dangerous situation.

In the face of life and death, Qin Ran lifted his leg and 'stepped' down.

Bang!

Qin Ran's firmly planted foot, as if equipped with a spring, 'stepped' on the other party's calf, and he rapidly retreated before the attack touched his abdomen.

However, this retreat was very awkward.

The moment Qin Ran lifted his leg, his entire body lost balance. Although he retreated using the force, it was more like a backward roll.

The box containing the [Viper-M1] fell to the side.

Qin Ran rolled backward, and the other party relentlessly pursued.

Similarly, Qin Ran did not sit idly by.

During the roll, the [M1905] and a dagger appeared in his hands.

"Stop!"

At this moment, Sister Monica finally recognized Qin Ran and tried to stop the fight.

Lifting his leg to kick, the old man named Gong Lanshen and Qin Ran, who was about to shoot, stopped their attacks at Sister Monica's shout.

However, both sides remained on guard, looking at each other.

"Detective Qin Ran, I need an explanation!"

Sister Monica, looking at Qin Ran, frowned involuntarily, but her tone and eyes remained gentle.

Faced with Sister Monica's gentle inquiry, which was not even a questioning, Qin Ran smiled bitterly.

Her gentle inquiry was far more difficult for Qin Ran to handle than a harsh accusation.

"During our conversation earlier, I noticed that you were holding back!"

"So, I pretended to leave and then sneaked back to investigate!"

With a bitter smile, Qin Ran spoke honestly.

"It was my oversight!"

"You are the best detective in the city, how could you not notice the gaps in my words!"

"I'm sorry, Gong Lanshen mistook you for someone else, which is why he attacked!"

Sighing, Sister Monica expressed her apologies to Qin Ran.

"Sister Monica, I should be the one to apologize!"

Qin Ran's bitter smile deepened.

He would rather fight Gong Lanshen again than face Sister Monica's gentle and self-blaming expression.

After all, the fault was not on her side!

Not telling him everything was not a mistake.

Apart from your parents, no one has an obligation to tell you everything you want to know.

Qin Ran had long understood this.

His subsequent infiltration, while understandable in context, was unjustifiable in principle.

In fact, after choosing to infiltrate, he was the one who was wrong.

Qin Ran was very clear about this and would not deny it.

Therefore, the current situation was very awkward for Qin Ran.

"Detective Qin Ran, you are a kind person!"

"Tilly is Gong Lanshen's student, he should know more!"

"I originally planned to tell you tomorrow, but now it's better for Gong Lanshen to tell you himself!"

"Gong Lanshen, please inform Detective Qin Ran of everything you know about Tilly—this is my request!"

Sister Monica looked at Qin Ran gently, then turned her gaze to Gong Lanshen.

"Yes, Your Highness!"

Gong Lanshen touched his heart with the tip of his right finger and bowed.

This was an ancient etiquette.

And the title was the beginning of this ancient etiquette.

Qin Ran observed Gong Lanshen and Sister Monica.

He subconsciously recalled Sister Monica's emotional call to Moranson: "My guardian knight!"

Now, Moranson formally addressed Sister Monica as "Your Highness"!

Qin Ran was not foolish.

Just from their titles, he could see that their identities were far from simple!

Gong Lanshen did not care what Qin Ran was thinking.

After bowing to Sister Monica, the tall, strong old man began to tell Qin Ran everything he knew about Altria Hunter.

"Tilly accidentally discovered the most secluded corner of this school! She had a curiosity far beyond her peers—after finding it, she kept exploring and eventually discovered my secret!"

"At the same time, I found that Tilly had considerable potential!"

"Taking advantage of the situation, I agreed to teach Tilly things not taught in school, and she helped me keep my secret!"

Gong Lanshen smiled as he spoke.

It was the kind of smile an elder shows when facing a mischievous junior.

"This teaching has continued for four years. I taught her all the basics and some advanced knowledge. A week ago, she brought an injured man here—he was a stranger, and Tilly saved him! He stayed here for one night and then left. Tilly, worried, followed him!"

"Tilly's disappearance is likely related to this stranger!"

"However, rest assured, Tilly will be fine!"

Gong Lanshen was very confident.

It was confidence in Altria Hunter's abilities and in his own teaching.

"Anything can happen at any time!"

"Gong Lanshen, please inform Detective Qin Ran of the characteristics of the injured stranger you remember!"

"Finding Tilly as soon as possible is what we should do!"

Sister Monica sighed softly.

She was deeply worried about her student.

"That man has a scar on his face, from his forehead to the left corner of his mouth, very distinctive!"

"His hands are large and he has considerable fighting skills!"

"He was injured on his back; if he hadn't dodged in time, his kidneys would have been pierced—his attacker was an expert!"

Gong Lanshen described the injured stranger he remembered.

His words were clear and logical, clearly indicating that he still vividly remembered the events of a week ago.

"Are these characteristics enough?"

Sister Monica looked at Qin Ran.

"Enough!"

Qin Ran nodded.

In fact, just the first characteristic mentioned by Gong Lanshen was enough for Qin Ran.

A person with a scar on their face is bound to be memorable.

Not to mention the other two characteristics.

With the help of Sheriff John, Qin Ran was confident he could find the man in the shortest time possible.

"Then, I entrust Tilly to you!"

Sister Monica bowed, expressing her gratitude to Qin Ran.

"I received a deposit from Hunter. As a detective, this is my job!"

Qin Ran quickly stepped aside and explained with a smile.

At this point, having obtained useful clues, Qin Ran should naturally leave.

However, Qin Ran did not forget that he needed to complete the side quest objectives as much as possible.

Based on the information he had, Sister Monica must have a side quest.

More importantly, if he completed Sister Monica's side quest, he would likely gain the favor of Gong Lanshen.

Qin Ran still remembered Gong Lanshen's strength.

Especially that series of rapid punches, which were not just a result of physical strength but a special technique.

If possible, Qin Ran hoped to learn this technique from him.

Of course, helping a respectable person like Sister Monica was also something Qin Ran was very willing to do.

So, after a pause, Qin Ran continued.

"Sister Monica, I overheard your conversation with Captain Reed—please accept my apologies!"

"You seem to have some trouble. If you don't mind, I would like to help!"

"Consider it my apology and compensation for my inappropriate behavior!"