Dekan learned that Grand Priest Kevin was a tier 7 powerhouse. In order to defeat Grand Priest Kevin and lift the first seal of Marquess Roderick, the enemy must at least possess the strength of a vampire count.

However, the enemy did not continue slaughtering the townspeople for the blood ritual to release Marquess Roderick completely. The probable reason was that the vampire count, while defeating the Grand Priest, was pushed to the brink of death and couldn't even defend against the towns knight's captain.

So now, hidden within the city, was most likely a vampire count in a very weakened state, gradually recovering his strength. Mission Objective 2 was actually a time-sensitive investigation and deduction task. Challengers needed to find the count before he recovered.

If the challengers could find this vampire count before a certain point in time, they would be at a significant advantage, easily defeating him. However, after a certain point in time, once the vampire count regained his strength, even if the challengers found him, it would be difficult to defeat him.

There was also the possibility of the vampire count raiding houses, leading to a chain reaction that would free Marquess Roderick, resulting in the failure of Mission Objective 3.

However, this unknown vampire count probably never dreamed -- the marquess was already dead.

Dekan couldn't help but look forward to seeing the expression on this vampire count's face when they learned of the marquess' death. He really wanted to savor their look of fear and despair.

Ahem.

A person shouldn't think like this.

Its all masters fault for corrupting him.

"Even I don't have such tastes. You should reflect on your own senses more," Dekans master seemed to hear Dekan's thoughts and spoke in his mind.

"You're a great demon, how can you be so innocent? You make me feel embarrassed," Dekan accused without any sense of danger.

"Innocent? Are you provoking me?"

"No no no, I misspoke. You're the most fierce, cruel, and violent ancient demon!"

...

Dekans master seemed genuinely angry, as this time her silence lasted longer. Then, angrily seizing control of Dekan's body, she grabbed the plate of snacks from Cornelia's hand and stuffed them one by one into her mouth. Her movements were elegant, yet the snacks disappeared quickly.

Just like that.

When Dekan regained control of his body again, he only felt incredibly full. He probably wouldn't need to eat dinner tonight.

Cornelia was astonished.

"Dekan, are you very hungry? Shall I get you more food?" Cornelia anxiously tugged at Dekan's sleeve, feeling that he must be starving.

"No, no, that was the price of power. I can't eat anything now," Dekan explained, shaking his hands.

"You're full, but the vampire count must be starving right now, right?" Mauleon asked from the side.

Weakened bloodsuckers not only needed time to recover but also a large amount of blood intake.

There were still seven days left for the task.

Considering the difficulty and reasonableness of the tier 6 Shadow World, if they were to ignore this vampire count, he would undoubtedly gradually regain his strength.

Before the end of the Shadow World, he would certainly recover and return to rescue the marquess.

So, for these few days, the city at night would be the hunting ground for the vampire count.

"Yes, he will definitely hunt, but his methods of hunting won't be as simple as plain murder," Dekan said.

If this vampire count's hunting method was like that of a serial killer, attacking random targets every night, then not to mention the Holy Ritual Church and the security forces in the city searching for him, even the remaining nine challengers could quickly find traces of the count.

"That count must have a very unconventional hiding place, possibly extremely safe or extremely dangerous, making it difficult for the challengers to find him."

"No problem, no matter where he hides, we'll stick to the plan. We'll give him a big surprise then. Well let him see what it means by having enough money to do as you please..."

Just as Dekan and Mauleon were discussing tonight's plan to accomplish Mission Objective 2 in the city, the church door was knocked on once again.

Finally, the mayor returned with the holy coins.

Dekan and Mauleon hurried to help the mayor open the door, looking as if they were saying, "welcome."

"Here are 900 holy coins. For you, Mr. Engineer," the mayor said anxiously, walking up to Mauleon and stuffing a large bag of holy coins into his hands.

However, this time, Mauleon didn't say anything. He just smiled and held his breath.

Behind the mayor, Dekan released a puff of [Hypnotic Gas]. Instantly, the mayor's eyelids fluttered, his body swayed, and then he collapsed to the ground.

"You two habitual offenders..."

Teacher Cat jumped out from the mayor's shadow.

It felt that the coordination between Dekan and Mauleon was getting more and more outrageous.

If Dekan and Cornelia had a telepathic connection, then Dekan and Mauleon were completely in sync with what they wanted to do.

They didn't need much communication at all. As long as they acted according to their thoughts, they naturally cooperated.

"How was it, Teacher Cat?" Dekan asked.

"Found it, meow."

Teacher Cat helplessly wagged its tail and walked outside the church, starting its guiding work.

So the three of them efficiently divided the work.

Dekan, as always, did his priestly duties, skillfully tying up the mayor and escorting him to the confessional seat.

Cornelia followed Teacher Cat to dig for the treasure.

Mauleon transformed into the mayor's appearance and went to the mayor's house to help him clean up the treasure.

When the three of them gathered again at the church, they were ready to leave this town that held many good memories for them.

"I hope the mayor finds his clear conscience when he wakes up," Dekan said with a tinge of regret as he locked the church door.

"So, you've given him a lesson, haven't you, meow?" Teacher Cat heard Dekan's sigh and couldn't help twitching its eye.

"Not at all."

"Meow meow meow! Although the mayor is hateful, meeting you is really a disaster of eight lifetimes, meow!"

The three of them chatted as they quickly crossed the bridge once again. After crossing, they removed the bridge again. The absence of the bridge was also a way to protect the town.

At the beginning, when Dekan first investigated the incident, he thought the bridge was destroyed by the enemy. Now, thinking back, it was also possible that it was destroyed by Grand Priest Kevin.

A tier 7 vampire count was bound to have some followers, but these followers were now quietly lurking, not coming to kill in the town.

On one hand, these followers probably needed to stay by the counts side to protect their weakened master.

On the other hand, the followers also feared the sunlight.

If they had to cross mountains and hills for two days to reach the town, it was very likely that they would encounter adventurers or search parties in the wild during the daytime and be put down by them.

So, they were probably waiting for the bridge to be repaired, then swiftly attacking the town at night.

Unfortunately, this bridge had its own flexible business hours.

So, the trio, amidst laughter and joy, headed towards the city.