The Naive Youth and the Madman, Part 2

The sailors' raucous, unrestrained laughter was impossible to ignore. Du Chen hurried over, his tone a carefully measured blend of politeness and urgency. "Brave seafarers," he began, "You spoke of that man as a madman. Is my servant, then, in any danger?"

"Nonsense, don't you worry," one sailor waved dismissively, his voice gruff but reassuring. "That madman, peculiar as he is, never actually harms anyone. Your servant will likely just be 'harassed' for a day or two, then he'll send them right back to you."

How could Du Chen possibly be at ease? A deranged madman was capable of anything.

Moreover, Aliza was in such a gravely weakened state. If she were to be 'harassed' by a madman for days, what ruinous condition would she be reduced to?

Du Chen pressed, "Excuse me, where does this man reside? I must find my servant."

The sailors exchanged glances, all shaking their heads.

"You don't know? Isn't he a dockworker, one of your colleagues?"

"Ah, it seems you've misunderstood," another replied. "His clothes certainly resemble a sailor's, but he's merely a madman who wears a sailor's uniform and spends his days tormenting us brothers on the docks!" Just then, someone called for the sailors to unload cargo, leaving them no time to elaborate. "He seems to live within the Battle God Academy," the first added quickly, "but we sailors aren't permitted inside the Academy grounds. We can't help you there!"

Damn it all! Why did ill-fated Aliza have to stumble into such a predicament?

Du Chen glanced left and right, then instructed, "Harry, take the luggage to my elder brother's place. I'm going to find Aliza!"

The Shieb nodded vigorously. "Oh, merciful and noble master, your profound concern for your servant moves me beyond words…"

"Silence! Just go!" Du Chen found himself regretting taking this Shieb slave. His glib, over-the-top flattery was truly nauseating.

After Harry hoisted the luggage and departed, Du Chen pondered. The madman lived within the Battle God Academy. But Du Chen was a newcomer, completely unfamiliar with the area. He would have to find someone to help him.

No sooner had the thought solidified than the very person who could help approached. "Hehehe, poor little fellow, you've been teased by a madman!" Professor Mina glided over, a knowing smirk playing on her painted lips. "Big sister saw everything just now. Do you require my assistance?"

Du Chen narrowed his eyes, sizing up Mina, and chuckled. "And what, pray tell, is the price for such assistance?"

"Oh, please," she waved a dismissive hand. "It's merely a trifle, requiring neither coin nor combat. To demand compensation for such a minor thing, big sister would be too mortified to face you!" She led the way down a small path between the dockside warehouses, smiling. "I'll have someone handle your registration for you. Come with me, I know where that madman lives!"

Du Chen followed behind Mina. Seeing that the secluded path nearby was clear of outsiders, he lowered his voice. "What does that madman do? His strength is considerable!"

"Strong doesn't even begin to cover it! That fellow is classified as 'Crystal-tier' in the Enforcement Temple's archives!"

Du Chen was inwardly astonished. The Enforcement Temple's intelligence was categorized into four ranks: Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Iron, with the highest being the Crystal-tier. To be classified as Crystal-tier meant this individual possessed the capability to threaten the Holy Church itself.

Understanding this, Du Chen refrained from further questions. Not only was he unqualified to know the details of a Crystal-tier individual, but Professor Mina likely wasn't entirely privy to them either.

Mina, as if on cue, elaborated, "As a senior, big sister must remind you, newcomer, that given our statuses, we are only permitted to know that Crystal-tier individuals are extremely powerful. Specific details are not to be inquired about, nor can we approach or investigate them on our own initiative. Crystal-tier matters can only be delved into by those with the rank of Godfather or higher!"

With a giggle, she added, "Big sister has long wanted to observe that madman, but my superiors wouldn't allow it. Now, it's perfect! I can use the opportunity of helping you to go see him!"

So that was her true motivation for helping him! Du Chen shook his head inwardly.

The two followed the winding path out of the docks. The crescent-shaped Battle God Isle unfurled before them, vast and imposing. Besides the Academy's teaching buildings, it boasted numerous opulent civilian structures, resembling a bustling, medium-sized city.

As Mina led the way, she introduced Du Chen to the common knowledge of the isle. "Long ago, this island housed only a single school. However, many teachers eventually settled here, and numerous high-ranking Battle Gods, drawn by the Academy's vast resources, came to reside. With families in tow and legions of servants and retainers, over time, it evolved into a city. Do you understand what I mean, little fellow?"

Du Chen nodded. "I understand. Battle God Isle is brimming with powerful individuals and hidden talents of all kinds. I'll need to be careful in the future."

"Indeed, a very clever little fellow! Now, do you see that mountain with the waterfall? That madman lives near the pool beneath it. Walking is far too slow, and since there are no outsiders around, big sister will fly you there!"

As she spoke, Mina placed a hand on Du Chen's shoulder. Immediately, a thick vine sprouted from her palm, wrapping itself around him. With a low command, she lifted Du Chen into the air, the vine serving as their tether.

So this was plant-attributed battle qi? Du Chen marvelled, witnessing such an arcane phenomenon for the very first time.

Wait, could his Lotus Sacred Artifacts also fly? In that moment, Du Chen felt a sudden urge to soar through the skies, standing atop a blooming lotus.

Mina's speed was incredible. In no time, the two landed before a mountain waterfall. There, in front of a small wooden hut beside the falls, the madman was 'harassing' Aliza.

He had bound Aliza to a rough wooden stake, and was idly drinking while continuously slapping her unconscious form—the poor girl was already unresponsive.

"H-hey, Illustrious Battle God," Du Chen began, approaching the madman from behind and speaking with calculated deference, "would you perhaps consider releasing my servant?"

The madman turned his head, drunkenly assessing the pair. "No," he grumbled impatiently. "I'm not finished playing yet!"

You damned madman! Who in the Nine Heavens binds a living person to a pole for their amusement?!

Although furious, Du Chen knew the man before him was a 'Crystal-tier' individual, not someone to be dealt with by force. He forced a placating smile. "My servant is quite dull, Illustrious Battle God, and utterly without charm. Why don't you tell me what kind of 'toys' would truly capture your interest? I shall procure them for you immediately, alright?"

"You can truly find me *any* toy?" The madman suddenly perked up. He waved a hand at Mina. "You, scram! I want to speak with this little fellow alone!"

The moment Mina hesitated, he roared, "I'll count to three. If you haven't vanished by then, I'll kill you! One... two…"

He counted extremely fast, and his face contorted into a malevolent snarl. No one would doubt his willingness to kill. Mina hastily interjected, "My apologies! I was merely escorting this little fellow here. Please don't be angry, I'll leave at once!"

With that, she paid no further heed to Du Chen and beat a hasty retreat.

Damn that Miss 'Rose'! She truly lived up to her reputation as a spy—turning her loyalties on a dime! Du Chen said, "There's no one else here now. You may state your demands."

"Hehehe, I scared her off!" The madman stretched lazily. First, he scrutinized Du Chen, then sat beside Aliza, patting her thigh as he asked, "Little fellow, where did you procure this servant? The way she gets seasick, it reminds me so much of an old friend!"