Treasure Hunting System： The Ocean Conquerer

Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Wanted (Request for Follow-Up)

White marble buildings sat beside clean and tidy streets. The structures were painted in pale pink, light blue, and off-white pastel hues. Neat avenues were lined with various exquisite shops, surrounded by lush and exotic vegetation. The flowers on both sides still filled the air with their fragrance.

Alka observed the scene, adjusted his clothes, and walked slowly along the street. All around were finely dressed gentlemen accompanying noblewomen and young ladies on their stroll. Not a single plainly dressed commoner could be seen on the streets, nor any vagrants. It seemed as if the entire city was wonderfully perfect.

Alka walked along the edge of the street, looking at the exquisite shops. They mostly sold clothing, accessories, and luxury items for women. Next to these were various kinds of restaurants. A mere glance at the items in many of the stores told Alka he couldn’t afford to enter. Extremely expensive.

”This city is truly wonderful. No poverty, no vagrants. I really wish I could live here,” a young woman said as she walked, holding a man’s arm.

The man reached out and tapped her nose. ”Fool, no city is that perfect.”

TSK. Alka couldn’t help but smack his lips upon hearing their conversation.

After wandering the city for a while, he began to understand. This was a city whose beauty was built upon a foundation of pain. To create a picturesque city and attract tourists, the poor, the vagrants, and the lower-class citizens—people who should have a place in any city—were all driven into a small corner or expelled from the city altogether. Then, enormous resources were poured into constructing exquisite buildings, with shops catering exclusively to the wealthy and noble. High consumption fueled the city’s economic growth, lining their own pockets.

Having completed his circuit, Alka casually picked a shop to enjoy the local cuisine. Although he wouldn’t spend much money on expensive luxury items, Alka was willing to spend a bit more on good food.

By the time he had eaten and drunk his fill, it was already afternoon. With a general understanding of the city, Alka prepared to head to the outskirts to see the watchtower ruins.

Just then, Alka saw a pair of guards walk past, seemingly on patrol. But their steps were brisk, betraying a sense of urgency. The guards wore plate armor, helmets, and long boots. One hand held a spear, while the other steadied a firearm strapped to their arm. This firearm resembled a musket and was likely much more powerful than a pistol.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted in the distance.

”Quick, catch her! She’s a wanted criminal!”

Two guards, spears in hand, pursued a masked woman in a white dress as she dodged through the crowd ahead of them. Since the crowd consisted mainly of the wealthy and noble, the guards dared not raise their Vibrating Stone Guns to shoot. Instead, they gripped their spears and tried to encircle her.

”AAH!”

”Watch out!”

The woman, labeled a wanted criminal, seemed aware of this and deliberately ran deeper into the crowd. Her movements were exceptionally agile; dodging left and right, she moved even faster than the guards running on the main road.

Seeing this, Alka flipped his hand, and a card appeared. With a flick of his arm, the card flew in an arc, gliding through the crowd, aiming precisely at the escaping woman.

Sensing the attack, the woman suddenly leaped, kicked the card, then somersaulted and landed. She glanced back at Alka, revealing pale purple eyes, then ran off without another look.

Oh no. Alka suddenly remembered where he was. This was not a world for heroics.

With this thought, Alka quickly headed for the city gate. However, just as he was about to leave through the main entrance, he saw a large contingent of guards setting up barricades. Even when dealing with the wealthy and noble, the guards were inspecting each person individually before allowing them to enter or leave.

He recalled the earlier commotion. These guards had acted surprisingly fast.

Heading towards the gate, he saw a few guards posting a stack of papers on the city wall. The large words ”WANTED CRIMINAL” were written on them.

Alka looked closely. His eyes widened, but he quickly composed his expression, feigning nonchalance.

The portrait on the wanted poster was none other than the Blue Fist Treasure Hunting Team: Andre, Chadite, Jason, Bobby, a swordfish-man with a long, pointed nose, and a woman who looked beautiful yet unassuming, with captivating pale violet eyes.

These were all core members of the Blue Fist. Apart from the unfamiliar non-human and the woman, Alka had met all the others.

No way! Alka exclaimed inwardly. Wait! Wasn’t that woman at the end the same one I just saw escaping? And I even used a card, trying to stop her! She’s one of us!

Feigning indifference, Alka turned and walked back into the city. I need to get back into the city before the soldiers notice me, he thought. Who knows if they’re even aware of my existence?

The soldiers were still posting the wanted posters.

I was only gone for half a day, Alka mused, deeply puzzled. What on earth happened?

His pace quickened. He glanced at a nearby men’s clothing store and walked right in.

When Alka emerged again, he was dressed in a black tailcoat and a black top hat. He held a Civilization Staff, and his pristine white shirt peeked out from beneath his coat.

”Sir, if you have any issues, please feel free to consult us again,” the store clerk said, smiling at Alka from the doorway.

Alka turned his head, tipping his hat with a smile. ”Your service is excellent, truly befitting the residents of this beautiful city.” It’s just that these things are painfully expensive.

”Thank you, you are quite the gentleman.”

Nodding, Alka bid farewell to the clerk and headed towards a store around the corner. Soon, he emerged carrying a small bag. Then, he blended in with a crowd of tourists and slipped into a small alley.

When he reappeared, his image was completely transformed. In addition to the more gentlemanly attire, a monocle now graced his right eye. A crisply folded handkerchief peeked out from his left breast pocket. His previously somewhat youthful face now sported a light stubble. Combined with his already mature aura, this disguise made him look considerably older.

A completely transformed Alka entered a hotel.