Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters

The Vernge County garrison is located in the center of the Artemis District, adjacent to the garrison army barracks, facing the cathedral across the square.

After the Iron Peak County Military stormed into Artemis, they raised the personal flag of the Blood Wolf here as quickly as possible, announcing to all citizens that the capital of Vernge County had changed hands.

At present, that tattered red flag still flies atop the gray two-story building—indicating that the Blood Wolf himself is within the garrison.

However, the gentry of Vernge County, who came with a myriad of reasons and purposes to visit, were unable to fulfill their wish.

Because Blood Wolf is undergoing a medical examination.

"Do you feel any pain?" Caman seriously asked while gently pressing the swollen area under Winters' ribs.

"It's tolerable." Winters answered through gritted teeth.

Caman showed displeasure, and his hand's pressure abruptly increased: "I didn't ask if you could endure it, I asked if you felt any pain."

Winters groaned in pain: "You're… asking knowingly."

"Yes? Or no?"

"Yes."

"What kind of pain is it? Sharp and distinct stabbing pain? Or a slow swelling pain?"

"The former."

"Here?"

"Yes."

"Here?"

"Swelling pain."

The examination ended, and Caman stood up and walked to the corner of the room without saying a word.

Winters was left sitting there for a long time. It wasn't until he heard the sound of water that he realized Caman was diligently washing his hands.

"All the insults I've suffered so far," Winters' expression became complex: "none have been as intense as your behavior at this moment."

Caman acted as if he heard nothing, returning to his position with a straight face, and formally asked: "What are the diagnoses from the other doctors?"

"No result—because you're the first to examine me."

Caman frowned, his tone carrying a hint of reproach: "Since the pain is significant, you should have sought treatment sooner. In Green Valley or Maiqiu, perhaps you won't find a practicing doctor, but in Maplestone City, it can't be possible there's not even one doctor."

Winters replied without hesitation: "I don't trust the doctors in Maplestone City."

Caman understood that Winters was referring to more than just medical skills, but he still couldn't comprehend: "You could keep the doctor in the barracks."

"The act of seeking medical advice itself would reveal a lot of information." Winters shook his head in denial, honestly telling Caman:

"The Newly Reclaimed Land now is like a pot full of boiling oil. Drop a single drop of water, and it turns into a great fire. And Maplestone City? Maplestone City isn't even as good as a sieve for keeping secrets. I don't want to convey a sign of weakness, leading allies to make erroneous judgments."

Winters then regained his breezy demeanor, lightly commenting: "Who would've thought my health condition is now classified intelligence?"

Caman, after listening to someone's self-flattery, let out a soft sigh with a helpless smile at the corner of his mouth: "It looks like everything is under your control."

Winters blinked and teased: "If even you think that way, then it shows there's no trust crisis within us rebels yet."

After speaking, Winters habitually leaned back in his chair, but inadvertently strained the injured area, causing him to let out a low groan of pain.

"Why are you telling me this?" Caman asked in return.

"Trust!" Winters replied heavily.

He supported himself on his knees, waiting for the pain to ease slightly before speaking again, still in a humorous tone: "It hurts more each time… so? Can I be saved?"

In response, Caman furrowed his brow again. He put away his smile and coldly replied: "To be honest, I don't know."

"Hmm?"

"It's difficult to determine solely by a physical examination, and I don't have eyes that can penetrate flesh and see bones. So, I don't know your exact injury." Caman paused for a moment, cleared his throat, and continued: "However, considering it's been half a month since you were injured, if it were a fatal fracture, you should have already had a high fever for several days and died by now."

"So?" Winters leaned forward slightly.

"So, I still don't know the specific injury." Caman said mercilessly: "But since you haven't died, be grateful for that!"

Winters let out a whistle with a smile.

Although Caman tried to keep a straight face, his eyes still revealed unconcealed curiosity: "Who turned you into this state? As far as I know, there shouldn't be any high-level spellcasters in Paratu who could rival you."

"It's not the work of a spellcaster." Winters answered simply.

Caman immediately became tense, his pupils dilating, lips tightening, fingers curling up.

Seeing Caman's expression, Winters gave a knowing smile: "It wasn't a priest either, but you still haven't explained Saul's whereabouts."

Caman noticeably relaxed, lightly coughing: "When Brother Saul left, I wasn't present. You know, I was with you at Steel Fort."

"Don't deceive yourself." Winters said with piercing eyes: "Regardless of who took Saul, they burned a Great Cathedral and silenced all the monks present. You are the last Holy Officer in Revodan, and you also hold the position of priest. Although I'm not familiar with the rank of priests within the Public Church, if someday the Public Church investigates, you won't be able to escape."

Caman solemnly replied: "No matter what, this matter will not drag you into it, that I can assure."