harleyscars Chapter 31 The Cane and the Black Card
Chapter 31 The Cane and the Black Card
Taking a long nap can actually make you feel less energetic.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, Azure, looking like she hadn't woken up yet, slowly moved to the detective agency on the first floor, and looked up to see Hugo dressed in a white suit going out.
The new detective's assistant was somewhat surprised and couldn't help but ask, "Hugo, where are you planning to go?"
The detective pulled a heavy-looking metal cane from the shelf by the door and swung it around in the air as he answered, "Deer Town, Dr. Yew's research institute, there's a case there."
The previously listless Azure suddenly perked up: "Has a case occurred?"
Hugo shook his head, it was unclear whether he was referring to the question or the cane.
He switched to a yellow wooden staff, the round head of which was carved in the shape of a Poké Ball. This one seemed a bit lighter than the previous one.
The detective seemed very satisfied, and after playing with it for only a couple of moments, he gracefully and skillfully planted the cane on the ground.
"It's just an interesting little incident. Although it seems a bit strange, I think once I take a look at the research institute, I can easily resolve it in no time."
Azure stared at Hugo's cane, her head full of question marks: "You walk quite easily, don't you? Why are you choosing a cane like you're preparing to go into a fight?"
The detective glanced at the girl and asked, "When you trainers pass by the bushes, do some wild Pokémon often jump out and challenge you to a fight?"
"That's right, it's only natural."
"That's why I always carry a cane with me, so I can get rid of guys like that at any time."
"But why not use Pokémon to drive them away... Oh, right, you have that kind of constitution..."
Although it still seems unbelievable, Azur Lane has begun to accept the idea that "strange things happen when Hugo comes into contact with Pokémon".
"While it can't compare to Pokémon that can use moves, this cane is enough to drive away wild Pokémon. In addition, if I need to pass through areas with many wild Pokémon, I will spray insect repellent beforehand."
Azure blushed: "Life without elves is really tough... But you can take me with you, didn't you already approve of me this morning?"
“Because you’ve become a member of the detective agency, you have another task,” Hugo said casually.
Seeing the detective's serious expression, the girl felt a little scared: "Is...is it going to be related to autopsies again?"
"Teaching that aspect isn't urgent for now. Listen carefully, your task is—"
Azure looked like she was listening attentively, then heard a strange order from the head of the agency: "Come to the Yew Research Institute alone around 10 a.m. tomorrow and tell me what you have seen and heard along the way."
.
Hugo, who had just left home, met up with Touko, who was also preparing to travel, and the two walked together toward the station.
"Is it really okay for me to stay at your house tonight?" the somewhat uneasy detective asked Touko, whose hometown was the very place they were headed to, Deer Town.
“No problem at all. I’ve already called my mom, and she was thrilled to hear that my detective friend is visiting,” Touko said with a hearty laugh.
Recalling Douzi's mother, Hugo pictured a shrewd and capable socialite. This trip to Deer Town would be a good opportunity to settle some work-related matters...
Hugo suddenly began to inquire about Douzi's hometown—
"To be honest, I've always found it strange. Both Luzi Town and Feiyun City are coastal cities, so why are their development situations so different? Feiyun City has a massive amount of goods being loaded and unloaded at its port every day, and thanks to its shipping industry, it has become the most developed city in the Union; while Luzi Town, which is also located on the south side facing the sea, seems to be neglected and is still a quiet little village."
"Haha, of course you wouldn't know if you're not a local from Luzi Town."
When the topic turned to her hometown, Douzi spoke freely, immediately beginning her explanation—
"South of Deer Town lies the infamous Route 17, a waterway known for its turbulent currents and complexities, a veritable underwater maze. It's impossible to navigate by ship, and even experienced water-type trainers would struggle to make it. Therefore, there isn't a single proper waterway in Deer Town."
"So, the only public transportation option to get to your hometown is the train?"
"Yes, and the only way is to take the train to the nearby Karakuri Town, and then walk to our place. Alternatively, trainers who can use 'Fly' can fly directly to the town, but there aren't many rare Pokémon near Deer Town, so even though Professor Juniper's lab is there, not many trainers would specifically fly over."
"It's like a secluded little village," Hugo exclaimed.
Douzi shrugged: "Who says otherwise? My hometown is known as a 'kind-hearted country town where the tide foretells something,' it's practically the stage where the protagonist of a role-playing game makes his debut."
Hugo echoed this sentiment: "Who can argue with that?"
.
As the two chatted, the magnificent Feiyun City train station came into view. Hugo went to the ticket office and showed the ticket seller a black ticket with gold trim.
Upon seeing this, the station staff immediately invited the two to a special waiting room, arranged for them to sit in the first-class carriage of the next direct train, and even had a waiter push a cart to bring them drinks.
"I've decided, I'll take Hugo with me every time I go on a long trip from now on." Douzi leaned back on the sofa cushions in the train waiting room, sipping his chilled juice and squinting contentedly.
"I don't have time to run around the entire Union with you. We just happen to be going the same way today. Besides, this black card has a limited number of uses per month. It can't support your extravagant desire to take advantage of the railway company and travel for free."
"Damn it, I was seen through!" Douzi angrily punched his fist.
Hugo played with the black train ticket, feeling its tough, frosted texture, and couldn't help but recall the time last June when he was "alone" tracking down the subway bombing.
He warned the railway company several times but received no response. In desperation, he had to "borrow" the Flower Rock Monster and Manatee Beast that he had in the backyard to fight crime. Although the operation to capture the bomber encountered several setbacks due to Hugo's "bad luck" and the negative causal law, the case was eventually solved smoothly.
After the incident, Hugo subtly hinted to the two train conductors who arrived late, conveying in a few words that "the mysterious trainer who defeated the criminal was the savior he, Detective Hugo, had invited."
Since their previous warning letter had indeed been delivered to the railway company, the company, which had unknowingly avoided a huge problem, was naturally extremely grateful to this uninvited detective.
The huge sum of money the railway company gave Hugo completely resolved the detective's financial crisis. At the time, he had just moved into the Feather Residence and was ambitiously preparing to open his detective agency, spending money like water.
In addition, the brothers Bei Shang and Nan Xia gave Hugo this black train ticket in their personal capacity. This ticket allows Hugo to use the United Railways' public transportation system for free for life, and he can bring one companion on each trip. However, there is a monthly limit on the number of uses. After reaching the limit, Hugo can still travel at a 50% discount. Moreover, during this period, the ticket holder will enjoy the luxury of first class.
To be honest, this train ticket's practical value was no less than the huge reward it had previously received, not to mention its collectible value among train enthusiasts. The train conductor was genuinely grateful for the detective's help.
"Hugo, the train has arrived!"
The detective heard the cheers of the sharp-eyed Douzi nearby, and the melodious sound of a car horn drifted from afar. He stopped his fleeting thoughts; it was time to get on the bus.