Afterlife Department

Chapter 220 - Hoobite

Energy stones can be big or small, and they are definitely precious. They have many uses. For one, they can be used as a currency when trading, since they also have a monetary value when bought. The energy stones can also be used to increase one's spiritual strength by absorbing its energy. After the energy stored in the energy stone was absorbed, the stone will crumble and turn to dust.

However, there are also another kind of energy stone. They have other specific uses, such as healing, or if in offensive, can harm other beings. One example is the piece of the rock that they have found.

"This is a Hoobite Rock." Jiang Ce said as he inspected the piece of rock that was emitting a low energy with his gloved hands. "The Hoobite Rock is an energy stone that can be found in the Hoobites' Planet. This rock is emitting a soft energy, the energy waves coming from it are soothing so any being that made contact with it would be attracted by it like an enticing meal, thus would subconsciously go after it." He explained..

The Hoobites are another kind of aliens. Just like their rock, they are of gentle species. Even if a grumpy Hoobite would emerge, with their planet surrounded by large Hoobite Rocks, their temper would soften. To say the least, the Hoobites' temper is largely contributed by the Hoobite Rock. The Hoobites are then well-known for their gentle temperament, and also a pacifist, thus many other races wanted to befriend them, the human race included.

Needless to say, the humans have already established a good relationship with the Hoobites, and some of them even often visited the Hoobite Planet that is like a utopia because the Hoobite Rocks can make your stress be relieved, and even your nightmares.

However, right now, none of them liked the Hoobite Rock present. "Why is it here?" they all have the same question and they looked at each other.

"When we arrived, this area is densely populated by the Zergs." Huo Jinghua said.

"Could it be, the Zergs were attracted by the Hoobite Rock?" Jiang Ce asked before he froze when realization dawned on him.

The south west of the planet XTV1 is densely populated by the Zergs. And with that mark there, it can be inferred that there was a Hoobite Rock present there. However, not more than a month ago, Huo Ling died and a Hoobite Rock was present in the scene where his mech exploded as he was attacked by the Zergs.

There is only one conclusion: the Hoobite Rock was used to lure the Zergs to where Huo Ling landed.

Their heart chilled at the thought and their face darkened. "A Hoobite Rock can be bought by anyone." Lewis Johnson said.

"However, not just anyone." Gerard Jackson said. "Because of the Hoobite Rock's ability, it is very expensive." He said.

They all looked at him. Gerard Jackson is implying that only the nobles, or the well-off families can buy a Hoobite Rock.

They all immediately called their subordinates and ordered for half of them to remain in the planet to search for more clues, not leaving a speck of dust to be ignored. Then, taking the other half of their subordinates, they boarded the starship and returned to the empire.

Mary Jackson was already awake and, after seeing their face where the gloom was elated, she didn't ask any question and conscientiously returned to her room knowing that they already had found a clue to Huo Ling's death. When she walked towards the bedside table and saw Huo Ling's picture, she lifted the picture frame and knelt to cry while hugging Huo Ling's picture to her chest. Huo Jinghua who followed her was about to knock on the door, but he heard her crying again.

However, her cries are no more sorrowful. He sighed in relief and then turned to leave, only to see Jiang Ce, Harry Walter, Gerard Jackson and Lewis Johnson standing behind him. Jiang Ce's and Gerard Jackson's eyes are red, while Lewis Johnson gave him an encouraging smile. Harry Walter's face is expressionless, but the creasing of his forehead decreased.

All of them are now relieved to finally found a lead in the case. Receiving everyone's encouragement, Huo Jinghua took a deep breath and gathered up his courage to knock on the door.

The cries inside the room stopped, then followed by slow and soft footsteps. Not a few seconds later and the door opened, revealing a tear-stained beautiful face like that of an angel's. However, the gloom and sadness in her eyes has lessened.

"What?" Mary Jackson asked.

Huo Jinghua opened his mouth to speak. However, he felt his voice was caught by the angel in front of him. He turned to look back to the others, only to find the area behind him is empty. "…" damn traitors! His face was covered in black lines.

He knew that everyone knows Mary Jackson was the most devastated from Huo Ling's death, and so they wanted to cheer her up. However, they were now hiding behind the wall and peeking in on them, looking at Huo Jinghua with their eyes filled with expectations.

Huo Jinghua. "…" damn these people. Where has your dignity as a colonel, head scientist and marshal gone?! He frowned and then turned to Mary Jackson whose pale lips suddenly lifted in the corners when she also saw the others who were watching them, but immediately hid when they saw her.

"Come in."

As soon as they arrived, they had all the aristocrats be secretly investigated, including their businesses, that made contact with the Hoobites or had brought a Hoobite Rock. Then they had them secretly monitored.

That day, the Emperor, Kale, was furious once again and had not for the ministers and Sam, the Empress, stopping him, Kale would've issued a decree for the home of all the aristocrats to be searched! Thus, Kale issued a decree to lower the taxes for the sake of the common people and for the betterment of the lives of the citizens of the empire. Everyone then praised Kale for being a magnanimous ruler, and the empire's future is bright!