The village guards and residents assembled, clutching an array of weapons, their expressions tense as they scrutinized the advancing group.

While it was unlikely that bandits would venture this far, the possibility of desperate lunatics attacking the village could not be ruled out.

Who are you? A middle-aged man among the villagers shouted loudly, observing the villagers demeanor.

Funha sensed their distrust of the incoming party.

After a moment contemplation, he raised his voice, "We are the city guards from Leys.

We have heard of your rodent troubles, and Lady Rebecca places great importance on this matter, sending us to investigate.

" With that, he produced a crest from his pocket and tossed it towards them.

The middle-aged man caught it deafly and examined it closely.

Given the proximity to Leazy City, he should recognize the crest and its insignia.

Furthermore, the mountain bandits adorned in storm armor gave them an appearance more akin to a regular army.

Even surpassing the standard guards of Ley City in terms of equipment.

If these fellows were not so preoccupied with petty squables, they would indeed resemble a proper military force.

Indeed, upon observing the emblem, the middle-aged man's demeanor underwent an immediate transformation.

He dispersed the villagers and approached with a sense of urgency.

Sir, what may I call you? He inquired as he drew closer to Fong Ho.

I am Fong Ha.

May I ask how to address you, sir? Fonho reciprocated the question.

E Ain, the village chief.

Please follow me, the middle-aged man replied, leading the group into the village.

The village appeared relatively tidy with grains laid out in front of the houses.

Contrary to expectations, there was no sign of a rodent infestation.

One could surmise that only a few mice had appeared.

If a true plague had arisen, it was likely that the city of Lixis would dispatch troops rather than merely assign the task to mercenaries.

Under Mcken's guidance, they arrived at a particular dwelling.

Chief Machin, let us discuss the matter of the rodent infestation.

The village seems quite well, seemingly without issue.

Fong house stated directly.

Anticipating Machin would take them to witness the chaos wrought by mice.

Yet, he had brought them here instead.

Machin rose and shut the door, plunging the room into an immediate darkness.

The atmosphere turned mysteriously solemn.

esteemed guests.

The mice appearing in the village are not ordinary.

If it were merely a case of pilfering food, it would be manageable.

But these mice have begun to attack humans.

I had no choice but to send word to the city, Mach Ken said, his expression grave and voice lowered.

The gravity of his words rendered the expressions of all present serious.

Mice attacking humans.

This was not to suggest that mice were incapable of such actions, but rather that it typically occurred only under conditions of extreme food scarcity and unrelenting hunger.

The grains hung outside.

What could possibly drive the mice to turn upon humans? Tell me everything you know in detail without omitting any information, Fongo urged earnestly.

It appeared that this rodent issue was far more complex than a mere extermination.

Ah, it is as follows.

A few months ago, some villagers began to complain about the presence of mice.

But it did not cause significant disruption until a week ago when we discovered the body of Bloomer entirely devoured by the mice, leaving only bones behind.

It was then that we recognized the severity of the situation and issued a bounty to the city, Ma recounted, his expression growing increasingly solemn.

Are you suggesting that the mice in the village are capable of attacking humans? Fongho inquired, brow furrowed, "No, this is the first occurrence of such an event.

I publicly stated that Bloomer had died from a fall and buried him simply.

Yet I fear this may recur, for none can predict when the mice might strike again.

" Ma replied, his countenance darkened.

Fong Hao and his companions exchanged glances, each eye reflecting a deepening perplexity.

"Take us to the room where the body was found.

" Fongo commanded.

Very well, Maqin responded, rising to lead them outside.

They followed the path, stopping before a house at the village's periphery.

He produced a key and unlocked the door, a damp, moldy scent wafting forth.

This is Bloomer's home.

After the incident, I locked it up and have not opened it since, Ken explained.

Funghow nodded and led several individuals inside.

The room had evidently been tidied, yet faint traces on the floor, walls, and beams could confirm the subtle scratches left by numerous mice.

He glanced around in search of any clues.

As he spoke, the group quickly dispersed.

The furniture within the room appeared untouched, or perhaps it had been returned to its original position after the cleaning.

Everyone fanned out to investigate, but Fong Ho's attention was drawn to an ornament on the cabinet by the window.

Mouse brain stem clay sculpture category decorative item description.

A clay sculpture encasing a mouse brain stem which upon the application of a few drops of a special insect repelling liquid on its summit emits a unique scent that attracts nearby small rodents.

A brain stem clay sculpture.

Funhow furrowed his brow once more.

The sculpture depicted a captivating woman and without the ability to glean information it would be challenging to associate the figurine with mice.

Nevertheless, the information conveyed much.

Placing the sculpture beneath the window, a scene began to unfold in his mind when the homeowner succumbed to slumber.

Late at night, an individual dripped the insect repelling liquid onto the sculpture.

The Senate released some of the village sro rodents to this very spot, launching an assault on the unsuspecting man.

Why did he not struggle, or why was there no alarm raised by the neighbors? These questions could no longer be investigated.

After all, Markin publicly asserted that the homeowner had died from a fall, making inquiries difficult.

Yet, it was evident that someone had orchestrated the crime by employing the rodents.

This sculpture is quite remarkable, whose exquisite craftsmanship exists in this village.

Chapter 355.

A comprehensive capture.

Fong how casually picked up a clay sculpture and inquired with a smile.

The material of the sculpture was rather ordinary.

However, upon closer inspection, one could discern the subtle undulations on its surface, revealing a remarkable craftsmanship.

It was evident that the artisan possessed considerable skill.

Oh, it's Aunt Tissy from the village.

She excels at crafting these clay sculptures, Markin replied with a smile.

Markin did not know much about Aunt Trissy.

Though she was a villager, she had spent her youth living in the temple.

She was considerably older than Markin and by the time she returned, Markin had already become the village head.

The temple s assistant priests were equipped with a certain knowledge of healing and herbal remedies, which allowed them to understand the functions of various medicinal herbs, including Cortiseps.

As the two conversed, the others returned.

They had only uncovered traces of struggles and remnants left by rats, without any significant leads.

Naturally, none of those present were particularly adept at solving cases.

They were more skilled in the art of inflicting harm.

"Let us go, Mr.

Markin.

Take me to meet Aunt Trissy," Fong House said, still holding the clay sculpture in his hand.

Markin frowned slightly upon hearing Fong how s request to meet Trissy.

Given her age, nearly 70, and her somewhat difficult disposition, he hesitated.

However, seeing Fong how s determination, Markin refrained from further protest, leading the way while subtly hinting at Tricy s eccentric temperament, he advised that if anything untored were to occur, they should not take it to heart.

After a few minutes of walking, they spotted a white-haired elderly woman sitting in front of a house.