Chapter 199 - Investigation
"How was it?"
"It can be said it was good."
In the office room of the Local Awakened Society, two officer partners sat at their desks, each of them holding a coffee in their hands.
"Really?" Harlan asked, looking at Margareta.
Since Margareta had returned from the hospital and interrogated the two students involved in the accident, she had been busy reporting everything to her superiors.
For some reason, it seemed the higher-ups were pressuring the Local Branch for information coverage, and they wanted the case to be assigned and transferred to the central branch.
"Yeah. The kids were shaken, but they provided good details for the case."
"They should at least do this much. They are the students of the Arcadia Hunter Academy, after all."
"Yeah. It seems it is not only in the name."
"Then, what was your conclusion?"
"I don't know. Even though everything is pointing towards the internal dispute, I had a hunch that it is not how it looks like."
"Hmm…Why do you think so?"
Margareta leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I don't know. It is just…..Everything seemed too swift and clean for only an internal dispute between two shady groups."
Harlan raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Margareta's instincts. "But, is it just because of that? You know, even the mafia has some strong guys under their hands."
Margareta nodded, acknowledging Harlan's point. "True, but it's not just about strength. Of course, we couldn't investigate the scene clearly, but from what the victim named Sylvie had said and what I had seen, I think it was way too brutal for a simple dispute. It was as if the killer was taking his anger out of the other demonic guys."
Harlan leaned forward, absorbing Margareta's analysis. "Well, that might be true. But that alone won't be enough to reach that conclusion, you know?"
"Right, it was just a feeling anyway."
"So, what about the other kid that was attacked?"
"Ah, that one. Astron Natusalune."
"Quite an eccentric name."
"Yeah. What about him?" Margaretta asked.
"How was his condition?"
"Well, he was already healed when I was in hospital."
"I see. Thank god that he was in a good condition."
Margareta couldn't help but smile at the memory of the scene where Sylvie was hugging Astron. "He's quite something. Stood alone against a group of attackers and still managed to hold his ground quite a long time. Sylvie, the girl who was with him, was also surprisingly capable."
Harlan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Sylvie, huh? That girl seemed pretty dead when we found him, though?"
"Well, I think she assumed Astron was dead."
"Ah…." Then Harlan realized and smiled slightly. "Then, it makes sense."
"Yeah. They seem to have some unique abilities. Sylvie, in particular, has this healing power. She practically mended Astron's injuries on the spot."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Astron recounted that she was the one who healed him from that fatal injury."
Harlan's expression turned more serious as the implications of Sylvie's healing ability sank in.
"If that is the case, it makes sense why higher-ups are so interested in this case. A healing power like that could be a game-changer."
Margareta nodded. "Exactly. The Academy might be trying to protect their students and the information about these unique abilities. It wouldn't be the first time they've kept such things under wraps."
"Indeed."
"But that kid, Astron…..He got what it needs to be an officer."
"Really?"
"He got what I had thought at the first try himself."
"You didn't give any hints?"
Margareta leaned back in her chair, her gaze distant as she recalled her impression of Astron. "None. He has a natural instinct, the kind you can't teach. The way he handled himself in that situation and the conclusions he made—it was like he had the instincts of a seasoned officer. Not to mention, his quick thinking and ability to assess the situation were remarkable."
Harlan raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Margareta's assessment. "And you're saying he did all of this without any prior training or experience?"
"That's right. It's like he was born for this. If he chose to become an independent detective, he could climb the ranks pretty fast."
Harlan chuckled. "Well, well. Looks like we've got a natural talent on our hands. The higher-ups will be pleased to hear about this."
RING!
Just as they were talking amongst themselves, suddenly their phone rang. They were still using this old-school way of communication even now; it was a tradition.
"Here we go again." Harlan rolled his eyes, grabbing the phone.
RING!
Harlan answered the call, expecting routine information or updates. However, as he listened, his expression shifted from casual annoyance to a sudden jolt of surprise. His eyes widened, and the color drained from his face.
"What?!" Harlan shouted into the phone, unable to believe the information he was receiving. He exchanged a quick glance with Margareta, who had leaned forward, sensing something was amiss.
"Two in one day? Are you kidding me? What are the odds?" Harlan's frustration boiled over, and he slammed the phone back onto its receiver.
Margareta raised an eyebrow, concern evident on her face. "What happened?"
"Maya Evergreen, one of the Arcadia Hunter Academy sophomores, is missing too," Harlan grumbled, running a hand through his hair. "First, we have a mysterious attack on their students, and now one of their seniors disappears. What the hell is going on?"
Margareta sighed, realizing the situation was escalating. "Looks like we're in for a long night, partner."
"Tch….Now I regret applying for extra shifts."
Harlan grunted in agreement, the weight of the unfolding events pressing heavily on the two unlucky shoulders, and the two officers left their room just like that, heading to the students who had seen Maya last time.
*******
Being able to remember what you had seen is a very important strength, and it came in handy in this situation quite a lot.
"It must be here."
The first location I headed to was where we had clashed with demon followers. It was a backward alley where not many people were walking even in the morning, so this was the case, especially at night.
Even some of the houses were abandoned and empty.
The lighting wasn't actually that good, either. Western Uxbridge's slightly nostalgic atmosphere made it that way.
"Hmm…."
As I stepped into the alley, the fight started playing in my head again, how the demon followers moved on the roofs of the buildings.
SWOOSH!
I first jumped to the roofs and started looking for the traces left by the demon followers.
"They didn't leave many traces."
It was expected. The unit was probably focused on trailing and kidnapping. But, my focus wasn't on the path that demon followers had taken anyway.
I walked around the roofs with my [Shadowborne] activated without making any noise. My presence was also pretty faint, so no one would notice me unless they were exceptionally strong.
"These….."
And walking around the roofs gave results immediately.
There were subtle signs of disturbance on one particular rooftop. Broken tiles scattered in an irregular pattern hinted at a less-than-graceful landing.
I crouched down, examining the shards of ceramic under the dim moonlight. The fractures indicated a lack of finesse as if the individual who landed here wasn't particularly adept at rooftop maneuvers.
'It might be Senior Maya.'
She was a mage, a mage that mainly focused on fighting from range. Most of the time, mages like her don't have the acrobatic ability to land that gracefully.
My [Perceptive Insight] heightened my senses, allowing me to pick up on the faintest details.
The displaced dust particles, the slight misalignment of the broken tiles – these were the traces left by someone unfamiliar with the art of silent landings.
Mana Observation.
Putting mana into my eye, I started resonating my eye with the environment. This was to observe the leftover mana prints around the place.
I traced the trajectory with my eyes, trying to envision the descent, and soon, the faint wind psions on the place led me.
It seemed like the individual had landed at a slightly awkward angle, perhaps stumbling upon arrival.
"However, she regained her balance immediately."
After that, there weren't many traces of the walking. Senior Maya seemed to stop on the roof for a second after landing.
"Was she looking for demon followers?"
That would make sense. If I were in her position, I would do the same. However, since I hadn't encountered her, that meant she was late.
"In that case, she would have gone to the place where the fight happened." Since Mason and other demonic humans used demonic energy, the traces would still be available.
The rooftops guided me through the maze of abandoned structures until I reached the epicenter of our confrontation with the demon followers.
"This was the place."
The location I had chosen was specifically good to avoid fatal attacks, so it was a courtyard. "But…."
However, upon reaching the small courtyard, I had noticed something.
"These marks…."
There were already marks of clashing on the ground and many others, and most of them stemmed from us.
As I replayed the fight in my head, I could pinpoint which one of those marks came from our fight.
"But, there are more."
However, on the location, there were more. A small crack in the ground especially got my attention.
"Wasn't this place where I had collapsed?"
The ground was where I had collapsed, but there weren't any traces of blood. It would make sense if it was cleaned, but this place was a desolate alley, and it didn't seem to be cleaned specifically.
"Something doesn't match."
I thought and continued looking.
"Hmm?"
SLICK!
Then, a small, shiny thing got my attention, and I pushed my finger to the ground.
"Saliva?"
The mixture on the ground reminded me of saliva, and I couldn't shake off the uneasy feeling that crept over me.
I cautiously touched the substance with my finger, and an odd sensation made me flinch. It wasn't like any saliva I had encountered before, and its unnatural texture sent shivers down my spine.
"But why?" I pondered, examining the shiny residue on my finger, and then I realized.
"My blood was there, and this feeling…It is demons."
Whenever something related to demons appeared, [Vengeful Bane] would remind me. And this sensation coupled with that…..
"Did a demon lick my blood…."
Disgust rose….If it was demons, that could be possible. Those dogs would do such a thing since many of them are anthropophagous.
"Tch."
The courtyard had become a battleground not just for our clash with the demon followers but also for an unseen confrontation that had taken place after it.
The cracked ground signaled a dash and an intense force.
"From the damage on the ground alone, I can easily say whatever this demon is, it is a lot stronger than your usual one.
The enemy's level was high. In my head, I envisioned how this crack occurred and in which direction the demon jumped.
Then, my eyes turned to the rooftop.
"Yeah…."
SWOOSH!
Immediately climbing to the rooftop, I put mana into my eyes.
'This….'
Faint traces of a mixture of demonic energy and a variety of mana psions could be seen.
However, the levels of energy were low, and the rooftop wasn't even damaged too much.
"This happened in an instant," I muttered, imagining the swift and overwhelming power that had left its mark. A demon capable of generating such force was undoubtedly abnormal, a threat that demanded further investigation.
As I continued to survey the rooftop, my [Perceptive Insight] caught a glimmer of something amidst the traces of demonic energy. I approached cautiously, and there, tangled in the architecture, I found a piece of fabric.
"Yeah…" Recognition struck me as I carefully retrieved the cloth. It was a fragment of Senior Maya's distinctive attire. The intricate patterns and design matched her unmistakable style.
"She was here." This final attire confirmed all my hypotheses. From there on, I continued to search the scene for any other details that I could have missed.
Chapter 200 - Investigation (2)
DING!
While I was investigating the scene, I suddenly got a message from my smartwatch.
[Horde: Sir, the files you have requested are all ready.]
Opening it, I noticed where it came from.
'Just in time.'
I couldn't find any more details about the place I was in, aside from some claw marks and saliva substances on the ground. None of them was enough concrete evidence to understand what kind of enemy I was facing.
Most demons had claws. If I had enough materials at my disposal, I would be able to analyze what kind of demon this was. But, sadly, I didn't have time for that.
Cooperating with local security was possible, though I had already sent a message to Amelia about that. They will probably come here as well and will investigate after Amelia's words.
I decided to head to a nearby coffee shop, a place where I could gather my thoughts and read through the documents sent by the Horde. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air as I entered, providing a momentary respite from the tension that clung to the night.
Choosing a quiet corner, I sat down, the smartwatch casting a soft glow on the table as I opened the files.
As I settled into the quiet corner of the coffee shop, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloping me, I began delving into the files provided by the Horde. The soft glow of my smartwatch illuminated the table, creating an isolated pocket of focus amidst the ambient noise.
The compiled information detailed a series of recent kidnappings in Western Uxbridge, shedding light on the patterns, locations, and potential suspects involved.
The reports presented a grim narrative, and as I scanned through the documents, specific details emerged:
---------------------------------
Missing Persons List:
1. Emily
Job: Office Worker
Last Seen Location: Maple Street
Last Seen Time: 7:45 PM
Last Seen Date: 8/11/2003
2. Daniel Johnson
Job: Store Clerk
Last Seen Location: Riverside Park
Last Seen Time: 8:20 PM
Last Seen Date: 9/11/2003
3. Olivia Harris
Job: Waitress
Last Seen Location: Old Library, Elm Avenue
Last Seen Time: 6:55 PM
Last Seen Date: 9/11/2003
4. Benjamin Rodriguez
Job: Warden
Last Seen Location: Coal Factory, Oak Street
Last Seen Time: 9:10 PM
Last Seen Date: 10/11/2003
11. Sophia Carter
Job: Graduate – Researcher
Last Seen Location: Alley Behind the Arcade, Birch Street
Last Seen Time: 8:30 PM
Last Seen Date: 14/11/2003
Notes:
Serial numbers 002 to 011 represent additional names that have surfaced, indicating a concerning pattern of disappearances.
Each person's job, last seen location, last seen time, and last seen date are detailed for a comprehensive understanding of the incidents.
--------------------------
Looking at the list in front of me, I noticed there had been eleven different missing people report cases.
'What is with this number?'
No matter what, the amount of people missing was too much for a small city.
'Are they waiting for orders, or is this common?'
I was not familiar with how things worked in Western Uxbridge; however, even then, looking at what was before me, it became evident that this case was something important.
"Tch."
This was one of the disadvantages of living in places like these. Most of the officers who view such cities as countryside will boldly assume nothing happened, and they will slack off.
"Well, thanks to that, I was able to have access to these files anyway."
Getting files from Arcadia City Local Awakened Security would be a lot harder and would take a longer time, so one can say this worked in my favor.
'Now, to start.'
Delving into the files, I started checking the case.
Occupational Variety:
The victims held various occupations, including an office worker, a store clerk, a waitress, a warden, and a graduate researcher. No discernible connection based on occupation could be identified.
Of course, the first thing was this. Since I initially assumed this was the work of a demon, it made sense that such a pathetic and lower creature wouldn't be able to discern what its target's occupation was.
Common Locations:
The last locations of the victims were diverse, ranging from warehouses to parks, libraries, and factories. There seemed to be no apparent geographical pattern.
This made things a bit harder. With no exact pattern appearing, that meant the demon could be anywhere around the city.
'Of course, it will have a hideout. But, how can I discern.'
Would it be in the middle of the city? An abandoned factory, building, house? Or was it different?
It was impossible to discern just by looking at the patterns. If they were concentrated on one part of the city, then it might have been possible.
Timing Discrepancies:
Of course, this part was not that valuable. A person's last seen time is generally reported by the person who filed the case; thus, the error rate is a lot higher. However, even then, from the disappearance times alone and them never appearing, it can easily be discerned that the demon is working at night.
'A demon that works at night.'
Different from what one thinks in general, demons are not that much of a night creature. Most of them prefer staying on light. However, there are also many who lurk at night.
'MistWraith is a perfect example of that.'
The demon I killed after coming to this game could be presented as an example.
'There are many others just like that.'
However, of course, knowing this fact alone, I could narrow the types of demons a lot, but still, that wouldn't make it concrete.
Last Seen Dates:
The last seen dates spanned from the 8th to the 14th of November 2003. The disappearance cases were just recent, and other than that, the last case before them was a month ago.
'That means the demon started being active around 8th November.'
But what could be the reason for that?
Did it come to this place right at that time from outside, or was there a different reason?
Also, from the dates alone, the frequency of the disappearance cases increased. One may ask, what if the dates don't directly represent the date they disappeared?
Considering most of them had regular jobs and none of them clocked in the following day, this can be concluded.
Therefore, the increase in the disappearance cases also indicated that the demon either got more comfortable around the city over time or needed to appear more.
'The latter is more likely.'
Most predators know the risks. Therefore, they have a biological clock inside them. If, for some reason, the demon needed to capture more people, then it would do its best to satisfy this requirement. Else, it wouldn't risk itself.
'In any case, I will need more details to find out what the guy's motives are.'
As I mulled over these observations, I decided to seek more detailed information from the Horde.
[Omega_1: I have a critical mission for you. I need detailed information on each victim in the recent disappearance cases in Western Uxbridge. Backgrounds, habits, connections – anything that might shed light on the pattern or motive behind these incidents.]
[Horde: Understood, sir. We'll get to work on it right away. Expect the files shortly.]
[Omega_1: Swift and thorough, as always. Make sure to dig deep; I need every possible detail.]
[Horde: Consider it done. We'll contact you once we have the comprehensive information; it won't take too long.]
Now that I had a bunch of things in my head and I took a small break, it was time to get to work once again.
"Sir."
"Here."
"Thank you."
After paying for the coffee, I slowly left the place.
SWIRL!
Once again, the cold weather hit me as I got outside. But it also acted as a reminder that I needed to be fast.
'It is getting late. At this hour, most of the people will start returning their home.'
Considering I was planning to talk with the people of the town to learn more about the local place, I needed them not to be suspicious of me.
'But it is still better to sit down and do nothing.
Even if I can't talk with people, I could at least check the places where the missing people were last seen and try to find some possible evidence.
Opening the map on my smartwatch, I began heading towards the locations I had marked as the last seen places of the missing individuals.
The city at night wore a different ambiance, with the glow of streetlights casting long shadows on the deserted streets.
As I walked through the quiet alleys and dimly lit streets, I couldn't help but notice the contrast between the peaceful facade of the city and the underlying tension brought by the recent series of disappearances.
SWOOSH!
Then, I immediately blended into the shadows using my trait and masked my presence. Rapidly moving on the roofs and to shorten the distance, I reached the first location.
The first stop was Maple Street, where Emily, the office worker, was last seen. She had been seen entering this place, and then there weren't any reports of her getting out.
Of course, the streets were long, and there were many houses that she could possibly be. But, if it is the work of a night demon, then it is highly likely that said demon has the ability to intercept other people's senses.
So, I just walked around with the most caution.
As I walked along the desolate street, my eyes caught a faint glimmer on one of the walls.
Closer inspection revealed claw marks etched into the brickwork.
'This.'
I closed my eyes and compared the small cuts with the ones I had seen in the recent location.
'It matches.'
As I carefully examined the claw marks on the brick wall, I noted the differences between these marks and those found at the more recent location. The width of the claws matched, indicating a similar origin, but there was a distinct variance in their depth.
"These marks are not as deep," I murmured to myself, running my fingers lightly over the grooves in the brickwork.
'And there are signs of struggle.'
Considering Emily was an office worker, then it didn't make sense that she was able to make such an overpowered demon struggle against herself.
This further indicated that the demon responsible for Emily's disappearance might not have been at its full strength during this particular incident.
It occurred to me that demons, like any creature, could have fluctuations in their power. If this night demon was weaker during Emily's abduction, it could explain the shallower claw marks and the struggle she put up against it.
My mind worked to piece together the puzzle. The demon's strength seemed to vary, and if I could understand the pattern behind these fluctuations, it might provide a crucial advantage in tracking and confronting the creature.
'I will be able to check it from other locations.'
Since this happened quite a long time ago, things like saliva couldn't be seen.
Acknowledging the significance of the information gathered from Emily's last seen location, I decided to move on to the next destination on the list. The realization that the strength of the demon might vary offered a potential key to understanding its vulnerabilities.
Leaving Maple Street, I traversed the quiet city, making my way to Riverside Park, the next location where a person had gone missing. Daniel Johnson, the store clerk, had last been seen in this area. As I approached the park, the atmosphere grew more ominous, a stark contrast to its daytime tranquility.
I swiftly ascended to the rooftops, using my [Shadowborne] trait to navigate the terrain without alerting anyone to my presence. Riverside Park was expansive, with several potential hiding spots. The challenge was to identify any signs that matched the pattern I had observed earlier.
As I moved along the rooftops, my eyes scanned the surroundings for any irregularities. The moonlight cast an eerie glow on the park below, emphasizing the emptiness and silence that pervaded the area. My senses remained heightened, ready to detect the slightest disturbance.
It wasn't long before I noticed a subtle glimmer on a nearby tree. Descending with caution, I examined the trunk and found faint claw marks. Unlike the previous location, these marks appeared deeper, suggesting a stronger and more capable demon.
'So, the strength of the demon is increased after the first time.'
Either it was related to the location, or the demon got stronger with time.
'This…..'
Though I didn't want to think about it, my mind was reaching an ominous conclusion.
DING!
At that moment, I heard the notification coming from my watch.
[Horde: Sir, the information you requested is ready.]
RING!
At the same time, a ringing sound echoed.
[Received Call: Senior Amelia]
It was a call coming from Amelia.
Chapter 201 - Investigation (3)
"Yes."
I opened the call.
"Yes."
It was a pointless question, but it seems Senior Amelia was a little restless.
"Margareta?"
"Is that so? What did they say?"
"I see…."
I nodded my head. If Senior Maya was the one who disappeared, the Academy is bound to take action. After all, she is one of the most important prospects for the future as she is the first-ranked student.
Also, this is certainly not a usual case, with both Sylvie being attempted to kidnapping and Maya disappearing.
'I guess the Academy is already putting pressure on them.'
"Not much. I am still looking around. Did you mention them about me?"
"So, you did?"
Hearing this, I wanted to release a hearty sigh. After all, if they knew that I was wandering alone on my own, they may block me for overstepping my authority, which is something I am certainly doing.
'Well, it might not be that bad.'
No matter what, at some point, Awakened Police and the government are bound to be involved in this situation anyway, and if what I had seen at that time is correct, this time, the demon is pretty strong.
'I will try to progress as much as I can alone.'
"No, it is fine. You did what you were supposed to."
As she mentioned that, I suddenly got an idea.
"I do."
"I need you to delve into the local stories and legends of Western Uxbridge. Dig deep into the city's past, any tales of unusual occurrences, supernatural events, or anything that might provide insights into the origins."
In fact, I really didn't need such information. After all, most of the time, the stories wouldn't be much of a help. However, Amelia and Sylvie need something to calm themselves down and distract themselves.
Sylvie because she had just seen quite a traumatic scene, and Amelia because she feels restless.
"This doesn't feel like a normal case."
The sound didn't seem to be convincing, so I played my last card.
"I think it is related to her disappearance."
<…..Understood. We'll start our investigation right away. Anything specific you're looking for?>
"Nothing much. I just want to learn the history of this city. Focus more on the unrecorded tales."
"Thank you, Senior Amelia. Keep me posted."
The call ended, and I turned my attention back to the task at hand.
I hailed a passing cab, and as I settled into the back seat, I retrieved my smartwatch to review the documents the Horde had compiled.
"Sir, where are you going?"
"Elm Avenue."
"Old library?"
"Yes."
"Understood."
The vehicle smoothly navigated the streets, and I delved into the information on the missing individuals.
----------------------------------
[Horde Report: Missing Persons – Western Uxbridge]
Emily
Age: 28
Health Situation: Good
Awakened Test Result: Eligible for Hunter
Mana Level: Mid
Daniel Johnson
Age: 24
Health Situation: Excellent
Awakened Test Result: Eligible for Hunter
Mana Level: Mid-High
Olivia Harris
Age: 26
Health Situation: Fair
Awakened Test Result: Eligible for Hunter
Mana Level: Mid-High
Benjamin Rodriguez
Age: 34
Health Situation: Good
Awakened Test Result: Eligible for Hunter
Mana Level: High
Sophia Carter
Age: 27
Health Situation: Excellent
Awakened Test Result: Eligible for Hunter
Mana Level: Mid
-------------------------
'This.'
As I perused the updated information, a new layer of complexity unfolded. The fact that all the missing individuals were not only eligible for Hunter status but also possessed at least mid to high mana showed that the demon didn't target normal humans at all.
Also, this was the sad reality of this world. Not all humans possess the power to become awakened Hunters, but not all awakened people become Hunters.
That was also the reason why Hunters were this valuable.
'Now things are slowly coming together.'
I noted everything at the corner of my head.
CREAK!
"Sir, we are here."
And at that moment, the cab stopped. It seemed we had arrived at our destination.
"Here."
After paying for the cab, I left and reached the next location.
Elm Avenue was a narrow street adorned with aged trees, their branches intertwining to create a canopy that veiled the path below.
Dim streetlights cast long shadows, adding a mysterious aura to the surroundings. It was an old library at the end of the avenue.
The lights were still on.
"Ah….Should we come here later?"
"Hmm~ I would love to."
"Smooch…Next time, then."
This time, the streets were more alive. Many couples and people were walking on the streets.
Navigating through the lively Elm Avenue, I blended into the crowd, my [Shadowborne] trait concealing my presence amidst the bustling activity. The chatter of couples, the laughter of friends, and the occasional footsteps created a symphony that drowned any subtle sounds of my movements.
'Observation needs to be discreet.'
I casually glanced around, keeping my senses heightened without drawing attention. The old library at the end of the avenue stood as a silent witness to the passing of time, its inviting facade contrasting with the ominous air surrounding the recent disappearances.
As I moved through the crowd, my eyes scanned the surroundings for any peculiarities. The dimly lit street made it challenging to spot subtle details, but drawing mana into my eyes to support my vision guided my focus.
As I approached the old library, I instinctively activated [Perceptive Insight], heightening my senses to detect any anomalies.
The library appeared undisturbed, yet I knew better than to rely solely on appearances.
My eyes scoured the area, examining every nook and cranny for signs of struggle or any peculiarities that might unravel the mystery. In the hushed night, even the slightest disturbance could be a crucial clue.
SWISH!
A sudden gust of wind rustled the leaves, and my attention shifted to a corner where a dim glow emanated. It was so silent that it wasn't surprising that not many people noticed it.
Moving cautiously, I found faint traces of mana lingering in the air.
'Hmm….'
There, on the ground, I found a small earring. It was a mana artifact, constantly spreading mana into the area.
'This is…..'
I noticed what it was after looking at it a little. It was a cheap artifact that made the skin of the wearer glow a little.
'Did this belong to Olivia?'
Carefully, I pocketed the earring, intending to delve into its properties later.
Looking around, there weren't many signs of struggle around. However, there were still some marks on the ground.
'Especially the blood.'
A drop of blood clogged blood was on the ground; its smell got my attention.
The absence of evident struggle suggested a swifter movement coming from the side of the demon. That meant it got even stronger.
'I even doubt I will be able to find any traces at the next time.'
With a final glance at the surroundings, I decided to explore the interior of the old library.
CREAK!
Pushing open the creaking door, I entered the dimly lit space, greeted by the scent of aging books and the soft whisper of turning pages.
A bespectacled elderly man behind the counter looked up, his eyes squinting at the unexpected visitor.
"Good evening, young one. How may I assist you?"
His voice held the warmth of hospitality, and the dim lighting of the library created an atmosphere of quiet contemplation.
"I'm looking for information, particularly about a young lady named Olivia Harris. Did she frequent this library?"
As I posed the question, the air seemed to change. The elderly librarian's expression shifted, and a hint of sadness clouded his eyes.
"Ah, Olivia… she used to visit often, engrossed in the world of books. It's been a while since I last saw her."
His response carried a weight of melancholy, prompting me to inquire further.
"Do you know anything about her recent activities or if she was here around the time of her disappearance?"
The librarian's gaze became more focused, suspicion evident in his eyes.
"Why do you ask about Olivia? Are you a friend of hers?"
Thinking on my feet, I replied, "I'm her cousin. Her sudden disappearance has left our family, especially Aunt Jane, quite distraught, and I'm trying to gather any information that might help."
The librarian's expression softened at the mention of me being her cousin, his suspicion giving way to empathy.
Of course, the information was true; after all, I had also checked her mother's name before coming here.
"Oh, I see. Terrible news, that is. Olivia was a bright young lady. If there's anything I can do to help, feel free to ask."
"Thank you. It means a lot to our family. Can you recall the last time Olivia visited the library?"
The elderly librarian leaned back, his eyes narrowing as he delved into his memory.
"Let me think… it must have been a week or so before her disappearance. She borrowed a couple of books and mentioned something about reading old literature books. She liked them quite a lot."
Well, what she liked to read wasn't my concern. After all, I was looking for clues.
"I see….But did she mention meeting someone or anything?"
"No, she didn't. She was always a quiet girl, liking to read at the corner."
"Then, did you happen to notice anything unusual or out of the ordinary around the library during that time? Any strange individuals or occurrences?" I inquired, hoping the librarian might have observed something that could aid my investigation.
The elderly man tapped his fingers on the counter, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Well, there was one peculiar thing. A couple of nights before she went missing, I heard some strange noises outside."
My interest was piqued at the mention of strange noises. "Strange noises?"
"Yes. It felt like they were coming from the ground, right beneath my feet. It was as if something was moving down there, but when I checked, there was nothing to be seen."
My curiosity deepened at this unexpected detail. "From the ground? That's quite unusual. Did you notice any disturbances in the soil or anything else out of place?"
He shook his head, his expression troubled. "No, there was nothing visibly wrong. It was more like a sensation than something I could see. Gave me the shivers; it did."
I thanked the librarian for the additional information.
'Underground…..'
Especially the mention of the underground brought some things into my head.
'Let's return, it is getting late.'
It was around the time when I finished obtaining data.
Chapter 202 - Investigation (4)
As Astron left the library, he immediately returned to the accommodation. It had been hours since he was on the field looking for clues, and he was on his foot from morning to this hour.
After the fight and everything, he was not in his peak condition, so he needed a rest. He took a cab immediately and then went to the hotel they were going to stay at night. Amelia had already arranged it, spending her own money.
-FUSH!
As the automatic door opened, Astron stepped into the entrance.
"Ah….You are here."
There, he was welcomed by the two girls waiting at the front door, drinking teas. Amelia and Sylvie looked up as the door opened, their eyes reflecting both concern and relief.
'They must have been anxious."
"Astron!" Sylvie was the first one to come at him. She immediately looked at him from head to toe, seizing his looks. "You are okay?"
"Of course I am."
"….."
Sylvie didn't say anything in his response, but it was evident that he was relieved.
'So, she still can't get over it.'
It made sense for Astron; after all, no normal human could get over such a scene instantly, he thought.
"Were you able to find anything?" Amelia called out, standing up from the couch.
"A little."
"I see…. Come, let's sit first. You must be tired."
The lobby was pretty desolate; only the receptionist was there standing in front of the small computer. And, his attention wasn't on the three youngsters either.
"A little," Astron replied as he followed Amelia's gesture and sat down.
"Do you want a tea?" As the trio settled down, Amelia asked, pointing at the small kettle on the sides.
"I would like."
"Okay."
Sylvie poured a cup of tea to him while also filling hers at the same time. After Amelia waited for a little while for Astron to get comfortable, she finally raised her questions.
"So, what did you find?" Her curiosity and restlessness were evident in her voice. Her eyes were narrowed, but small dark circles had already started appearing underneath them.
"I wasn't able to find much," Astron began, meeting Amelia's expectant gaze. "I focused on revisiting the place where Sylvie and I clashed with the demon followers. It's the only lead we have so far, and I thought there might be something we missed."
He certainly wouldn't be able to mention visiting the places where the other victims had last seen since that would certainly expose his way of obtaining information. Therefore, he could only reveal a little about what he found.
Even though Amelia wasn't a bad person, neither was Sylvie, but that didn't mean they weren't human. As long as one had a mouth, the information they knew was always prone to spreading.
Sylvie flinched a little at the mention of the fight, but she still listened attentively, her eyes searching for any hint of progress. Amelia nodded, encouraging Astron to continue.
"The place was deserted. There were no signs of the demon followers or anything unusual since they were professional. But, as you know, my focus wasn't on them."
"Did you notice something unusual?" Amelia asked.
"I did."
At his words, Amelia got slightly agitated. "Wha-" She raised her voice but stopped as she saw Astron's raised hand.
"Calm down."
"….Right." Realizing that she was a little too excited, she stopped herself. "So, what was it?"
"First, I found landing marks on the roofs. It must have been Senior Maya since, according to what you described, she was flying."
"That's right. She fled using wind magic."
"And, after confirming that it was Senior Maya, I followed her tracks. After she landed, she didn't leave much trace, but as I followed, I reached the exact location where Sylvie and I fought with the demon followers."
"She went to there?"
"Yes. I am pretty sure our fight was the reason why she suddenly flew away."
"Then….."
"Of course, I hadn't encountered her. But the weird thing wasn't her coming to this place. There were traces of clashing and claw marks around the whole place.
"Claw?"
"Claw. I am sure of it. Those marks belong to a monster or something non-human. There were also signs of clashing there."
Astron didn't mention how his blood was licked or other things. But, even then, what he said was enough to make Amelia understand a little.
"So, you are saying she was attacked by that when she arrived there?"
"That's right," Astron affirmed, his gaze steady. "It seems like she wasn't alone in that place. I sensed remnants of demonic energy, but whatever attacked her left distinctive marks. It wasn't just a normal fight; it was something else."
Amelia's brows furrowed in concern. "But Maya is so strong. Who or what could have done that to her?"
Astron shook his head. "I can't say for sure. Whatever it was, it left marks of unnatural strength. Senior Maya might be powerful, but this adversary wasn't an ordinary foe. I could sense that it was something beyond the usual things we would see."
"I see….." Amelia lowered her head. If this foe was strong enough to take over Maya, that meant they were no match for it either.
After all, Amelia might also be a Senior, but she herself knew the disparity between her and Maya in terms of combat strength. Maya was overwhelmingly stronger than her counterparts, and she could even fight third-graders on her own.
Astron also noticed that she was down and decided to change the topic.
"So, were you two able to find anything related to the past?" Astron inquired, shifting the focus from the dire situation at hand.
Amelia looked up, trying to shake off the worry clouding her expression. "Yes, we did our best. Sylvie, why don't you tell Astron what we found?"
Sylvie nodded, her weariness momentarily forgotten as she began, "We went around the town and asked the locals about any legends or unusual tales related to Western Uxbridge. Most of them were quite hospitable after they learned we were students from Arcadia Hunter Academy. Surprisingly, we got quite a few interesting responses."
Astron leaned forward, curious about what they had discovered. "What did you learn?"
Sylvie took a breath, "The town has a history of supernatural occurrences. Do you remember what Miss Jones said to us at that time?"
"The possibility of mana already being here even before the day of Nexus Convergence?"
"That's right."
"How are the two related?"
"Well, many of the locals said their ancestors had told a series of ritualistic events that happened many years ago. Rumors spoke of a cult practicing dark arts, attempting to summon an entity."
"Okay, but what does it relate to Nexus Convergence."
"Well, they said most of those records were remnants of this town, and the calendars used belonged to an old empire."
"The calendars belonging to the old empire?"
"Yes. Even the alphabet belongs to them."
"I see…."
Astron nodded his head. It wasn't that uncommon for cities to hold old history since most of the new cities were actually founded over the old ones, restoring the old cities.
As Astron absorbed the historical context Sylvie provided, she delved into a specific tale. "There's a particularly eerie story that caught our attention. It's about an old count who ruled over this town centuries ago. According to the locals, one day, this count underwent a drastic transformation."
Astron's interest piqued. "Transformation?"
"Yes. The tale goes that the count, seemingly overnight, changed into a completely different person. He became violent and unpredictable. One day, without any apparent reason, he assaulted his own servants, and in a frenzy, he feasted on their blood."
Astron's expression shifted, a mix of curiosity he was showing for the first time. "Feasted on their blood?"
Sylvie nodded solemnly. "It's a disturbing part of the tale. The count's actions became so heinous that the entire city turned against him. In an attempt to escape the wrath of the townspeople, the count retreated into the tunnels beneath the city. Legend has it that he used his own blood to block the entrances, sealing himself inside."
'Tunnels.'
At the mention of the tunnels, Astron's eyes widened a little, but neither Sylvie nor Amelia saw that.
"After that, the tale becomes shrouded in mystery. No one heard from the count again. It's as if he vanished entirely. The townspeople, fearing the dark events surrounding the count, avoided the tunnels, considering them cursed. And over time, the tale became a cautionary legend, passed down through generations."
Astron nodded, masking the emotions he was feeling. "It's a dark history, indeed."
Sylvie also nodded his head. "I know they are nothing but stories, but it is certainly scarier than usual."
"This was the reason why we came to this city, wasn't it?"
"Yeah."
As the conversation settled, Astron decided it was time to take his leave. He stifled a yawn, rubbing his eyes. "I appreciate your efforts, both of you. You've done well gathering this information. I think I need some rest; it's been a long day."
Even if he had said that his eyes were actually shining in contrast to what he said.
Amelia smiled, "We should rest as well. It had been a hectic day. Sylvie must also be tired."
"I-I am…."
"Just rest."
"…..Okay."
Just like that, the group each went to their own rooms after Astron got his key from Amelia.
Top of Form
******
The moment I entered my room, I immediately sat on the bed and started weaving together the fragments of information I had gathered.
The haunting tale of the old count, the concealed tunnels beneath the city, and the unnerving accounts shared by the librarian – each piece etched itself in my mind.
'She said the count feasted in the servant's blood.'
The mention of feasting in the blood was the first trigger. Since that moment, I remembered how my blood was licked. But, the second trigger was the mention of tunnels underground.
'If this is really the case, then that explains how the demon was able to move around the city freely without ever getting caught.'
After all, there wasn't a specified location where the demon was captured.
'A demon sealed underground… If that was the case, maybe it was recovering its strength at the start…'
Leaning back in my bed, I gazed at the ceiling, allowing the thoughts to dance and twirl in my mind. The connection between Senior Maya's disappearance and the city's ominous past seemed more than mere coincidence. The demon I pursued might be intricately linked to the count.
'And targeting Awakened individuals makes perfect sense.'
With this revelation, my earlier observations clicked into place. The demon deliberately chose Awakened humans. It could also navigate the city's shadows using the concealed tunnels, staying elusive and feeding on its chosen prey.
'The count used his own blood to seal the entrances…Usage of his own blood…Using blood…Something is familiar with that.'
I started exploring my memories from the game, referring to such a thing.
「Those fanged bastards. You are not different from them. 」
Then, a small line made me remember where this was familiar. A scene that would happen at very later stages of the game.
'Fanged bastards.'
「Just like them, you are also looking for my kin. Both of you want our blood and hunt us like we are animals. 」
As I remembered those words of a certain villain, everything started getting into the picture.
「 Those bastards call themselves Elegance of Night, but the only thing I can see is primitiveness and barbarism. They use their disgusting blood magic to capture every other human, like livestock, and turn them into their underlings. 」
As those words came into my mind, naturally, the enemy I was facing with.
'A vampire.'
Chapter 203 - Investigation [Interlude] (5)
"Cough-!"
When she felt her consciousness returning, this was the first reaction she gave.
The strangled sound escaped her throat, echoing through the oppressive darkness that seemed to smother everything. Pain surged from every inch of her body, a relentless assault that left her gasping for breath.
'I can't move.'
She was ensnared, bound by unseen forces that rendered her limbs useless. Every attempt to break free was met with the harsh reality of her restrained state.
'Disgusting .'
The air in the dimly lit space carried a thick, musty scent, wrapping around her senses like a suffocating shroud.
The only audible rhythm was the distant, haunting drip that resonated through the confines of her disoriented consciousness.
With a slow blink, her eyes opened to a world veiled in muted shadows. Stone walls, unforgiving and cold, loomed around her, their rough-hewn surfaces a testament to the bleakness of her surroundings.
"Burghk-!"
Pain, disorientation, and a profound sense of wrongness enveloped her. It was an alien experience, a stark departure from the familiar contours of her life. Each labored breath filled her lungs with the damp, stagnant air that clung to the subterranean space.
As her vision adjusted to the feeble light, a revelation unfolded—the metallic glint of unseen restraints, the dim glow of a distant candle, and the disquieting shapes of cages that hinted at the presence of others trapped in this place.
'Others?'
Then she realized even in this darkness, she was able to see the silhouettes all around herself. If her thoughts weren't disoriented, she would have noticed it far sooner. But, alas, this wasn't the case right now.
However, even under such conditions, she was one of the most talented people in the group of the most talented individuals in the academy, and that was for a reason.
A logical mind kicked into gear, attempting to make sense of the situation despite the fog of pain and confusion.
Where was she? What situation had led her to this ominous place? She braced herself against the pain, endeavoring to clear her thoughts and discern the reality of her position.
Her mind, which was like a turbulent sea, gradually settled as she fought to recall the events leading to her current state.
'That's right. I went there because I sensed there was a demonic energy.'
As she recollected everything slowly, she remembered what she had seen when she reached there. A humanoid thing was licking the blood on the ground.
It was an utterly disgusting sight, but what was more disgusting was the aura that humanoid thing was reeking. She, who was one of the most sensitive people towards mana, immediately felt that, and the need to attack followed.
'Then, there was a fight.'
Images of a struggle flickered, a chaotic ballet of movements and clashes. The creature, with an otherworldly speed that defied comprehension, had become a blur, attacking with a ferocity that left her defenseless.
'That thing was so out of the world that it was the first time I had encountered something like that.'
The realization settled in her mind, a sober acknowledgment of the extraordinary threat she had faced. The creature had moved with a speed that surpassed her ability to perceive and react, leaving her vulnerable to its predatory assault.
She was always proud of her dynamic vision. Even though she was not a close combatant, others always praised her perceptivity in the fights.
But she wasn't able to see the moments of that creature, which meant it was over her league way too much.
And, not to brag, if that creature was able to overpower someone like her this easily, that meant it was a danger to the whole world.
As she surveyed her dim surroundings, the cold reality settled in. The stone walls, the metallic restraints, and the faint glow of distant candles painted a bleak picture.
The immediate threat was not the world outside; it was the captivity she found herself in. In this confined space, she lacked the luxury to worry about the broader dangers the creature might pose.
'But, I can't worry about the world right now.'
As she surveyed her dim surroundings, the cold reality settled in. The stone walls, the metallic restraints, and the faint glow of distant candles painted a bleak picture. The immediate threat was not the world outside; it was the captivity she found herself in.
In this confined space, she lacked the luxury to worry about the broader dangers the creature might pose.
TAK!
The sound pierced the air, a disconcerting echo in the oppressive darkness. Her senses heightened, and her gaze flickered towards the source of the noise. Out of the shadows emerged a figure, not the grotesque creature she had fought before, but something far more elegant and humane.
'What?'
It was a vampire, something she had never seen in her life before, let alone many humans had seen.
As the vampire revealed itself, a silhouette that moved with the fluidity of a dancer. Gone were the nightmarish features; instead, an unsettling grace emanated from this being.
Crimson eyes, sharp and piercing, locked onto hers. His appearance was striking, but she knew it as a deceptive allure that masked the predatory nature beneath. After all, she herself witnessed how grotesque it looked.
"Greetings, my captive," he spoke, his voice carrying a chilling resonance that echoed in the dim chamber. "I hope you find our accommodations to your liking."
It was a shuddering feeling. She remembered how her friends fantasized about vampires and such creatures, but now she was in front of one. The only thing she felt was fright.
The vampire continued, "It has been a while since I was completely awake." His words carried a weight, a sense of ages long past.
She looked at the vampire, the only thing she could discern at the moment. As her eyes traced the contours of his pale white skin, a memory stirred in her—a face she couldn't help but remember.
Her Junior, with his similarly pale complexion, flashed in her mind. He and the vampire looked awfully familiar; the only thing differentiating them was the color of their eyes.
Well, even though suddenly, being reminded of him was weird, it strangely gave her strength.
"I was already bored with the recent food. I guess I should thank our god that he sent me something like this."
Smooth steps brought the vampire closer, and as he mentioned "food," a sudden realization struck her. The nauseous scent that enveloped the chamber, the source of which had eluded her until now, suddenly became clear.
"Ah…I am sorry, I forgot." The vampire mumbled. "I guess you still don't know what I mean by that."
FLICK!
The moment the vampire said that, he flicked his hands. The mana surged around her, and it immediately took the form of an orb. It was a spell she knew well, but the mana control itself was too smooth.
SHINE!
However, the awe she felt for a second for the smooth control instantly disappeared. The dim chamber burst into an eerie glow, revealing one of the most grotesque scenes she had ever witnessed.
Countless bodies hung from the ceiling, suspended by ropes made from the crimson color of blood.
Their forms were withered, their expressions frozen in eternal agony, a silent testimony to the horrors they had endured.
Men, women, children, elderly…. countless humans were there….
Her eyes widened in horror as she comprehended the grisly reality. The stench of blood that permeated the air was not just an unpleasant odor; it was the nauseating scent of death and despair.
The victims, drained of their life force, dangled grotesquely in the dimly lit chamber, a macabre display of the vampire's insatiable thirst.
"Burghk!"
Even for an aspiring Hunter like her, this scene was something that was hard to endure. Her already messed up body state made her pour everything she had inside herself to the ground.
The vampire, seemingly unfazed, watched her reaction with a hint of amusement. "Was that too much for you?" he remarked, his tone mocking. "Humans are weak, just as they've always been. Fragile, emotional creatures."
TAP!
He took a step closer, relishing the power he wielded over her in this macabre theater of horror. The dim light cast shadows that danced across his features, highlighting the cruelty etched into his elegant countenance.
CREAK!
The hanging bodies swayed gently in the chilling breeze, an eerie chorus of the lives extinguished by the vampire's insatiable hunger.
"Now…."
He extended a hand towards her, his claws grazing her cheeks as if savoring the vulnerability etched on her features.
"You must be wondering why you're still alive," he mused, his voice a silky whisper that sent shivers down her spine. His touch was cold and disgusting. It sent shivers down her spine. "Well, my dear captive, you have a purpose yet to fulfill. A purpose that amuses me."
His grin widened, revealing fangs that gleamed in the dim light. The sight of those elongated teeth, designed for draining the essence of life, sent a wave of disgust through her. The alien features she saw reminded the vampire of the monsters.
"You possess something that makes you valuable, my dear," the vampire continued, his voice a blend of elegance and malice. "Your mana, pure and abundant, is a rare delicacy. That's why I chose you to be my first partner in this world. Amongst the pathetic humans, you are like a gem that could never be encountered unless by luck."
The revelation hung in the air, a heavy truth that settled upon her like a suffocating shroud. The idea of becoming a vampire, a creature that was associated with demons, her enemy, made her shudder.
The vampire licked his lips as his crimson eyes looked at her with desire. But that soon turned to disgust.
"You, in your current state, are nothing but a lowly human," he sneered, his claws gently tracing her jawline. "It disgusts me."
The revulsion swirled within her. The vampire's disdain for humanity was palpable, and that also ignited the innate pride in her heart.
"But fear not," the vampire continued with a wicked grin. "Once the transformation is complete, you will be reborn as a being worthy of standing by my side. A creature superior to these pathetic humans you now share your existence with."
The vampire's wicked grin widened as he spoke, and in the next instant, he revealed a small vial filled with his dark, viscous blood. "Embrace your rebirth, my dear," he cooed, his voice a sinister melody.
Instinctively, she recoiled, pressing her lips tightly together in a desperate attempt to resist the impending transformation.
"Futile." The vampire, however, was not to be deterred. With a swift and forceful motion, he gripped her jaw, his claws biting into her skin, and forced her mouth open.
The vampire's eyes glowed with a dark satisfaction as the arcane properties of his blood began their macabre work. The transformation had started, and she felt the tendrils of his magic intertwining with her very essence, reshaping her into something beyond human.