Clink! Clink!
A sharp clinking sound from a glass abruptly interrupted the quiet dinner, drawing all attention towards Velrick as he stood. With everyone’s eyes on him, he cleared his throat before finally speaking.
"I understand that you are all weary from your journey here, and your presence is greatly appreciated, but more pressing matters demand our immediate attention."
His tone grew grave as he surveyed the room.
"As we speak, individuals are vanishing from this island." He paused, his voice grave. "You have all been briefed on the situation, so extensive elaboration isn’t necessary. However, news has already begun to reach major broadcasting networks. It won't be long before this entire incident is broadcast globally, potentially inciting widespread panic. Therefore, our time is critically limited."
Velrick gently placed the glass back onto the table.
"While the BUA possesses the authority to restrict or halt official broadcasts, they are powerless against the dissemination of information by influencers and private citizens. In fact, attempting to suppress them might only exacerbate the situation."
His expression darkened further.
"Now that you have concluded your meal, you may return to your quarters to rest for a few hours before commencing your investigation. Ideally, I would prefer you start immediately, but I recognize that can't be forced. Time is of the essence. Please prioritize the safety of this island's inhabitants."
Velrick concluded his address and resumed his seat.
A peculiar silence settled over the room, devoid of applause or any comment. Eventually, several individuals rose in unison and departed, with others following suit shortly thereafter.
I remained aware of numerous gazes fixed upon me, a sensation I had grown accustomed to.
Admittedly, there were likely prominent figures present, but my focus wasn't on individuals from other Guilds.
My attention was captured by a figure in the distance, engaged in conversation. Before I realized it, I found myself standing and approaching the pair.
"...Your group leader informed me that your meeting is scheduled for thirty minutes from now in the main lobby. If you require some time to rest, you should take it. I fear this night will be a long one for you."
"It's quite alright. I am accustomed to such prolonged nights."
"That's precisely the issue. You haven't been getting adequate rest lately. If you—"
Suddenly, as if noticing me at last, the man's eyes widened. I extended my hand, offering my name.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Seth."
"Seth..? Ah, indeed! Of course, I know you! I am Eugene Kinmen, a Team Leader with the Cloud Reverence Guild."
Regaining his composure from his initial surprise, he glanced at my outstretched hand before grasping it.
"The pleasure is all mine. I am well aware of who you are. Your performance... frankly, it sent chills down my spine."
"Thank you."
I offered a smile at the compliment, my gaze drifting towards Cedrick.
Noticing my attention shift, the Team Leader tilted his head inquisitively.
"Do you require something from Cedrick? Are you two acquainted?"
"Not exactly, though we recently met. I feel we connected rather well, and given my need for someone knowledgeable about the area, I was considering proposing a collaboration with you. Naturally, if that would be agreeable."
"Agreeable...?" The Team Leader blinked a few times before breaking into a wide grin.
"Of course, it's fine! More than fine!"
He smoothed his attire, repeating, "Please do not worry. The team accompanying Cedrick is quite competent. They possess extensive knowledge of this region, and if our teams combine efforts, we might uncover something significant."
"That's wonderful news!"
I extended my hand to the Team Leader once more, observing a subtle change in his expression as his gaze fell upon it. He appeared momentarily perplexed by the gesture.
I simply smiled.
"To a happy cooperation."
He looked at me, then at my hand.
After a brief pause, he smiled and reciprocated the handshake.
"To a happy cooperation."
*
During daylight, the Western District presented a desolate appearance, scarcely habitable. I believed the situation couldn't worsen, but the moment we departed, a distinct alteration in the environment became apparent.
The air grew noticeably colder, and as we crossed the compound's boundary, I could sense it acutely.
Eyes.
Hidden within the encroaching darkness, observing from every conceivable direction.
It was a sensation I had encountered before, but never with such clarity. This time, I could pinpoint the exact origin of every scrutinizing gaze. Clutching my knife, I became acutely aware of every presence surrounding us—people observing from windows, perched on rooftops, and lurking in the shadowed recesses of buildings.
‘They don’t seem particularly welcoming either.’
A sudden impulse to wave at the onlookers almost took hold, but I managed to suppress it.
Reflecting on it, restraining my impulses was something I'd been finding quite challenging lately.
"...We are nearing our destination."
A voice snapped me out of my reverie, and my attention turned towards the group ahead. They regarded me with palpable wariness, Cedrick observing from a distance without a word. At the forefront stood the squad leader, a man with brown hair, deep brown eyes, and sharp, chiseled features.
"Our objective is to interview one of the victim's families to gain a clearer understanding of the situation, and hopefully, uncover some clues." As he articulated this, his gaze swept across the vicinity before a slight hesitation emerged. "...But are you certain you'll be alright on your own? What prompted your decision not to accompany your group?"
"Ah, that."
I ran a hand through the back of my head.
"Let's just say I can manage by myself. They've been dispatched to a different area."
Indeed, it was just me at that precise moment.
It was merely me and a group of complete strangers. My original assignment was to be with Clara and the others, but I had found a way to proceed solo without them. It wasn't that I didn't require their assistance, but rather, I simply preferred they not be present.
"Is that so...?"
The Squad Leader attempted to conceal his frown, mustering a polite smile as he guided me toward a towering structure. Like the surrounding buildings, it was adorned with numerous layers of graffiti, its windows shattered, with fragments of glass strewn across the ground.
The instant we crossed the threshold, a lengthy, narrow corridor unfolded before us. Our footsteps resonated against the walls as we advanced. We proceeded in an unbroken silence, not a single word exchanged, until we eventually halted before a specific doorway.
The Squad Leader turned to face me, and with a smile, I stepped forward.
Then, I lifted my hand and knocked.
To Tok—!
A palpable tension hung in the air following the knock, the sound reverberating down the confined corridor as my eyes remained fixed on the wooden door. After a brief interval, footsteps approached from the other side, and the door creaked open slowly, revealing an elderly man.
His eyes appeared vacant as he opened the door, his gaze drifting between us before eventually settling upon me.
As his focus met mine, I introduced myself.
"Greetings. I am—"
"Leave..."
My words were abruptly silenced by his raspy utterance. I paused, looking at him.
But just then, his voice escalated.
"LEAVE!"
The sound sliced harshly through the corridor, its intensity magnified by the confining walls. The elderly man's face contorted in a furious glare directed at us, his voice escalating into a roar.
"I SAID LEAVE! GET OUT! YOU NEED TO LEAVE!"
His continuous shouting only intensified, his entire frame trembling with the force of his words.
The individuals behind me began to display signs of unease, with some even on the verge of departing, but I motioned for them to remain as I offered a smile to the old man and placed my hand upon his shoulder.
The old man flinched at my touch.
Seizing that moment, I spoke.
"With all due respect..."
I gently patted his shoulder.
"...You are far too loud. Others are attempting to rest. Show some consideration."
Disregarding the bewildered glances from the old man and the rest of the group, I then entered the room and commenced my assessment of the surroundings. An old man screaming at me? I've been through that before.
Eventually, I located the sofa and took a seat, turning my attention back to the group.
"Come in."
Patting the sofa cushion beside me, I gestured for them to join me.
"Make yourselves comfortable."