Chapter 36: Chapter 34
"U-umm... Everyone, please calm down... I know everything might be very confusing right now. But rest assured that we're currently dealing with it"
"W-what's going on, why did the train suddenly stop?"
In my effort of trying to calm the crowd down, a normal looking passenger suddenly asked me question. Having the majority of the crowd's current thoughts be asked directly at me, I can't help but feel a sudden pressure. I'm not really good with crowds in the first place, so having to currently deal with one is already beyond my capabilities.
"A-ah... we tried investigating what just happened a-and... we found out that the Train Operator is dead and that someone pulled the train brakes"
Being honest with my answer, the crowd suddenly started panicking which quickly turned the cart into a chaotic mess. Not wanting anyone to panic and leave their seats, I tried calming the panicked crowd once more, using my voice.
"Everyone, please calm down!"
"A-aahhh!!! Is the train being hijack! Are we going to die!?"
"No, please remain to your seats. Panicking now will just make things even more chaotic. Rest assured that nobody's going to die in my watch"
"How can you be sure! You've just said that the Train Operator is dead"
"I know, I know. But we're already calling for reinforcements from the other station, so please remain calm and wait for the authorities. I'm pretty sure that everything will remain fine if everyone just waits"
.
.
Looking at the crowd's reaction, it seems that they're still in a sense of panic. But despite still being uneasy about the situation, they at least complied with what I've asked and remained in their seats.
Now then... where could this other culprit be...
Looking at each person in the crowd, I tried looking for any suspicious person that can potentially be the other culprit. The reason why I even tried telling the truth to them, is to see if anyone in the crowd will react suspiciously on said information.
But even with said information in the light, I still was having a hard time looking for any suspects. It seems that everyone's reaction is somewhat the same, which normally would not be the case if the culprit is present.
Wait...
Having said realization, I quickly tried asking the people in the crowd.
"Everyone, I have a question"
Having said my intentions, the crowd's attention was promptly averted at my direction. Calming down my senses, I calmly began my questioning.
"After we entered the Worker's Cabin, did anyone in the crowd tried leaving this cart?"
.
.
"A-ahh.. I believe that no one tried to leave this cart"
"Right... I think so too"
"Same here..."
Huh? Not a single person in the crowd tried to leave... Then that means that the culprit is still here.
"I-Is.. Something wrong?"
Looking back at the crowd once more, I was still greeted with a bunch of confused faces. Not a single calm or suspicious look was even present.
Shit... it seems that looking for the culprit will be harder than I thought.
With my plan, gaining no results. I began thinking of any ideas, of how to find the culprit. But after a few minutes of thinking, I wasn't able to think of a single one. The only clues I have for now are the victim, the murder weapon and the time when the incident happened. Which all together doesn't really reveal who the culprit is.
With nothing much to go by, I began asking the crowd once more, to gain some information about what happened. If I gain more clues about the situation, then finding any lead that can help find the culprit would be possible.
"U-ummm... I know that everyone in here is uneasy and all. But can anyone tell me what happened before and after the blackout?"
?
Confuse by my sudden question, the crowd just looked at me with surprised faces. But not too long after, a person in the crowd raised his hand and answered my question.
"W-well... I don't remember much... But all I know is that everyone was just sitting well-adjusted in their seats when the train was moving. And when the train stopped, all of us became eerily confuse of the situation. I thought that the train was experiencing some malfunction at first, that's why I remained in my seat. But when the blackout happened, the place became very chaotic with the all the screams and after the lights eventually came back, we found the guy there, dead on the floor..."
"I see... then are there any suspicious things that you've notice before the blackout"
"I-I don't think I've noticed any"
"Then how about the others?"
"...I didn't find anything suspicious"
"A-aahh.. S-same here"
Hmmm... so nothing out of the ordinary was happening before the blackout...
"Then how about in the blackout, did anyone here noticed anything suspicious?"
"U-umm... I'm sorry but when the blackout occurred. Everything was dark so we didn't see anything"
"Right... it was impossible for us to see anything at that time"
Shit... this doesn't reveal anything about the culprit at all. I'm still clueless as before.
Frustrated by my lack of clues, I began compiling any information that I have. But before I can even begin my thought, a person in the crowd suddenly raised his hand and asked me a question.
"U-uumm... I have a question..."
"What is it?"
"I-I'm just curious, why are you asking us those questions?"
.
.
"Well you see... the perpetrator of this incident is someone hiding in this crowd"
"Huh?!"
With the information I've just said. The unsuspecting crowd suddenly became confuse, which quickly turned into a look of panic. Checking every person and seatmates in their sides, the people in this cart quickly became warry of each other and even began distancing themselves. Checking each person's reactions once more, I again was disappointed to not find anyone suspicious in the crowd. Whoever this culprit is, all I can say is that he/she is really good at hiding.
Not a single changed huh...
"W-w-wait... what do you mean by that?"
"I literally mean what I've said"
"Wait.. S-so, the one who's responsible for all of this, is one of us?"
"Unfortunately, such is the case"
"T-then.. I need to leave here then!"
"That's right.. I don't want to die"
"Everyone don't move. If you leave now, you'll just bring the culprit along"
"B-but... that's unreasonable! You're just going to let us stay here, like nothing's happening"
"A-at least let me and my daughter leave to the other cart. You're not going to let a kid stay here won't you"
"Hey! That's cheating. I also have a kid, waiting for me at home"
With the current knowledge of the culprit being present. The crowd once again, became very chaotic. Wanting to save their own skins and their love ones. The people started coming up of reasons to leave. But knowing that it will just give the culprit the chance to escape. I quickly ignored their reasons and prevented anyone from leaving.
"Everyone, calm down. Nobody's going to leave this place. No matter what their reasons may be"
"You're completely being unreasonable here! Are even concerned of anyone's lives"
"I am, that's why I'm asking you all to not leave. If we let the culprit escape now. Something more dangerous could potentially occur.
With my reason completely laid out, the once panicked crowd started calming down. It seems that despite their displeasures, they still somewhat understand what I'm saying.
"Thank you... I know that's it's hard for all of you but please understand our situation for now. Plus, all of you need not to worry, for it's highly unlikely for the culprit to show itself with this amount of people. And even if the culprit did reveal itself, I promise that I will protect you all"
"..."
With the situation, now in peace. I resumed my compiling of the information I have. In hopes of figuring out something
Hmmm... so nothing unusual happened when the train was stopped. Which means that the chaos definitely happened when the blackout occurred. Considering that the murder weapon is a knife, the victim was definitely stabbed in the back, when the chaos ensured. And with how people were screaming in the blackout, that could essentially hide any noise that the victim could potentially make when he was stabbed. And also due to the blackout, the culprit could also hide its identity to anyone and even the murder attempt. As mentioned by that person, nobody saw anyone do anything due to how the lights were out. This essentially makes anyone in this cart potential suspects, which makes identifying the culprit harder...
Thinking further with information I have. I noticed something in the information that didn't felt right.
Wait... If everyone in the cart wasn't able to see in the dark. Then how did the culprit murder the victim.
Having said realization, I was quickly reminded of what Null have told me.
-My clue for your investigation is that the other culprit will have a difficulty of moving in the dark
Realizing what it finally means, my lead for who the culprit is, has finally come into light. Checking the area of where the man was killed, I was able to pin down the prime suspect of said crime.
Strengthening my resolve, I slowly made my way to the suspect, as to not appear somewhat suspicious. Arriving at his vicinity at his, I then confronted the suspect and said these words directly.
"You're the one who's responsible for this incident, aren't you?"
"U-ummm.. What are you talking about sir?"
"Don't lie to me, I know that you're the culprit"
"I-I'm sorry sir, but I don't understand what you're talking about"
"The man from behind you, the one who's dead. You're clearly the one's responsible of it"
"Are you perhaps suspecting me of being the culprit. Cause if so, then I'll have to apologize. For your clearly wrong in that regards"
"I'm not, I'm one hundred percent sure that you're the one who killed this man"
Hearing our confrontation, the train crowd suddenly became shocked at the revelation. Warrying their safety from the suspect, some people in the crowd distanced themselves from the man, while others watch from afar.
Hearing what I've said, the woman who was holding the dead man from before promptly came to my side and asked said question.
"A-are you sure that he's the one who killed David...?"
"I'm sorry maam, but for your safety I would like you to move away for now"
"I don't care... Is this person the one who killed David?"
"Y-yes..."
"Preposterous! Stop with this fictional accusation of yours. If I indeed was the one to killed this man, then explain and prove how I did it"
"The man was clearly killed when the blackout occurred and considering that your directly seated just behind the victim that makes you the prime suspect"
"Huh?! Are you stupid?! If the man was indeed killed when the blackout occurred, then anyone here could have killed him. There's nobody to stop anyone from killing that man, nor anyone can see the murder occurred"
"That's precisely the point, nobody was able to see at that time. So, it's nigh impossible to kill the man without a light sorce. And considering that everyone was unable to see any lights, that makes the only way to properly to kill the man is by being near him"
"T-that's.. Impossible, complete lies! You have no evidence to back your claims"
Seeing the suspect began to crack up, I assumed that I'm finally able to get him. But before I can even keep the pressure, the lady from before suddenly snap and released her vent up emotions"
"Huh... So, you're the one killed David... Why? Why? Why would you do that. Did we do anything wrong to you, had we done you wrong before perhaps? I don't understand, please tell me? I want to know? Why kill David... why him..."
"A-aah-ahh... I don't know anything about it! You're wrong, I'm innocent. All of this are just complete lies. Fabricated to put blame on me. S-show me some evidence then! If what you're saying is indeed true then show me, any evidence!"
Seeing the man, panic in pressure, I think I'm finally able to shut said case. Getting close to the panicking suspect, I then said these words to him.
"I don't need any evidence. You're partner already said everything..."
Hearing what I've said, the suspected man suddenly looked me dead in the eye. And without warning, the man suddenly kicked me away. Getting hit from the impact, I was suddenly fling away from the suspect which momentarily stunned me for a moment.
Unable to move for a few seconds. The man then reveals a gun from his jacket, after which he grabs the lady from before, essentially holding her as hostage.
"Everyone don't move! Especially you, smart ass..."
"Ahhh!!!"
Seeing the man hold the lady as hostage the remaining passengers can't help but panic at what's happening.
"I said shut up!"
Being threatened by the culprit, the train passengers then remained silent in their seats, hoping that nothing bad will happen to them if they complied.
'Arrgghhhh... S-shit.. Fine just don't hurt her or anyone"
"So, you've figure out our plan. I guess that guy is still useless as ever"
"R-right... about that... I lied"
"Huh?"
"Well to be honest, I didn't have any concrete evidence to pin you down. But seeing you crack up. I was quickly able to thought, that by lying that we've capture your partner, you might slip up and reveal yourself"
"Wait..."
'My plan basically worked and you fell for it. You're a pretty clumsy criminal if I'm being honest"
"I see... But I'm still the one with the gun. So, die!"
Sorry but you're already too late... Dominate Mind
Activating my Psionic Ability, I was able to prevent the culprit from firing his gun. With both of our consciousness fighting for control, I was able to momentarily stun the culprit.
"Y-you're.. A P-psionic U-user?!"
Letting go of the lady, the culprit quickly became dizzy trying to fight back from my ability. Seeing how the culprit was completely defenseless to the brim, I quickly took advantage of said opportunity by slapping the gun away from his hands and by knocking him out with my pistol.
Out cold by what I did, I then grabbed the culprit's gun and inspect the area. Seeing how nothing bad has happened to the passengers, I then tried to calm everyone down to prevent the place turning into a chaotic mess.
"Everyone, please calm down. The culprit has already been neutralized, so there's no need to panic. Rest assured that everyone is completely safe"
While I was being busy trying to keep everyone calm, Null then unexpectedly arrive back at the cart. While looking like nothing has happened. Seeing me with a gun and man sleeping in the ground, he then presumed that I've already finished locating the culprit.
"Oh... nice job I guess..."
"I've already found the culprit, so how about you?"
"Same, I just knocked the Conductor out in the other room. I also already called for reinforcements so rest assured that everything will be back to normal"
"Thank god...:"
"I never expected that you'll took care of the other culprit. I guess I've underestimated you quite a bit"
"Right..."
Experiencing another danger in said world, I was unable to properly keep my breath. Fighting a human directly, is a completely different experience from before. So, I was glad that nobody was hurt in the end.
-Sigh-Sigh
Calm down... Lawrence, your safe, your safe...
"Are you okay, new recruit?"
"Y-yeah... it's nothing"
Thinking back at the experience, I can't believe how calm I was on everything. Seeing dead bodies and people being threated is usually something that I'll be panicking at. Yet with how compose and calm I was, I can't help but feel like throwing up.
With the changes that I'm observing, I truly wonder if the person right now is even me...
-End of Chapter 34
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