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2.93% Lord of Mysteries: Starting As A Reader / Chapter 13: Interrogation

Bab 13: Interrogation

"He was backlashed by the Sealed Artifact, limiting his ability to move. It's been less than a day, so he likely hasn't gotten very far. Based on the Scene Recall, he didn't get on the subway but went straight out of the station," Detective Isengard explained as he led Ebner and Xio.

"After being backlashed by a Demon pathway Sealed Artifact, he'll crave a human soul filled with intense desire—a sacrifice that could appease the backlash."

Then, with an interested tone, he posed a question to Ebner, "So, Ebner, tell me, where around here would you find people with the strongest desires who would also make easy targets?"

Ebner thought for a moment before replying, "Intense desire... Could he have gone to a nearby brothel or the estate of a noble or wealthy merchant?"

Isengard was momentarily speechless at his student's answer, astonished that Ebner seemed to equate lustful patrons with the nobility. He had to provide a hint, "Desire comes in many forms... Also, there are no brothels in Chorwood, and charging into noble or wealthy estates would be too risky without preparation. Guards would surely be there."

After listening carefully, Ebner realized his knowledge of this world, especially Backlund, was too shallow, so he took a moment to rethink.

But Xio stepped in confidently, "Bars! There are no brothels in Chorwood, but many women who seek money come to upscale bars to find targets, while lustful men are always drawn there. Plus, the bars have underground gambling and all sorts of entertainment. That's where you'd find people driven by the strongest desires."

"Correct! And there are four bars in all of Chorwood. One is too far from here, so it's unlikely. Two are exclusive places with membership requirements, and they're close to the Saint Wind Cathedral, where there might be Justicar teams around, which would deter someone like him. But the fourth bar is three blocks away: the Blue Spirit Bar. My investigation also indicates he headed that way," Isengard replied approvingly.

In a corner of the Blue Spirit Bar, two groups of six men, visibly intoxicated, faced off while holding up their bottles. Shouting profanities, their words grew more intense and insults sharper until the confrontation escalated to shoving. As the tension reached its peak, a figure crept from an unnoticed shadow nearby, grinning cruelly as he raised a trident-shaped dagger, poised to use the chaos to start a bloodbath.

And he succeeded. The sudden bloodshed ignited the already fraught atmosphere, and soon, both groups grabbed whatever weapons were at hand and lunged at each other, plunging the scene into utter chaos. Meanwhile, that shadowy figure moved from person to person along the edges, with each appearance bringing a life to an end.

When all ten men lay lifeless in pools of blood, the figure slipped into a dark alley beside the bar. Wiping the blood from his dagger, he finally noticed something was off. Despite the commotion, no bar security had intervened. Even more troubling, he hadn't considered this vulnerability until just now.

Realizing his danger, he tried to melt into the shadows and flee.

Unfortunately for him, his attempt failed. At the same time, he faintly heard a command in Ancient Hermes, "No shadow-stepping here."

"Judge… Nightmare." The titles flashed in his mind, leaving him utterly terrified. Why would Sequence 6 and Sequence 7 Beyonder be after him?

Before his thoughts fully formed, a faint floral fragrance reached his nose, and his senses warned him of danger. Yet before he could react, he collapsed into unconsciousness.

At that moment, a phantasmal veil seemed to lift, restoring the bar to its previous state. The men who'd just been fighting now raised their glasses, toasting and drinking as though nothing had happened, the recent brawl seeming like a mere dream.

"It was indeed a dream! The combination of Nightmare, Judge, and Apothecary abilities took down a Sequence 8 Beyonder without so much as a sound. Even with these abilities weakened, that's no small feat," thought Ebner, moving with Xio as they quietly dragged the captive to a secluded alley. Both were in awe of Detective Isengard's techniques.

Isengard removed a ring from his finger and, with a smile, introduced it, "This is one of my magical items. It used to be classified as 2-081, from a Sequence 6 Reader who lost control. It lets me recognize, observe, remember, and simulate any supernatural ability I've encountered. But the stronger the ability, the greater the chance of failure, and even if successful, there's always a big gap compared to the original."

Ebner, already familiar with the item, kept his reaction hidden. Yet he couldn't help but think, Since this ring originated from a Beyonder characteristic, maybe my Pure White Eye can analyze the potion formulas hidden within. Once I start training at my teacher's home, I'll observe it more closely.

Xio, on the other hand, was puzzled, "2-081? What does that mean?" As an independent Beyonder, she didn't know much about Sealed Artifacts.

"Many mystical items have dangerous drawbacks, so the Churches of the Seven Orthodox Gods collect and seal them, labeling them Sealed Artifacts and marking them with numbers for identification.

"After much negotiation and cooperation, the seven churches established a unified system with levels 0, 1, 2, and 3 to indicate levels of danger. Level 0s are the most dangerous and are said to contain items that can destroy nations or even the world.

"Levels 0 and 1 are reported among the churches, with unique labels that don't repeat. For levels 2 and 3, each church tracks its own, meaning numbers can overlap across different churches."

After Isengard's explanation, the three arrived at the mouth of a remote alleyway. The detective knelt, and lifted a manhole cover, revealing a dark underground chamber.

"This is one of my safe houses. It's secure—go on down," he said, nodding reassuringly.

After a quick glance between them, Ebner and Xio took a deep breath and climbed down. Isengard followed, securing the manhole behind them.

Once Isengard lit a candle, Ebner saw that it wasn't a sewer but a roughly 20-square-meter, four-meter-deep underground shelter. On the east wall, there was a door leading somewhere.

"That door connects to the actual sewer nearby. If someone blocks the main exit, it serves as an emergency route," Isengard explained after noticing Ebner's curious gaze. Then he clapped his hands together, "All right, while the sedative is still effective, let's interrogate this attacker. I have a Telepathist skill I can use to ensure he tells the truth."

Ebner and Xio nodded, eager to learn if anyone else was behind the attack.

Under the influence of Mind Reader, the unconscious man's answers were soon revealed:

"My name is Turner. I am a Sequence 8 Instigator, affiliated with the Theosophy Order, reporting to a Witch named Rena. She's my only point of contact within the organization, and I've never met any other members."

"About six months ago, through Rena, I was assigned to assist a few human traffickers in selling people without drawing the Church's attention. I assumed an alias, Hicks, and joined a loan shark gang, where I could fulfill my duties while digesting my potion. I guided the gang leader, Lawson, to draft contracts full of traps, then used my Beyonder powers to convince people to accept the deals. Many were left destitute, and I trafficked their family members as part of my mission."

"A month ago, Rena rewarded me with this trident-shaped dagger for my performance. When I asked her for the Sequence 7 potion formula, she hinted that my dedication was lacking, then left."

"As for that badge, I found it among a debtor's seized belongings. It's a powerful item capable of cursing someone through their emotions! Unfortunately, it was damaged during the backlash, and I'm not sure if it's still usable."

"I also confiscated another odd badge. It looks ordinary and has no apparent function, but the words on it make me think it might be a token from some organization…"

Hearing this, Isengard frowned. He searched Turner's coat pockets and, indeed, found another badge.

"This one?"

"Yes, that's it!" Turner replied, still under the truth-inducing influence.

The three examined the badge. It was about the size of an eye, with symbols representing fate and concealment on the front and a tight cluster of Ancient Hermes characters on the back that read:

"Possession grants membership."

Although Ebner didn't yet know Ancient Hermes, Xio read the inscription aloud immediately.

"Maybe it's a clue to some treasure," Isengard suggested, his detective instincts piqued by the mystery.

But Ebner shook his head, recalling a reference from the novel. He hadn't recognized the badge at first, but the phrase sparked his memory. He informed Xio and Isengard, "This is an invitation token for the Hermit of Fate gathering. It also functions as a communication and tracking device."

"An invitation to the Hermit of Fate… What's that?" Isengard asked, puzzled. Xio also looked at him, waiting for clarification.

"The Hermit of Fate is a secret society founded in the latter part of the Fourth Epoch by a few families from the Marauder pathway. Most members have connections to that sequence." Ebner didn't elaborate much, giving only a brief explanation.

"You know a lot about the secrets of the Fourth Epoch, Ebner!" Isengard remarked in mild astonishment but refrained from probing further.

If I shared what I know about the Third Epoch, we'd be in serious trouble, Ebner thought with a wry smile. He then turned his attention back to Turner and asked, "How often do you report to Rena? And did she know you cursed Xio?"


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Bab 14: Abandoned Manor

"How often do you contact Rena? Does she know about your curse on Xio?"

"We usually contact each other once every two or three months, so there's still time until our next meeting… She only cares about results and doesn't know the specifics of what I'm doing," Turner answered, his eyes blank and unseeing.

Hearing this, both Ebner and Xio relaxed. Xio figured that under the circumstances, it would be nearly impossible for the Theosophy Order to track her down. Besides, as a covert organization, they were unlikely to launch an investigation over the disappearance of a mere Sequence 8. Ebner, on the other hand, believed that even if they did trace it back to him, by then he would have no reason to fear them.

"I have a good rapport with MI9, the Nighthawks, and the Machinery Hivemind. After this, I'll hand over this 'Instigator' to them. I imagine a Sequence 8 criminal is worth a fair bounty. You two won't mind if I keep the reward for myself, will you?" Detective Isengard joked in an exaggerated tone.

Ebner knew that the detective's true intention was to protect him and Xio. After all, if the man were turned over to the authorities, the Theosophy Order or the Witch Sect would have little choice but to lay low, unwilling to openly confront an established Church.

Xio, realizing this as well, quickly expressed her thanks once again.

They then questioned Turner about a few other matters, but as only a low-level member in the Order, he knew little of significance. With the questioning concluded, Detective Isengard put the Instigator back under sedation and said, "Alright, let's divvy up his possessions, and then we can leave the rest to the authorities."

Saying this, he laid out the confiscated items before them. The haul included two badges, a three-sided dagger, a star crystal, and around 120 gold pounds in cash.

After a quick glance between Ebner and Xio, Detective Isengard took the star crystal and the Hermit of Fate's badge, smiling as he remarked, "The most valuable thing here is the Sequence 8 extraordinary himself, so since he's with me, I'll take these two items as well… No objections, I presume?"

Xio quickly shook her head. "Catching this man was your effort alone, Detective. Everything here rightfully belongs to you."

Ebner held the same sentiment, though he was curious to see what his teacher might pass on to him.

The detective then picked up the half-damaged cursed badge and handed it to Ebner, saying, "This badge is probably beyond repair, so it's of no value to me. But it should be good for one last use. You're not particularly suited for direct combat at your current level, so take this as a backup." He then pushed the pile of 120 pounds toward Ebner and added, "This should also cover some expenses for your mystical studies. Consider it an advance from me."

"Thank you, Teacher!" Ebner accepted without hesitation. Though he still had 350 pounds on hand, he knew that while this amount might be a fortune for ordinary folk, it was barely enough to sustain a mystic.

Detective Isengard then turned to Xio, who quickly waved her hands in refusal. "Please, don't worry about me. You both have already done so much to help me—I can't possibly take a share."

The detective laughed and, without further debate, pushed the three-sided dagger toward her. "Miss Xio, let's not stand on ceremony. You forget, it was your insight that helped us predict this Instigator's ambush at the bar. Take it—I inspected it earlier. It's a fairly ordinary weapon, just with a difficult-to-detect poison coating, so its value is modest."

Xio had initially wanted to decline but, realizing that any further refusal would be ungracious, accepted the dagger. She made a mental note to repay the kindness.

Once they had divided the "spoils," Detective Isengard used an ability unknown to them, lifting the Instigator, Turner, as if he weighed nothing at all. "I'll take him to the authorities now," he said. "You two should go home and rest."

Ebner was about to agree when he recalled something. Hesitating slightly, he said, "Teacher, you might hand him over to the Nighthawks or the Machinery Hivemind, but I advise against taking him to MI9."

Detective Isengard turned back, puzzled. "Why? Is there an issue with MI9?"

Thinking carefully, Ebner replied, "Some factions in the military seem to be involved in human trafficking. I fear they might complicate things for you."

"You're suggesting the military may have a hand in this matter?" Isengard frowned, confused. "But why would they do such a thing? And how do you know about this, Ebner?"

Ebner partially deflected, offering, "My mother was once among those trafficked… I've looked into it."

"I see…" The detective nodded in understanding.

Xio glanced at Ebner with sympathy, surprised to learn of this unfortunate part of his past. She hadn't realized that her friend had also been affected by such a tragedy.

Isengard nodded, seeming reassured. "Noted… Don't worry, Ebner. Your teacher knows how to handle things with the authorities."

With a wave of his hand, the detective hoisted Turner and, with a swift leap, disappeared into the dark alleyway with surprising agility for an older man.

Xio and Ebner waited for a moment before taking a different exit from the underground pathway. With public transportation already closed for the night, they began walking home.

Xio's rental was in the Bridge District, so they soon parted ways.

Watching Ebner leave, Xio turned to find herself nearly face-to-face with a woman standing eerily close—a young lady in a beige high-neck dress with slightly curled brown hair, observing her in ghostly silence.

"Fors! Are you jumping out from doors again? You almost gave me a heart attack!" Xio let out a breath of relief upon recognizing her friend.

"One whole day and night without coming home and without a single note. Do you know how worried I was? And here you are, out on a date with a man! Tell me everything—who was that?" Fors scolded, though her playful expression revealed her true intentions. She knew Xio had been off handling serious matters, but couldn't resist teasing her friend a bit.

Instead of retorting, Xio remained serious, shifting the topic. "Fors, that was Ebner, a friend. And if he hadn't been there tonight, I don't think I'd have come home…"

Fors, taken aback by Xio's grave tone, quickly asked, "What happened?"

"It's a long story… Let's talk while we walk," Xio sighed, relieved her tactic had worked, and gave Fors a rundown of the last two days' events. She left out certain details, like Detective Isengard's identity and his teacher-student relationship with Ebner, only mentioning that Ebner had called on a powerful ally to capture the attacker.

"Xio, we're best friends! Next time, you have to let me know about things like this. If I'd been with you, even if we couldn't take down that Instigator, you know I could've used this," she gestured to the bracelet on her wrist, "to get us out of there safely. Once we were far enough, that cursed badge's influence would've lost its power."

Fors was visibly worried, though she swiftly turned the conversation to something lighter with a mischievous look. "Still, it sounds like Ebner handled things perfectly. Do you think he's interested in you?"

Xio shook her head, firmly. "I'm sure he doesn't have such intentions!" She was certain her intuition as a Judge wouldn't mislead her.

"Then why would he go out of his way to help you? From what you've said, you've only met him a couple of times," Fors asked, now more intrigued.

"I don't know… but sometimes it feels like he's known me for a long time," Xio said thoughtfully, though she was certain Ebner's actions held no ill intent and decided not to press further.

...

After a night of deep sleep, Ebner returned to the East Borough's train station, where he found Xio waiting.

"Hope I didn't keep you long," he apologized, feeling a bit guilty given that he lived closer.

"No worries—let's set off. The place is on the north outskirts, a bit of a trip. We'll take the train to the North District and then a carriage," she replied briskly.

About forty minutes later, they stood in front of a large, abandoned manor surrounded by overgrown vegetation.

Ebner took in the dilapidated surroundings, which looked like something from a horror film. He asked, slightly hesitant, "This is the shooting range you mentioned?"

Xio nodded, "There's a practice field in the backyard… I also have a key to the back gate."

"Even if it's falling apart, this is still a manor outside Backlund. Wouldn't it have a caretaker?"

"Originally, this was my family's vacation estate. When my father fell from grace, it was sold to a wealthy merchant. But soon after, every resident here started experiencing strange accidents, leading to rumors of hauntings and its current state… Only one caretaker remains, a deaf and mute servant who once worked for my family. My father treated him well, so as long as we don't enter the house, it should be fine."

Ah, so he wouldn't even notice gunshots, and if he did hear them, he'd likely look the other way for her sake. Not bad, Xio—a noble family in decline, yet still maintaining some useful connections. Ebner quickly pieced together the implications.

Meanwhile, Xio saw through Ebner's reaction, confirming her own suspicions:

He knows who my father was!

He's known me all along!

And it seems he knows far more secrets than he lets on!

So, could he know the real reason my father was framed?


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