There are too many suspects. Paris thought as she walked along the cruise ships dark hallways.
It had been two days since the ship had set off, and she had no concrete evidence in the investigation.
The killers were covering their tracks too well. Almost as if they knew the exact workings of her ability.
While the exorcist community knew her ability due to her being one of the 22 Special Exorcists, it didnt an she had revealed the exact effects of her ability. But those who worked closely with her on missions could have discovered what she hid about it.
People who worked with her on missions amounted to less than a dozen. So while she didnt know who the mastermind behind this ordeal was, she had so excellent guesses that could lead to them.
There was too little evidence left behind at the cri scenes. Despite it being a cri of 'passion' which Paris didn't believe for even a second.
With her many years of experience as an investigator, she could tell that the killer used a scalpel to cut the fingers, not a knife or sword. The killer was thodical and took their victims out with one or two hits.
Paris knew only one clan she had contact with and was also good at removing evidence. They had done many assassinations she had investigated and left no proof behind.
If sothing cruel happened, and the Dark Sword Clan could gain sothing from it, Paris would bet her right arm they were involved in it. Through every criminal activity one could think of, the Dark Sword Clan was getting a slice of the pie.
Paris never comprehended how an Exorcist Clan with such low morals was allowed to exist. Though maybe that willingness was what allowed them to outlive a lot of their competitors. Even the Sei Clan, who once was their stronger rival, was exterminated in that incident.
Was the Dark Sword Clan involved in that too? She wondered. Because one thing was for sure, the fall of the Sei Clan benefited the Dark Sword Clan the most.
Paris shook her head and dismissed such thoughts for now. She already had three main suspects.
The first was Mino Shim, a participant with a lot of bloodlust. In the massacre in the capital, he was responsible for most of the murders there. At least, that was what the witnesses said.
But Mino was a bit too much of an obvious suspect. Sothing didn't feel right about him, and he was too obvious.
The second suspects were the silver-haired team. There was only one main reason they were suspects. They had no nas, no backgrounds to speak of, or anything else that showed their origins.
Well, they had that officially. But Pairs knew those were falsified records and could distinguish between well-made fakes and originals. That was more than half the job of an investigator.
The third last of the main suspects was Kon.
With all her interactions with him, Paris knew he wasn't a bad kid. But she couldn't ignore the elephant in the room; he was a part of the Dark Sword Clan.
During their last mission with Paris, Kon, and Delia, he had shown that he was willing to take assassination missions. Also, he was hiding sothing.
"Ah, Lady Paris, that's where you were. I have been looking everywhere for you," the old butler walked toward her. He had a friendly smile on his face.
The butler was also suspicious. It was suspicious how normal he was. Nothing about him stood out.
"Can I help you with sothing?" Paris wasn't in the mood to play gas.
"Well, you haven't eaten lunch yet. So I ca here to notify you that the cooks have prepared a hearty al for you." The older man said with what Paris perceived to be good intentions.
She smiled back. "Yes, can you deliver the food to my room?"
"Of course, Miss Paris. Just make sure you rest well. These murders have gotten into everyone's minds. Just don't let them put your spirits down." He said.
Paris went to her room on the top deck, next to where many staff lived. It wasn't a luxurious room with only a bed and a window to look outside.
She lay on her mattress with many thoughts in her mind. As soon as her head touched the pillow, there was a knock on the door.
"Co in," she said while flexing the Ord inside her body.
With her years of experience, getting into a fighting position would take less than 1/10th of a second.
The butler ca in with a food tray and his now iconic friendly smile. "Here's the food, Miss Paris. I won't bother you anymore."
She smiled at him and nodded. But as soon as he was out, she got up, picked up the plates of food, and threw all the food in the garbage can.
For all she knew, the food could be poisoned.
Paris didn't trust any personnel on this ship; in so cases, it felt like they were conspiring against her.
Morning ca, and Paris felt a bit sleepy. She hadnt gotten a wink of sleep during her stay on the ship. But she was used to not sleeping for weeks.
An announcent ca through the intercom. "Everyone, we have reached Greenbit Island, where the next part of your exam will be held. We ask everyone to co to the deck of the ship."
Paris sighed and felt sluggish.
During Ord battles, what state one was in would greatly influence the outco. If she had a battle power of ten on average, right now she had a battle power of four at best. aning even soone half as strong as her could defeat Paris in this tired state.
She walked to the ship's deck and noticed Kon glancing at her from the corner of her eye.
He brushed shoulders with her for a split second, leaving a piece of paper in her hand.
'Investigate the King's brother.'
For a split second, she was confused, but then she rembered how Kon had helped her for a reward like this; she would need to kill soone for him.
Paris was confident in her power; if anyone attacked her, she would let the first attack land. Which would be considered assault, which was illegal, and then she could easily kill them with her ability.
With that power, why would she need so kids to keep an eye out for anything? The answer was; she didnt need them.
She had Kon 'protect' her to keep him close and confirm his reactions to the murders. Either he was a good actor, or he really knew nothing. It could be both. He was a challenging puzzle to solve, his motives were strange, and sotis he didn't act on logic.
It was almost as if Kon knew things no one else did.
As she observed the students getting off the ship, Paris felt a presence move closer. It was the butler. "Are you worried about the Dark Sword Clan's kid?
Is this old man trying to get a read on ? Paris sent him a side glance.
She contemplated attacking him to try and test how strong he was; but dismissed the idea, as that would stop her ability from activating, as she was the one who started the assault. Also, it might be an injustice, and her power might kill her.
When she created her ability, she was less morally flexible. Well, she hadnt changed that much. But so jobs required a bit more flexibility for the greater good. What are you talking about? The Dark Sword Clan has no enemies?
Huh? The butler looked at her, confused.
After all, arent they quite famous for massacring their rivals? They kill kids, babies, and everyone who might even try and get revenge. She explained bluntly. Though no one ntioned it, the Dark Sword Clans history was covered in blood.
The butlers eyes widened, but he hid such a look as soon as it beca apparent. Im sure he will do well in the next part of the exam. So theres nothing to be worried about.
Youre the one who seems more worried, Paris said, noticing that the old man was on edge. The Dark Sword Clan is known for its wide spy networks. You wouldnt happen to be one of them, would you?
The old butler smiled. Of course not. The higher-ups personally selected by a thorough screening process.
That wasnt what I asked, Paris said, her eyes sharpening, and the butler stepped back. But she didnt attack him.
Whatever the mans reason for being here, it was clear he wasnt courageous. He was likely on the ship to keep an eye on soone.
Well, whatever you were here for. The next part of the exam will be too dangerous for you to look out or even keep an eye on, Paris tested the water, and when the butler didnt say anything.
I got him!
In many places, Paris was registered as a policewoman and investigator. Lying to authorities was illegal. No matter the mans mission, people wouldnt risk their lives for no reason.
He said nothing, which was a perfect response; her ability couldnt do anything against that. Everyone had the right to keep silent.
But the silence was more than enough for Paris to co to her conclusion.
As she thought that, she noticed the next part of the exam had started.
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