57. Breaking In
I wasnt really sure where northeast was. According to Daniel, if you walked to the sun as it rose and broke off to the left, you would be heading southeast. He even showed a magic compass that pointed north.
Apparently, compasses can only work by magic. And it doesnt matter how far south you go the thod of following the sun always works. Because the world is flat?
I nodded as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Yep.
But it cant be flat.
The Human man spoke flatly. I cocked my head.
Why not?
Because then how would physics work? How would you be standing here, and be planted onto the ground? How would the sun revolve around the sky? What are the stars then?
I dont know.
I shrugged. He wagged a finger as the two of us continued trudging down the dirt road.
Exactly. So the world isnt flat.
But why?
I just told you look, do you see that? The sky is blue. Do you know why? Because the light from the sun is scattered through the world, but blue light bounces off air best. So it becos blue.
Huh.
I paused, tilting my head up.
Then why is the sky in the Netherworld red?
Thats because
He paused, furrowing his brows. Daniel frowned, bringing his hand to his chin.
Youre right. Why is the Netherworld red and always glowing?
I dont know.
The Human man contemplated this for a mont. Then he threw his hands up in the air.
That doesnt matter! Its magic or sothing, alright? Look, the world just isnt flat.
Huh. I just realized I dont actually care.
Haaa
Daniel pressed his fingers onto his temples, massaging it slowly. The two of us continued walking in silence; it was only when we encountered more Human travellers did one of us speak.
Hello
Hey!
I waved a hand in the air, shouting over him. Daniel grimaced and covered his ear.
You dont have to yell.
You dont have to be so annoying.
Uh, thats unwarranted?
I stuck my tongue out at him before running ahead. My Human companion stared after , confused for a mont, then he hurried after as I reached the [Traders].
Have any of you Humans heard anything about [Cultists] around here lately?
An elderly looking Human man turned to face . He wrinkled a brow and stroked his bushy beard.
I dont believe I have. How about you, Smith?
I concur, John. I have not heard anything about [Cultists] around these parts.
Oh
I deflated. Daniel caught up to , speaking in an exasperated voice.
Whats with that, Salvos? Dont you rember what Edithe said about being childish? Youre not
Oh!
Smith snapped a finger.
Actually, I do rember hearing about such a thing.
Really?
I perked up and Daniel blinked. The elderly [Trader] continued.
Yes, why I do rember such a thing. It was about a Demon, was it not?
Thats right, Smith! Young lady, you best be careful if youre heading to Falisfield. I heard about a Demon summoned by [Cultists] rampagining there. Although wasnt the Demon slain just a month ago?
Hrm, I do believe thats the case, John. It seems like our age is finally getting to us, huh old fellow?
Wait, so have you heard anything else anything about [Cultists] here?
I stared at them. They shook their heads.
Apologies, young Miss. You can ask around in Stanlow. Its just down this road.
I sighed and dejectedly walked past them, heading to the town. Daniel quickly thanked the two and ran after . He followed for a little bit before speaking up.
Is sothing wrong, Salvos?
What do you an?
I an, youve been acting weird all day. Are you upset that Helen, Saffron, and Jaakko left?
What about Zack?
I raised an eyebrow.
What about him?
I shrugged.
I dont know. They left and sure thats annoying that everyone keeps leaving. But, well what do they even think about ?
Daniel paused midstep. He stared as and I turned around, flustered.
What?
Youre starting to grow up.
Huh?
He grinned.
Youre actually caring what others think about you! Youre no longer the selfish, bratty, only-cares-about-herself Demon I t a few months ago. Youve changed.
I shrunk back defensively.
Thats not what I ant!
The Human man shook his head and chuckled while I tried to explain myself.
Its Humans like you and Edithe. You two are my companions for a reason. You recognize . And Mistshard and Druma too Sakuras nice. But Helen, Zack, Jaakko, and Saffron. It wasnt the sa.
Im sure youll figure it out, Salvos. Dont worry too much about it. Youre still young
Im a Greater Demon.
I corrected him with a cross look. He waved a hand dismissively.
Anyways, next ti dont run off by yourself. Its dangerous.
They were [Traders].
Yes, but so people have Second Classes. Or they might be using a Necklace of Obfuscation like . You never know what level soone actually is so its better for us to stay safe and stick together. They might have been the [Cultists] responsible for the disappearances, after all.
Daniel and I continued on to Stanlow together. He was convinced that I was growing up or maturing or whatever weird evolving process Humans went through without leveling. But I knew that wasnt right.
Sothing made upset, and I was not sure how to express it or even make sense of it. However, I had been uneasy. I knew what made uneasy. It was what Daniel told earlier.
Youve been a lot more Human.
--
Stanlow was not a large town by any ans; it was about the size of Maplewell, if I had to guess. Even though Maplewell had been burnt to the ground when I got there, I could still see the rough outline of it.
Daniel took the lead in asking questions this ti he said I was a bit too upfront about it. Even though we were supposed to be here as Gold Rank adventurers, we had to be subtle.
We dont know who these [Cultists] are. If the townspeople here are the ones responsible for all the disappearances who knows what they might try to do to us in our sleeps.
But I dont sleep.
...good point. Still, just follow my lead.
I nodded as Daniel brought to an inn in the center of town. It wasnt very crowded. Even the Adventurers Guild back in Silvergrove as sparsely occupied as it had been, since many had died to Lucerna had more Humans in it than the inn.
The [Innkeeper] greeted us with a smile. He uncrossed his burly arms and heartily slamd a mug of ale onto the bar counter.
Welco! My na is Eren, and welco to the Travellers Inn!
What a cliche na.
Daniel murmured. He quickly steeled himself and walked up to the man, gladly accepting the drink and offering his own coins. The [Innkeeper], Eren, just chuckled.
Dont worry, its on the house.
He picked up another mug and began wiping it down with a piece of cloth. He glanced between both Daniel and I.
So, what brings you two Gold Rank adventurers to our small town? Let guess: youre here about the kidnappings?
Daniel spat out his drink and I turned to face him. I gave him a judging look.
So much for subtlety.
I forgot people can do that, alright?
He sighed, pulling up a high stool. I sat down next to him as he spoke with resignation.
Yes, were Gold Ranks here on that job. Why, have others been showing up?
Nope! Youre the first ones Ive seen. But so guards from Warrington dropped by just the other week, asking us questions about the mysterious disappearances. I couldnt help them, but they didnt seem like they even wanted to do the job. I assud they would just delegate it to adventurers after that, and seems like I was right.
Lazy governnt workers things are the sa everywhere, huh?
Daniel shook his head and leaned on the counter. The [Innkeeper] glanced over at , raising his mug.
Want a drink to, young lady?
I grimaced.
Gross. No.
Your loss.
Eren sat the mug down and wiped his hand down with a wet towel. He placed his hands on the counter and leaned over.
So, what can I do for you?
Uh do you know anything about these rumors then?
Nope!
He bead happily at Daniel. My companion stared at him, then at my expectant look.
...this is like dealing with another Salvos. Alright, if you want to say sothing so bad, go ahead.
I grinned and turned to the [Innkeeper]. Eren gave a curious look as I spread my arms on the counter, outside of his.
Demons.
Dont know anything.
[Cultists]?
No clue.
Kidnappings.
Heard so things, but dont know anything about it.
Angry Humans!
Eren paused. He folded his arms, ruminating over my statent for a mont.
Well, if thats what youre looking for, I know that Mr Joseph living at the edge of town has been having money problems since his wife left him for so Gold Rank adventurer a few years back. Last I heard, hes gotten into trouble with debt collectors since he hasnt been able to support himself or his daughter.
Think they might be responsible for the disappearance?
I raised a brow and he nodded.
Possibly. I think its worth checking out.
Alright. Thanks! Co on, Daniel.
I got up and nodded back at the [Innkeeper]. He smiled, waving at us as we left the inn. We turned a street from the Travellers Inn and Daniel stopped. He stared at .
...how the fuck did that work?
--
After asking for directions, we found ourselves outside of a ramshackle hut right at the edge of town. Apparently, this Joseph Human had grown reclusive and more and more agitated ever since he borrowed gold from so shady individuals.
I was not sure how people who gave shade from the sunlight were involved in this, and Daniel just sighed when I asked him.
The Human man instead just knocked on the creaky wooden door and called out.
Hello? Is this a Mr Josephs house?
Silence. There was no response. I frowned.
Didnt the people we asked say that he doesnt usually leave his ho?
Yeah, but he could be out in the nearby forest or sothing. Doesnt an they have to be lying. Lets just knock again.
I shrugged.
I didnt say they were.
Daniel rapped on the door once more, calling out with the sa words as before; there was nothing. I tapped a foot impatiently on the ground and shouted.
Were Gold Ranks! We hear youve been having trouble with shades or sothing! Can you open up?
You didnt have to yell.
I shook my head, ignoring him as he rubbed at an ear. Suddenly, I heard the sounds of muffled footsteps. It was slow and steady as if soone had just gotten up from their chair and was coming over now. The wooden boards underneath their feet croaked softly as Daniel and I waited for the door to open.
The piece of wood barring out paths swung open fractionally. A head poked out, staring at us with suspicious eyes.
W-what do you two want?
A Human man Joseph gave us a wary look. Daniel gave him a disarming smile.
Theres no need to be afraid. As my friend here said, were Gold Ranks. Were just here to investigate the mysterious disappearances that have been reported around the area.
Disappearances? I dont know anything about those.
Of course. Were not blaming you for anything, Mr Joseph. But weve heard that youve run into so unruly folks? People who are trying to extort you.
I narrowed my eyes as I watched Joseph bite his lower lip. Humans do that when theyre nervous, I noted. I glanced at Daniel and he seed to notice it too. Joseph spat at us.
What kind of accusations is this? ? Mixed up with debt collectors? Hah, give a break!
He slamd the door shut but I caught it and pushed it open.
Listen here, youre obviously lying and were not stupid. If these people are bad for you, why not just tell us?
Tell you? Are you mad? Its because
There was a loud crash from behind the house. I blinked and looked over at the source of the noise. A figure had jumped out of the second floor of the house, carrying a smaller figure over their arms. Daniels eyes widened and he reached for his sword.
Salvos thats his daughter? A kidnapping!
I cocked my head.
You think thats a [Cultist]?
For a mont, the running figure was close enough for my [Identification] to work on them. They were a [Rogue], I was fairly certain of it. But Daniel just dashed forward.
It doesnt matter
A hand grabbed him from behind. Joseph tried to pull him back.
Let them take Rachel! If you bring her back theyll co back for more! Let them go!
Daniel stared for a mont. He was caught off guard, and he had a shocked look co over his face. Then slowly, his brows arched darkly above his eyes. He clenched a fist and punched the other Human man. Joseph fell to the ground, limp. He was unconscious.
My companion turned to .
Salvos. We need to go after that person. But dont stop them or kill them just follow them, alright? Can you do that?
I turned my gaze to the disappearing figure in the distance. They were fast, and they had a big lead on . They were only getting further and further away with each passing mont.
I nodded, shooting him a grin.
Easy.
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