Chapter 19: Jane's Request for Help
That afternoon, Detective Isengard was very satisfied after assessing Enber's progress in Ancient Feysac. He handed him some additional materials on Ancient Hermes.
"Ancient Hermes originates from nature, similar to ancient Dragon and Elvish languages, and it carries direct effects as a language of true power! But remember, Enber, it lacks concealment and protection, which can easily put its user in danger. Be cautious in your studies, and unless absolutely necessary, do not speak it aloud."
Enber understood the weight of this advice. He nodded solemnly before diving seriously into his studies, aided by the Pure White Eye.
The days that followed were quiet but fruitful. Through studying languages and performing rituals, Enber absorbed knowledge steadily and digested the remnants of his potion's mental state. By his estimate, in about a week he could completely digest the sequence 9: Reader potion.
By Wednesday morning, after finishing breakfast, Enber once again set out with Xio for the abandoned estate in the northern suburbs.
After exhausting their supply of practice rounds, the two sparred again. This time, Enber lasted a full minute before Xio bested him.
Xio was visibly surprised. Even though she had been making significant progress digesting her potion's effects, thus enhancing her combat ability, Enber's improvement was striking.
"Your physical strength hasn't increased much, but you're starting to internalize techniques as muscle memory! From what I know, it takes a knight on the battlefield decades to reach this level. I suppose you really are a natural fighter. It's a pity you didn't choose the Warrior pathway."
Enber, however, felt no regret. If anything, his gift for combat was likely another blessing from the Pure White Eye. Its capabilities were far too valuable to be confined to a single pathway.
"With your build, a knight's sword would be the most fitting weapon. I know the basics, but I'm more proficient with daggers or stilettos," Xio added. At only five feet tall, most knight swords were longer than she was, making her less suited to them.
"The basics are good enough. I'm not aiming to be a sword saint. Once I reach Sequence 7, I'll naturally become a weapon master," Enber replied calmly. He then shifted the topic. "By the way, has Fors published her new book yet, or is she still finding excuses to avoid deadlines?"
Xio, visibly frustrated, rubbed her forehead with a sigh. "Not yet… but with my constant supervision, she's finished it. If all goes well, it'll be released as early as Saturday."
Enber chuckled. "She's lucky to have you. I think her editor should buy you dinner!"
"Ms. Aina actually already did," Xio replied helplessly. Looking at each other, both burst into a fit of laughter.
As they laughed together, three carriages approached from a distance. The sound of hooves pounding the ground immediately put both Enber and Xio on alert. They quickly gathered their things and retreated to a small storage room adjacent to the estate's living room—Xio's pre-planned emergency escape. Fortunately, they had already collected their spent shells; otherwise, their activity would have been obvious.
After they hid, a sudden chill swept through the shooting range, erasing all traces of their presence. None of the carriage passengers noticed anything abnormal.
"Looks like someone's interested in buying the estate," Xio whispered into Enber's ear after listening to their conversation.
Enber nodded grimly. It wasn't good news for him—if the estate changed hands, he'd lose access to a free shooting range.
"Honestly, it's not a big deal," Xio said, sensing his thoughts. "Wealthy people buy estates in the suburbs for vacationing or hunting. They rarely visit—maybe once a year. As long as we can get past the housekeeper, we'll still have access."
'Still, it won't be as convenient… I'll have to be careful each time. At least my marksmanship is improving fast.'
Meanwhile, the prospective buyers entered the living room.
"Mr. Caron, what do you think of this place? It may look rundown, but with some renovation it'll be just as good as Elk Manor to the west! And it's closer to the northern district. Far more convenient. It's a bargain at 2,500 pounds!" A man with a magnetic voice spoke in an exaggerated tone that spoiled its pleasantness.
Xio pressed her lips together. "My father bought it for 4,200 pounds…" she murmured bitterly.
Enber sighed to himself. 'Maybe I could help her buy it back if I ever earn enough. But no—better if she earns it herself. That would mean more.' He mused to himself.
"Mr. Cecil, just as you said, the place is in bad shape. I'll need to refurbish it, buy new furniture, decorations… And I've heard it's haunted. How about 1,000 pounds?" Caron countered.
"1,000 is too low! At least 2,200! As for the rumors, that's all they are—rumors. Look, I'm perfectly fine!" Cecil protested.
"Then why do I hear you were sick not too long ago?"
The back and forth continued for a short while, finally settling at 1,800 pounds. As the lawyer drafted the contract, Caron strolled casually toward the storage room door.
Inside, Enber and Xio both tensed. Enber quickly put on his iron mask, the one he usually used at Beyonder gatherings. Xio, meanwhile, grabbed a handful of dirt and smeared it on her face.
If discovered, they would conceal their faces and bolt.
But Caron only paced back and forth outside, never entering. After a while, he stopped, muttering to himself, "Something feels… off about this place."
Enber and Xio exchanged a startled look, both reading the same words in the other's eyes:
'Something's wrong.'
This was far scarier than if Caron had simply come in. It meant something unseen—something supernatural—was in the room with them. And it is always the unknown that terrifies most.
Once the buyers left, Enber and Xio decided to leave as well. But just as Enber was about to step out, he felt a twinge in his sixth sense. Turning back, he saw a line of Ancient Hermes letters shimmer briefly across the glass window:
"Don't be afraid. Kaspars mentioned you to me."
The words rippled like water and vanished. If Enber hadn't been especially observant, he might have thought he imagined them.
'Kaspars? Wait? When did I meet someone that important? Lady Sharron… Could she really bekeeping an eye on me? But why?' He thought nervously. Even so, Enber wasn't about to take it at face value. It would be best to confirm with Kaspars.
"It just so happens there's a Beyonder gathering at the Braveheart Bar later today, hosted by my mentor. I can ask him then."
By the time he finished that thought, he and Xio had run nearly a mile from the estate.
Finally catching her breath, Xio asked with lingering fear, "What… was that? I didn't sense anything."
"Maybe a Wraith," Enber speculated.
"Wraith? Is that a Sequence?" she asked,having complete trust in his knowledge related to such things.
"It's Sequence 5 of the Prisoner pathway."
"Sequence 5…" Xio whispered, swallowing nervously. The thought of encountering such a powerful entity left her pale.
Upon returning to the city, Xio went to carry out her "Arbiter" duties in the East Broth, while Enber headed back to Isengard's home, eager to throw himself into study to ease the frustration of his own weakness.
Today's encounter had once again driven him to face the harsh reality of life and death being out of his control. Even if the ghostly woman bore no ill will, Enber still hated that helpless sensation of being unable to resist.
But as soon as he opened the door, he found Jane sitting in the living room, looking unusually anxious.
Detective Isengard smile on Enber's return. "You're back! Miss Grant has been waiting for you for over an hour." he stated briskly.
After greeting his mentor, Enber turned to Jane with mild surprise. "Jane? What brings you here?"
Jane jumped up, a little embarrassed. "I… I have something I want to ask you for help with."
Enber, seeing her hesitation, considering she was usually quite straightforward, was unsettled.
Seeing her quick glance at Isengard, Enber understood. After apologizing to his mentor, he led Jane to his room.
Once alone, Jane grabbed his hand and blurted out: "Enber, I need you to help me investigate my father!"
"Investigate Mr. Grant? Why? What happened?" Enber frowned.
"These past few nights, he's been sneaking out. I think… I think he might be seeing someone else! I'm afraid to tell my mom, so I'm asking you to find out the truth."
(End of Chapter)