After Vincent gained consciousness and gained his resolve to take action, he had his people summoned to their main headquarters. Their headquarters was a tall building in France. The building was also the main quarter for his business and company.
Vincent's car halted in front of the building's doors and he immediately got out of the vehicle. The sunlight of the afternoon touched his skin. However, the temperature was not that high for him to feel warm. On the contrary, it was cold, the temperature along with the gentle wind was cold. It would seem winter was approaching. Regrettably, Vincent was not wearing thick clothing so he could feel the cold, but now wasn't the time to think something trivial like that. Besides, it was not a cold he can't handle.
After Vincent left from the back of the car, the driver, Edward went to park the car. Vincent did not need to wait for him, so he went ahead inside in quick pace. He had no time to spare.
He must find those monsters as soon as possible then banish them from this world.
Vincent hastily opened the door and went inside. He was welcomed by one of the employees, or to be more precise, a man who was aware of the order's existence.
"Welcome, sir."
Vincent did not stop but continued to walk. Thus, the man followed him.
"Have they all arrived?"
Vincent asked.
"Y-Yes, sir. They're all waiting in the command center."
"Good."
The two of them turned towards a corridor and they kept walking until they reached a certain door. The employee pulled out a card and had it scanned by a panel on the wall beside the door. Then the employee placed his hand on the panel then he leaned out and had his iris scanned.
With all that, the secured door unlocked and the employee opened the door for Vincent. Inside the room was a hallway and at the end was an elevator.
They went inside the elevator and pressed a button. Then the elevator descended.
After several seconds the elevator stopped, the door opened and before them, was a wide room filled with monitors and computers. At the front edge of the room was a giant monitor which almost took over the entire wall.
This room was the command center located in the basement of the building. The existence of this command center was classified and was only known to those who are a member of the order.
There were several people sitting on their chairs, it seemed they were waiting for Vincent. When they saw Vincent had arrived, they immediately stood up and rushed to Vincent and greeted him. To be precise, there were a total of thirty-two people that were waiting for Vincent.
"Thank you all for coming."
Vincent swept his sights around and continued.
"Now, before anything else. I trust you all knew I went to Russia."
Everyone seems to know about it, so Vincent continued.
"Then you should know I went there with my team to confirm something, I believe I no longer need to say what we needed to confirm."
Everyone kept quiet so Vincent continued.
"In fact, we have confirmed it, me and my team faced them. To be precise, there were seven of them."
"Seven? I thought there was supposed to be one every time."
One of the crowds asked.
"As did I. However, it appeared there's several of them this time."
Everyone seemed to be somewhat surprised, but Vincent continued.
"There were many of them but we were more than them. However, even though we outnumbered them… we didn't stand a chance. There was only one of them which engaged us, but we didn't even manage to scratch him. Because of that, my team… all of them died."
Everyone was so shocked and it was plainly obvious in their facial expression. Of course, they would be surprised, the team which faced the opponent were supposed to be elites of the elite. One could think they would be enough to take out an entire battalion. But, only one survived.
The fact that they couldn't scratch one of them was totally unbelievable nor was it acceptable. Those elites trained out their very being preparing to face such monsters, was it all in vain? Were their training and preparations wasted, all for nothing?
"I barely managed to escape. I had to use teleportation magic in the end just to escape."
"What kind of monsters did you face?"
One of them asked.
They seemed to be struck by curiosity, so Vincent described the seven one by one.
"Hm. Their appearance cannot be fully described as monsters. In fact, they are close as being humans."
Gasped of surprise came from the people.
"I suppose it would be better to tell their appearance. They're the same size as humans and have figures the same as humans. They might even perhaps able to walk alongside humans. However, they have features which profoundly distinguish them from humans, no, to be precise at least a few of them."
Everyone listened closely.
Vincent told them first was about a female in white full plate armor. Her armor can be judged it was flawlessly made from just the looks of it. He couldn't see her face, but it was clear on her figure that she was indeed a woman, and what differentiates her from humans was her pair of majestic golden wings. One could certainly call her an angel.
Then, he told them about another female, the one wearing an impressively well-made military uniform. Her long black silky hair smoothly fell down her body. She totally looked like a human. From her hair, body, figures, all human-like. Perhaps she herself can easily walk alongside humans.
Next was a man wearing a black robe like what wizards wear, but more impressively designed. Vincent told them he didn't see anything that could distinguish him from humans, but except only the aura he was emanating which Vincent could describe opposite from living beings.
After that was about a man wearing formal clothing. His clothes were exactly like humans. However, Vincent recalled there was something which differentiates him from humans. It was his pair of short pointy ears.
Next was a young girl. She completely looked like a human child. She looked so innocent just like how a young human child would be. However, there was a difference between her and humans. It was her pair of long pointy ears. Seeing those will immediately make one think she was definitely an elf for elves were largely known by their ears even though they were just a work of fiction.
Then he told them about a man wearing black full plate armor. Like the others, he was the same size and shape as humans. And his pair of black wings differentiates him from humans.
Finally, was a man in a black coat with glowing markings on his clothes. His clothes were so exquisite as if they were expensive as a supercar, just judging from its meticulous details and design. Furthermore, it seems his clothes were not normal, but magical. The man was emanating a dreadful aura and his clothes looked like they were covered in black blaze. Vincent then told them that this man was certainly their leader.
"They're completely different from what I've imagined. I thought they would really be monsters and has the appearance of a monster."
"Yeah. I never thought they would look like that."
"I don't know why, but I feel like mythologies and fictions seem to be coming true."
"Hey, one could not certainly say myths are fantasies. You never know, they might indeed be true and really happened in the past, or perhaps characters that really existed."
"Even so, there was no evidence to prove they really existed or happened."
It seemed they have come astray from the main topic so Vincent decided to cut in.
"—Alright that's enough with the idle chatter. Now that you have an idea on what they are, we will now begin on the search for them."
"How are we going to do that?"
One of them asked. It was not him alone wondering about that but also the others.
It was to be expected that they will ask about that. After all, the world is a very big place, how could they hope to find those monsters? But of course, Vincent himself had an idea.
"Of course, we can't just walk around the world and knock on every door we see. So, we'll be using our three satellites, and that's why I had you summoned here."
Everyone around finally looked enlightened, but that was not all, so Vincent continued.
"As you all know, they may not look like monsters, but their personalities and traits are inhumane, in other words, they're monsters in the inside. They destroyed an entire town and killing hundreds of soldiers. Not only that, but they also killed my entire team with no remorse. So, assuming they're fully monsters as I think they are, do you think they will live in human societies?"
Vincent looked at them before continuing.
"For me, I believe not. In addition, considering some of them are not humans, it would only be troublesome for them to live near or within human societies. Plus, with their appearance or power, they will only stand out so they can't properly hide. So the best thing to do will be to isolate themselves from humans. That means they need to stay in a remote place away from humans."
"So you're saying, we only need to search for them in remote places?"
"That's right."
"—Um, so, what if they're living underground?"
That question caused Vincent to raise an eyebrow. He never thought of something like that. However, he stayed composed for he was very serious in everything.
"Hmmm… If that is the case then we will have a lot of trouble finding them. However, if they are living underground, the terrain itself may have changed, perhaps for a little or perhaps a lot, worst case would be if they used a cave as an entrance. However, the most efficient way to search for them is to search in easy places first, if we cannot find them that way then we'll search in difficult areas."
Everyone showed they understood.
"Alright, to expand my idea. They attacked Yusorga, but why that place? There are many places to choose, but why choose a town defended by the military, plus Yusorga is almost like a fortress. If they seek to cause destruction, then it would be better to attack an unguarded place where they can cause more destruction easily."
After gazing at everyone's puzzled faces, he continued.
"With all those thoughts in mind, I have a conjecture that they were seeking for a challenge. Perhaps they want people that can fight back. Or perhaps they want to test their abilities. Or maybe something else that I can't think of."
After a couple of seconds, Vincent continued.
"Furthermore, because they specifically picked Yusorga, I get the feeling they're familiar with it. So I think they're close to Yusorga for them to know about it."
"Wow, you really put a lot of thought into it."
"Of course, I did. Now then, I want you to search for them on the places surrounding Yusorga even in other countries."
"So, search for them in remote places which are away from human civilization and in the regions surrounding Yusorga."
"That's right. Whether in forests, mountains, deserts whatsoever."
Everyone stated their words of understanding.
"However, everything that I've said was mere conjectures and possibilities so those may be wrong and may not be the case. Everything is uncertain. So it would also be a good idea to observe and investigate places you think are suspicious. Moreover, I'll be sending men on the ground to help investigate, whether in human societies or remote areas."
Sending people on the ground to search for them might give them some clues on how to find those monsters. Even though Vincent thought that finding clues on the ground was unlikely and obviously not at all east, that doesn't mean he should just ignore that method. The more people searching the better. Besides, the rate of them finding those monsters might increase.
"What I'm afraid the most is that the next time we see them might be the time they're going to attack again, or worse, the casualties may be greater than before. That is why we need to find them as soon as possible before they act again. They must have a base out there somewhere right in our sights but unable to notice. I will not allow anyone to laze around, all must work hard. Rest shall be at a minimum. This is an order. Now let us commence the search!"
Those orders might have sounded somewhat cruel – and indeed those were cruel – his men did not think ill of Vincent. They understood everything, and they understood his feelings. They understood the risks of letting those monsters run wild. That's why the best course of action was to follow Vincent's orders.
After Vincent issued the order, everyone immediately came into action.
***
Three days and a half had passed since the search began. With the use of their three available satellites, every single person intently analyzed every detail on their screen. Every single person was tired as though they were overworked workers. They barely even had rested with coffees and energy drinks keeping them at working capacity. They only managed to sleep three to six hours a day, so coffees and energy drink are what kept them physically going.
They've been searching in difficult places using the satellites to take photos of places so they can send it to other teams and have them analyze it, and some are using live viewing. They analyzed places all around Yusorga. All remote or suspicious places in countries such as Russia, Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan, India, North and South Korea and so on. It was safe to say they were searching on the entire continent of Asia, whether in mountains, forests, and deserts. However, they got nothing, not even a clue.
Not only that, every region took a tremendous time to properly analyze if there is anything strange and unusual, they barely even finished a single country, in fact, they only managed to finish countries which are small. There was just too much. Not even the people on the grounds managed to find any clue or hints.
But, what else can they do? This was the only method available for them. The monsters have not even yet shown themselves, so how can they have any more methods?
Vincent operated at his computer while having his elbow on the desk and his hand supporting his head. He was so tired with bags already formed under his eyes. However, he never stopped. Even though his eyes became tired and sore, he still kept going. Even his mental fatigue never managed to stop him from his work.
Nothing, nothing… This is more time-consuming than I expected…
Vincent expected a lot of hard work, but not to this extent. Plus, he thought they could manage to find a clue or hint at this point, but they did not.
Is there something else I can do? Something I missed that could prove useful?
Vincent thought so hard as he stared at the monitor.
More than three days had past and yet found nothing.
They knew nothing about those monsters, so how could they act on a large scale? How could they gain more method in finding them?
The method they were currently using was not promising at all.
However, this was all they could do, they must find those monsters as soon as possible. If not, then those monsters are definitely going to plunge the world into chaos.
There must be something he can use from his experience fighting those monsters.
There was an elf among them, if it's like in myths, an elf should live in a forest. A man with pointed ears, he can't easily have a place in humans. Angels, they should be in heaven or something, but they are here so they can only hide from the people or they'll stand out too much… Aaaaah!
Vincent started to feel frustrated.
He thought once again of the seven, trying to get a clue or something but he can't catch anything. Perhaps there was just nothing to found anymore.
I can't think of anything, not even a new method.
"Dammit…"
Vincent quietly said as he slammed his fist on the desk.
How could powerful creatures like them exist anyway!?
Vincent gritted his teeth in frustration and anger. However, a realization struck him.
--Wait…
Vincent's eyes went wide and energy surged upon him in his new discovery. This was something that could help.
Creatures… elf… angels… and some looked like human… no the elf itself is enough to support what I've thought.
Vincent was somewhat a bit happy in what he had thought which put a smile on his face.
Assuming that elf is just like how people think they are, no just by looking at that elf proves it. That elf is a living creature… And if that elf is a living creature. Then it should have the needs of a living creature. And the few needs of a living creature are shelter, food, and one of the most important, water.
Indeed, there were some of the seven had the appearance of a human, but Vincent thought they're not entirely human.
Some may not be humans, but if the elf, and the others are living creatures, then they will need water to live. But, the elf for me is enough to support my idea.
Vincent quickly returned his sight to the monitor.
A living creature needs to be hydrated, or it'll die.
Vincent took a look at the map on his monitor – however, it was not a live map, but a live map was not necessary on what he wants to confirm.
There are rivers around Yusorga… There are also thick forests, mountains and more. If the elf is not the only living creature among them, then it would ideal to live in a place close to a water source, especially when you can't live in a civilization.
This fact could be a great help in the search. However, that was based on the assumption they're creatures which required things like water to live. Even so, that was all he got to help in the search. It was better than nothing. Furthermore, Vincent felt this could be an efficient way to find them or might give them a clue.
"Everyone!"
Vincent called his colleagues to gain their attention.
Then Vincent told them about what he had discovered and thought.
His colleagues contemplated about it for a few seconds and later on recognized it made sense.
"Now with all that said, I want everyone to focus more on the rivers all over Asia and also Russia. Analyze everything beside the river or everything close to it. We might as well scan on the shores, but I want most focus on the rivers. Rivers are fresher and drinkable, so I think it's ideal to live near rivers."
Everyone knows it was all based on assumption and nothing was certain. But it was the very least they could do, it won't hurt to try. They have no other leads anyways.
***
Two days have passed.
Everyone had been more active since Vincent proposed the idea to focus on the rivers. That was because they finally have something to focus on and that boosted their morale.
At the moment, one man frantically ran towards Vincent which was in the main terminal – in the center back.
"S-Sir! We finally found something."
Upon hearing that seemingly good news, Vincent immediately stood up.
"Really?! Display your finding on the main screen!"
"Yes, sir!"
Then the teammates left on their station displayed their findings on the large screen in the front of the command center.
What showed was a satellite view of a mansion surrounded by thick forest. The yard was so wide on all of the mansion's sides. The grasses and hedges were so green as if those plants were healthy and maintained properly. In front of the mansion's gates was a river.
"A mansion?"
"Yes, sir."
The man answered Vincent's question, then he continued to explain.
"A mansion in the middle of nowhere."
"Hm."
"The mansion is miles away from any human civilizations. In other words, the mansion is extremely isolated."
Everyone's eyes widened for a second due to this bizarre finding.
"Furthermore, what's really off is the fact that there are no any kind of roads or anything at the mansion. Not even close at close proximity to it."
"Where is that mansion located?"
Vincent asked.
"North East of Mongolia or about east of Russia. It's beside one of the branches of the Lena river."
The view zoomed out to have a clearer view.
"Hm. The place is indeed surrounded with thick forest. I suppose not a lot of people enter the forest. Human towns are also far away. It would be a good place to hide."
Vincent said.
"What if it's an abandoned mansion?"
"It's not. Zoom in to the mansion!" The man said to his teammates and he continued.
"Is there an abandoned mansion that is so clean?"
Everyone analyzed the mansion closely.
It was day time so the mansion was clear in the human eyes to observe.
"You're right. If that is an abandoned mansion in the middle of nowhere, then it's likely no one will try to live there. On top of that, if it is abandoned, normally plants and vines would grow all around the mansion and later engulf it. But this one, it's so clean as though it was well maintained."
Vincent said.
"You're right…" One of his people said.
"That place really is suspicious, too suspicious. Good work on finding it." Vincent said.
"Thank you, sir."
"Keep that place under surveillance."
After Vincent said that, he reached for his pocket to get his phone.
He called his uncle, Frederick.
Before he came to the command center, he told Frederick about the situation.
His purpose on calling Frederick was to let him know they found something suspicious. Then to tell him to prepare his team to go to that mansion. Vincent had a feeling that it's definitely the place, he had a feeling of certainty that place was indeed the place where the monsters are, or perhaps where they can gain information on their whereabouts.
As Vincent had already told Frederick about the situation. It won't take long for the team to be summoned and finish the preparations.