Chapter 6 - 06. like the hidden eyes of a hunter

Less than 4 hours and 20 minutes before the incident started

----------------

Meanwhile, the atmosphere on the cruise ship was still as usual, bustling and filled with guests, especially students.

.......

(As I thought, there's something wrong with this place. I'd better head back first.)

.......

The party might not have started yet, but the atmosphere was still full of excitement from the students.
Moreover..

"You're late, man! I thought you didn't want to come to this party."

"I'm sorry Jimmy. I haven't been on a cruise in a while so that's only natural."

"I see. And.. just call me jim. I didn't expect you to be invited to this party too. You should be happy."

Arthur tried to stay calm and not be affected by Jimmy's jokes.

"Don't get me wrong Jim. I prefer land to sea. But I can't refuse this invitation either. Besides, I'm not in the mood right now." he complained.

"Come on guys, where's your spirit? How about we go around first. Or play on the various decks there?"

"Sure. I'm in. Just.. don't be too fussy or I'll kick your head in with this soda."

"Scary! Come on."

Even though he was almost annoyed because the joke from Jimmy sounded a little too much for him. But it never hurts to wander around a bit before joining the party again.
Unexpectedly, he didn't expect. Because apparently Jimmy invited Arthur to see the various paintings on display in each corridor.
This made Arthur not stop to observe and admire the various paintings.

"I didn't know that there are various paintings on display on this cruise ship. How do you know this place?"

"Lucky guess." he teased

"Really?"

For some reason, Jimmy started teasing Arthur. His somewhat humorous nature sometimes makes anyone a little annoyed because he can't stand it.

"Calm down! I'm just kidding. I remember that there was a large map displayed beside the captain's deck. It happened when the crew was guiding us at that time."

"I see. I can't believed it you can remember such a small thing. Unfortunately, I'm starting to turn pale right now."

Hearing that, Jimmy suddenly checked Arthur's condition. Even though what Jimmy did made him a little uncomfortable.

"You're right. It's just that your face is pale. Could it be because you haven't eaten yet? Or maybe there's something on your mind?"

"Come on! I haven't eaten yet. It's just that I have something on my mind."

"Which is.."

Unfortunately, Arthur instead diverted the conversation.

"A-anyway.. I'd rather be on land than at sea. Although I can't refuse this invitation."

"So you're pale because you feel uncomfortable being here huh."

Unable to bear Jimmy's joke, Arthur suddenly hit Jimmy's arm.

"Will you just shut up?"

The funny thing is, Jimmy even laughed even though he stroked his arm which was a little in pain.

"Calm down! There's no need to get angry like that. At least, I'm glad you're feeling better. We'd better go back first."

"You're right."

***************

Flash back.

3 days ago. In the hospital..


"You have come."

Dominic opened his eyes when he heard someone coming to visit him.

"You visited me when I fell ill."

Unfortunately, Dominic doesn't hear a sound. He realized that it was someone he knew who had come. Until finally, he explained to him even though he had to endure the pain.

"Your sister is also missing. We only found a letter with a flower symbol and half wings not far from her bedroom."

"Status?"

"Still ongoing and still causing victims to disappear. Even her friends also disappeared, at the same time. More than that, I have no idea."

It's hard to believe. He also really understood what Dominic explained.

"I didn't expect you to be working on that case too, despite being sick. You should be taking care of your health at a time like this. Howard."

"I asked for help from the BSAA members I know there. Besides that.."

Dominic gave the memory card even though he was coughing continuously. Suddenly he helped dominic so he could lie back down.

"Inside this memory card is a picture where the victims disappeared.
And also the names of the victims."

"Why are you giving this to me?"

He took a deep breath. Once back calm. He also resumed..

"Earlier, my nephew called and said that he got the same letter. He felt something was wrong even though at first he thought that it was a friend's fad.
However, he finds a note written hastily after his friend's disappearance. Not written with pen, but with blood.
U and C
At least that's all I can tell you. I've asked the BSAA to investigate this to keep any trace of the kidnapper's whereabouts to a minimum. Besides, you're the only one skilled at tracking and undercover among the members of the BSAA. My nephew probably wouldn't recognize you since you're the same age as him."

Feeling that he had no choice, he complied with Dominic's request.

"If that's what you think, then I will do it. This is also for my little sister. To save my little Rachel,"

"Thank you. I owe you."

***************

(I'll make sure your nephew is safe. You better focus on getting better so you can meet your nephew. Dominic.)

***************