That afternoon, Detective Isengard was extremely satisfied after assessing Ebner's progress in Ancient Feysac, so 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 it is a language of true 'power'! But remember, Ebner, it lacks necessary 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." Isengard reiterated his warning as he passed Ebner the notes.
Ebner understood the weight of this advice, nodding solemnly before diving seriously into his studies, with the Pure White Eye's assistance.
And so, the days passed quietly.
Over these few days, Ebner's life was anything but turbulent. Through studying languages and performing rituals, he absorbed knowledge quickly, steadily digesting the remnants of his potion's mental state. He estimated that in about a week, he could completely assimilate Reader!
...
By Wednesday morning, Ebner had finished breakfast and set out once again with Xio to the abandoned estate in the northern suburbs.
After exhausting their supply of practice rounds, the two of them sparred again, with Ebner lasting a full minute this time before Xio bested him.
Xio was visibly surprised. Even though she'd been making significant progress digesting her potion's effects lately, thus enhancing her combat abilities, Ebner's improvement was striking.
"Your physical strength hasn't increased much, but it seems 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 for your potion." Xio lamented, assuming Ebner's path wasn't one of direct combat.
Ebner wasn't the least bit regretful. If anything, the gift for combat was likely another blessing from his Pure White Eye. Its capabilities were far too valuable to be confined to the Warrior 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 stiletto blades," Xio added. At only five feet tall, many knight swords were longer than her, so she wasn't particularly adept with them.
"The basics are good enough. It's not like I'm aiming to be a sword saint, and once I reach Sequence 7, I'll naturally become a weapon master," Ebner replied calmly, moving on to the subject of Xio's planned contacts with the nobility.
"Has Fors published her new book yet? Or is she still finding excuses to avoid deadlines?"
Xio rubbed her forehead, sighing, "Not yet, but with my constant supervision, she's finished it. If all goes well, it'll be released as early as Saturday."
Ebner chuckled. "She's lucky to have you. I think her editor should buy you dinner!"
"Ms. Aina actually already did…" Xio replied with a sigh.
As they laughed together, three carriages approached from a distance, the sound of hooves pounding the ground putting Ebner and Xio on alert. They quickly gathered their things and retreated to a small storage room adjacent to the estate's living room to wait it out. This was Xio's pre-planned emergency escape.
Luckily, they'd thought ahead and collected all their spent shells after shooting, which would have otherwise given them away.
What they didn't realize was that after they hid in the storage room, a sudden chill swept through the shooting range, erasing all traces of activity. None of the carriage passengers noticed a thing.
"Looks like someone might be interested in buying the estate…" Xio whispered into Ebner's ear after listening in on the visitors' conversation.
Ebner nodded. It wasn't good news for him, as he'd lose access to a free shooting range if the estate changed hands.
"Honestly, it's not a big deal. Wealthy people buy estates in the suburbs for vacationing or hunting. They rarely visit, maybe once a year, so as long as we can get past the groundskeeper, we'll still have access," Xio said, sensing his thoughts and trying to reassure him.
Still, that won't be as convenient as it is now. I'll have to be sneaky and cautious each time… Good thing my marksmanship is improving quickly!
While Ebner was preoccupied with these thoughts, he overheard the prospective buyers as they 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 the Elk Manor to the west! And it's closer to the northern district, so it's far more convenient. It's a bargain at 2,500 pounds!" A man with a magnetic voice spoke in an exaggerated tone, completely spoiling his pleasant voice.
Xio pressed her lips together, murmuring in slight discontent, "My father bought it for 4,200 pounds…"
Sighing quietly to himself, Ebner thought that perhaps he could help Xio buy it back if he ever earned enough money. Then again, he decided it would be better if she earned it herself. That accomplishment would be much more meaningful.
"Mr. Cecil, just as you said, the place is in bad shape. I'll need to refurbish it, buy new furniture and decorations! And I've heard the place is haunted… How about 1,000 pounds?" Caron countered, listing issues with the property to negotiate.
"1,000 is too low! At least 2,200! And as for the rumors about hauntings, 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 two haggled back and forth, finally settling on 1,800 pounds. Mr. Cecil refused to lower the price any further, so Mr. Caron reluctantly agreed.
While a lawyer drafted the contract, Mr. Caron strolled over to the storage room door.
Inside, Ebner and Xio both tensed up. Ebner quickly put on his iron mask, which he typically used at Beyonder gatherings.
Xio, meanwhile, simply grabbed a handful of dirt and smudged it on her face.
Both of them had the same thought: if they were discovered, they'd conceal their faces and make a run for it.
Strangely, however, Caron simply paced back and forth outside the storage room without entering. After a while, he stopped, muttering to himself, "Something feels… off about this place."
Ebner and Xio exchanged a startled look, each reading the same three words in the other's eyes: "Something's wrong."
This was far scarier than if Caron had just come inside. It suggested an unseen supernatural force in the room with them—and it's always the unknown that terrifies the most.
Once the prospective buyers left, Ebner and Xio decided it was time to leave the estate for the day. Just as Ebner was about to step out of the room, he felt a slight twinge in his sixth sense. Turning back, he saw a line of Ancient Hermes letters appear, shimmering on the glass window:
"Don't be afraid. Kaspars mentioned you to me."
The words wavered like ripples in water, then disappeared. If Ebner hadn't been especially observant, he might have thought he imagined them.
"Kaspars? When did I meet someone that important? No, wait, the original version of me did know someone by that name. Lady Sharron… Could she really be reaching out this early?"
With these thoughts, Ebner continued on his way. But he wasn't about to take this at face value. It would be best to confirm it 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 this thought, he and Xio had run a good mile from the estate.
Finally catching her breath, Xio asked with a lingering fear, "What… was that? I didn't sense anything!"
"Maybe a Wraith…" Ebner speculated.
"Wraith? Is that a Sequence?" Xio asked her trust in Ebner unwavering as always.
"It's Sequence 5 in the Prisoner pathway."
"Sequence 5…" Xio whispered, swallowing nervously. The thought of encountering such a powerful entity left her speechless.
Upon returning to the city, Xio went on to her "Arbiter" duties in the East End, seeking justice for the poor. Ebner, meanwhile, headed back to Isengard's place, eager to throw himself into an afternoon of study to relieve some of his frustration at his own weakness.
...
Today's experience had left him feeling that harsh reality once again—the feeling of life and death being out of his control. Even if the ghostly woman bore no ill will, Ebner still couldn't stand that feeling, that helpless sensation of being unable to resist.
But as soon as he opened the door to his mentor's house, he found Jane sitting in the living room, looking unusually anxious.
Detective Isengard grinned, saying, "You're back! Miss Grant here has been waiting for you for over an hour."
After greeting his mentor, Ebner turned to Jane with a hint of surprise. "Jane, what brings you here?"
Jane jumped up, a bit embarrassed. "I… I have something I want to ask you for help with!"
Considering she was usually quite straightforward, her hesitation was almost eerie, making Ebner a bit uneasy.
Seeing her quick glance at Isengard, Ebner understood her concern. After apologizing to his mentor, he led Jane to his room.
As soon as they were alone, Jane grabbed his hand, blurting, "Ebner, I need you to help me investigate my father!"
"Investigate Mr. Grant? What happened?" Ebner asked, frowning.
"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."