ROME Regret gnawed at Rome's insides as he realized the lies he had just told his friends. Why had he blurted out that he knew someone like Sherlock Holmes who could help them fight against the darkness? He was not sure if he could deliver on his promise, but he did not want to let his friends down. Laylah and Durato looked at him skeptically, waiting for him to explain. "What is this Sherlock Holmes person going to do for us?" asked Laylah, a hint of annoyance and sarcasm in her voice. Rome took a deep breath and started recounting what had happened at the guild. He explained about the stones and how they could be worth a fortune. This made their eyes glow with excitement, but the more crucial part of the story was the attack on the men from Red Fox Gang and their battle with Miss Irene. He went into detail about the masked men with strange powers that he had faced, and how they seemed to be part of something bigger. Laylah was no longer daydreaming about a life of luxury, but rather listening intently to Rome's story. "He blocked your attack like it was nothing?" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief. Durato was more serious and focused, asking the important questions about their enemies and what they needed to do next. "I want to investigate this," Rome said, gaining confidence as he spoke. "I don't trust anyone else in this city, but I trust you guys. Miss Irene was almost killed, and it seems like someone in authority is involved. We need to do something about this." His friends nodded in agreement, and Rome felt a sense of relief that he had been honest with them. They would face whatever came their way together. "So you'll reveal your true self as this Sherlock Holmes person?" asked Durato. "No, I'll wear a slight disguise," said Rome. With that they all came to an agreement to create an organization to investigate the kidnappings. However when they are finished, Laylah and Durato will be off to search for their remaining family in the Brittaniac Empire. Rome asked them to gather information when they got to that place because one of the assailants was from there. "What's will the name of the organization be?" Asked Laylah. "Lemme think....Light over Dark Order. Our Motto will be 'whats done in the dark must come to light." Said Rome. "Sounds OK to me, and we specialize in all the of research you say?" Asked Durato"Yes indeed." Replied Rome. "But who will head this organization? I'm sure you know the people here hates your gut. What plans do you have to let the cooperate and give us information?" Asked Durato. Rome then looked at his bag filled with precious stones with a wide smile across his face like he had just found out the cure for cancer. The next day, preparations were underway for the organization to establish their base of operations. However, he had decided against setting up within Silva Civitas itself, opting instead for a secluded village nearby. Rome, Laylah, and Durato devised an innovative strategy for the organization, planning to hold the official launch a week later, once all arrangements were in place.The funding would come from the sale of a rare aquasiac gem, which fetched a small fortune—enough to provide a life of luxury for years. With the proceeds, and leveraging Miss Irene's influential connections, they acquired a grand carriage from a neighboring town, a symbol of the organization's newfound wealth and stature.All of this unfolded within a swift five-day period. During that time, Rome kept up his rigorous training, always accompanied by Liger, his loyal companion. Whether he was walking with friends or strategizing, he constantly pushed his limits, refining his control over his abilities. With subtle mastery, he practiced his gravity-infused nova force, appearing to walk while in reality, he hovered just above the ground, propelling himself forward with practiced finesse. Rome understood the stakes—he would need every ounce of strength and skill to challenge a formidable, shadowy figures that awaited him. During all this time Carissa was being haunted by mysterious dreams. She would see images of children being tortured, children being trapped in what seemed to be a trance. These dreams and visions inspired her greatly. She had always been a very shy and timid person, but she thought if she tried to find out what her dreams were trying to say, maybe it would stop. One day while on her way to start investigating she stumbled upon Rome walking by."Hey Zero, what's up. May I have a minute of your time?" She asked."Yea no problem but make it quick because I have something important to attend to." Replied Nova Zero. Zero was someone she seemed she can trust, he had ran to her aid a few days ago and helped her friends without even thinking about it. His strength was also nothing to laugh at. So if she finds herself in any trouble, he might be of good use. However, Zero seemed to be in a hurry. As soon as she was about to talk to him, Miss Irene walked up and whispered something to him. "Hey umm Carissa. Can I speak to you later? Something really important has come up. I'll very much be available later." He said. "Also, I'm asking for a favor. If anyone asks about an investigator named Mr. Shoto, please play along and act like you've heard of him," Zero whispered, his voice barely audible. With that, he and Miss Irene turned to leave. Irene wanted to ask her friends for help, but they'd only dismissed her concerns as mere imagination. Determined to prove she was right, she set off on her own to uncover the truth.Her search began with the stores she'd seen in her dreams. The first stop was a village about thirty minutes outside the main city, a place renowned for its artisanship and vibrant craftsmanship. This small village, known as Artisan's Haven, was famous for its master weaponsmith—a man whose skills were rumored to border on the mystical. His unique ability allowed him to transmute earthly substances, forging weapons as if they were extensions of one's very soul.At the heart of his craft was a mysterious cube that, when activated, drew upon the user's inner self to forge a weapon suited precisely to their nature. Swords, bows, staffs, lances, and guns of immense power—each item emanated a rare and potent nova force. Yet, these items came at a price only a few could afford, drawing clients from all corners, eager to wield something truly extraordinary.As Carissa strolled through the lively streets of Artisan's Haven, memories flooded back from when she'd visited with her parents to furnish their home with some of the village's exquisite, handmade furniture. The town had an almost magical energy—its stalls and storefronts overflowing with not just weapons, but a dazzling array of artisanal goods: tools, decorative sculptures, jewelry, and elaborate tapestries.Despite the protection offered by the Sivitas Order knights, an underlying tension lingered; even here, children had vanished without a trace. Carissa's resolve hardened. She moved purposefully through the crowds, her gaze sharp, taking in every detail, determined that this time, she would find the answers she'd been seeking. In her dreams, Carissa had seen three distinct signs: one from a children's toy store, another from a restaurant tucked away in a back alley, and the third from a furniture store. She decided to start her search at the restaurant. There, she ordered a simple meal and left a tip for the waitress, whose name tag read "Sisteen." Just as Sisteen turned to leave, Carissa impulsively reached out and touched her hand, surprising even herself. Normally, Carissa was timid and kept to herself, but something inside urged her forward."Have you heard about any missing kids lately?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.Sisteen's eyes widened, and her hand tightened slightly around the empty tray. "Y-yes, it's… it's the most talked-about thing in town, young miss," she replied, her gaze darting nervously around the room. "I-I really have to go."As Sisteen hurried away, Carissa was left feeling unsettled by the waitress's reaction, yet she couldn't shake the sense that she was closer to something important. Carissa moved on to the toy store next. It was a wonderland of nostalgia, filled with toys that seemed almost relics of a forgotten time. If she were younger, she might have thought she'd stumbled into paradise. Though simple, each toy felt like treasure, cherished by children who found magic in every block and doll."Welcome, young miss. What can I do for you today?" came a voice from behind a counter stacked with miniature trains and colorful marbles. The store owner was tall and wiry, with a small beard and unusually elongated ears that caught her attention immediately."It's rude to stare, little miss," he chuckled with a bemused smile. "An effect of the supernova—a slight mutation. Some of us have ears that point like elves'.""I'm truly sorry, I didn't mean to stare," Carissa stammered. "I'm just… here to ask a few questions."The shopkeeper's expression shifted, his eyes narrowing as he listened."Do you know anything about the children who've gone missing around town?" she asked softly, careful not to sound accusatory.He furrowed his brow and held her gaze, unblinking. The intensity of his stare made Carissa drop her eyes to the floor. "I know only what others know," he finally said. "The children wandered off, and they were simply… gone. My heart goes out to their families, but no one seems to know anything beyond that."She hesitated, biting her lip. "I have a hunch that one of them came here. I just thought… I thought maybe—"Her words trailed off, the shopkeeper's eyes now piercing and unreadable. "Sorry to bother you," she mumbled, and turned to leave.On her way out, a man in a black hat brushed past her, nearly knocking her off balance. He tipped his hat with a crooked grin. "Apologies, love. Getting old, you know. Not as aware as I used to be.""No, it's my fault," she replied, stepping aside as he moved past. His voice, warm and gravelly, lingered in her ears long after he vanished into the crowded street.Carissa pushed on, heading to the last place from her dream—a furniture store—but found nothing there either. The weight of disappointment settled in, and she wondered if her aspirations to be a detective were merely fanciful dreams.As she made her way to her horse, a figure brushed past her again, so close she could feel the breath of their whisper. "I have information… but we must be quick."Carissa whipped around, but the figure was already slipping away—a hooded silhouette moving swiftly through the crowd. She recognized the voice; it was the waitress from the alley restaurant. Heart pounding, she hurried after her down a narrow lane, barely keeping up as the waitress led her into an abandoned alley.With a furtive glance over her shoulder, the waitress pressed a folded piece of paper into Carissa's hand. "Go to this address and find the kid there. He'll know something. But don't trust anyone—these people are everywhere." She gripped Carissa's hand tightly, her eyes filled with an urgency that shook Carissa to the core.
Carissa nodded and thanked her, watching as the waitress disappeared into the shadows. Trembling, she unfolded the paper and memorized the address.