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Sylanwood, East Tarrabria: Abyssal Keep: Floor 5, Time: 3:45 PM
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Asmon settled into an armchair across from James and Mianne, steepling his fingers contemplatively.
"As you know, Tarrabria has seen better days," he began grimly. "The population has been steadily declining over the past decade. Farms and villages that once bustled with activity now stand empty."
He accepted a cup of tea from Bada with a grateful nod before continuing.
"At first, we believed it was simply a shift of people moving to the cities for work. But the overall population numbers tell a different story. Entire families have disappeared without a trace."
James and Mianne exchanged an uneasy glance as Asmon sipped his tea. This was darker than either had expected.
"Our investigators have found no signs indicating wide-scale conflict or disease as the cause," Asmon went on, setting down his cup with a clink. "It is as if our citizens have simply vanished into thin air."
He steepled his fingers again, gazing intensely at his guests. "We suspect foul play is involved. Either the work of some criminal network, or..." His eyes narrowed. "...something far more sinister."
Mianne felt a chill run down her spine at his ominous words, while beside her James' mind spun with possibilities.
"Which is why I hoped the Lucky Inquisitors might be persuaded to help," Asmon continued. "Uncover the truth of what has happened to our people. Bring those responsible to justice." His eyes blazed. "And ensure no further families meet this unseen fate."
He extended a hand towards them. "Can Tarrabria count on your assistance?"
The room was silent as James and Mianne weighed his grave request. This was clearly no ordinary mystery. And if Asmon's suspicions were correct, neither criminal nor disease was to blame for the disappearing populace.
James spoke up and shook Asmon's hand, "Of course, we will help out! Fellow guardians don't turn their backs on others, after all!" He was confident they could solve this case with Mianne and Bada's help.
Mianne raised her hand, and Asmon gestured for her to speak, "I am on board with this, but may I ask why specifically us? It seems more reliable to get a group of S-rank guardians than us." Her curiosity, inherited from her father, kicked in.
"Most of them are relatively busy at the moment. They are hunting for the omega-class Eldritch," Asmon stated before taking a sip of his tea. "Plus, this might be a good learning experience for you." Asmon handed them a keycard for their room and access to Abyssal Keep at any time.
"We weren't expecting two of you to show up, but we could make an exception for this time," Bada added, finishing his tea. "We will go over the paperwork after our first night patrol." This caused both Mianne and James to groan a bit, as they did not enjoy signing stuff.
"Well then, our deal has been settled. Bada, take both of them to floor 3, would you?" Asmon checked his watch, noting it was about to get late, but they still had time to introduce their new assistant to everyone. Bada nodded, and they bowed in respect before leaving for the elevator to go to floor 3.
Asmon found himself alone, opening his drawer to find a very old photo that seemed to have aged heavily. "I wish I had a genius brain just like yours, old friend." Everyone in the photo appeared blurred out.
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Sylanwood, East Tarrabria: Abyssal Keep: Floor 3, Time: 4:00 PM
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The elevator descended to the third floor as Bada hummed quietly to himself. Mianne and James exchanged curious glances, wondering what awaited them.
With a cheerful ding, the doors slid open to reveal a spacious lounge area. Plush sofas and armchairs were gathered around a crackling fireplace, while bookshelves and display cabinets lined the walls.
"This floor belongs to the member of ArchSentinels," Bada explained, leading them inside. "We prefer to keep it exclusive for our members and close friends. You'll be staying in the guest rooms here during your time with us."
Mianne nodded, looking forward to having a cozy place to relax between investigations. James, meanwhile, was preoccupied with studying an intricate globe resting atop a nearby table.
Bada opened a closet door, sorting through garments within. "You'll want to change before dinner," he informed them, selecting a few options. "We keep formal attire on hand for occasions like this."
He set two neatly folded stacks on a side table - a fine black suit for James, and an elegant burgundy gown for Mianne.
"The bathroom is just over there when you're ready," Bada said. "I know it's tradition to dress formally for dinner here. Director Asmon prefers it."
Mianne had no objections, admiring the deep red fabric. But James eyed his suit dubiously.
"Do I really have to wear this penguin outfit?" he complained.
"Yes, please humor everyone on this," came a gruff voice from behind. James yelped in surprise to see Erik glowering at him.
"Oh wonderful, you again," Mianne said dryly.
Erik crossed his bulging arms. "Just hurry up and get changed," he grunted. "I'm starving after wrangling those shopping bags for too long."
He stomped off without another word. Bada gave an apologetic shrug to his startled guests.
Mianne headed to the bathroom to get dressed in her new gown, while Bada helped James try on the suit.
"You seem to be struggling," Bada smiled, watching James attempting to tie a tie on his suit but missing some steps.
"Here." Bada grabbed his tie, fixing it by crossing the wide end over the narrow end, looping it over the narrow end, and finally tightening the knot.
"Ah, thank you so much." James took a deep breath; it felt more comfortable than he thought. Maybe he was wrong about this whole thing, or he just liked the armor.
Bada smiled as well before his eyes widened in shock upon hearing something.
"Ooh~ So, you are playing babysitter with me now? Hm, hunbun~"
The voice was familiar, and Freya emerged from the corner of the door. She had just come back from her mission and sought out Bada instantly.
Freya lunged at Bada, causing him to blush and try to push her off. James stepped away, not wanting to be a part of this.
"Seriously, first Nathan, now James as well? You really look up to your idol parental figure~" Freya cooed, and Bada subconsciously took on Sugar's habit of adopting people without a second thought.
Mianne finally came out, "Woo, alright! This feels good to wear on this-" Mianne opened her eyes to see the two grown adults on the floor while her best friend watched them awkwardly.
"Did I walk into something?" Now everything became awkward, with Freya getting off Bada, giggling, while Bada kept his red face.
"Ah, you look so lovely, dear!" Freya gushed over Mianne, "You are so cute! You will make any man fall for you if you try hard enough." Mianne blushed a little; she seemed to enjoy the gown she had gotten, feeling protected as well.
"Also, these are DOP Power Suits. So, we could go on patrol tonight." Bada stated while Freya just grinned at him.
"Just like my nerds said. Come on, let's go eat dinner; Mels is making dinner today." Freya smirked as she smacked Bada's ass, causing Bada to yelp.
Freya laughed while Bada sighed and decided to bring all of them into the elevator and go to floor 4.
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Sylanwood, East Tarrabria: Abyssal Keep: Floor 4, Time: 4:20 PM
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The elevator carried the sharply dressed group up to the fourth floor. James fidgeted with his suit collar while Mianne smoothed her skirts. Bada stood ramrod straight, still flustered, as Freya hummed a cheerful tune.
The doors opened to reveal a grand dining hall, with a long table set for an elegant meal. Crystal chandeliers glittered overhead while intricate tapestries lined the paneled walls. Erik could be seen pacing impatiently near the head chair.
"About time!" he grumped upon seeing the group emerge. "I'm wasting away over here!"
"Patience, you fucking mutt," came Kiara's gentle voice. Erik's harsh expression instantly melted to one of sappy devotion as his girlfriend entered, resplendent in an iridescent gown. Arm in arm, the couple approached their guests.
"Ah James, Mianne...so wonderful to have you here," Kiara greeted warmly. "Come meet everyone."
She guided them towards everyone already seated at the table. The ArchSentinels.
Magne was jumping up and down, excited to see all of them. "Oh my god! It's them!" She couldn't contain her enthusiasm upon meeting the new people.
Varian was sleeping, and Aziz kept his silence to himself. The duo decided to keep their distance.
Isozaki was strumming his guitar, "Ahaha~ It seems we've got new allies." Sakura petals fell out of nowhere.
"How the heck-" Mianne was about to question before Freya put a hand on her shoulder, shaking her head.
"May the sea heart bless your soul." Nils watched them with his creepy turquoise eyes, sending a chill down the duo's spine.
Bada inquired, "Where's Enzo, by the way? It's unusual for him to disappear." Everyone was already present except Enzo.
"Oh, Kristen held him at gunpoint and made him turn up at the Science Section immediately," Magne stated casually, leaving the duo shocked at how regular it seemed.
"Ah, I see." Bada sat in the middle of the table while Freya took a seat to his left.
"Mels is currently cooking mushroom and garlic spaghetti. I hope no one's allergic." Kiara sat next to Erik, who shifted a little closer to her.
Suddenly, a time clock rang out, and a certain someone appeared.
Nick is here, "I have finally arrived to enjoy dinner-" Nick opened his eyes to see Mianne and James, whose jaws hit the floor.
"UNCLE NICK?!" Both of them yelled out, causing Nick to wince, realizing this was going to be hard to explain.
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