The walk from the portal to the Royal Police headquarters took less than twenty minutes. Ethan knocked on Thompson's door. Two young female officers came out of the office giggling. Ethan looked into the office, and Thompson zipped up his pants.
Ethan looked back at the girls as they disappeared around the corner. Thompson had some sway over these young women, and he did not see one man as he looked around. He also noticed that the officers were scantily dressed in short skirts.
Thompson waved them in as he sat down in his chair.
"How did it go yesterday?"
"Alas, the registration went well. We have spoken to the student council, and there has been an increased fatality rate in the dungeon, but only for young women."
"Hail, the incidents of nobles taking demi-humans as slaves have increased and are being investigated by the student council."
Thompson took a file from his desk. He opened it and took out a piece of paper. Thompson looked at it frowning. Thompson explained that the academy dean had sent him this list of incidents over the last few months. There was a sentiment of demi-human abuse growing under nobles. The dean warned that this could get ugly if not stopped. The king was a big supporter of demi-humans and humans living in peace. He had a few demi-humans on his counsel in the palace as well.
"The goal is to get into the dungeon trial and investigate what is happening there. We have intelligence showing beautiful women disappearing in the dungeon, but the academy and adventurers' guild say they have died."
Thomson sighed.
"I am convinced things are happening at the academy. I feel it in my gut. The commanders said I was chasing after imaginary evidence, and there was never an investigation. That's one of the reasons that I put together this force to investigate independently. What you have found in just one day is astonishing."
Thompson opened a drawer, and the sound of electronic keys being used on a safe reverberated through the office. A metal sound echoed, and Thompson placed twenty-two silver coins on the table before them.
Ethan took the silver coins, gave Wendy and Lucy seven, and put the rest in his pouch. He looked at Lucy's old money pouch and would ensure she received a new one as soon as possible.
"You did well today, as I promised. Get yourself geared and ready for the dungeon trial."
Ethan should have mentioned the deal they had made with the student council. Ethan did not know if he could trust them yet, but he had learned hard lessons in the past. Ethan looked at Wendy and Lucy. They counted their coins, looking like children who had just received birthday presents. Wendy looked at him, her eyes filled with tears.
"Hail, Ethan, could we stop at a clothing store on our way to the smith."
"Alas, it is your silver coins. Of course, we will stop wherever you two desire."
Thompson wished them well, and Smith almost knocked Wendy over, rushing past her into Thompson's office. They could hear them argue as they walked down the stairs. Smith looked like a stubborn man set in his ways.
Ethan realised he had never asked about the murder case in the library. The more he thought about it, how she was killed did not make sense. Something felt off with the planning and the way it was executed.
They walked towards the old part of the city, where all the traditional crafting shops were. This area was next to the new industrial area, where all the latest technology was made. Ethan wondered how their machines were powered. Sophia spoke in his mind.
"Alas, the technology uses the manna from gems converted through alchemy into manna liquid. The smaller tech, like screens, draws mana out of the air like a radio signal and uses that as power. The magus drinks the manna gem liquid to replenish their manna after battles. Using too much magic will cause the magus to become corrupted, as it is a side effect of using manna."
Ethan led them around a corner closer to their goal.
"Alas, Ethan, unlike you and Heather, who can cycle your energy and purge impurities, the magus does not have that ability. The more they use their magic, the greater the risk of them turning into corrupted beasts. The vehicles also use manna, and they also give off a small amount of corruption that is carried on the wind. This could affect a person's behaviour and animals."
Ethan stopped as they waited for vehicles to pass. Crossing the street as soon as a gap presented itself.
"Alas, Ethan monsters are drawn to this corruption as they see it as a danger to them, and they would come into the city to seek out such individuals. If a monster chases you, you know you have used too much magic and should stop before it is too late."
Ethan shuddered at the thought of being unable to get rid of his impurities, which played a significant role in body tempering.
Lucy pulled on his sleeve. Ethan faintly sensed that they were calling his name, but he was focused on Sophia's voice. There were two stores across from Each other.
Wendy and Lucy debated which store to enter. One store was big and had brand names in the window. The other store was small, with two dresses in the window. Ethan could not read the signs but could tell that the smaller shop should be a tailor.
"Alas, let us see the smaller shop. It looks like something that would be more our type of place."
"Squee, let us see what they have for us."
Wendy said nothing but walked beside Ethan as they entered the store. The door had a bell, and it chimed as they opened it. A young woman greeted them at the door. She must have seen them through the window coming towards her store.
"Good day, welcome. I am a tailor. Please have a look around."
Wendy and Lucy started talking to her, and the woman chatted away excitedly. Ethan looked around at the small shop. It was cosy, the material looked decent, and the place was clean. Ethan guessed that the store across the road made it difficult to do business as usual. She must be hurting for clients as it took time to sow clothing, but it would fit perfectly.
"Alas, girls, I will be stepping out for a bit. See you later. Wait for me inside the store."