Ethan looked at Thompson, who was studying the file. He removed two sheets and closed the file. Thompson took his time as he did this. Ethan's fingers taped in rhythm against the wood of the chair. He wanted to jump up and grab the sheets. Wendy crossed her legs for the third time, and Lucy tapped her fingers on her chair's armrest in tune with Ethan. Thompson grinned as he looked up after reading the paper.
"The victim was an adventurer from Ghost Flower Village. He was found dead in the academy forests, leading to a series of unsettling questions about his death."
Ethan sits forward in his chair, the wood creaking loudly. This is interesting, he thinks. This is where the veil is located. Could the Skinwalker have killed this man and then used his body to get to the academy? He could have taken another body at the academy. Ethan feels this is the Skinwalker; he is hot on its trail. Thompson goes on to explain.
"The adventurer was on patrol when he was killed and dumped at the academy. The brutality of the act raised concerns about the safety of the surrounding areas. We have confirmed that he was stabbed with a dagger. The other victims were killed by having their throats cut."
"Squee, why would someone take the time to transport a dead body from Ghost Flower Village to the academy?"
Thompson points at Lucy with a sinister grin. With his facial features, he could be a handsome villain. Sophia agrees that Thompson is different from the average person.
"I agree. The train journey is long, increasing the odds of being discovered. They had also brought the other bodies there. The coroner said they were killed somewhere else."
Thompson reveals that the other victims were from Dark Clover Village. Ethan realises that there might be a connection between these deaths and the adventurer. Could there be more than one Skinwalker?
Ethan felt his skin crawl, and the hairs on his neck tingled. He shivered at the thought, but no one noticed. Could it be that there were Skinwalkers in this realm before his arrival? If that were the case, his efforts had just become very complicated. He had to protect Wendy and Lucy as his life was now connected to theirs, and the Skinwalkers would use this information if they ever found out.
How much could he share with Thompson? He did not know the man that well. Thompson shares that an investigation is already being conducted to uncover any links between the deceased from Ghost Flower Village and Dark Clover Village.
"Hail, Ethan, we should ask around at the academy. Maybe someone saw something."
Thompson takes twenty-two coins from his drawer for the bodies found and two silver coins each for their week's work.
"Interview people and see what you can dig up. This case is strange, and we are stuck now. Smith has no leads so far from the library murder. It also involves the academy. Something sinister is at work here."
"Be careful. Ask around about Professor Lark. Did she have secrets or lovers? Earl has only known her for a month. Smith is not getting anywhere on this case. He has a suspect, but I do not think she is guilty."
Ethan divides the coins between them. They still have a whole day ahead of them. Thompson motions for them to leave as he presses a button on his phone, and a female voice says she is on her way.
"Hail, we should find Grace. She must be lonely."
"Squee, yes, she is our friend. She must miss us."
Ethan stared down at the two girls. What were they up to? They had a plan, and he felt he was included without consent. As they walked to the portal, they discussed how to get Grace to join their adventure party. The farmer was sitting outside with his family, having a late lunch. They waved at them as they walked past, heading to the village. They admired the entirety of the small town as they walked between giant trees and mowed lawns, giving the tiny little village a feeling of home. Ethan stood before the adventure's guild. How would he handle this?
"Alas, we should wait and see how she feels about our small group."
"Squee, give her time. She should not feel pressured."
Ethan's eyes adjusted to the dim lighting of the adventure guild. His gaze roamed the big room full of adventurers. Wendy points to the right corner of the building. Lucy gasps, holding her hands before her mouth. Ethan could feel his shoulders tense at the scene playing out before him.
"Lord Alaric, I will not comply with your demands."
Grace stands before Lord Alaric, defiance in her posture, the noble she injured in self-defence. They recognised him based on the description Penny had given them. He demands her title and hand in marriage, believing he can reclaim his honour and power after their previous encounter. The tension in the air is palpable as Grace refuses to concede to his demands. Ethan can see that the confrontation will only escalate. Ethan steps forward between Grace and the man.
"Alas, I will no longer allow you to threaten Grace. Your claim is ridiculous. Do you hear yourself speak? You are annoying as hell."
Ethan glared at him, refusing to look away. Alaric conceded first, and Ethan felt he had won a small victory. Alaric was muscular. He could see that he had trained hard. The man had a face like a cat's anus. Ethan took Grace's hand and led her to Wendy and Lucy. Alaric followed him, his eyes ablaze like a furnace. Alaric inspects Ethan's sword as he turns to allow Grace to stand between his girls. What would he do next? Ethan wondered. Alaric lifts his chin in defiance as he shouts.
"I challenge you to a dual."
"Alas, I accept your dual."
Alaric takes a step back, his eyes wide, as Ethan answers his challenge. Grace holds Ethan's arm; her stare could burn holes in steel.
"Alaric wants the guild for himself and wants to humiliate me before my staff. He is a sword master magus."
Ethan's shoulders tensed even more, and he could feel a dull pain in the base of his neck. Ethan was no sword master; his skills were mediocre. He was a martial expert, and hand-to-hand combat was his speciality. He could not let Ting-Ting fight for him as it stood. He was the one who challenged the man. Ting-Ting answered in his mind.
"Alas, Ethan, be careful. I cannot help you here. It is your honour on the line here. We believe in you."
Ethan sighed. He knew it. He had gotten himself into a fine mess again. Could it be that he made rash emotional decisions? No, that could not be, he thought. He had seen sword masters wielding their weapons on many occasions. Could I win, or did my bravado just cost me my life? What should I do? Wendy and Lucy looked at Ethan.
He knew he was no sword master; Ting-Ting could take him easily. She was at mythic sword mastery, but he had to fight the man himself as he was the challenger. What were they thinking about my decision? Why would this man want the guild? Does he not live in another village? I wonder where he comes from, judging by his clothing. He was from somewhere else.
"Alas, Grace, where does this man come from."
"He comes from Dark Clover village."
Wendy wanted to say something, but the man walked out, motioning for Ethan to follow.
"Alas, Ting-Ting to me."
Ethan's sword flies out of his sheath into his hands, and he is glad he brought her today. People gather outside in the street. A block down the street, people are coming out at the Shepherd's Inn; someone must have told them about the dual. Sophia asks Lilly to scan for this man's comrades; he would not come here alone. Ethan can feel a pulse run through him as he squares up with the man. Alaric pulled his sword out of his sheath. He said nothing as he pulled his wand from a holster on his hip. Strange words were spoken, and he glowed in a range of colours. Sophia spoke in his mind.
"Alas, three persons are hiding in plain sight between the onlookers. Be careful."
Alaric got into position. He had a fencing stance, and his footwork was sure and accurate. Ethan held his sword at the ready, placing his feet firmly apart. Ben was bandaged up, standing with his arms crossed. The general store owner farted. Steel flashed sword on sword, clashing echoed in the silence. Feet, kicking gravel and dust in the air. Steel on crystal steel rang out in quick succession. Ethan grunted as pain flashed in his ribs on his right side, his breath coming in short gasps. Blood flowed freely, causing his clothes to cling to him. Silence eerily lasted for minutes.
Dam, he was good. Ethan thought he might not survive this encounter. There was a stab and a cut. Ethan limped to the side, parrying a blow to his head and deflecting a thrust. Alaric countered, and flesh parted on Ethan's right thigh. Ethan could feel the deep cut on his right arm, blood soaking his clothes. He could no longer hold his sword with his right hand. He was using his left, standing defensively in a fencing stance. Ethan felt his sword move. Alaric hissed in pain as he limped back, his leg bleeding from the deep cut from the base of his stomach to his knee. Ting-Ting had retaliated.
"Alas, that fool dared to hurt my Ethan."
Three men rush out of the crowd, drawing their blades.