The investigation into Caleb had begun, with Duke Jason assigning his people to the task. They were already stationed within the Baron's domain, ready to uncover the truth.
Monica and Seth, both humans employed in the Duke's administration and members of the local law enforcement, led the investigation.
Accompanying them as their protector was Jacob, a seasoned knight renowned as one of the Duke's finest. His primary role was to safeguard the investigators and apprehend Caleb if they encountered him.
Their initial stop was at the Baron's estate, where Nora briefed them on the situation. Much like her butler, she recounted a carefully curated version of events to the investigators.
No one was entirely oblivious to the omissions, but they tacitly chose to overlook them. "It won't matter in the end. Everything will be revealed once we've completed our investigation," Monica thought, confident in their eventual success.
However, the sight that greeted them was far worse than anticipated. The Baron, wrapped in bandages and writhing in constant agony, resembled a living mummy. His pitiful state sent a chill through the investigators, forcing them to reconsider the potential threat Caleb posed.
"I can't imagine the torment he's enduring," Monica reflected, disheartened as her diagnostic spell yielded no results.
While she could perceive the bizarre changes occurring within the Baron, the cause of his condition remained a mystery, deepening the enigma surrounding the case.
The investigation led Monica and Seth to the local guild, where they met the guild master. There, they gathered confessions and a description of Caleb's appearance. Strangely, nothing about his looks suggested he was a dangerous or malicious individual.
"But looks can be deceiving," Monica reminded herself. It wasn't just a cliché—experience had taught her that people were rarely what they seemed.
Their next destination was Caleb's hometown, where his story had reportedly begun. The townsfolk's testimonies painted a picture of a man whose behaviour had shifted drastically.
His increasing reclusiveness and strange demeanour raised more questions than answers, leaving the investigators intrigued and wary.
The final piece of the puzzle came when they were shown the pitiful states of adventurers Caleb had allegedly confronted before being driven out of town.
"And you're certain this was his doing?" Monica asked the guild master, disbelief lacing her voice. Both she and Seth found it hard to fathom that one person could inflict such devastation.
"Yes, ma'am. He admitted it himself," the guild master affirmed grimly. The town chief, standing beside him, nodded in agreement.
Monica's gaze shifted to the bedridden adventurers, men who now appeared frail and aged far beyond their years.
'Just what kind of magic does he wield? This doesn't even seem demonic!' she thought, her expression growing darker as the mystery deepened.
"They can't even absorb mana anymore," Seth observed in a shaky voice. His usual composure cracked as he looked at the victims. "Are we really equipped to handle someone like this?" he asked, turning to Monica.
"That's not part of our job," she replied firmly, shaking her head. "Our task is to identify the suspect, and we've done that. The evidence will go to the Duke. Let him decide what to do next."
"Right," Seth agreed, though unease lingered in his tone.
With their task complete, Monica and Seth returned to Grandview City and presented their findings to Duke Jason.
"I see…" the Duke murmured, studying the image of Caleb in his hands. "Good job. You're excused." With a dismissive wave, he signalled for them to leave. The investigators bowed respectfully before exiting his office.
"Perry," the Duke called, and his butler stepped forward, awaiting instructions. "Send this image to every city in the kingdom and instruct them to be on the lookout for Caleb." He handed over the sketch to Perry.
"Of course, my lord," Perry responded with a deep bow, ready to leave. However, the Duke's voice stopped him mid-step.
"That man is dangerous, Perry. Ensure they understand that ordinary guards and knights may not be able to handle him. If he's identified, they should remain calm and immediately report it to the Knight's Garrison."
"I'll see to it right away, my lord," Perry replied. Bowing once more, he departed swiftly to carry out the orders.
Left alone in his office, Duke Jason leaned back in his chair, his gaze lingering on the reports. "Hopefully, this isn't connected to the other matter we're already dealing with," he thought grimly. His expression hardened as he returned to his work, though a shadow of concern remained etched on his face.
....
Caleb and his companions finally emerged from the Lothryn Forest after a few days of travelling and fighting as the large city of Sunspire was now visible ahead.
Surrounded by towering walls, the city was bustling even from a distance, with tall buildings rising above the fortifications. The road leading to one of the city's many gates was alive with travellers and merchants.
'This could be my place of settlement,' Caleb thought with a faint smile, already drawn to the city's vibrant energy.
Jess noticed the wonder in his eyes. 'He really hasn't been here before,' she thought, recognizing his genuine fascination.
"Let's keep moving," Jess said, leading the way.
"Right," Caleb replied, following behind. As they neared the gate, he noted the guards standing watch and inspecting people's identification.
"Well, if it isn't the famous adventurer," one of the guards greeted, recognizing Jess's party. "You're back sooner than expected. Was your mission that easy?"
His grin faded as he noticed the sombre expressions on their faces. His gaze then shifted to the figure in black trailing behind them, and his expression briefly tightened.
"Not now, Paul," Jess said curtly, clearly not in the mood for small talk.
"Of course," the guard replied, clearing his throat. "But who's your new companion?" He gestured toward Caleb, who stood with his hands tucked in the pockets of his trench coat.
"Him?" Jess glanced back at Caleb. "We met him on our way back. He's heading here too," she said nonchalantly, then turned her attention back to Paul.
"Right…" Paul muttered, forcing a weak smile. He stepped aside without pressing further. "You're clear to enter."
Jess nodded but caught the subtle unease in the guards' demeanour. Their cautious glances toward Caleb and their forced indifference weren't lost on her.
Behind them, Caleb noticed it too, a faint smile playing on his lips. 'Word has already reached here…' he mused, glancing briefly at the notification on his HUD.
[Disposition: Cautious]
The collective wariness of the guards told him everything he needed to know. 'Let's see where this goes,' he thought, bypassing the wary guards into the city.