Chapter 34: Investigation of the Cause 1
Piyo stopped the sexual harasser who assaulted Filiana and was imprisoned again with Nina because of it. The three of us continued the investigation to clear our names regarding Filiana's vigil.
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I, Sharin, and Filiana went around asking people in the city. Although little information was obtained from this action, what was found was that people commonly disappeared near hidden underground passages in the city.
They were probably kidnapped and dragged through one of these underground passages. But for what purpose of their action? Is it to make money through human trafficking like Sharin and her companions did...?
"Hmm, it's possible that the reason is the same as ours."
Filiana chokes on Sharin's words.
"Then let's go help right now, there may still be someone we can rescue if we get there in time."
"Yes, but is that why the Orcs kicked us out? Anyway, I'm going in there to find out what's going on."
I chose to accompany Sharin. It's probably a little more comforting than being alone.
I asked Filiana, who is large, to wait outside, then Sharin and I entered through the underground passage that led out of the sewer.
After walking a bit, we came to a stone road. It seems we are inside the hideout of the bandit gang that we couldn't enter before. Sharin looked around cautiously.
"Okay, it seems there's no one around at the moment, so let's search inside now."
We started walking silently, trying to make as little noise as possible in our walk. The narrow stone corridor is lit by lights and wooden doors could be seen around the place. I peeked through the small window attached to the door, but it didn't seem like there was anyone inside the rooms.
There was a slightly open door. Sharin easily passed through the opening, but I was a little worried about making noise, so I slid through the space carefully so as not to make any noise.
Books and papers are scattered on the table in the center of the room. After a while, Sharin realized that I had entered and came back.
"Alice Gawa, what the hell are you doing? Hmm, this is..."
I picked up one of the books that were scattered around the place and opened it. It seems that there are detailed letters, magic squares, and instructions on how to perform some kind of ritual. Other books and articles contain similar content.
"It seems they are performing a ritual here."
"What kind of ritual is that? Well, speaking of rituals, I think it would be to summon something with a demon."
Sharin nodded solemnly to my half-joking words.
"It seems you are right. If we don't hurry, the damage could be so great that the whole city will be destroyed."