Chapter 138: Searching the Town
“So, he visited the palace as a child,” Leona said, holding the copy of the palace records Abyss had acquired, carefully reading it. She placed an empty pipe in her mouth, puffing on it thoughtfully. “Well, that makes things easier. We just need to visit his childhood home based on this record and find him.”
“With all due respect, Leona, I doubt he’s still living in his childhood home,” Abyss said, patting Leona’s head, interrupting her detective roleplay. “We won’t find him there. And there’s no guarantee his house even exists anymore.”
“Hmm?” Leona frowned, considering his words, then nodded. “Very good. I was just testing you. You’re indeed a sharp thinker, my reliable assistant!”
Rebecca, amused by Leona’s antics, said, “Detective Leona, I have an idea.”
“Please enlighten us, Assistant Rebecca,” Leona said, extending her hand dramatically, inviting her to share her insights.
“Let’s read the record carefully,” Rebecca said, not bothering to take the paper from Leona. She had already memorized it. “Apos Kohler, age ten, a native of Silverwind Harbor Town in the western region of the kingdom, applied for a position as an attendant in the palace, but failed the loyalty test and was rejected.”
“Is there something unusual about that?” Leona asked, confused.
“Of course, Detective Leona. As you’ve noticed, Mr. Kohler was only ten years old when he first applied for a position as an attendant, a eunuch. He likely wasn’t alone. I suspect his parents brought him to the palace. Perhaps he lost his… manhood in an accident, and they were hoping to find him a new life,” Rebecca explained.
Leona nodded, impressed. “Excellent deduction, Miss Rebecca. You are indeed my most trusted assistant. I agree with your assessment.”
Rebecca, indulging Leona’s roleplay, said, “Therefore, I suggest we visit Silverwind Harbor Town in the western region of Ossi and find Kohler’s parents…”
“…Or their graves,” Abyss added.
Having a necromancer on their team was convenient. If a source of information was deceased, they could simply resurrect them. No need for complicated investigations. The concept of “taking secrets to the grave” didn’t apply to necromancers, especially not a skilled one like Abyss.
“Excellent! Let’s go!” Leona exclaimed, tucking the paper into her pocket, clapping her hands. “We’ll find his parents and learn more about him! We’ll surely uncover valuable information!”
A large head suddenly appeared beside them, its massive, dragon-like face filled with eagerness. “Do you need me?”
“Yes, Little Fire Dragon. Fly west. We need to find the town where Kohler was born, then locate his family and learn about his background,” Abyss replied.
They were already in the Shadow Realm, prepared for immediate departure.
…
Little Fire Dragon had been a valuable asset, providing them with transportation. As long as they rewarded him with a few trinkets from their treasure hoard, he was happy to oblige. Of course, it wasn’t because he was easily fooled. Abyss’s “gifts” were always valuable treasures, which this discerning dragon appreciated.
His back was a bit cold, but the ride was smooth and comfortable. Dragons might have scales, but they were still animals. Thanks to Abyss’s necromantic preservation magic, his back had just the right amount of give. They enjoyed their flight, soaring through the sky towards the western coast of the Ossi Kingdom.
As Little Fire Dragon landed, they were greeted by the cool, humid air and the pungent smell of the sea. The town before them was a fishing port, its surrounding villages all dependent on the sea.
Based on the information gathered by Abyss’s network of spies, this was Silverwind Harbor Town, Apos Kohler’s hometown.
They instructed Little Fire Dragon to wait for them, then Abyss, holding Rebecca and Leona’s hands, exited the Shadow Realm. He didn’t need to snap his fingers to enter or exit the Shadow Realm. It was just a personal preference, a dramatic flourish.
“We’ll need to wait here for a moment,” Abyss said, rubbing one of his rings. He summoned a group of soldiers clad in ancient armor.
They were the spirits of an ancient scouting unit, killed in battle. Abyss’s master had found their remains scattered in the wilderness and had given them a proper burial. Grateful for his kindness, they had pledged their loyalty to him. After his master’s death, they had, like his other undead servants, transferred their allegiance to Abyss.
These scouts were wraiths, invisible to ordinary humans, but not to Abyss and his companions.
“My friends, I have a task for you,” Abyss said, using magic to write the name “Kohler” in the air. “Search the town for any families with that name. And search the nearby cemetery for any deceased individuals with that surname. Awaken their souls and bring them to me—focus on the cemetery. I suspect the person I’m looking for is dead.”
The soldiers saluted in unison, their ancient language echoing through the air, then dispersed without a word. They had been a disciplined unit in life, their loyalty and efficiency unwavering.
Abyss and the girls found a clean spot to sit down. It wasn’t long before the scouts returned, accompanied by several confused-looking wraiths.
“Master Abyss, we couldn’t find any families with that name in the town. But we found several graves with that surname in the cemetery. We’ve brought them all back,” the scout captain reported.
“Good work. I need to question them. You may return to your duties,” Abyss said, nodding, then turned to face the wraiths.
The wraiths stared at him, their expressions blank, their minds confused. But they sensed something emanating from him, a power that compelled them to obey, even though they didn’t know him.
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