Chapter 28

Episode 28

I scribbled a brief message on a small piece of paper and blew the whistle.

As if waiting nearby, Thunder appeared overhead, circling above us.

I extended my arm, and the hawk landed gracefully, its leg adorned with a small tube for carrying messages.

I inserted the rolled-up paper, fed Thunder a few treats, and launched it into the sky. It disappeared into the horizon in a flash.

“If you’ve summoned Jericho, will our plans change, Master?”

Selendis asked as we returned to the tent. I nodded.

“Of course. There are too many inconsistencies in this case. The incidents with the servants at House Cliff are one thing, but it’s suspicious that Lord Hylix’s strategist personally requested our assistance. And now we have another piece of the puzzle: the desperate attempt to transport ebony, even with a hefty bounty on their heads.”

“…Honestly, Master, I don’t see anything unusual. Perhaps it’s just a coincidence?”

“Well, it’s understandable that you might think that. My theory requires a few leaps of logic. We need evidence to connect the dots. And we found that evidence today.”

“Is the evidence the ebony wood, Master?”

“Yes. You’re sharp.”

I tossed another log onto the small fire inside the tent and stirred the embers with a poker.

“I was involved in furniture making with ebony wood during my time as an assistant. I didn’t make the furniture myself, of course, but I supervised the process. My senior assistant told me something interesting.”

Ebony was currently used for crafting sculptures, high-end furniture, and other decorative items. But in the past, it was also used as a magical material.

It was particularly popular during the ‘Age of Darkness’, about 800 years ago, in a magical kingdom known as the ‘Dark Reign’.

This kingdom was different from typical magical kingdoms.

It was a community of mages obsessed with dark magic.

Their initial goal was noble to study the nature of human life.

But over time, their research became corrupted, driven by human greed and arrogance.

They unleashed dark magic upon the world, ushering in the ‘Age of Darkness’.

It was during this time that dark magic shifted its focus from the living to the dead, exploring the realm beyond death.

The influence of dark magic was powerful. It amplified human greed and corruption, spreading its darkness across the continent.

Countless lives were lost.

But the heroes of the continent, unwilling to stand idly by, formed an alliance and brought down the ‘Dark Reign’. Its reign lasted less than a century.

But its impact was so profound that scholars still referred to that period as the ‘Age of Darkness’.

And while the ‘Dark Reign’ had fallen, dark magic continued to be practiced in secret.

Their greatest achievement was the systematization of dark magic, which had previously existed in fragmented forms.

They had established a magical kingdom to protect themselves from outside interference, isolating themselves and dedicating themselves to their research.

Ebony, now a popular material for crafting luxury items, was once a symbol of the ‘Dark Reign’.

It was an ancient tale, passed down through generations. It was impossible to verify its authenticity.

“Ebony is still used as a magical material, but its true potential was realized in the Dark Reign, 800 years ago. It’s said to be highly compatible with dark magic.”

“…”

“It’s madness to transport this much ebony when people are starving. And according to our research, the head of House Cliff isn’t interested in luxury or extravagance.”

“So you believe dark magic is being practiced at Viscount Cliff’s estate, Master?”

“That’s my theory. It’s a bit of a leap, I admit. But it’s the most logical explanation, considering all the facts.”

Selendis didn’t argue. She was an intelligent woman.

If dark magic, or some other forbidden magic, was involved, it would explain the mysterious deaths and disappearances of the servants at House Cliff.

Many dark magic rituals required human sacrifices.

“That’s why we need Jericho’s expertise. He has knowledge of magic. You and I are clueless.”

“You still believe Jericho is a mage, Master?”

“Of course. I doubt Lady Lucia assigned him to us just because he’s intelligent. There must be something we don’t know, just like I don’t know your backstory.”

Selendis lowered her gaze. She wasn’t ready to reveal her secrets.

It didn’t matter.

Her past wouldn’t change our current relationship. Right now, our priority was completing this mission and earning the Lady’s trust.

We spent the next few days with the merchants.

The wounded recovered quickly, and the mercenaries, inspired by the presence of the Inspection Unit, performed admirably.

We encountered a few monster packs, but we dispatched them without any casualties or damage to the cargo.

I had barely broken a sweat, and yet I was praised once again.

Five days later, we arrived at the town leading to Viscount Cliff’s castle, having navigated the treacherous terrain.

“Inspector O’Brien, Lady Selendis, thank you for your assistance. We couldn’t have done it without you!”

The muscular merchant leader saluted awkwardly. I smiled and patted his shoulder.

He had survived a near-death experience and completed his mission.

It would be a story he would never forget.

“As I said before, I was simply doing my duty as an Inspector. It’s our mission to eliminate evil and create a safe and prosperous territory. But I have one request.”

“Anything, sir! We’re at your service!”

“Our mission begins the moment we enter Viscount Cliff’s territory. So don’t tell them about our presence. We’ll reveal ourselves when the time is right.”

“As you command, sir.”

He would obey. He owed us his life. The merchants continued towards the castle with their wagons.

*— … … … …*

*— … … … …*

What was that?

Words flowed into my mind. I couldn’t see anything, but I could sense these fragmented words, like static noise.

It felt like someone was forcefully implanting a message into my brain. A sharp pain throbbed in my head.

“Master, are you alright?”

I stopped walking, startled. Selendis looked at me with concern.

“I’m fine. Just a bit tired.”

“There’s an inn nearby. Perhaps we should postpone the investigation until tomorrow.”

“I was thinking the same thing.”

We found a dilapidated inn covered in vines. Fortunately, the interior was spacious and well-maintained.

‘What was that noise I heard earlier?’

Was my status window finally appearing?

I pushed aside my questions and asked the innkeeper for a large room, adding a specific request.

“A young, portly doctor will be looking for me tomorrow. Show him to my room. And don’t allow any other visitors.”

“Yes, sir. As you wish.”

I gave the innkeeper ten silver coins as a bonus, and his face lit up.

Selendis and I were assigned the same room.

It was a suite with a living room and two small bedrooms on either side.

I didn’t see her as a woman, and it was unwise to split our forces during a dangerous mission.

Of course, I had ‘Automatic Combat’, but there were countless powerful individuals in this world.

And besides, Selendis had requested to share a room. So there were no misunderstandings.

I changed out of my travel-stained clothes and entered the living room. Selendis was unpacking her bag, checking her equipment.

“Are you missing anything?”

“We used a few potions, but we should be fine. As long as Jericho arrives on time.”

The plague masks and other tools were intact. We just had to wait for Jericho.

I picked up a document from the table.

It was a warrant from the Lucius Inspection Unit, addressed to the head of House Cliff.

‘Our first mission had its share of setbacks.’

The biggest issue was the lack of respect for the Inspection Unit’s authority, which was directly tied to the prestige of House Kalisto.

We had encountered many people who underestimated us. The decree establishing the Inspection Unit wasn’t widely known, and most people dismissed it as Lady Lucia’s childish whim.

Fortunately, Duke Kalisto had intervened, granting his beloved daughter significant authority.

‘And this warrant is the result.’

It bore Lady Lucia’s signature.

Refusing to comply with this warrant would be tantamount to declaring war on House Kalisto.

“You should have Jericho examine you when he arrives. You might have been poisoned.”

“Don’t worry. I’m fine.”

It was a strange feeling.

I hadn’t experienced this level of concern in my previous life. I was an orphan, and I didn’t have many close friends.

I had been thrust into the role of Inspector and had gained loyal subordinates.

I still didn’t know Lady Lucia’s true intentions, but I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for this unexpected turn of events.

The night passed peacefully.

The next day, as expected, Jericho arrived.

“Inspector, that was mean! The innkeeper kept staring at me, and when I asked him why, he said you told him to look out for a portly doctor! You and Chloe are both bullies!”

He was surprisingly energetic, considering the long journey. I chuckled and reassured him.

“Don’t worry. We’ll avoid hiking as much as possible.”

“You’re not promising to avoid it entirely, are you?”

“I don’t make promises I can’t keep.”

Selendis interrupted, insisting that I get checked out first. She was concerned about my health.

Jericho examined me briefly, channeling his mana. He then addressed Selendis, as if she were my guardian.

“He’s in perfect health. No signs of poisoning. He’s probably just tired. Now, tell me, what’s going on?”

I shared my theory with him, combining my deductions and intuition. His eyes widened.

“Dark magic…? Did you say dark magic?”

“Yes. I believe you can verify my hypothesis. Does it make sense now?”

“If it’s dark magic, I can handle it. I studied it at the academy. When are we moving?”

“Right now.”

I grabbed the warrant and stood up.

I wondered what kind of person the head of House Cliff was. I hoped my instincts were wrong.