Chapter 317 – Epilogue

Chapter 317 – Epilogue

The pen scratched the leather notebook, highlighting the silence of the room. “So…” Chief investigator Craven raised his eyes from the paper, his face a stone slate broken by a perpetually furrowed brow. “That’s all you remember?”

The man had a talent to make every question sound like an accusation. As if implying he knew what you were hiding, so you might as well confess.

Keep calm. He doesn’t know anything.

Kai gave a slight nod. His nails were carving lines in the seat of the chair beneath the table. Three hours of ‘friendly chatting’ had stretched his patience thin, but he couldn’t betray his efforts now. “I could just think of escaping. Then… my memory got a bit fuzzy when I fainted…”

He massaged his eyes to emphasize the concept. Two days later, his mana channels still throbbed at the slightest touch; faking discomfort came naturally.

“Uhmm…” The chief investigator ran his fingers over his neat goatee, gaze flitting between him and the notes.

Kai slumped on the chair, looking bored and oblivious. “May I go, sir?”

“…yes.” The word dragged through the man’s teeth—clearly unhappy to utter it. “Contact the closest precinct and tell them my name if you remember more. Even the most insignificant detail can make a difference.”

If you had come to investigate sooner, you could have found all the clues you wanted.

“I hope you bring them to justice.” Kai stood to leave. A stare nailed his back till he walked out of the room. He measured his steps on the way out of the garrison headquarters to not seem overly eager.

Spirits, I would have grown roots if I stayed longer.

Cold gusts whipped his face outside, feeling almost pleasant after the asphyxiating interrogation. Kai locked his hands behind him to stretch his arms. Limgrell looked its dreary usual, the roofs of the buildings shrouded in mist.

I can’t wait to leave this cursed town.

He had considered sneaking away without seeing the Republic’s officers, but that might just create more trouble in the future.

Useless bastards.

After ignoring the disappearances for months, they scoured every corner of Limgrell when it was late. At least a few of the escapees had made it out with Kea. From the bits and pieces Kai overheard, the cult had flooded the underground tunnels soon after.

Just leave it.

Among Aela’s crazy rambling, one lesson stuck—he was in way over his head. He mustn’t involve himself with green grades, or even elite yellows; his profession, attributes and skills were too low.

Turn in the opposite direction and don’t look back. The Republic will take care of it.

Kai repeated the thought as he walked. He had told them everything he knew about the cult—he even surrendered a few of the journals he looted—the only omissions were his own skills and Hobbes. The investigator couldn’t demand that he reveal his status without a good reason.

They must know how serious this situation was.

What mattered to him now was finding a quiet town to train, maybe near a low mana region where he could hone his skills in peace. Time was on their side. Seventy million people lived in the Merian Republic alone; the mainland couldn’t be all dangerous.

I just have to avoid bloody cults and deranged psychos for a few years. How hard can it be? I’ve got almost a hundred Luck.

Reaching the Blue Hawk Inn, the voices of his friends led him into the main hall. Fynn and Rain shared smiles and chatter at a corner table, while Kea and Mari talked with Derrell of all people.

Why is that guy still here?

“You made it out.” Flynn raised an arm to greet him, two full backpacks at his feet. “I got your stuff from our previous place and bought supplies for a couple weeks. Are you sure you want to leave now?”

“Yeah, thanks for the help.” Kai bent to pick up his backpack, finding it unusually light. “Are the others ready?”

“Yup.” Flynn leaned to study him. “You know we can wait a few days. You still haven’t fully recovered.”

Kai puffed his chest. “I can manage. Dervell is not that far.” He’d feel much safer in the wilderness than in this misty town.

“Okay then.” Flynn stood up, giving Rain a hand to pull him to his feet. “With all the guards patrolling around, the road should be safe-ish. After we visit the House of Mirrors, we can see from there.”

“Sounds good.” Kai slung his backpack on his shoulder to check the contents while Flynn talked with Kea’s group.

I should tell Valela what happened if she doesn’t already.

The arrival of the Republic couldn’t be a coincidence, though he had kept his suspicions to himself. He didn’t want to expose his connection with Valela or give the investigator an excuse to look deeper into Mat.

“I can store your backpack if you want.” Rain raised his palm, the bracelet of shells on his wrist. “I’ve got enough space.”

Hmm… How large is your artifact exactly? No, wait! I don’t want to know. I’m not envious.

“Thank you. It’s fine. ” Kai offered him a smile. They were probably already carrying his share of the supplies to lighten his load; he didn’t need more help.

I’m not going to topple over for a bit of weight.

Once paid the innkeeper, they all walked out on the streets of Limgrell for the last time. The reinforcements sent to investigate had brought some life back to the town. People cautiously left their homes and hurried on long-delayed chores.

I’m not gonna miss this place.

The west gate soon rose over the buildings; the stone brimmed with cloaked runes.

“Names?” The guards double-checked their six IDs before waving them through. “Report to the closest patrols if you see anything suspicious.”

“We will, sir.” Flynn gave his best impression of a respectful young man.

Finally out.

Kai strode out of the shadow of the enchanted bastion. He almost expected the glum town to swallow him back if he delayed.

The road was wide up ahead, the edges encroached by weeds, winding up a slope that faded into plumy mist.

I can’t wait to see the clear sky.

He blew on his hands to warm them. Winter was fast approaching, his first one on the mainland. The seasons were harsher here. Despite the wind and storms, the temperature never touched freezing in the archipelago.

It’s been so long since I saw the snow.

Noticing he wasn’t lost staring at the hills alone, Kai walked up to his sister. They hadn’t talked much since two days ago. “Hey. Are you sure you can’t come with us? Just till we reach Dervell.”

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Gaze fixed ahead, Kea shook her head. “I want to accompany Mari to the coast. We must reach Varsea to find passage to Arphusa, and then home for her.” She looked at him, expression unreadable. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. Derrell also decided to come with us.”

“Hmm… Is that guy that reliable?”

“He’s lucky. And better than me with people.”

“Here.” Kai threw her a pouch.

Kea caught it with a hand and almost let it drop, surprised by its weight. “What’s… She pulled the strings to peek at gold mesars jingling inside, her face immediately scrunched up. “Mat, I don’t need—”

“Please, accept it. I’ve got much more and it’ll make me feel better,” Kai said. “And it’s not just for you. I expect you to contact me at least once a month. The House of Mirrors is quite pricey.”

Kea watched him with pursed lips. “Alright. I’ll take it if you have no better use for it.”

The pouch disappeared into her bag. She hesitated a moment before leaning into a hug. “But you trust me too. I’ve no intention of dying.” She gave him a squeeze and stood back. “Be safe. You have a promise to keep.”

With her piece said, she spun on her heel and headed down the path. They had a short stretch together before the road split.

Hmm… That went… well?

He hadn’t been sure after the last conversation, but their relationship seemed to be finally looking up. Perhaps not tightly close yet, but cordial.