Chapter 47

"Another woman was found dead. A daughter of a big-time businessman." Artemis placed the file report on the coffee table. Hera takes it and shares it with others to read.

"Found dead at 5:30 in the morning by a citizen passing by. She's covered in blood and full of stab wounds." Hera read out loud, "I suspect that it is connected to the Prince."

"I examined the body." Nine leaned on the sofa, "When they brought her to the funeral parlor, her wounds appeared to be created forty minutes before the body was found." She placed the sealed weapon on the coffee table.

"Right-handed and male." Trance touched the handle, "He aimed the vital areas to end her."

"What?"

"It's a right-handed male. His hands are gloved at the moment he stabbed her." Trance massaged her temple upon checking the corpse as its stench sent her nausea, "She's also drunk. In fact, they are both were. Autopsy says it."

--

"5:10 am."

They both watched as the students entered the classrooms. She's leaning on the glass window while observing the sun from the unused building. Students are walking on the plaza, hanging out with each other. Trance stole a glance at them before darting her attention to the east building. Noise is slowly turning the dead-looking place into a lively one.

"Apolaki building is located on the east wing. They build that where the sun rises. Suits for its name." Trance commented while still not turning a blind eye to anything.

"Because it makes sense." Nine shrugged, "That is the result of Raiden's creativity."

"Did I make you uncomfortable? I'm sorry." Trance slides her hands inside her pocket, "I really wanted to apologize that night but the jester interrupted. I shouldn't have done that. It's so rude." She narrowed her eyes at the moment when someone stole her attention. The students on the plaza to every pavement are only a few.

["Hey, I can totally hear you. Don't worry, Ellreign. Nine is always like that. She's not used when someone is talking to her aside from the Captain."] Ilsel laughed on the other line.

"Ilsel, connect our line to the others."

["Affirmative."]

Trance sprinted to the exit and jumped from the third floor. Nine followed her to the place where she led her. They stopped running behind the buildings and walked normally as they walked towards the east building.

"Did you know that the place on the game is not an open field but a secluded place?" Trance explained to Nine. They walked casually, acting like no one was on the chase. Telling the whole clue by a simple game trivia she only made.

["This is Artemis on the line. Keep your guard up. The prince is not like the one whom you can approach easily. Hera and the others are surrounding the area."]

"Aside from that, you can hear the good musical composition in the background. Try playing it, do you copy?"

"Copy that, I heard that when you're playing once."

Trance got halted from walking, staring at someone in from of her. He's on the verge of shock, seeing her face-to-face once again. He shook his head and scanned the raven in front of him. After seconds of confirming, he took a step backward due to disbelief. Trance rolled her eyes heavenwards by his action, crossing her arms.

"Ellreign? You're finally awake! I thought the news was just bluffing." He was about to embrace her but immediately stopped himself. Nine immediately shoved Trance behind her to prevent the knife from piercing Trance's sides. Everything happened in a blink of an eye. Trance stood there as if she turned into a statue. The knife penetrated deeply through her stomach. Nine can feel it poking her rib, scraping the bone.

["Shit! Niall!"] Ilsel yelled on the other line.

"Nine!" Trance exclaimed. No one can hear them inside the classroom or witness the scene. The walls are thick as is the glass. The doors are mysteriously closed and the blinds are on.

["Ellreign what happened?!"] Aga asked tone raised despite the serenity existing.

"You change n---" He got cut off by a knuckle hitting his jaw. Trance waved her hand to shake off the sudden impact. Nine grabbed the collar of his uniform and dragged him to the corner where no one could see, slamming him into the wall. Ice looked at Trance with wide eyes and then at Nine.

["This woman is giving a false alarm."]

"I'll put that down if I were you." She landed a punch on his stomach before twisting his left arm on his back, making his back face both of them. A knife fell down from his sleeve. Trance throws her gaze on the floor while watching the knife bounce, "You must be too." She brings out her gloves from her pocket. She lowered down when she took the knife. Nine pulled the bloody knife from her side.

"Amateur." Nine murmurs.

"Who are you to restrain me?! How come you're still alive? It has poison!" He yelled but instead of relating to him, Nine knocked his head. He began to restrain in fuming anger, "I'll kill you both."

"You're asking who am I?" Nine asked. A deafening silence fell to Ice bought by Trance's presence beside him, "Trust me, you would wish that you didn't know."

"Assaulting someone like me or her can lead you to the lion's den." Trance pinched his swollen cheek, "To be honest, I'm here to ask about something."

"What about let's save your answer and go inside of your safe place?" Trance tied her necktie on his arms behind his back. Nine leads him inside the music room and Trance locked the doors.

"What you want from me?!"

"Impressive surgery. Taking his whole identity is another level."

"I should've killed you."

"Apolaki rise at the east, the crow goes the search for the riches. The august watch." Trance fiddled with the knife in her hand.

"How's your day, Hwang Hyun?"