Chapter 117: The Search

Upon the East, Stolas would begin his first set of discoveries in Synoni. Amidst the coloring pencil-like landscapes, reaching far outwards to the east would direct him to a nearby forest, most likely the forest they came across. At a certain angle, however, he was able to spot what looked to be a large building, one badly damaged and having loose walls, yet still held up to this day. Stolas quickly tried to get some answers regarding such a place, with him casting a cluster of stars to create Pisces and ride upon such a fish across the area, using its small body and quick speeds to dart around the east section of the Kingdom, overhearing conversations regarding the abandoned building, even asking about it to several residents to get a hint. "That place...? Why would you wanna go there? It's crazy Haunted..." One says. 

"It's a death trap. Rotten Wood, Plants choking at the flooring. I wouldn't be surprised if an animal was living there as its habitat." Another rumored.

"Aye, that place is a gravestone, it is. It's not something someone wants to visit, though I did heard it holds lots of valuables. Only a fool would go in that place." A Third proclaimed.

All these words were pointing that such a place is not something to visit. As a result, Stolas would infer that such a location would be a good spot to investigate further. As he heard before, it held some sort of valuables that could prove useful for them if need be. Stolas, understanding this notion, would continue to do his explorations. Meanwhile, Zazel would manage the South, looking out for anything notable. As he'd explored the outer corners of the kingdom, he was able to notice something within the far distance: The very forest itself they explored, yet also a large cave with a strange entrance, having a set of pillars of their own. No further details are easily spotted, yet Zazel recognized it to be some sort of secret chamber. He would ask the locals around, to which one person in particular was able to explain what the cave is, an adult man with a golden tooth. "Hmm? That place? That's just where the old lady lives in. Y'now, the one in those dumb love stories. The one that was so lonely, she made a whole statue to keep herself company. Bit pathetic, don'tcha think?" The man would state, giving off a snide remark regarding such a status. The Demon immediately recognized it as the woman in legends regarding the Sentient statue back in Oaking, making him understand that whoever had this book must have done something with its contents. Altered it. Changed it. Made it in a way where his narrative is spun to his way and no one else's. Zazel would continue his explorations after meeting such a discovery.

Meanwhile, Solomon explored the North, paying close attention to the likes of the Castle itself. Its walls were almost out of ivory steel, shining as bright as the sun, standing as tall as the mountains themselves, and encompassing so much space, it would almost fit a couple of villages in its own right. Guards in the same iron that makes up the castle would keep watch, their eyes observant to every single resident. He swore he could feel at least two to three of them watching the child to ensure no funny business were in order. Towers were seen nearby the castle sporting just as much height and length as the latter. It would lead Solomon to infer that such a place is housing such a royal family that practically bathed in liquid gold. Solomon would try to hide himself among the other people, trying to learn more about the castle itself, keeping a very wary eye at the guards to ensure he isn't spotted. To the West, meanwhile, Harvard would find...

"NOTHING!? REALLY?? Nothing...." He'd tell himself, as seeing to the west was nothing more than a grassy plain, with no end in sight. There wasn't anything notable either regarding the west side of the town, making him try to move to the center and attempt to call everyone over. 

"Oi Oi, The Queen's being more pissy, ain't she?" One would say, which immediately stopped the child's tracks. He'd try to listen in to the conversation, getting just close enough to be within earshot. "Rumors been goin' 'round that one of her Knights got murdered in cold blood. You reckon you know anything 'bout it?"

"Not a thing, though personally, its a good riddance. I've never liked that guy anyway. Just as pissy as the woman herself. Makes you wonder why he's a supposed favorite for 'er." Another would state.

"You can say that again. Supposedly they're gonna prepare a burial and mourn in the next few weeks. You'd think she's gonna show up there?"

"Nah, she'll probably be too busy with managin' the castles and being rich as per usual-" Their conversation would quickly be interrupted by a large sound. A yell, as well as strong breaths, sharp enough to audibly find them. When Harvard looked over to see the source, they would see an older man walk in, somehow sharing the same red eyes as the Knight himself, as well as his teeth almost brandishing fangs like he was an animal, nearly foaming at the mouth.

"YOU DARE DISRESPECT OUR KNIGHT!? HE'S OUR PROUD, BRILLIANT, AND GENEROUS MAN ALIVE!! YOU WILL NOT SLANDER HIS NAME IN THE DIRT, UNDERSTAND THAT?!" The man yelled in anger.

"BRILLIANT!? Word on the street was that he picked a fight with a couple of kids! How is that bri-"

BAM!!

Before he would utter a word, his mouth would be punched straight in, breaking some teeth in the process by the angered man, forcing him to be silenced. The child quickly knew what was going on and attempted to intervene, card in hand. "HEY! What's the big idea!?"

The Man took notice and immediately went for another strike. "YOU SHUT UP!! YOU DO NOT DISRESPECT THE GREATEST KNIGHT'S TITLE IN FRONT O-" His voice would be cut as Harvard used the spell, creating a set of chains to surround and tie his neck up, keeping it bound to such a degree it made him choke. He'd struggle as much as he could, try to throw a hit, yet Harvard simply kept the chain bound. The locals quickly reported the Guards to take him away, forcing Harvard to trigger the signal almost instantly. Alas, he was too late, as the Guards quickly came and grabbed the child with no hesitation. Despite the child having the abilities to evade, he complies with the law, so long of course as he brings the choking man. As the other three tried to meet up in the circle to deliver their evidence, they would see Harvard being taken away to the kingdom, much to the concern of everyone around, even more so when they see the man struggling to breathe being dragged alongside.

"...Zazel, you SERIOUSLY should try and keep an eye on that kid." Solomon would request, much to the nervous laughter of the Demon in question before he would indeed follow the Card Magician.

"If there's any bad guys, remember to break their nose!" Stolas would shout, hoping it would be used as encouragement, as the main two entered the ivory castle.