Chapter 8

Author: Thanks for reading and for supporting. Please comment and rate the book if you like it.

Eld: Why am I here?

Author: What a surprise, I didn't call you here.

Eld: Wow......I never thought such a place exist. I can't stop looking around. What's this place?

Author: The introduction room. Also, the interview room. I......

Eld: My friend....... my best friend was killed.

Author: I didn't ask.

Eld: Please find them! Please find the culprit!!!

Author: Guards! Guards! He's got my neck! Save me!!

Eld: Please find them!

Author: Just calm down!

Eld: Find them!!

Author: Oh, ah,.......I can't breathe!.....I can't...............

And the screen went black.

The last time we saw the author,.........it was floating in a river. The dead body.

And the story came to an end.

Den: Should I hire another person to write the story?

Author: I'm not dead! Also.........if you hire someone else, make sure to pay them before they start. You exhaust the living life out of me!.

Den: You can't blame me.

Author: I am.............Hey,...... you're not suppose to be here.

*********️️******

Legs chained.

Hands chained behind his back, discomfort was unavoidable.

But Den had no problem dealing with it.

His whole body hurt due to the drug he was given but he could deal with that as well.

The drug did affect his body but he was awake all along.

Meaning, he knew where he was taken. And knew the exact location he was.

Escaping was easy, but he didn't want to do that.

He wanted his 'Moment Of Truth' taken place right here, in front of the accomplice.

And he also wanted to meet the killer. Kill him with his own hands.

The accomplice,........or should he say, accomplices, it all depended on their part of the truth and their contribution to this crime.

He might spare them,......or might not,.....it depended.........

And the kid's innocent, smiling face flashed in mind.

Ah,...... maybe not.

"I'll begin anyways. Let's start from the beginning" Den said, comfortable on the cold floor.

"The old couple never got into a fight with the killer. They were killed while they were alseep. So was Jak and Mrs Tin. They (Jak and Mrs Tin) were chosen targets"

One of the accomplices before him did not say a word.

And Den, was already in a bad mood thinking about what happened to Mrs Tin.

But his face didn't show it. Only if the person before him knew exactly what he was feeling, he would have made a run for it.

"The two neighbors of the old couple, a mother and son, Eld, Jak and Mrs Tin were really close"

"True, the house was searched. It was searched after the old couple were killed. And the neighbors testified to this. The son, who was the first one to see the bodies testified to this"

Mira found out and told him everything while they were on their way to Live Inn.

The old couple would always woke up early and even wake up their neighbors whom they were close to.

That morning, the neighbors woke up earlier and waited for the old couple to show up and wake them up just to prank them.

However, they never came by around the same time they always did.

Worried, the mother told the son to check up on them.

He did. That was when he found the house in a mess and their bodies.

Immediately, they reported and their bodies were taken away.

There was more to it.

"The killer went in search of the painting. He must have seen the old couple taking it. He killed them with his powers, meaning, he's a magician"

"True" the accomplice verified.

So the culprit really was a male. He (Accomplice) hasn't deny so far.

"He did not find the painting, so he went after the people closest to them. And Jak, was the first target"

"But I don't understand one thing. Why did the killer think Jak had it? He never met with old couple after they stole the painting and resigned from their job"

Well, there was no need asking when he already knew the answer.

"Jak was the second victim. But even he didn't have the painting. And I wonder how the killer found out. There was no way he could figure that out when he used his magic on him, also! the house wasn't searched either, so how did he find out? Even Eld, who was also close to the old couple was spared. Why was he also spared? Eld also had no idea of the missing painting, how did the culprit know"

The accomplice said nothing.

"Mrs Tin........"

The woman's case filled him with so much anger.

So much anger!!

"Why was Mrs Tin killed? Right when we came into the picture. Why was she killed when she knew nothing about it? Why was she chosen as the next target? Tell me Old man Sable!!!!" He yelled out angrily at the old man before him while he only stared at Den, a blank expression on his face.

"You tried to blame a crime on them to conceive the real reason why they killed! Why?!"

After leaving Mira on the streets, Den went back to the chief's house.

He suspected the chief of being the accomplice. The very first day he met him, Den did have the same feeling. And after getting all the information he needed, he was proved right.

Intentionally telling him a lie about finding who the culprit was, he was drugged and brought here.

Now Den was sure he was only an accomplice. And the real culprit, was nowhere in sight at the moment.

But two things right.

This was the culprit's hideout.

And the chief was not here alone.

Yes, he had his right hand man with him.

*Sigh, Den sighed, trying his best to calm down.

"I know you're a good person. You didn't hide anything. You told us all you knew even though you almost misled us. You didn't kick us out or push us away when you found out we have already involved ourselves in the case"

This meant the old man wanted help.

"You didn't silence the neighbors or the manager of Live Inn. You took us to Jak's body knowing full well you might get exposed. You're not the culprit cause I know you can't use magic. Only your son can in this village and even he sucks at it"

Poor Zil, if he heard this, he'll be in tears.

"You didn't kill them. Just tell me who did"

If the old man does, he might spare him. For the kid's sake.

"What's the point? He's coming here, and you won't survive either. No one will survive this night. I am powerless and I can't save anyone" the old man said, breaking down in tears.

"What about your son and Ger? Don't you care about them?"

Only they.......... Only they could be saved.

"He said he'll spare them!"

"And you believe him" he (Den) also yelled and felt remorseful right away.

He just yelled at an old man.

What if he had a heartattack and died?

Also,......this man could be his grandfather. Where's the respect?

*Sigh, he should apologize.

However, before he could do so.............

"Master! I found this!" Ger, the other accomplice rushed in, holding a piece of paper in hand.

These two........he never knew the chief of Live village was this stupid.

Didn't he know one of the strong rule of life?

'Don't trust any evil person!' how could they be so stupid to believe that murder?!

Taking the paper, the old man unfold it, revealing what was written in it. And after reading it, he was left speechless.

Angry, devastated, he did not think twice before throwing away the paper and it fell right before Den.

He then read it.

'I have something to do so am leaving. I know you got caught anyways and I hope you escape. Also, tell that good looking man, he should find me in the black market in Ric Town. I'll be waiting for him. I've taken a like to him'

Humph,........the culprit knew all about him (Den) already.

"What a bastard! He left us!" the old man exclaimed in anger. His whole body was shaking and one could tell he was not only angry.

He was scared.

Terrified.

"Oh, he called me good looking! Is nice to know someone appreciate my good looks. Mira won't do that. Also,....... How can anyone dislike me?!. They can't resist my charm" Den said, looking proud of himself while the two stared at him,

'Seriously?' written all over their faces.

Was he stupid or something?!

This was not the time for this!

*Sigh, the old man sighed, depressed.

"What are we going to do now?" Ger asked, anxious.

"Tell me what happened and I might find a way to save you"

Hearing this from Den caught their attention.

And the old man, thinking they had no other choice decided to let the cat out of the bag.

"I was seriously sick. On death bed"

"Master! You can't possibly believe him!" Ger interrupted, panicking.

"But there's no other way! Let's face it" the chief replied in devastation and Ger knew he was right.

There was no other way.

However, there was no guarantee this guy will help them?

They should just kill him and shut him up!

...................It was easily said than done. Ger knew, there was no way they could kill an innocent person.

It was better he (Ger) kept his mouth shut.

"I know about the magic that was used. It's only used for killing, not obtaining information. Tell me what you know" Den said, surprising them.

Den had forgotten about this last piece. And when he remembered, he realized the chief and the killer was trying to mislead them.

Mrs Tin's death was to mislead. So, they'll believe the story and focus on it.

Too bad,......he knew too much about magic.

"That night, I thought I was going to died but he showed up. Unannounced. I didn't know him and when he said he could save me, I agreed. I didn't want to die. I know am selfish, there's no argument"

"We also don't want to lose you" Ger said, sadness clouding his face.

He thought of the old man as his own father. He could never bear seeing him die and has never thought of losing him.

"But you know everyone dies sooner or later, right?" Den asked but it was more of a statement.

Ger was left speechless cause he knew the young man (Den) was right.

"He saved me with his magic. And right away, I figured out his identify. He's a changer. Possesses a terrifying magic"

A changer? That's where the old man was wrong. Den knew. That man was no changer but an ordinary magician with a terrifying magic.

"He gave me life with his magic, took away my illness. I was healed completely and until now,.......... I've never, not once, suffered from it"

Dream Butterfly,.......that was it. That was the culprit's powers, that was what saved the chief.

With this magic, he gave the chief a stole life. Did the chief really not know this?

"Five days ago,.....he showed up again. Here for his thanks, he said. I was.....I was confused cause I already thanked him. But then,.....he wanted something as his thanks and if I didn't give it to him,...... he'll take my life"

Ah, and he still trusted such a man with his life and the lives of the important people around him.

He (Den) had to admit, this chief really was something else.

"He wanted souls to gain even more power. I was hesitant. I was scared. But I also didn't want to die just yet. He......He promised to take just five lives and then leave. No one will find out my involvement. I relentlessly agreed. I wrote a letter which I planned on delivering to him. But the old couple found out. They wanted to see me so we can discuss their retirement. I forgot the letter was in the office, on my table and I told them to wait for me there. They saw it and even took the letter"

"That's why they ended up dead" Den said and the ashamed old man confirmed.

"Yes"

Ger was no less, he also felt the same.

"He found out they took the letter" the chief said.

"They didn't confront you when they found the letter?" Den asked, confused.

"I don't know what they were thinking. They left with the letter and did not see me or confront me about it" the old man answered.

Hmmm, could it be they were planning on exposing him?

Well, this was a question which will stay as it is cause the only ones who had the answer were dead.

"He used his magic on them while they were asleep and took their souls, their lives"

He (Den) figured this out already.

"Afterwards, he contacted me and I came to search for the letter and........I found it" Get said.

Hmmm, that explained why the house was in a mess when their bodies were found.

Hold on!.........he just said he found it! If he found it, then,.......why was Jak killed?

Wait a minute! Could it be...........

"After you met the first guest,.......you met the culprit next, right?" He (Den) asked to confirm his suspicions.

The old man nodded, a devastated look on his face.

Ger, showing the exact expression with guilt.

"Jak overheard your conversation with the culprit, that's why he died" Den said.

Seriously!,......what horrible fate Jak had!

Also,.......this was depressing.

"After I met the first guest,..........he came in right after he left. I.....I couldn't take it. Seeing the two die, I couldn't take it. I couldn't bear the guilt. I wanted out of it. But he......he reminded me,..... this was something I signed up for and those two could be part of the five lives he wanted"

"Jak was killed afterwards because you feared he might expose you"

"He kept his promise on making sure no one found out I was involved and that's why he killed Jak" The old man said, angering Den even more, but he tried his best to hold it in.

"Let me guess. After Jak's death, you decided to come up with a good story. The old couple stole the painting and Jak and Mrs Tin knew about it. Making them accomplices. And they were killed by a third person who wanted the painting"

Seriously, did this old man forget the two never met the old couple after they left his place?

Also,........what the heck was he thinking?! The painting was still in his office!!!!!!!!!!

(Mira checked and told Den about it)

Hanging at the most obvious place!!!! He didn't even bother to hide it!!!!! Did he forget?!!!

*Sigh, then again, no one knew about the fake story (About the painting going missing), except him, Mira, these two and Eld.

And Eld,......he hasn't been in the chief's office, so,.....he hasn't seen it.

*Sigh, Mrs Tin's death pained him the most. Her death was only to mislead them. *Sigh, Also reminded him of his mother.

*Sigh, he (Den) again, he should continue his moment of truth.

"Guessing,.......the fake culprit would have been an accomplice as well, right? You planned on putting the blame on Eld, right?"

Poor Eld, would have been the fake culprit.

"This was a plan he came up with after Jak was killed. To conceive the truth of my involvement. When you and the young girl came,........I thought you could help me"

Yes, Den figured out that part.

However, he (Den) didn't know the chief later had second thoughts. That's why he was brought here.

That's why he followed the culprit's orders to bring him here when he finds out of the culprit.

"I don't know what he planned to do next. I was only following his orders. I don't know who it is,....... he planned on, putting the blame on. He told me to bring you to him when you find out who the culprit is. I did as I was told,.......but he........he left. Just like that. I'm.......... I'm so tired of this! I want out"

And silence took over. Den studied the frustrated old man for a few seconds, thinking about God knows what!

"Okay, case solved and closed!" Den exclaimed with a smile.

With ease, he broke the chains, freeing his hands before giving his legs the same freedom.

Finally, he could stand, and he was, facing the two surprised, speechless men.

What kind of man did they almost offend?

"Just one question" Den said and they snapped out.

"Please go on" The chief said, the fear and panic in his tone couldn't be missed.

I mean, he even said 'Please'

His (Den) face spelling seriousness, he went ahead, "The truth would have stayed hidden if you killed me. Why didn't you? You even told me everything"

"I.........I have no intentions of getting blood on my hands again" the old man answered and Den could feel the honesty in his words.

He was not lying.

"I see" he replied with a bright smile, surprising the two.

Still, these two have to be punished.

************️️*******

MORNING ⛅

RECEPTION HALL

Not even one outsider or guest was present here.

All the villagers and guards were assembled at the call of their chief.

Eld, Mr Tin and his children, the neighbors of the old couple, they were all here.

Informed they'll know what happened to the four (The old couple, Jak and Mrs Tin) and who the killer was, they came right away, refusing to miss this.

On the staircase to upstairs stood Den, chief Sable and captain Ger. And in a corner was Mira and Zil, quietly watching, attentive.

The villagers already knew about Den, as the investigator of the case. And they were pretty much curious about him.

Den wore a white mask, covering half of his face, and they wonder why.

Could it be he was not that good looking? Could it be he was ugly?

And what exactly did he find out about the murderer?, the most important question.

Mumblings and murmuring disturbing them, captain Ger took action,

"Quiet down!" And the place was as quiet as a graveyard, everyone, giving all their attentions to the people before them.

Right away, Den began,

"A priceless painting went missing the night the old couple, Mr and Mrs Ople, retired from their job"

This surprised the villagers and they began talking to themselves, clearing out the quietness in the room.

They never knew the old couple quit their jobs. Never knew a priceless painting went missing.

"Someone stole the priceless painting and.......is a man. The old couple were chosen cause the time they retired and went home matched the time he stole the painting. He killed the old couple, disarrayed their home, trying to conceal his involvement. He created a story with the old couple being the bad guys. Stealing the priceless painting"

What the heck was he (Den) saying?! Den couldn't help but ask himself. Noticing the confused look on the people's faces, he also couldn't help but think even he was confuse.

"He killed Jak and Mrs Tin because he knew they were close to the old couple. The perfect target to use in the good story" what the heck was he (Den) saying?!

"To make it look like Jak killed them for the painting and he was killed by Mrs Tin later for it. The neighbors of the old couple would have been next"

This,.........Mira couldn't bring herself to believe what she was hearing.

Her master........her master was lying.

"Why was Eld spared? It doesn't make sense. He lived with Jak. Also, what was used to kill them?" A man in the crowd asked.

Even Eld couldn't believe what he was hearing while the neighbors of the old couple, the mother and son, were terrified out of their minds thinking they will be next.

Hmm, they ignored the fact that, Den used past tense.

"You said Mrs Ja and her son would have been next after Jak was killed, what do you mean by that?" A woman asked.

"Okay" Den said and then took a deep breath, this time, he should get his story right or else, he'll be caught. Still, it was a good thing none of the villager were deep thinkers. He (Den) could feel there was some errors in his story.

"The neighbors of the old couple would have been next cause they were close to the four. They were all close and killed, only one, wasn't, which is, Eld. Eld was spared because he was chosen as the scapegoat. He would have been blamed for the deaths of the old couple, Jak and Mrs Tin, and if the mother and son were killed as well, them too, with the priceless painting being the evidence"

"Well, am glad we weren't killed" Mrs Ja said in a low tone but those around her heard loud and clear, including her son who also agree with his mother.

"The cause of death was magic. You can say the man who killed them was a magician. That explained the condition of their bodies when they were found" Den answered all the questions. He couldn't help but let out a deep breath. It was freaking exhausting. Never thought a day like this would ever come.

Magic......a magician did this. A wicked magician.

Seriously, why was there such people? Using their gifts for such bad things instead of helping those in need. Being alive was hard enough and these kinds of people made it even more harder.

The villagers had such thoughts.

"There will always be good and bad magicians. People with powers, there will always be two kinds and nothing you do or say can change that"

Well, the young man (Den) was right. There will always be two kinds of people in this world.

The good, and the bad.

"Also,..........the murder left the village already. So you can say, everyone is safe now. Ah, also, we got the painting back"

"You're right, Young Jak, Mr and Mrs Ople, Mrs Tin, Eld, Mrs Ja and her son, they were all close. And I admit, I don't know what the murder was thinking. Mrs Ja and her son lived next door, why did he kill Jak when the mother and son were next door?" The man who spoke earlier asked, angering the mother and son.

"What the heck are you trying to say?! Trying to kill us!!" Mrs Ja said, angry.

Well, he was not wrong, was he? That murder must be really stupid.

Everyone was starting to believe Den, thinking, processing all that he just said.

And Den must admit, they were really asking sensible questions.

However!, it was still a good thing, they were not deep thinkers.

Surely, there would have more sensible questions, right?

"I still can't believe someone will do such a thing. Humans nowadays are so evil, I tell you" another woman said, and they nodded, agreeing with her.

"Okay! That will be all! If there's anything else, we'll call you and let you know. Dismiss!" Captain Ger yelled out.

Talking to themselves and to each other, the people began to leave.

Mira stood, staring at her master, wondering why he told such big lies when he always supported the truth.

And her master himself didn't support what he did.

Even so,.......he thought it was for the better. At least, one will have a better life.

Exiting his thoughts, he looked up and eyes landed on Mr Tin, a devastated Mr Tin.

Right away, Den felt worst about what he did.

Mastering up courage, he made his way to the poor man, only coming to a stop when he was right before him.

"I haven't let it go and I never will until I catch him. I'll bring you justice" he said, easing the man's pain a bit.

He looked up at him, and with a serious look, stated,

"Deliver his head to me"

"I will" Den said with no hesitation and in seriousness.

The man then bid him farewell and left, following the others out with his children behind him.

A promise he must keep at any cost and he will keep it.

Just like he always did.

Turning back, he met eyes with the chief and the words, "Keep your promise" slipped out.

The old man then nodded, consumed by guilt.

FLASHBACK.

"I've decided!, I won't say anything about your involvement. What do you say?"

"I promise. I'll resign as the leader. I'll teach Zil all he has to know about being a good leader and I'll resign. Untill then,...... I'll make sure something like this never happens again. I'll live with this guilt until the day I die. I'll never fight death again........... I'll let karma punish me"

Karma punish him huh?.............That could be, but............well, this was what he (Den) has chosen.

Only,...... only for a while........this should be enough, right?

One.....one life, can be better, right?

"Live, survive with the guilt and the memories, that'll be the worst punishment"

Cause he still had conscience. This was the worst kind of punishment you can give to anyone, right?

Den had no idea.

However,...........the people who died will only get justice, when the person who killed them was sent the same way.

"I promise to do that" the chief said.

Smiling, Den replied, "Then I'll help you".

END OF FLASHBACK.

********️️****

Under the small hut at the backyard of the reception hall sat Zil and Mira.

The kid has taken a like to her, following, wherever she went.

Den was no less. He was only with her (Mira) cause she was the only one available.

For some reason, the kid really liked them and she wonder if it was because they were outsiders.

This kid, has never left the village after all.

That had to be it!

"Where is Brother Den?" The kid asked with that same innocent smile on his.

Was he trying to blind her?!

*Sigh, thinking about her master. She hope he'll tell her everything.

"Sister Mira" her name called, Mira snapped out of her thoughts, looking at the kid, she answered.

"He's with your father"

And she was very much curious about what they were discussing.

Mira was sure her master was not bought. No amount of money can buy him.

Seriously, she wonder what happened. Why did her master lie?

"You're not leaving now, right?" The kid asked and she looked at him, disheartened at the sad look on his face.

However, she could not lie to him.

"We're leaving today" and sure enough, she made the kid even more sad.

Depressed.

Well, there was nothing she could do and their job here was done.

"Sorry" she apologized, not knowing what else to say.

Zil shook his head, a strained smile on his face as he said, "Is okay"

"Must be nice having a master. How is it like?"

And suddenly, he looked so excited.

How did it feel like? To have a master? Well..........

"Having a master is nice. You get to learn a lot. But then......."

"But then......."

"Having a master, is not entirely nice. Not when you have a master like my own. He's so playful. Stupid sometimes and never teaches seriously. He's dumb when it comes to some things and pretty much the laziest person I've ever known. You don't want a master like him"

In disbelief, Zil said, "Well, Is hard to believe this"

********️️*****

OFFICE

*Sneeze

Den sneezed, a deep frown on his face.

Surely, someone was talking trash behind his back.

"Are you okay Mr Den?" The chief asked worriedly.

They were in his personal office to talk about a few things Den wanted to know.

"Yes, am fine" he replied with a fake smile.

It was Mi. Surely it was Mi. She was talking trash behind his back.

"Then,....." The old man said, gaining his attention as he (Den) looked up at him, "I'll tell you all I know about the man"

It was about time.