CHAPTER 4: Restaurant fact

In the year 1311, a war broke out between the State of Hanover and the Blue River Republic, lasting for a hundred years. It was a war that destroyed the hopes and dreams of the inhabitants of both states, so much so that it became common to hear about the dead and wounded during that time. The war had historical reasons, such as reclaiming stolen ancestral lands, acquiring new territories, and seeking revenge.

Towards the end of the war, the State of Hanover enlisted the help of a blood manipulation user in the final battle, which came to be known as the Blood Epic. The blood user created a tornado of blood from the fallen warriors, destroying all his enemies in the battle, leading to the defeat of the Blue River Republic and the victory of the State of Hanover. This victory also marked the birth of a hatred between the two peoples that would last for generations.

In the present time,

we attended a history class in the morning, a boring class as usual. However, not all of us felt bored. Johann and Anna enjoyed the lecture, unlike Erika and me. We finished our classes for the day, and tomorrow we will have a class on abilities and how to use them in wars.

I went to my dorm room to rest a little. I sat on my desk chair and started placing the books my father sent me on the desk.

I placed my hand on a special book written by my father. I was about to start reading when I heard a knock on the door. I stood up from my desk chair and went to open the door, surprised by the unexpected visitor.

"Hello, Karl." It was Erika, who usually never visits me. "Oh, hello, Erika. I didn't expect you. Is there something you need?" I asked her, thinking she had come to ask for help with something, but I was wrong.

"No, actually, there's nothing. I just wanted to talk to you." It was unusual for Erika to want to talk to me, as we hadn't spoken much to each other before.

Erika entered my room and started looking at me with an exaggeratedly embarrassed expression. She glanced at the book I was about to read. "It seems you like reading," she said, attempting to start a conversation about books.

"Yes, I love reading. What about you?" I felt strange talking to her this way.

"I also like reading, just like you," she replied, sounding a bit nervous.

"What books do you prefer?" I wanted to show interest in the conversation to avoid giving a bad impression.

"Ummm, like this book you're reading," she said, picking up my father's book and reading the title. "Hmm, Blood of Angels. Yes, this is the best book I've ever read. I loved the story's plot."

She was lying. From the way she spoke, it was clear she hadn't read any book before, and she didn't know that the book she was holding was written by my father, who never published it.

Alright, I'll pretend to believe her. "Wow, that's amazing! You have great taste in books." I tried to sound convincing, but it seemed I was a bad actor.

"Of course, my taste is good. What did you think?" She really fell for it. Johann had always told me that Erika wasn't very smart, but I never believed him. Now, I see he was right.

"In truth, Karl, I didn't come to talk about books," she admitted, which was clear from the start, really. "I actually wanted to invite you to go on a picnic with me if you'd like."

Oh, this was the most unexpected thing. "Actually, Erika, I'm a bit busy today," I replied. I didn't have time for such outings, but from the way she started the conversation, it seemed she was waiting for the right moment to tell me why she came. I think I could take advantage of her desire to go out with me.

"How about this, Erika? Instead of a picnic, we go on an adventure that you might enjoy."

Erika agreed to join me on a secret mission instead of a picnic. We would head to the restaurant we were assigned to guard during our last mission.

"Why do you want to go to that restaurant? Is it because of the sound you and Johann heard?" Since she agreed to come with me, she's been curious about why I wanted to go to the restaurant. I really should answer her question; my conscience was starting to bother me for exploiting her desire to go out with me.

"It's not just the sound. I also felt an energy emanating from that room," I said. The energy was similar to that of someone using light abilities.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, we met the supervisor, Wolfgang, standing at the entrance.

"Ah, hello, rookie recruits. What are you doing here? Isn't it supposed to be forbidden for students to leave the dorm area after six in the evening?"

Great, we're in trouble again. "Actually, sir, Karl wanted to assist with the investigation, so that's why we're here," Erika explained. Well done, Erika; it seems you can find the right words when you need to.

"Alright, it's not a problem. The case has been closed anyway."

Wait, it's strange for the case to be closed so quickly. "Sir, Wolfgang, why was the case closed so swiftly? Isn't that a bit hasty?" I needed to know why the case was closed.

"Well, young man, this case was originally opened when I was 17 years old, and it was closed back then due to a lack of evidence in the kidnapping incident."

There's always evidence; something feels off. "Sir, could you tell me the story of the kidnapping? Maybe I can help."

A well-known businessman in the capital founded this restaurant, designing it specifically for children and birthday parties. He hired a specialist in machinery to create a robot designed for parties. The businessman wanted his restaurant to stand out from the rest. The specialist understood this and created the animatronic Mechaniker. Indeed, the restaurant became a tremendous success like no other.

However, with fame comes those who wish to bring you down. The specialist in machinery was kidnapped. The police did everything they could, but there was no evidence, so the case was closed.

It seems this case is more complex than I initially thought. "But sir, if the case was closed back then, why reopen it now?" This was a good question from Erika.

"Well, the truth is, I requested to reopen this case," he answered. It appears the supervisor has personal reasons for reopening the case, perhaps due to his fondness for this restaurant.

"Why did you decide to reopen this case, sir?" I apologized for intruding into his personal matters, but I needed to understand his intentions as well. The supervisor looked at me, trying to hold back tears, "The machinery specialist was my father." Ah, that explains it all perfectly.

"I'm sorry for what happened to your father, sir, but let's investigate to find those responsible for the kidnapping," I said. Supervisor Wolfgang placed his hand on my shoulder and started smiling at me.

"Thank you, recruits. You know, sometimes it takes someone who cares to reopen a closed case," he said. "Let's go inside and uncover the truth ourselves."