ARRIVAL

At dawn the next day, "Click - Buzzzt," a hanging lamp flickered to life, illuminating the workshop. One side of the room was lined with cabinets and metal shelves filled with tools and what appeared to be weapons. At the center, directly under the lamp, stood a sturdy metal table.

Haidar approached the cabinets and shelves, selecting a silver-bladed axe with a dark metallic handle. He also gathered several glowing, clear potion bottles, additional gear, and a gray briefcase. Lastly, he picked up a silver revolver with a black grip, its barrel etched with intricate spiral engravings and a trident emblem on the frame, right above the grip's end. All the items were placed on the table.

"Click-click." The briefcase opened. The first item stored inside was the silver axe, which had a special mechanism allowing it to fold neatly to fit inside. The additional gear and potion bottles were then arranged into dedicated slots for easy access. Finally, "Chak-Krrrkk," Haidar spun the revolver's cylinder, ensuring the six-shot firearm was ready, occasionally striking a pose as if aiming to shoot.

"Knock-knock." Haidar flinched slightly at the sound of a knock behind him. At the doorway stood Yati, her tired eyes fixed on him, holding a few sheets of documents in her left hand. Dressed to go out, she had her long hair tied into a bun, wore a black baker boy hat, comfortable attire for easy movement, and carried a small backpack.

"As you said, there wasn't much to find," Yati remarked, waving the documents in her hand.

"Oh... oh, good job. Just as expected, huh," Haidar responded awkwardly, still loading bullets into the revolver.

Haidar loaded the revolver, placed it in the briefcase, and closed it with a "Click-click." He picked up the briefcase and walked toward the door, switching off the lamp as he went. Extending his hand toward Yati, he gestured for the documents she held. Yati handed them over.

"You're not coming?" Haidar asked firmly, his gaze sharp.

"I know," Yati replied, turning her face away. "Every time you bring that pistol, it's a clear sign I'm not coming along," she added.

"Okay, but make sure you don't sneak into Feshikha's car trunk later," Haidar said with a doubtful expression.

"You're still bringing it up. Haven't I already paid the price?" Yati said, her face tired and her gaze dull.

"Just reminding you, because it didn't end well for me either back then," Haidar replied, his face equally weary.

"Haaah... I never planned to join in the first place. I'll be going with my classmates to work on an assignment. Big Sis Rena already knows," Yati said, pouting.

"Oh… good, then," Haidar replied, his face showing relief and calmness.

Yati's expression turned slightly annoyed at Haidar's response.

"Alright, I'm heading out now. Take care, Uncle," Yati said as she turned and began walking away.

"Yati," Haidar called out.

Yati stopped and turned around. Haidar pulled a round golden object out of his pocket and showed it to her.

"I ordered a new one," Haidar said, casually tossing the object in his hand.

Yati's face showed a hint of surprise and joy.

"I'll show you how to use it later," Haidar said, catching the golden object mid-air.

"Hmm... he he, I'll also try to find more info about that mansion," Yati replied with a happy smile before running off down the hallway, disappearing around the corner.

Haidar followed shortly after, closing the workshop door behind him. At the right end of the hallway, a staircase led downward, ending in front of a private office with a large clock inside. The door bore the label "MANAGER."

Walking past the office, Haidar entered an area filled with shelves stocked with various antique items, each with price tags. At the far left near the entrance was a payment counter with a cash register.

"Ding-a-ling," the bell chimed as the front door opened. Feshikha entered, looking ready and full of energy. Her burgundy hair swayed as she walked, wearing sunglasses, leather gloves with open backs, a long-sleeved gray shirt tucked into black trousers, black heels, and holding a white blazer.

"Ready?" Feshikha asked, removing her sunglasses.

"Everything I need for now," Haidar replied, showing the briefcase and documents in his hands.

The two of them hurriedly went outside the building. Once outside in front of the door, Haidar handed the document to Feshikha. He made sure the store sign on the door said "CLOSED," then locked the door with two turns, "Clek...Clek." In front of the building was a light metallic brown sedan parked. Feshikha walked toward the car, moved around to the back toward the trunk, and checked it briefly before getting into the driver's seat on the right side. Meanwhile, Haidar got into the passenger seat on the front left. "Krr-kruk".... "Vrooom," the engine roared, followed by the blinking turn signals, signaling that the car was about to enter the main road. The gas pedal was pressed, and the car sped off, leaving the parking spot, obscuring the full view of the building where Haidar lived, an antique shop with a billboard advertisement on the second floor and a sign reading "Danantya Antique Shop."

Inside the car, Haidar went through the document Yati had given. He found that Mantrakūṭa Mansion was originally owned by a family for generations before it was handed over to Henry Baskara Dewangkara, a wealthy businessman who was fairly well-known in the city and had appeared on national television a few times. Unfortunately, there were not many details about the previous family owners; there were just some old photos and a few news articles about the family, who had been covered as local cultural figures. How the mansion changed ownership was still unknown, and the most suspicious part was that five deaths had occurred after Henry became the mansion's owner.

"So, can you tell me what kind of person the mansion owner is?" Haidar asked Feshikha.

"I'm sure most of it is in the documents I gave you, but from what I know, Mr. Henry is a rational person. He's very skeptical about mystical things and things like that," Feshikha replied.

"And he agreed to invite me to investigate?" Haidar asked, surprised.

"Oh, it wasn't Mr. Henry who asked for your services, it was his wife. You were recommended to her by the Inspector and me," Feshikha said.

"Hmmm... so his wife is more open-minded," Haidar said sarcastically.

"More or less, she sees you as a special investigator," Feshikha said with a hesitant look.

"Oh perfect, so they're the type who's hard to work with on matters like this," Haidar said sarcastically.

"Hehe, you're okay with that, right?" Feshikha asked.

"Oh, don't worry, I have a plan for dealing with them. I mean, they aren't the first ones, right?" Haidar said with a cold smile at Feshikha.

The view, which initially consisted of city buildings with relatively quiet streets, transformed into a serene atmosphere surrounded by lush trees. It was an area that appeared cool and peaceful, with streets adorned by large, elegant lamps standing along the sidewalks. Feshikha's car slowed as it approached a turn into a road with a gate above it, which read "Taman Aruna Cipta Residence" The car signaled and turned right, entering the residence. At a security post, Feshikha greeted the guards, who seemed already familiar with her and the purpose of her visit.

The car moved further in, revealing large houses spaced far apart from each other. Trees and brick constructions adorned the area, giving it an elegant feel. Each house was surrounded by high fences, giving a sense of privacy, and the area was very quiet with the residents seemingly preoccupied with their own affairs inside their homes. As they ventured deeper into the residence, the houses grew larger and more distant from each other, with gardens full of flowers, play facilities for children, and park benches.

The mansion they were headed to appeared at the far end, hidden behind thick trees, with a large, sturdy gate as its entrance. The building exuded a special aura, almost as if it were a noble estate showcasing a different status. However, Haidar seemed to have a different opinion. It wasn't just the grandeur; the mansion also had a sense of death looming over it.

The mansion's gate was opened by a security officer, and the car entered. Feshikha gave a friendly wave to the officer. What appeared was a vast yard, large enough to run freely in. There was a considerable distance from the gate to the main building, which would certainly tire one's legs if walked.

The car stopped at the parking area right in front of the main building. The engine was turned off, and the handbrake was engaged. "Klak," the car door opened, and Feshikha and Haidar stepped out. They were greeted by an elderly man in his mid-fifties, with a refined and polite aura. He wore a black tarbus, a neatly pressed white shirt, and black trousers. The elderly man, named Mr. Jaya, was the head of the household staff, and it seemed he had been waiting for their arrival.

"Welcome, please allow me to escort you inside," Mr. Jaya said politely.

Mr. Jaya then led Haidar and Feshikha into the mansion. "Vwoooom," beyond the entrance, a wide corridor leading into the mansion's interior came into view. The walls were adorned with several paintings. To the right of the entrance was a neatly arranged shoe rack with three decorative flower vases placed on top.

Small lights were seen attached to the ceiling. The three of them continued walking further down the corridor.

"Both the inside and outside are truly impressive," Haidar said.

"I understand that feeling. This isn't my first time here, but the sense of awe is still there," Feshikha replied.

"It must be such a hassle to maintain," Haidar said sarcastically, directed at Mr. Jaya.

"Haha, not really, there are plenty of people working here," Mr. Jaya responded jokingly.

"But it seems quieter than the last time I was here?" Feshikha asked.

"Some chose to take leave after that incident. It's understandable that they're scared," Mr. Jaya said calmly.

"And you're not scared?" Haidar asked Mr. Jaya.

"Haha, right now what I fear is having enough provisions for when I meet God," Mr. Jaya replied with a joking tone.

"Oh, I see," Haidar said, smiling slightly.

At the end of the corridor the three of them entered a large room with high ceilings and two sofas. One was a long curved sofa that could seat eight people, while the other, opposite the long sofa, was a two-person sofa with a glass table in the middle.

On the two-person sofa sat a woman with a beautiful face, long, shiny black hair flowing backward like a curtain. Her brown eyes carried a calming yet captivating aura. She wore a dark purple long dress and a simple yet elegant necklace that appeared expensive around her neck. The woman stood and walked toward Haidar and Feshikha, her perfect body shape clearly visible with heeled sandals on her feet, exuding an aristocratic presence along with warmth.

"Welcome, Officer Feshikha," the woman said, greeting and shaking Feshikha's hand.

"Good morning, Madam Helena, this is the person I mentioned," Feshikha said, introducing Haidar to Helena.

"Wow... you're still so young," Helena said, with a curious expression.

"Nice to meet you, Madam. I'm Haidar Danantya, you can call me Haidar," Haidar said, introducing himself while handing over his business card.

"Nice to meet you as well, I'm Helena Dewangkara, you can call me the same as Feshikha," Helena said, introducing herself with a smile and a calm aura, while accepting Haidar's business card.

Helena gestured for Haidar and Feshikha to sit down.

"Would you like something to drink? Coffee or tea perhaps?" Helena asked.

"Thank you, Madam, I'll have coffee," Feshikha replied.

"In that case, I'll have water," Haidar said.

Helena then asked Mr. Jaya to prepare the drinks. Without wasting time, once Mr. Jaya left, Helena immediately began discussing the root of the problem.

"Alright, I'm sure you've received information from Feshikha," Helena said seriously.

"Yes, Madam, and I will do my best to investigate it," Haidar replied.

"Hmmm... it seems like you're motivated, I like that," Helena said, smiling.

"Before anything else, I'd like to confirm the dates of death of the victims and if there is any specific connection between them," Haidar said.

"Hmmm... I don't think there's anything different from the reports we've given to the police," Helena said with a thoughtful expression.

Not long after, Mr. Jaya returned with a tray, two cups of coffee, and a glass of water. He handed the drinks to the guests first, then to Helena.

"It seems it's better to drink for now," Helena said to Haidar and Feshikha.

The three of them paused for a moment, each taking their drinks and getting ready to sip. Just as Helena was about to bring her drink to her lips, suddenly something fell from the ceiling into her coffee. She froze for a moment, then looked up. "Kyaaaaa...!!!" Helena suddenly screamed, standing up, spilling her coffee, and backing away from the sofa to the corner of the room. Feshikha, startled, immediately rushed over to Helena, and Helena pointed toward the ceiling above her as she sat on the sofa. Mr. Jaya immediately began praying while trying to stay calm, pulling something from his pocket and slowly moving toward Helena.

Feshikha's face showed fear that she was trying to suppress. Above, on the ceiling, there was a woman with long black hair, wearing a white long-sleeve uniform and a light brown long skirt, lying upside down with her limbs spread out. Her skin was very pale, and her stomach was ripped open, dripping blood. Her eyes were wide open with a few remnants of tears, giving her an expression of torment. Her stiff mouth was agape, adding to the terrifying aura of the unpleasant sight everyone was witnessing.

Except for Haidar, who remained seated on the sofa, he watched coldly at the body that, beyond reason, was firmly stuck to the ceiling with nothing supporting it. "Bruaakk.." Suddenly, the woman's body fell onto the sofa, face down. The others gasped and moved closer to the wall. Helena tightly held Feshikha's hand, and Mr. Jaya stood in front of them, continuing to pray while holding a metal disk shaped like a halo with a chain decoration, which he pointed toward the lifeless body.

Haidar sat with a serious expression. He took a golden compass from his blazer pocket. "Click," the compass opened. Haidar focused on the needle, which had a red tip. The needle quickly moved to two nearby directions. Haidar shifted his attention to the surroundings and the woman's body on the sofa. When he looked at Feshikha and the others, he could see their breath visibly in the air, and the atmosphere suddenly became quiet and cold. Haidar turned his attention back to the compass, still moving between two directions alternately. However, Haidar continued to observe the red needle carefully until, suddenly, the needle stopped and locked into one direction—toward a double door.

"Braaaak!!" The double doors slammed open loudly, and everyone's gaze immediately turned toward the doors as someone entered the living room. Haidar quickly closed his compass, and with a serious face, he tightly gripped the briefcase he was carrying.

To be continued.