Chapter 55: Knowledge of the Underworld

Leo and Liamond had already crossed Sun Square and made their way north into a street named Valley Avenue. After some brief inquiries with a few patrol officers, they discovered that the other two guards they were looking for were stationed at the eastern gate of the city. Their path led them to a spacious plaza named Highland Square.

Leo's eyes were immediately drawn to a grand church standing tall at the far end of the square. Its towering spires reached toward the sky and the stained glass windows reflected the weak winter sunlight in a kaleidoscope of colors.

"Is that another HQ?" Leo muttered, his gaze distant. "Why is it so much bigger than ours?" 

"That's the Highland Church," Liamond explained. "It's the largest church in the city after the Grand Cathedral. Captain Gerhard Schuster resides there."

Leo took a moment to admire the intricate carvings on the church's stone exterior before glancing around the square. Compared to the areas he was used to, everything here felt grander, cleaner and more refined. The buildings surrounding the square were three stories high, with elegant facades, ornate balconies and large copper pipes running along their sides. These pipes weren't just functional; they were decorated with intricate engravings and polished to a shine.

To the east, a wide road named Highland Way stretched out, flanked by even more luxurious houses. Leo squinted to make out the name of the street to the west, but it was too far away. The mansions on that side were larger than any building he had ever seen in the poorer districts. Each estate was surrounded by high, wrought-iron fences with intricate patterns, enclosing sprawling gardens and manicured lawns. The sheer size of these properties made Leo feel like they could each fit ten houses from Ashburn Street comfortably.

"Is this where the nobles live?" Leo asked, his gaze still fixed on the opulent mansions.

"Yes," Liamond replied with a slight nod. "The closer they are to the Grand Cathedral, the more expensive the land and the houses become."

"I never saw these houses when I went to the Grand Cathedral before."

"That's because you always take the main street. The Grand Cathedral is massive, and nearly five hundred meters of land around it belongs to its grounds. These estates are tucked away behind the cathedral's northern side."

As they continued walking toward the eastern gate, Leo observed more details. The trees lining the streets were evenly spaced, their bare branches reaching toward the pale sky. The winter cold had stripped them of leaves, leaving behind skeletal outlines that added a certain solemn beauty to the streets.

The carriages passing by were nothing like the rickety carts Leo had seen in the poorer areas. These were polished, reinforced with iron fittings and pulled by teams of four majestic horses. Their wheels barely made a sound on the well-maintained cobblestone streets. The people walking about were equally refined.

Leo's eyes landed on a man striding confidently down the street. He was dressed in a long, tailored jacket with brass buttons and elaborate embroidery running along the cuffs and collar. Underneath, he wore a ruffled high-collared shirt, paired with a waistcoat that had a gleaming watch chain dangling from one pocket. His trousers were sturdy yet stylish, tucked neatly into polished leather boots. A top hat sat firmly on his head, and a pair of brass goggles hung loosely around his neck.

Nearby, a woman walked with the poise of someone used to commanding attention. Her corset cinched her waist tightly, emphasizing her figure, while a layered skirt flowed elegantly with every step. Beneath the skirt, Leo noticed sturdy high-waisted trousers made of thick fabric peeking through as she stepped forward. Her blouse had a high collar, and her boots, though practical, had an air of sophistication. A small brass gear-shaped brooch was pinned to her chest.

Leo couldn't help but marvel at the sheer wealth on display. He quietly estimated that a single outfit worn by these nobles might cost more than his monthly rent.

As they approached the eastern gate, the crowd grew denser. Nobles, merchants and guards mingled, their conversations forming a constant background hum. The gate itself was grand, far more decorated than the one near Ashburn Street. 

Four guards stood at their posts, their polished armor gleaming faintly in the morning light. Liamond confidently approached one of them. The guard noticing them, straightened up and placed his fist over his chest in salute.

"We're looking for Officer Dudley and Officer Hayden," Liamond said firmly.

The guard lowered his hand and glanced at them with a smug expression. "You're from the southern HQ, aren't you?"

As he spoke, the guard placed a condescending hand on Liamond's shoulder, his fingers pressing down lightly in an attempt to assert dominance.

"This is the nobles gate, and it's far too crowded for you to just walk in and start demanding officers. You'll have to—"

Before the guard could finish his sentence, Liamond's hand shot up, gripping the guard's wrist firmly. With a sharp twist and a practiced spin, Liamond used the guard's own arm as leverage, sending him sprawling onto his back. The armored man hit the cobblestones with a loud clatter, a gasp escaping his lips as the air was knocked from his lungs.

The sound of impact cut through the hum of the crowd and for a brief moment, everything seemed to freeze as onlookers turned their heads to stare.

Though Liamond wasn't a warrior by class, he was still a C-rank priest. His physical training, paired with Light-based reinforcement magic, made him far stronger than an average guard.

"Next time, show respect to your superiors," Liamond said calmly, his expression unchanged. "Now get up and fetch Officers Dudley and Hayden."

The guard scrambled to his feet, his face flushed with embarrassment and anger, but he didn't argue. He turned and hurried toward the other guards, muttering under his breath.

Leo stepped closer to Liamond. "Wasn't that a bit excessive?"

"Sometimes," Liamond replied, his voice low, "they need a reminder. If we let arrogance fester, it'll spread like a disease."

After a few tense minutes, the guard returned with two officers following behind him. Both men saluted, fists to their chests.

"One of you will accompany us," Liamond ordered. "The other will remain here to assist with gate duties until it's your turn."

The officers nodded in sync and one stepped forward while the other returned to his post. With their new companion in tow, Leo and Liamond turned away from the gate, ready to continue their investigation.

They stepped inside the police lodge. Compared to the one near the south gate, this building was larger, cleaner and better maintained. The polished wooden floors reflected the warm glow of gas lamps and there was even a small kitchen tucked beside the restrooms—a clear sign of higher status.

It took nearly an hour to question the two officers. While they revealed small secrets, like taking bribes or neglecting duties, none of it was connected to the missing person they were investigating.

As they stepped back outside, Leo noticed the officer Liamond had humiliated earlier glaring at them with poorly hidden resentment.

The memory of Rosie and the two officers who had cornered her flashed through Leo's mind. Without Liamond noticing, he used his Illusion and Fear spells.

To the officer, Leo's eyes turned pitch black, and an unnatural sense of dread crept over him. His breath hitched and sweat began to bead on his forehead as he felt an oppressive weight settle over him.

Satisfied, Leo turned away, breaking the illusion. 

…

After half an hour of walking Leo and Liamond arrived back at the association. As they stepped inside, Lara, standing behind her desk, gestured towards Edmond's office.

"The Captain wants to see you both."

With a brief knock, they entered the office. Edmond was standing near his desk, focused on a map spread out in front of him before his sharp gaze settled on them.

"Tonight, you two and Wina will head to Murg—a small city southeast of here. That's where the two police officers were last sent."

His piercing eyes shifted to Leo, and his voice became firm.

"I know what they did Leo, but I'm sending you as a Paladin, not as Leo Mantine."

Leo straightened and put his fist over his chest.

"Understood, sir."

He understood Edmond's unspoken message—this was a test.

Edmond gave a brief nod of satisfaction. "Be here at eleven. You will travel undercover. If the noble catch wind of this, it could lead to their escape—or worse, their deaths. You'll receive further details then. You're both relieved of your duties until you return. This is an emergency and your classes have been suspended until further notice."

The two saluted and exited the office.

As they walked down the hallway, Leo glanced at Liamond. "You have classes too?"

Liamond stretched his arms above his head. "How else do you think I keep learning? Don't worry, I'll handle informing the others. You can head out if you want."

Leo gave a small nod, watching Liamond walk off toward the kitchen. Afterward, he slipped into an unoccupied storage room and quickly changed into his casual clothes. Ten minutes later, he was back home. 

His mother was waiting at the door.

"Hi, Mom."

"Hi, sweetie."

Inside, Eliza and Rosie were sitting on the sofa. Eliza looked healthier but still wore a hollow expression. Her mother's disappearance weighed heavily on her small shoulders.

His mother caught his questioning look. "She's better, but she hasn't eaten anything yet."

Leo approached them and both girls turned to him. In Eliza's round eyes, he could see hope—fragile and desperate.

Leo knelt slightly to meet her gaze and gave her a reassuring smile. "All the police officers and paladins are working together. We will find your mom."

Eliza's lips trembled as tears spilled silently down her cheeks.

After a few more minutes with them, Leo retreated to his room. Sitting on his bed, he spent half an hour deep in thought. However, a faint feeling prickled at the back of his neck—someone was watching the house.

He activated his magic crystals and peeked outside. His eyebrows shot up when he spotted Ryan standing across the street, casually waving.

Still in his outdoor clothes, Leo slipped out of his room and into the kitchen.

"Mom, something's come up. I need to head out. Also, I have a mission tonight so I might not be back until tomorrow."

His mother's face remained calm, her worry absent for once.

"Is it about Eliza's mom?"

"Yes."

She nodded. "We'll have dinner in an hour. Will you be back by then?"

"I don't know. If I'm not, go ahead without me."

With that, he stepped out into the cold evening air, leaving Rosie and Eliza exchanging curious glances.

Ryan grinned as Leo approached.

"I told you not to come to my house," Leo muttered.

"Relax! I'm not at your house—I'm near your house."

Leo sighed. "Alright, what do you want?"

Ryan raised an eyebrow. "I'm here to get you ready, remember?" He turned around, motioning for Leo to follow. "Come on."

"Where are we going? I have things to do."

"Relax. I know about your mission tonight."

Leo frowned. "How do you know that?"

Ryan smirked. "You just told your mom."

Leo's expression darkened.

"Alright, alright," Ryan said, holding up his hands. "I won't do anything sketchy when you're home. Now, follow me. We're getting coffee."

After five minutes of walking, they entered a small café tucked away in an alley at the far end of Ashburn Street. The interior was dimly lit but warm, with the rich scent of coffee filling the air. They took a table in the corner.

Ryan leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Before I can teach you anything useful, you need to know how to defend yourself against underworld creatures."

Leo raised an eyebrow. "What about Ethereon?"

"Don't worry about that. The beings there don't care about a fly like you."

Leo caught the difference in Ryan's wording—creatures for the underworld, but beings for Ethereon.

"First of all, these creatures don't have physical bodies, so they can move across the ground extremely fast. You already know about how you leave mana traces on anything you touch, right?"

"Yes, a little," Leo replied.

"Your body constantly produces mana. At first it's stored within you, but once your capacity is full it starts leaking out, leaving behind something like a mana fingerprint. This residue lingers in the world for a while—its duration depends on your power—then it gradually fades and blends into the environment."

Ryan paused and smiled before continuing. "Here's where it gets interesting. When you talk about certain things—especially magical things—it affects your soul and that, in turn, alters your mana. What do you think happens next?"

Leo furrowed his brows. "When it leaves my body, the creatures can track me by sensing my mana?"

"Exactly. Any creature passing through the area can detect that mana and if it draws their attention, they'll come for you. The stronger ones can sense your mana from much farther away."

Ryan picked up his cup of coffee, which the waiter had brought while they were talking, and took a sip.

"Sometimes it's just bad luck—they happen to be passing by and overhear you. That's why you shouldn't casually talk about these topics whenever or wherever you want. Got it so far?"

Leo nodded firmly. "Yes."

"Good. Now, let's talk about how you can protect yourself." Ryan took another sip, preparing to explain further.