Interlude 4 - Demonic Sect

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- Well, from the looks of it, there are still two more sacrifices left to perform, in the best case scenario for us. But I'd be interested in examining these seals myself to get a better understanding," John said, setting aside the file.

- But that could be a problem," I said with an awkward expression on my face, "A member of our squad destroyed almost all of the seals in an attempt to slow down the ritual.

- That's not good... Besides, if he didn't succeed, it's even worse," Konstantin said with a frown.

- According to him, he was able to clear a few seals, but the old ones have been there for too long, and he couldn't do anything with them," I answered.

- I will talk to him again, and at the same time we will try to find this sectarian. But I warn you that people like that don't usually work alone," John told me.

In fact, I was thinking that our killer wasn't working alone. He probably has accomplices, but he just goes to work alone. Although maybe the murders weren't all committed by one person, that's also a possibility that can't be denied. But then there's the question. How many combat-ready men does the enemy have? We can only hope not many.

The rest of the trip passed in silence, as none of us had any desire to talk. Already at the base we could talk things over with Uther and Ikusaba. Though the latter probably wouldn't say anything, she was just a combat support. I've seen her skills, and they're excellent for a human.

We'll have to report everything to Miss S when we get there. I wonder what she'll say to that.

We reached the temporary base, where I took Konstantin. Surprisingly, he was quite good at making contact, despite the Chief's words about his bad temper. I left him to talk to Uther for a while, while I stepped aside to call Miss S.

- Yes, Neo, any news? - Miss Semilia asked me as soon as she picked up the phone.

- Yeah, on a tip from the Boss, I found a real mage who can help us. We'll probably get to the culprit, or rather criminals soon," I mumbled.

- Good, Ed will be pleased. I'll come to you myself. I'd like to participate in a capture mission,' Miss S said, after a short delay.

- 'All right, we'll wait for you here. How soon will you be here? - I asked.

- 'I'm getting ready now, so expect me in a few hours,' she said simply, and disconnected the call.

That's how... Well, you could say that this mission would be supervised by the Boss. Although if the Boss himself arrived, it would be much better, but it can't be helped.

After that, I entered the room where everyone else was sitting. And I was immediately greeted by a scolding scene.

- We can't just sit still and wait! Innocent people are dying because of our inaction! - Uther said loudly, slamming his fist on the table.

- This is the best option, because this way we won't spook the hunter and we'll be able to find him. And if we wander aimlessly around possible attack zones, we'll only alert our enemies and lose the initiative," John said indifferently.

- Don't you care about people's lives at all? - Uther asked him.

- We'll sacrifice a few to save hundreds. And that's fine with me," John said.

- What if there's only one victim left before the ritual is complete? - Uther said.

- That would be the most... unpleasant," Constantine said, "And we just have to hope it doesn't happen.- How can you not understand... - Uther started to speak again, but at that moment I decided to intervene.

- Stop! Enough pointless arguments! - I shouted, coming closer to them.

- We'll do it another way. John, tell me, how far is the place where the demon will be summoned from the places where the sacrifices take place? - I asked him.

- Hmm, worst case scenario, about seventy to eighty kilometres at most," he said, thinking.

- Then we'll have to focus on this option. Most likely, our killer is not one person, but a certain group. And this group must be based somewhere. And not far from Washington, long enough and secretive enough. So we're gonna try to find them. I will give you all devices for communication, and we will go to the assault only together, - I said the option, which was not the best, but still suitable.

- Acceptable," Uther said calmly.

- Tz, it's a lot of trouble, but it's safer," John said with a little displeasure.

- Then I suggest we get started. You'll split into teams, and you'll scour certain areas, I said, and then I thought for a second, - Assassin!

- One of the Assassins appeared beside us.

- How many people can you allocate for this mission? - I asked him.

- The Master allowed to mobilise up to twenty men in special situations," he answered, looking around lazily.

- Then you will also search the areas within the radius indicated. You'll be more effective than the rest of us at this," I said calmly. The Assassin just nodded and disappeared. They also have equipment that they know how to use very well. Though in my experience, almost all of them prefer to report in person.

- It's also time for us to get started. Mukuro, you're with me. John with Uther," I said, nodding my head to the girl.

I actually split the groups up like this so that the two of them would try to bond. Still, I think that John and I will have to work together more than once, so it's better this way. And Mukuro will be quiet and calm, which is a huge plus.

We left the building and got into the car, driving out of town. In fact, I didn't even understand in principle how exactly I was supposed to search the areas or what I was supposed to be looking for. I guess you could say that I was hoping for Assassins more than anything else.

Well, at least I should try. It was with these thoughts in mind that we set off on our journey. Mostly checking old or abandoned houses, we didn't make much progress. We found only a couple of homeless people, and teenagers who were looking for a thrill.

I wonder why these sectarians didn't sacrifice conditional homeless people, even if they needed certain dates of birth, there would be such people among the homeless. And nobody would pay much attention to the disappearance of such people.

And the murder of the official's daughter was not an accident at all, but a challenge... or revenge. Very strange for a case like this. On the one hand, everything was done professionally, leaving no evidence. And on the other hand, the choice of targets is as unlikely as possible.

Still, if I were them, I'd try to find people who are as disconnected from society as possible. And the rituals themselves to conduct not in the city, but in the forests or similar places where people do not go often.

All these actions were like sectarians trying to lure someone. Still, they had originally killed people so that they would be found. And when they thought the hype was too little, they decided to kill the daughter of a big shot.

I don't like this situation. It makes me think that they're setting a trap for us. And I just really wish it was just me being overly paranoid.

Although... why would some random sectarian be setting a trap on us anyway? In fact, they've been doing it all since before our squad showed up. However, they have another suitable target. If the boss has described Constantine's skills in such a way, then he must have some reputation... and with it a long list of enemies, and probably from the demons themselves.

- Neo, targets found, sending coordinates," I heard Assassin's grave voice in my earpiece, which brought me out of my musings. Already? It's only been a few hours, right? That's what professionals are like.

- We've found the targets, we're moving out," I said simply to Mukuro, to which she nodded.

We went to the car together, and told the driver to drop us off near the right place. I think we can find some mates there and get ready.

And to be honest, the place we arrived at didn't remind me at all that there might be some sectarians living here. It's a very ordinary village, too ordinary to say the least. Especially this close to Washington, D.C.

According to the Internet information I'd checked on the way here, it was some sort of small Amish community, followers of their own religion, preaching a backwardness to technology.

It's actually a demon-worshipping community. It's like a cheap horror film. Except there's a little difference. We're not helpless.- There you are, Neo," I heard a woman's voice that I recognised immediately as Miss S's.

- I see we were the last to arrive? - I asked them.

- Yes, but don't worry, we were just discussing the plan," John answered me.

- Let's get on with it then," I mumbled.

After that we decided how exactly we would go inside. We didn't take anyone else with us, because it might be too dangerous for ordinary people. Still, last time one of them almost killed two policemen who were armed.

It's time to end this demonic sect at the root!

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