The Next Task

Chapter 6: The Next Task

Davie emerged from the hidden chamber, a look of determination on his face. "Pluton, we have another task to complete," he said, his voice serious.

Pluton's mind was still reeling from his cosmic journey, but he pushed aside his thoughts and focused on Davie. "What's the task?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"We need to investigate a mansion that's been causing quite a stir," Davie replied. "Apparently, there's a 'ghost' haunting the place, and the people who lived there have been disappearing one by one."

Pluton's eyes widened. "A ghost, you say? That sounds ominous."

Davie nodded. "It gets even more interesting. The mansion used to be owned by one of the Order's librarians from ancient times. But recently, strange things have been happening there."

Pluton's mind raced with questions, but he didn't reveal anything about his recent experience. Instead, he listened intently as Davie continued to explain the situation.

"The mansion is located on the outskirts of the kingdom, and it's been abandoned for decades," Davie said. "But a few weeks ago, a group of brave adventurers decided to explore the mansion, and that's when the strange occurrences started happening."

"What kind of occurrences?" Pluton asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"People have been reporting strange noises, movements, and even apparitions," Davie replied. "Some have even gone missing, never to be seen again. The locals are terrified, and the Order has received several requests to investigate."

Pluton's eyes widened in alarm. "That sounds serious. What do you think is causing it?"

Davie shrugged. "That's what we need to find out. Our mission is to investigate the mansion, gather information, and put an end to whatever evil force is haunting the place."

Before they embarked on their journey, Davie suggested they do some research in the library to gather more information about similar occurrences. Elara, the librarian, assisted them in finding relevant books, and together they skimmed through the pages, borrowing the books they needed.

As they searched, Elara, Davie, and Pluton brainstormed possible explanations for the strange happenings at the mansion. "Could it be a case of mass hysteria?" Elara suggested.

"Or maybe it's a genuine paranormal phenomenon," Davie added.

Pluton listened, his mind whirling with theories. He didn't contribute any ideas, still processing his own experience in the cosmic void.

As they delved deeper into their research, they stumbled upon an ancient text that caught their attention. It was an account of a similar haunting that had occurred in a nearby village centuries ago.

"This is interesting," Elara said, her eyes scanning the pages. "It seems that the haunting was caused by a malevolent spirit that had been awakened by a group of reckless adventurers."

Davie's eyes narrowed. "That sounds similar to what's happening at the mansion. Maybe we're dealing with a similar entity."

Pluton's mind raced with possibilities. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this haunting than meets the eye.

After hours of research, they finally gathered all the information they needed. With their research materials in hand, they set off towards the mysterious mansion, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

They traveled by horse carriage, the journey taking several hours. As they rode, they noticed a strange feeling in the air. The sky seemed to grow darker, and the wind picked up, carrying an eerie howl.

"This feels ominous," Pluton said, his voice low.

Davie nodded. "I know what you mean. Let's keep our wits about us."

As they journeyed on, they encountered several strange occurrences. They saw shadowy figures darting across the road, and heard strange noises in the distance. Pluton's heart raced with anticipation, his mind wondering what lay ahead.

. . .

As they pulled up to the small, weathered inn, its timbers creaked with age, and ivy crawled up its walls like grasping fingers. The windows were small and heavily curtained, allowing only feeble streams of light to escape into the encroaching darkness. Pluton couldn't shake the feeling that the inn itself held secrets, hidden within its ancient walls.

Entering cautiously, they found themselves in a dimly lit common room, the air thick with the scent of stale ale and damp wood. Tables were scattered haphazardly, and a low fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadows across the room. The only other occupants were a few weary travelers nursing their drinks in silence.

As they sat down to eat, a figure emerged from the shadows, his form bent and twisted with age. His eyes gleamed with a strange intensity, and his tattered robes whispered against the floor as he approached.

"You're the ones heading to the mansion, aren't you?" he rasped, his voice low and gravelly.

Davie exchanged a glance with Pluton before nodding cautiously. "Yes, we are. What do you know about it?"

The old man leaned in close, his breath smelling of must and decay. "I know that it's a place of darkness, a place where the living are not welcome. You'll need all your wits about you to survive."

Pluton's heart raced with anticipation as he leaned forward, eager for answers. "How do you know we're headed there?"

The old man's lips curled into a wry smile. "I've been around these parts for longer than most, young man. I have my ways of knowing things."

Davie narrowed his eyes, studying the old man closely. "And what reason would you have to help us?"

The old man's smile widened, revealing a row of yellowed teeth. "Let's just say I have a vested interest in seeing that mansion's secrets remain hidden."

As they conversed further, the old man shared tales of strange happenings in the area – disappearances, sightings of shadowy figures, and whispers of dark rituals. Pluton's excitement grew with each word, his mind racing with possibilities.

With their meal finished and their resolve steeled, they bid the old man farewell and set off once again into the night, ready to face whatever lay ahead.