Chapter 14 - The Identity

Matthew read through the notifications, a bit dumbfounded.

[ New Point Of Interest : 'The Pilgrim'. The Pilgrim is now marked on Map ]

[ New Cache : Bonus Cache (Exploration). Opening...….. ]

[ Obtained 47 Creds ]

[ Obtained Dossier Item 'Dossier : 'Lysander 'The Pilgrim' St. Clair' ]

[ 'Dossier : 'Lysander 'The Pilgrim' St. Clair' will now be available in 'Shop' ]

[ Reward Progress : Unlock Shop - (5/5) POI visited ]

[ Shop : Unlocked ]

Matthew's curiosity about the 'shop' was almost unbearable. It was like there was a tantalizing piece of chocolate cake sitting just out of reach, but mom told you to eat it after dinner.

However, with a Herculean effort of willpower, he resisted the temptation and reminded himself that he needed to finish the task at hand before indulging in any sweet distractions. And if the system's notifications were any indication, this place was not as simple as it seemed.

'Lysander St. Clair. 'The Pilgrim', huh? *huff* Here we go. 'Matthew pushed open the heavy wooden door of the opulent bar, and as he stepped inside, the tinkling sound of a bell chimed above him. 

The dimly lit establishment was adorned with plush velvet curtains, crystal chandeliers and mahogany furniture. The air was filled with the smell of aged whiskey, clinking of glasses and lively conversations. Matthew quickly found Sophie. She was waving her hand at him from a table.

Matthew walked towards her while activating his street sense. He froze! He was looking at Angelina. 'An Elite Viable, and not much weaker than a Master'. Shivers ran up his hand all the way to his neck as he looked at her oppressing red aura through street vision. The other couldn't but Matthew could sense - no 'see' her aura and it was just so big.

Angelina noticed Matthew's odd behavior, he was staring right at her, frozen. And she guessed it immediately - 'He can sense me!' She was also shocked because only Viables on the same level or stronger can sense others. And she could sense nothing from Matthew. 'Was he stronger than her? Impossible!' 

There was no way Matthew was a Master Viable, judging from his posture and movements. And if he indeed was a master he wouldn't have become frozen stiff after seeing her 'But then, how could he sense her?'

 Matthew quickly composed himself or at least he tried his best to compose himself and approached Sophie. 

"Well Mr. Matthew aren't you fashionably late. How do you like the place?"

"Huh?! Oh! Yeah it's.... unique." Matthew replied still a bit flustered he was stealing glances at Angelina warily. 

Sophie noticed him looking at Angelina "Mr. Matthew, do you mind not checking out my 'lover' right in front of me?"

Angelina shot her a dangerous glare, clearly not amused by the comment.

Undeterred by Angelina's glare Sophie continued "I can't blame you though, she's beautiful isn't she?" she said with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

"Yeah, she is." Matthew gave his most professional smile to Angelina, not letting his eyes wander. "Matthew Marshall," he extended his hand towards her.

Angelina stopped her death glare at Sophie and looked at Matthew trying to see through him "Angelina Romano, a 'friend' of Sophie's" she stressed the word friend while glaring at Sophie. Sophie just rolled her eyes.

"Its a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Angelina"

'Hey! How come he never called 'me' a lady!' Sophie wanted to call him out but she kept her thoughts to herself

Angelina again turned to Matthew "The pleasure is mine Mr. Marshall" she replied with a curt smile.

Sophie looked at the two of them "Now if you two are quiet done, Mr. Matthew lets get to business. Would you care for a drink?"

"No, its alright." Matthew said grabbing a set at the table. "So what do you have for me?"

Angelina sensed the mood and quickly excused herself "I going grab a drink, be right back." Sophie nodded at her.

Sophie took out a file from her bag and handed it to Matthew "I believe I have found the perfect 'alias' for you to 'assume'"

Matthew took the file form her hands and started reading it -

[

Archive 62-B

- Missing Person Case Report -

Case Number: GRZ-09-12XXX

Missing Person: Matteo (No Last Name)

Date of Birth: June 5, 1987

Age at Disappearance: 12 years and 5 months

Date of Disappearance: November 1, 1999

Time Missing: 10 years and 2 months

Last Seen: St. Maria Orphanage, Verbindung

Description: Matteo is a Caucasian male, with brown hair and hazel eyes. At the time of his disappearance, he was approximately 4 feet 8 inches tall and weighed around 85 pounds. He was last seen wearing a faded blue sweater, denim jeans, and worn-out sneakers. Matteo has a small scar on his left cheek.

Circumstances of Disappearance: Matteo was residing at the St. Maria Orphanage in Florence when he was reported missing on November 1, 1999. Staff members discovered his absence during the routine morning headcount. There were no signs of forced entry or struggle in his dormitory. Despite an extensive initial investigation, no leads were uncovered, and Matteo's disappearance remains a cold case.

Additional Information: Matteo had been under the care of the orphanage since infancy, and his family background is unknown. Efforts to trace any relatives or potential guardians have proven unsuccessful. The circumstances surrounding Matteo's early life, as well as the reasons for his placement in the orphanage, remain unclear.

Case Status: Cold Case

Current Year: 2009

Investigation Details: Despite exhaustive efforts by local law enforcement and Interpol, no credible leads or sightings of Matteo have been reported since his disappearance. The case has been periodically reviewed, but no new evidence has emerged. Authorities are open to any information that may help solve this cold case and bring closure to Matteo's mysterious disappearance. ]

]

Matthew read the archive. He surprise gradually continuing to increase as he progressed through it. When he was done he stared at Sophie as if she was a god "How did you find this?" he couldn't help but ask her.

"Oh! it was quiet a bit of dumb luck actually. And some - how do you say it - 'I have my ways'" It was Sophie's turn to act smug now.

Matthew looked at her, his face twitched slightly with annoyance.

Sophie, on the other hand was quiet enjoying this. "Well I can tell you, but its going to cost you." she smiled devilishly.

Matthew felt like his street sense was trying to warn him. *sigh* he sighed tiredly.