Mr. Monday's Ambitions

Dusk has arrived as the sun hovers above the horizon. People could be seen rushing to their homes as the night was not forgiving.

Although the end of the Light Era brought forth a disruption in the night's activities, humanity adapted and relied on the blessing of Gods–evolved and overcame the challenges of darkness.

Bright oil lamps with mysterious runes etched upon them, glowed on the streets, providing a comforting warmth to keep the Pollution at bay.

Despite all the precautions, there will always be complications…

In a small apartment in South Grovebourne, a man in pure white clothing was standing at the window–gazing at the city.

In his view, only slums and large factories could be seen. However, it was difficult for him to see even the next neighboring block because of the thick smog in the air. Not to mention, the oil lamps in this area were sparse and the lighting was extremely dim.

He scrunched his nose as he inhaled the gases that would be harmful to a normal person if they breathed it in the long run.

"Mr. Monday, why did you ask me to meet here?" Motes of light appeared behind the man as a feminine voice floated in his ears.

Mr. Monday kept his silence.

Mr. Monday and 24 silently gazed at the murky smog outside the window. They could see a few poor people shivering outside. Many of them held candles provided for free by the authorities. These candles were unique and made with some form of blessings. They were the cheapest and less effective but it was better to have something rather than nothing.

Those who could–would buy the oil lamps being sold in the market. But who, here in the majority parts of South Grovebourne could even afford two meals to fill their stomach? How could they even dream of purchasing an oil lamp when even their stomach isn't full?

"Do you think Light will bring Salvation?" 24 broke the silence.

Mr. Monday shook his head, "I don't know whether Light will bring salvation or not…"

He paused. After thinking for a moment, he continued, "But I do know if Light doesn't bring salvation… then Darkness definitely won't."

"Nevertheless, as a loyal believer of Light, it my duty to fulfill the will of our Lord…" He concluded as determination brimmed in his eyes.

"You know…" 24's voice trailed off, as she continued with slight hesitation, "I always wonder. If Lord fell as they say… then who guides you?"

Mr. Monday seemed angry for a moment because 24 dared to doubt the existence of Light but then he remembered something as he laughed mockingly, "Lies. Isn't it self-evident? If Lord fell, then who gives the heirs of Light, guidance? Lord didn't fall completely. His heart still beats high in the sky, providing warmth and comfort to all living beings!" His tone was filled with pride.

24 remained silent.

"So, why did you call me?"

"I heard a report–A bus blew up in West Grovebourne."

24 raised an eyebrow but didn't interrupt and let him continue.

"From my intelligence, it was blown up by a Second of Light."

"Wha–? How?" 24's eyes widened in disbelief as she tried her best to calm herself.

"This is why I called you." Mr. Monday sighed, "Many innocents were killed but I never gave any order to slaughter civilians. Not to mention, I don't know myself how a mere Second can cause such massive devastation alone."

Understanding the situation, 24 asked, "You want me to get to the bottom of this?"

Mr. Monday nodded, "A variable has appeared. We have no idea who tried to frame us or clue about their motives."

"Are they just using the name of Light? Are they hostile to us or wish to align with us?"

Saying so, Mr. Monday turned around and looked at 24's pure white eyes.

"Your eyes are special and you should be able to gather some clues."

24 was not surprised in the least as she nodded, "I understand."

With that said, she vanished in the motes of light.

"Hmph! This girl is already showing signs of heresy." Mr. Monday muttered with a fierce glint in his eyes.

"Good, good. The further you stray away from beliefs the more your blessings will diminish. I'll have full control over Aedenstile by the time the annual celebration is over… And I might even be able to complete my 5th Baptization and become an Order 5–Dawn Bringer!" Mr. Monday clenched his fists.

…..

Inquisitor Constance stood beside the rotting flesh of the Second as she saw James using the Fortune Scope on it.

After Constance found a clue she couldn't bear the pain and retracted her usage. She knew if the pain kept increasing she might really lose all sensations. However, their investigations were not over and they had to still look for clues from the other bodies.

As such, Ryan and other officers came into the picture. They one by one checked all the bodies until finally, James used it on the body of the Second.

An agonizing scream was released by James but he held on as the Fortune Scope hovered over the body of Second. Once it touched, the needle inside it started rotating but very slowly.

Constance carefully glanced at it once the needle returned back to its original position.

A disappointed sigh escaped her lips.

"Leave it, James."

He quickly threw the compass into the wooden box held by Ryan.

"His luck has been altered but the difference in strength is huge–As such, the fortune scope can't pinpoint the location." She stated as a matter of fact.

Ryan asked, "The Fortune Scope couldn't locate the direction of Alternate Aspirations Club, which is understandable since they hide in Alternate Realm, while the power which influenced this Second is in the real world but couldn't be located because of a difference of strength, then is it safe to say that the two parties are unrelated?"

"We can't reach any conclusions this soon because we don't have enough clues." Constance shook her head.

"Anyways, it's almost night. Let's go back and report our findings to Bishop Julius. He will be able to give us better suggestions." Constance stretched a little. After which she picked up the wooden box from Ryan.

"Thank you for your cooperation, Inspector Ryan. You and your men have my gratitude."

"No problem! And you are welcome, Inquisitor."

After which the duo of Constance and James bid their farewell and left in their car.

…..

In the luxurious dining hall, Auch's opulent villa.

Arcane symbols glowed brightly on the walls of the hall, providing a soothing warmth.

Four people were sitting in the dining hall. At the main seat, a middle-aged man, who had a huge belly sat with a soft smile stretched across his chubby cheeks. He was Viscount Caspar Auch.

Helen Auch–his wife, the Viscountess was sitting beside him.

Across from them, a tall blond, elegant Stella sat.

Beside her, a boy in his early teenage years sat. He was Leo Auch, son of Caspar and Helen.

"My dear daughter, I wonder whether I have ever treated you badly?" Helen asked with an extended smile over her lips.

"What do you mean… mother?" Stella sneered with a hint of mockery.

The temperature of the dining hall dropped by several degrees. After a moment of silence,

"Enough! Stella I won't allow you to disrespect your mother in my presence." The chubby man interjected with a frown on his face.

Stella bit her lips lightly as she hung her head low and muttered, "I'm sorry."

At this time, several maids entered the dining hall and started placing lavish dishes on the dining table.

Another maid poured wine in wine chalices for Casper and Helen. By the time, she reached Stella, an ordinary-looking girl in a coffee-colored maid outfit was already pouring iced tea for Stella. She frowned but then her expression returned to normal as if what she witnessed was the most regular thing and got back to helping her fellow maids to place the dishes.

Before long, all the maids retreated.

Hmm? Why do I have iced tea as my drink? Once Stella noticed her chalice, she couldn't help but feel perplexed.

Instinctively, she glanced toward Helen.

Did she do it? Why do I feel something amiss?