Setting Out and the Encounter

"That's an image of a suspect. Is there something strange about it?" Loretta, seated beside Daly, leaned over to glance at the image and responded.

"It's nothing… just that he looks familiar…" Daly murmured softly, her gaze lingering.

"Of course he does! He looks nearly identical to the character Tony Stark from Emperor Roselle's Hero series illustrations. We suspect he's either a 'Faceless' or possesses an item with similar effects," Loretta replied with a grin.

She welcomed the topic change, hoping it might lighten Daly's spirits after missing the chance to personally avenge herself.

Cesimir, who had been listening in, looked over and asked, "Are we sure this person is the one in the 'Iron Man' suit outside the Dockworkers' Union?"

"We can't be certain…

"He's only a suspect because he was spotted near Black Palm Street. His distinctive appearance left a lasting impression on the witness—a loyal reader of the Hero series. Then we used spirit communication to get this image.

"But it's only a suspicion… We can't rule out that this man simply happens to look like a Roselle illustration."

After Loretta shook her head, Cesimir thought for a moment before asking, "And the owner of the house 'Iron Man' and 'Hulk' destroyed? Did he say who he rented it to?"

"The landlord remembers nothing at all… and I mean that literally," Loretta emphasized, implying they'd confirmed this with extraordinary means.

Cesimir gave a slight nod and then turned to the Nighthawk Al Hasson. "Anything from your side?"

Al, an attractive man in his forties, flipped through the papers in his hand. "We've identified the one who killed Lanevus as a Sequence 8 'Clown.' He uses cards like throwing knives and has a powerful firearm that shoots bullets imbued with 'Black Flame' and 'Frost'… an assessment suggests these powers come from a 'Witch.'

"Also, we believe that the final display of tarot cards was more akin to a ritual or symbol, suggesting that the Beyonder might belong to an organization we don't yet understand. But it could also just be a personal habit.

"As for whether this 'Clown' and 'Iron Man' belong to the same organization, we can't tell yet…"

At this, Al paused, seemingly considering something but hesitating to continue.

"Go on, say what's on your mind," Cesimir prodded, frowning slightly.

"Yes, Sir Cesimir." Al straightened and gathered his thoughts. "Back when I served as acting captain for Tingen's Nighthawk squad, I handled a 'serial killer' case… and in that case, we received vital intel from someone who called himself 'Doctor Strange,' who helped us apprehend the killer…"

"You're suggesting this 'Doctor Strange' and 'Iron Man' are from the same organization?" Cesimir asked, evidently aware of Tingen's case files.

"I do wonder… after all, both of them bear names inspired by Roselle's *Hero* series, and both lean toward collaborating with official teams like ours…"

Al was interrupted by Cesimir, who said, "I know you all have favorable opinions of 'Iron Man' after he saved you… as do I! If he's willing, I'd even vouch for him to join our official organization."

Looking around the room, Cesimir continued, "But remember: as guardians, we can't let emotions cloud our judgment! No matter how harmless 'Iron Man' may seem now, we can't afford to be careless… after all, even we ourselves carry the risk of losing control, do we not?"

Seeing the group acknowledge his words, Cesimir sighed and spoke carefully. "The lack of a clear motive in the murder of Lanevus leaves me perplexed… but both 'Iron Man' and 'Clown' are worth close attention. Keep investigating.

"Additionally, though the Aurora Order's Envoy was severely injured by the Holy Sword, he's not dead! You've witnessed his strength—his final strike held the power of a demigod.

"The failure of their plan to bring the True Creator's descent is likely to drive him into a frenzy. Be on high alert. I'll be staying here in Backlund."

"Yes, Sir Cesimir." The supervisors and team leaders replied seriously.

Cesimir then briefed them on collecting data on the factory district, East End, and the dockyard to support national reforms before adjourning.

When everyone had left, Daly lingered, her fingers gently tracing the image of the suspect, her lips curling slightly as she murmured softly:

"A motive-less attack on Lanevus…

"A deliberate choice to save Nighthawks instead of pursuing the Aurora Envoy…

"That young girl from MI9 suspects 'Iron Man' might actually be a 'Nightmare' or 'Soul Assurer'…

"And finally… these eyes…"

Closing the case file, Daly shut her eyes momentarily. When she opened them again, she felt a light breaking through the darkness of her heart as if she was finally "alive" once more.

"Goddess… I pray to You… I pray that this isn't just my foolish fantasy…"

…

Damir Port, 12:00 PM.

With the "pirate gathering" scheduled for Tuesday, even though Damir wasn't far from the volcanic island, Ebner and Mr. Gaston had to leave soon after Ebner gathered his equipment and escorted Mr. Gaston to the island's western "Rock Platform."

Time was tight because, apart from the four pirate kings and seven generals, most other pirates and attendees only recently received the notice and wouldn't be able to make it if they dawdled… a precaution to prevent ambush by national navies and stronghold members of the major churches.

The "Rock Platform" was the name for a natural private dock on the island's western side, where Ebner and Xio had once boarded Miss Gwyn's Aarunheim to explore the cave of the abandoned island, exterminating the "Dragon-Eyed Boa" and finally encountering the locked-down ritual at the shipwreck.

Speaking of Miss Gwyn, the young lady who fled from an arranged marriage in Backlund had since advanced to a Sequence 8 "Pugilist" and gained two companions, making a name for herself in the waters near Damir.

Ebner knew this because Mr. Gaston had hired Gwen's Aarunheim for the trip to the "pirate gathering."

"Honestly, Miss Gwyn has great character—she endures hardships alongside her crew, is generous with her share, and is well-liked. Many young people on the island admire her, including students at my school…

"You'd probably attract quite a bit of anger if you went after her," Mr. Gaston joked as they waited.

Ebner wanted to roll his eyes. All those rumors about his supposed romantic escapades were baseless, fabricated by gossip tabloids! He was entirely innocent!

Besides, how had those rumors spread so far? Despite the limitations of telegraphs, his personal life seemed to travel faster than important state matters…

Just as Ebner was about to defend himself, a twenty-meter-long twin-masted brigantine appeared on the horizon, with the slightly taller Miss Gwyn enthusiastically waving at them.

The Aarunheim was still the same vintage sailing vessel but now had a ram on the prow, armor over the stern, and a row of gunports on both sides—obviously upgraded.

Before the boat could lower a dinghy, Ebner used "Gale" to lift Mr. Gaston and glide them down to the deck of the Aarunheim.

"Hello, Mr. Gaston," Gwyn greeted first before turning to Ebner with a smile. "Long time no see, Detective Bryan… no, 'Hero Detective' is more fitting!"

"Just call me Ebner, Miss Gwyn." After exchanging pleasantries, Ebner's attention turned to the young man and woman standing behind her.

More precisely, his gaze lingered on the girl, who looked even younger than Gwyn—maybe sixteen or seventeen.

It wasn't her sweet, innocent appearance that caught his attention but the feathered cap she wore, a familiar item he instantly recognized…

(End of Chapter)