Return (1)

"Has the mist returned to Lizan? That's the question running through the minds of scarred civilians who were happy thinking that the mist was a thing of the past now." The news anchor said in her confident tone, "Earlier today 2 people went missing from the popular city park. The Special force was quick to respond, but sadly no traces could be found of the missing couple."

"Deja vu," Zaen mumbled.

He was sitting on the couch, surfing the news to see if the media had any information regarding the Special force's operation in the park. But he had never expected to come across such an intimidating headline. Zaen's worst fear was coming true. Ever since fighting against the Frenzied Ghoul, something in the back of his head had been screaming at him. Telling him it wasn't over yet. And now, it kind of made sense.

It could have been that the Frenzied Ghoul was causing numerous rifts to open and people unknowingly fell into those rifts. Or it could also mean that Frenzied ghoul was just a pawn in a bigger game and nothing more...

"Maybe those two fell into a rift in the park? I mean there are 9 more rifts in the city according to the artifact..."

"The special force's quick reaction to the news of a disappearance left the civilians in a daze." The anchor continued, "While a few of them were glad that the special force was finally taking their job seriously, there were also people who thought it was all a part of some conspiracy."

"Of course they did. It's easier to trust the Devil's contract than trusting those people." Zaen agreed with the later crowd. He too was suspicious of the force's immediate reaction.

Two scenarios were going in his mind. First, the Special Force might already know about the disappearances and thus respond quickly to the call. Or second, they were the ones responsible for the disappearances and wanted to erase any evidence they might have left behind.

"I don't think they had any good intentions either," Aeron told Zaen.

Zaen nodded before looking up to see Aeron standing behind the couch, his elbows were comfortably placed on Zaen's shoulders.

"I mean after they went out of their way to keep the local PD out of the park until the PD got an order from the mayor." Aeron continued. "It's clear that they had some ulterior motive behind all the drama, apart from getting PR by showing the people how righteous the force was."

"I think so as well." Zaen sighed, "Too bad I couldn't use the mask to investigate them..."

"Either way I came here to tell you something else." Aeron said before placing his tablet into Zaen's lap, "Read this."

Zaen looked at the tablet and a news article was opened.

"'Miko Hirashi goes missing.' What?" Zaen was confused, did the mist got her as well?

"Keep reading. You haven't read the main article yet." Aeron mumbled before scrolling down and highlighting the part he wanted Zaen to read.

"Popular conspiracy theorist, Miko Hirashi, 26, has seemingly gone missing after she was seen rushing out of Mitoba police headquarters. Minutes later the 12 officers stationed there were found dead in a gruesome state. The condition of their remains is so graphic, we cannot attach them to this article." Zaen began reading the excerpt out loud.

"However, those images have found their way on multiple online platforms so we suggest our readers to be vigilant and immediately report the photographs/posts so that they could be removed. The police are on the lookout for Miko for further questioning. It is also requested to report her immediately if seen. The civilians are being warned not to approach her by themselves as she is the prime suspect in the case and might not hesitate before attacking the civilians."

"Miko's fans, however, are saying that she is completely innocent and this might be a conspiracy to silence her. Some are even saying that she might have found something massive related to the government or its related institutions and thus she's being targetted by them."

"Whatever might be the reason for her disappearance, it has pitched her supporters against the government and the law enforcement. CCTB news."

After Zaen finished reading the blog, he looked at Aeron, who had an equally grim expression. Miko was like a sister to them, after all despite her age, she was quite a close relationship with their parents and often accompanied them on their expeditions. She even told them that their parents were the reason she was so successful.

"There's no way in hell, she'd do something like this..." Aeron mumbled.

"More like she couldn't even if she wanted to. She's just not capable of doing something like this. Not in a million years. Someone is trying to frame her, that's for sure." Zaen replied while scratching his chin, "It's nonsensical to even think she managed to maim and kill 12 armed police officers all by herself. It's more likely that she stumbled upon the crime scene and saw who did it and now they are trying to blame it on her..."

"That's what I thought as well. Should we call Uncle Mack for help?" Aeron mumbled. He didn't want to show it but his eyes had turned foggy with tears.

Zaen knew Miko and Aeron were close. Maybe even as close as he was to him. Thus Aeron would be worried about her more than he was. Zaen got up and tightly hugged his little brother.

"She's stronger than anyone I know. Don't worry, Uncle Mack will help us find her, and together, we'll prove these idiots wrong, I promise."

"Hmm..." Aeron mumbled before burying his face into Zaen's chest and letting the tears fall freely while Zaen held onto him tightly than before.

While he was consoling Aeron, a notification popped in front of Zaen.

[Mission 2: INVESTIGATOR.]

[Introduction: Despite successfully eliminating the Frenzied Ghoul, Disappearances continue in your area. Investigate the cause of the disturbance and kill it.]

[Task: Search the other realm and eliminate the hidden guardian, if possible.]

[Rewards:

• Rewards will vary according to the completion grade of the mission.]

[Mission completed: 0%]

[While this mission is active, you won't receive any daily quests.]

[Failure to complete the task would result in the death of all the disappeared humans.]

[You might be required to visit the other realm multiple times to complete this mission.]

[Time Limit: None]

[When prepared, press YES to start the mission.]