PARTNERS IN CRIME

As Caroline eyed the dead body of Mark Moore, she couldn't help but flinch.

The way he died was too brutal that even the most heinous criminals would think twice before murdering in such a fashion.

Most assassins would prefer to attack vitals through sharp objects, but this fellow has popped the target's head like a watermelon in an absolute show of dominance.

It was almost as if the killer had some personal grievance… reaching this point, Caroline's pupils turned into slits.

Did the killer have a grudge against Mark Moore?

"I also reached the same conclusion, Miss Akerse…" said a middle-aged man who leaned against the doorway with his shoulder while smoking a cigar, as he blew a puff of smoke in the air.

He wore a navy uniform with a hat on top that had a stiff visor. Four silver stars were etched on his shoulder blade, denoting his rank in the Police.

"Chief Inspector, Ryan." Caroline nodded with pursed lips, "Could it be that they praised the 'Light' to misguide us?"

Ryan shook his head, "I have another theory."

"Oh? Do tell." Caroline raised an eyebrow.

"The person who attacked the manservant of Mark Moore had the blessings of 'Light'—which means he was a Light Cultist, for sure.

"From our initial investigation, his powers affected the soul of the servant—slowing down his initial cautiousness. Otherwise, the Manservant would've warned Mark long ago when he saw a suspicious individual appearing inside the restaurant.

"It meant, the Light Cultist was hiding near the restaurant for a long time, creating an opportunity until the manservant is rendered helpless by his soul powers—lowering his instincts, secretly, so that he could carry out his task.

"It was at that moment a man in a black trench coat appeared—who had grudge against Mark Moore. The Light cultist noticed it and just made use of the other party's grudge to complete his mission!

"What do you think about my theory, Miss Akerse?"

"Very plausible." Caroline nodded.

"Then, the one who had a grudge made use of Light by praising the Light and misleading us and giving all the attention to 'Light', that the 'Light' is willing to accept.

"As long as there is a crime in the neighborhood, 'Light' would be the first to claim it on their heads. They are attention-seekers!

"Even though they didn't know anything about each other and had different motives, they worked in perfect synchronization…

"That's too much of a coincidence, don't you think so, Chef Inspector Ryan?" Caroline's brows furrowed.

"It is… As hilarious as it sounds, it seems they were destined to be partners in crime!" Ryan chuckled lightly.

"The Church will look for the Light cultist," Caroline said lightly as she walked past Ryan.

The church didn't involve itself with matters of state but this case had two different tangents, as such she made the position of the church very clear from the start.

"And the Police, we will look for the other culprit." Ryan turned around, as he saw her departing back, "Are you sure that's all, Miss Akerse?"

Ryan's eyes narrowed.

With turning back, Caroline answered in a neutral tone, "Yes. That is all. Tempest Order has never involved itself with affairs of state.

"The Rogue culprit probably isn't a Rogue if he could have a grudge against Count Moore's son, but someone of nobility. As such, this lies within the sphere of influence of Police."

"Really?" Ryan laughed mockingly, "Then, what was the show you had created outside my Police Station? I thought you'd take the case away from us and enact justice in the stead of the judiciary?"

Even though he knew Caroline wasn't the one responsible for stretching the fine line of intricacy between the Church and Politics, he had nobody to lash out at.

As the Chief Inspector, he was already under high pressure from above.

After all, the person who was assassinated wasn't some no name but an important figure among aristocrats.

Mark was destined to get the Turners' only daughter and heir. With this Count's influence would've increased further.

Not to mention, Count Moore's first son also had a marriage alliance with Duke Houston's daughter in the upcoming months.[1]

With all the wealth, power, and influence, and a little more push in Count's Ascendant rank, he could've gained the title of Duke!

Not all could become a Duke like Faneia, who stream-rolled to the top through just strength.

Many other factors were also involved apart from just military might—even though the minimum basic strength was necessary.

In fact, some Counts could be said to have strength bordering that of Duke, but they couldn't receive the title of Duke. And Count Moore was one of those that was very close to getting this famed title.

It was very close, but almost one-third plans were destroyed with one death!

"Instead of thinking about the Tempest Order, you should think why a Light Cultist targeted the son of a Count… There has to be a reason." Caroline half-turned and gave the Chief a skeptical look.

Were the Moores involved in some dangerous business? Was it related to a cult? There has to be a reason…

Ryan snorted, "Of course, to make you think in that direction. Light Cultists are famous for causing mayhem everywhere they go.

"They are nothing but attention-seekers!" Ryan continued with a disdainful look.

Caroline just shook her head and walked away. She had a lot of stuff to deal with as well.

…

The murderer of Mark was completely unaware that he was about to get embroiled in the gloomy diplomacy of Treon.

An ignorant Kole was going through excruciating pain but he didn't flinch in the least.

The flesh on his body was squirming under the dim light of oil lamps.

In the underground chambers of Akerses' Manor, Faneia looked at her son impassively.

After a moment of agony that stretched for eternity for Kole, his breathing stabilized and so did his body's condition.

Kole was successful in advancing to Tier 2-A!

When he opened his eyes, he couldn't help but feel he was looking at a new world.

All the techniques he could use have been enhanced because of the enriched Spirit Energy. His Skills improved by many folds and he even got new Skills!

Kole had a hunch of all his abilities in his mind.

"!!!"

It was at that moment, Kole could feel Faneia's intent.

She was about to attack him!

Again? She doesn't want me to have any secrets, does she?

Then let's fight for real this time!

"Subspace!" Kole muttered under his breath as he tried to teleport away from the spot.

However, he couldn't!

The Subspace has already been locked by Faneia!

Kole: "…"

Dammit!

…

[1]: Duke Houston was mentioned in 'Chapter 15: ALICE TURNER'. If you go and re-read, you will be able to find sneaky foreshadowing…

A/N: Haha. Pieces are finally falling in place!