Old Neil had indeed mentioned recently that he was somewhat tired and wanted to take leave. He had even talked about retirement.
But a veteran Nighthawk nearing retirement age, one who had already transferred to clerical work and no longer took part in frontline operations, one who had taken his Potion decades ago and had no intention of advancing again...
How could he lose control?
Had there been some kind of mistake?
Angel wanted to blurt it out, but when she saw Dunn's expression, she held the question back.
The captain had known Old Neil for longer. He had to be suffering even more at a time like this...
"What happened? Is that Old Neil lying on the ground?"
Daly stepped forward behind her and asked softly. The Alchemy Room was dimly lit, and she could only barely make out the elderly man's outline.
"Lord Cesimir discovered him," Dunn replied, his voice somewhat hoarse. "When we were upstairs earlier, Old Neil was undergoing examination and questioning. Afterward, he needed to place his hand on a Holy Artifact and swear an oath..."
"Since he did not need to advance by consuming a Potion, I did not conduct the usual tests. But the Holy Artifact still detected signs that he had been contaminated."
Crestet took over and continued the explanation.
"I used Dream Invasion to restrain him, but while probing further, I triggered some sort of restriction. He suddenly lost control and broke free from the dream I had created."
Based on their descriptions and the wrecked scene before her, Angel reconstructed what had happened in her mind.
Old Neil's face had sprouted four extra eyes, positioned on his forehead and cheeks. Those cold, lashless eyes stared fixedly at Crestet. Then his skin split open everywhere, spilling copious blood that even contained