"Based on the information Arrodes provided yesterday, we inspected the alley where the Devil Dog's corpse was found, the archive room containing the serial murder case files, and conducted some research on the black viscous liquid he left behind. In the end, we pinpointed this building in the West Borough."
Ikanser turned sideways and spoke to the Beyonders following behind him.
Aside from Lydia, the other four people who had been at Isengard's home had followed this Machinery Hivemind deacon to the West Borough and entered a private residence on Edward Street.
The house was three stories tall and occupied a vast area, surrounded by a garden with a fountain pool. Several black carriages bearing police insignia were parked at the entrance, while figures in black trench coats occasionally flashed through the garden.
"Is the evidence conclusive?"
Caslana still retained a detective's usual way of thinking and instinctively asked in return.
"We only notified you after confirming it." Ikanser nodded, walked around the fountain pool, and headed for the building's front door. "The owner of the house is named Patrick Jason. He is a shareholder in a Backlund bank—single, cheerful, warmhearted, and with numerous mistresses... Although he never has photographs taken, he has left behind several portraits, and they match the face we learned of. Most importantly, all the neighbors around here know he keeps a large black dog."
A Devil Dog...
The group understood at once. They asked no further questions and followed the deacon through the front door.
The instant they crossed the threshold, a foul stench hit them head-on, like the rotten smell of meat that had fermented in a basement for ages.
"It's the smell of corpses."
Angel furrowed her brows and spoke in a low voice.
Although she had rarely smelled it in this world,