The bells of Ikelite Academy rang at three in the afternoon during the winter of December.
Frei's dormitory had a distinct detective's-office feel.
The dark brown walls were hung with clippings and old maps from cases he had solved. The desk was piled messily with documents and notes, while beside it stood a microscope, a few jars of alchemical reagents, and an open geographical magazine.
The shelves of the low, floor-to-ceiling rack beside the desk held newspapers, manuscripts, magnifying glasses, fingerprint powder, and magical tools of unknown purpose.
Two leather sofas sat quietly beside the fireplace for visitors or Frei himself.
Amid the clanging echoes of the ancient Clock Tower, Lanqi and Frei both looked out the window.
Thanks to the prestige Frei had accumulated in the Student Union over the past few months, his obscure detective agency occasionally received commissions now.
However, Frei's methods differed greatly from those of ordinary detectives. Hiring him came with the risk that things would not turn out as intended, and his prices were proportional to his ability. Thus, unless absolutely necessary, no one would casually ask Frei for help.
Now that the holiday had begun, the detective agency was completely closed.
There were newspapers and two cups of black tea on the low table in front of Frei.
However, this was not a business meeting, but a temporary farewell to Lanqi.
Ever since Hughberlian had moved into Cat Boss Restaurant, the two of them often stayed together. Lanqi was not only Frei's legal adviser, but sometimes also a capable assistant in Frei's detective work.
"Lanqi, your level is forty-six."
Frei held up a dark gray crystal, glanced at Lanqi through its glow, and spoke.
"I see."
Lanqi found that quite reasonable. After the last Shadow World, he had risen from Tier 3 to