Although Green Lake was vast, the island itself was very small, and the buildings on it were arranged quite simply. The dock and the town were separated only by a small grove, connected by a woodland path. Even in spring, the trees remained bare.
Just as Shade had learned in advance, strange black shadows prowled through the island's fog. They had human forms, but seemed to be clad in hooded one-piece rubber suits. No matter how closely one approached, their features could not be seen clearly, nor could they be touched from any angle.
Shade suggested to the Apothecary Miss leading the way that he wanted to observe them more carefully, but the Sorceress refused in an indifferent tone:
"You can waste your own time. I'm not responsible for waiting here for you."
The woodland path was short. Within five or six minutes, the two left the grove and entered the town. The town was also quite small, even smaller than most villages. The reason it was called a "town" seemed to have something to do with the administrative divisions along the border.
Most of the dilapidated houses from a century ago still stood on the island. Perhaps due to the fog, there were no weeds or creeping vines growing everywhere in town. Time seemed to have stopped at the disaster of 128 years ago, and the few traces of change had been left by outsiders.
The Apothecary Miss asked Shade whether he wanted to look around town first or go straight to the Edwards Family estate. After considering it, Shade decided to search the town first. If he found nothing after half an hour, he would leave.
"You'll waste half an hour of your life."
The Sorceress spoke calmly, but still led the way ahead of him.
The first