The Investigation into Lanevus

Above the Gray Fog.

"Gentlemen, there has been Serial Murder Case in Backlund recently. I don't know if you've heard about it."

Mr. Fool's reading time was over, and after exchanging transaction information, [Justice] Audrey couldn't wait to bring up a topic.

Behind the Bronze Long Table, the members of the Tarot Club reacted in various ways.

Serial Murder Case... oh yes, the one involving Devil worship Ritual.

Seated at the head of the table, [The Fool] Klein quickly recalled the details from the newspaper. He wondered why this matter had attracted the attention of Justice —was it because it happened in Backlund, where she lived?

"I've heard about it while I was at sea."

"[The Hanged Man] Alger said in a deep voice. He's been at sea lately, only occasionally docking to receive news about the capital. 'What, haven't they caught the murderer yet?'"

"No, not before."

Audrey shook her head, causing the large emerald gold pendant on her earlobe to sway gently, complementing her emerald eyes.

"That's a bit strange. Surely Backlund's official Beyonders aren't this incompetent?"

Alger frowned.

[Sun] Derrick listened to their conversation with a blank expression.

Backlund, it seems to be the capital of that kingdom called "Loen," and the capital is the largest city in a city-state... From what they've said, a case has occurred there recently.

He painstakingly tried to understand, relying on the knowledge his fellow members had previously shared with him.

"... However, I now have some information obtained through Concealment channels regarding this case, but it may be inaccurate."

Just then, [Justice] Audrey suddenly brought up a rather tempting topic,

"Will there be a price to pay if I want to know?"

Alger's eyes flickered, and he asked.

"No need, because I can't guarantee the information is completely accurate."

After looking around, Audrey said, "There might be two killers in this Serial Murder Case, one of whom is named Lanevus."

Lanevus!

The moment Klein heard that name, his mind went blank.

Isn't that the guy who was trying to create offspring of Evil God's Offspring in Tingen?

He's in Backlund now?!

In that instant, Klein recalled his days in Tingen, his colleagues, and his captain.

Involuntarily, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, as if he were smiling.

Is there anything special about this name?

Alger asked, puzzled.

"This is a wanted criminal. In official reports, he is described as a cunning conman who, under the guise of starting a steel company,..."

"He almost swindled me out of ten thousand pounds," Audrey said. "I don't know what happened to him, but all the women he killed had their bodies torn apart from the inside out by Distortion lumps of flesh."

After the incident, she naturally checked the name Luther had mentioned and quickly found a wanted criminal with the same name. As it turned out, the wanted criminal's photo was exactly the same face she had seen on the meatball that day.

Several days had passed since the incident at Saint Elizabeth Hospital. Due to her esteemed status, the official extraordinary individuals did not make things difficult for Audrey, but merely inquired about the situation. Audrey, using Potion, lied and claimed that she had fainted from fright and saw nothing, easily deceiving the situation.

However, when Audrey's adventurous outing came to the attention of her mother, the usually gentle Earl Hall became very angry.

She was placed under temporary house arrest. She was not allowed to go out for the time being and had to stay at home to study etiquette, grammar, philosophy, and other subjects.

I've just learned a huge secret, and this is the perfect time to launch an investigation.

[Justice] Audrey thought with regret, it seems she can only ask Hugh and Fors.

Actually, she wanted to take this opportunity to ask the members of the Tarot Club if they knew how the extraordinary individuals, skilled in manipulating Flesh and able to hide in the shadows, achieved their Pathway. However, considering the man's strange and insane state, and the agreement not to reveal his information, she hesitated and ultimately remained silent.

"Gentlemen, I'm bringing this up today because I want to investigate Lanevus and would like some advice from you. Lanevus is a cunning conman who is wanted by the authorities. Why would he commit a series of murders, and why would he use such methods?"

Audrey asked.

Alger crossed his arms and pondered for a moment.

"I've heard of Ritual involving Devil worship, which include the murder of specific individuals. This aligns with Lanevus's actions, but I didn't know about the mass of flesh inside the deceased's stomach."

He said hesitantly.

"Immediately."

Just then, at the very top of the Bronze Long Table, Klein gently tapped the edge of the table with his finger.

Suddenly, all three stopped talking and looked up at the tall, distant figure at the head of the table.

All that could be heard was Mr. Fool softly speaking from behind the hazy Gray Fog, "The True Creator."

True Creator?!

The three of them couldn't help but slightly change their expressions.

So, Lanevus's case actually involves an evil god!

"Mr. Fool, are you saying that this matter has the shadow of True Creator?"

Alger bowed respectfully in acknowledgment.

"Lanevus possesses the aura of True Creator."

Klein chuckled in response. He wasn't lying; after all, Luther had transferred the Divinity of the evil god into that guy's belly... Come to think of it, could he really be pregnant?

The bizarre and comical image of a man becoming pregnant with the Evil God's Offspring left him momentarily unsure whether he should laugh.

Everyone remained silent for a moment.

"If you launch an investigation into Lanevus, I would like to be informed of the results promptly."

Alger looked at Audrey and said seriously, "I can pay you."

"I understand, I will."

Audrey nodded slowly, somewhat hesitant. Should she entrust the matter to Hugh and Fors? Could they handle it?

By the way, as long as Mr. Fool has something to say...

She quickly turned to face Klein.

"Mr. Fool, if things progress, or if a situation arises that is beyond my control, may I pray to you?"

To Audrey's delight, the tall figure nodded slightly after a moment of silence.

"Can."

Klein also wanted to know the news, but he was worried about how to ask. He felt a little guilty, but he still maintained his mysterious and unpredictable image.

If all else fails, contact Mr. Azik.

He thought to himself.

A commotion came from outside the house, waking Luther from his daze.

He opened his eyes and found himself sitting on the living room sofa, but he didn't see his sister.

The noise outside continued; it was a girl's childish yet deliberately firm voice, somewhat familiar, as if it came from her new landlady. Besides her voice, there were also more men's crude shouts and curses.

You've gotten into trouble so quickly?

Luther lowered his head, used his teeth to bite open the leather straps binding his arms, then used his freed hands to untie the straitjacket and stepped out the door.