The Suspect's Portrait

Night fell over Baras Town's only inn, the Mud Hoof. A strange spice hung in the air. The owner insisted it was exotic; in truth, it only masked the stench of dead rats in the cellar.

When Xia Lin and Tristan returned, Kade and Sera were already there, sitting at a greasy table in the corner. Neither looked pleased.

"How did it go?" Xia Lin pulled out a chair, sat down, and poured himself a glass of water.

"Not well." Sera folded her arms. "We questioned everyone in town who claimed to be a victim. Most of their memories were more fragmented than if they'd been hit by Confusion and Forgetfulness at the same time. Their descriptions of the succubus were all over the place, from a drow with spider legs to a muscle-bound Orc barbarian. It was like someone had cut up a monster manual and pasted it back together at random. One man swore he'd met a tentacled Beholder. I wanted to ask what the hell he usually looks at."

Kade nodded grimly. "True. But with Iomedae's guidance, we found three bronze-rank adventurers with relatively strong wills and clearer memories. Their testimony might help us piece together clues about the demon."

Soon, three adventurers who looked drained but still had clarity in their eyes were brought over to the table.

The first was a human Warrior carrying a greatsword. Dents in his armor told of countless battles.

Yet this man, who could clear out a Gnoll tribe on his own, now fidgeted like a novice apprentice.

"Mr. A, is it?" Kade kept his voice as gentle as he could. "In the name of the Sword Goddess, could you tell us exactly what happened that night? Don't leave out any details."

The Warrior flushed as red as if he'd