Martin Manor (1)

Among the Shadow Trade Association's members, nearly everyone who had reached High-Rank Apprentice was in the Anomalies Bureau's Operations Unit.

Three Faith Lines had suddenly snapped. There were only two possible explanations: their owners had abandoned their faith, or they were dead.

Green's heart sank. "Did something go wrong with Mrs. Hilgaf's operation?" He immediately focused on her and found that she was still alive, but in bad shape. Her Faith Line remained strong, yet the emotions coming through it were full of pain and anger.

"So I underestimated the remnants of the Tower of Yin Spirits. Fine. I've been back long enough. It's time to get moving." A cold glint crossed Green's eyes. Following the direction of Mrs. Hilgaf's Faith Line, he gazed into the distance as though he could see through space itself.

A few minutes later, at Martin Manor on the outskirts of Landon City.

The manor belonged to a wealthy wine merchant, though his name was not Martin. Its name dated back to its first owner, Baron Martin Ludwig.

Now, however, an unnatural black haze enveloped Martin Manor, radiating a sinister chill. None of the servants who were usually busy around the grounds could be seen. Withered yellow leaves covered a courtyard that should have been spotless. At some point, vines with blood-red leaves had spread across the main building's walls. Beneath a clouded sky, a gentle breeze stirred them, and they seemed to writhe like blood...

A young man in a black trench coat and matching top hat came walking down the road toward the manor.

He approached a black carriage bearing the Anomalies Bureau's insignia, parked outside the gates, and glanced inside. It was empty.

This was one of the carriages Mrs. Hilgaf's Operations Unit had taken. All four were parked here. The horses