Waluge's mind raced with questions as he continued to analyze the body before him. Why would someone go to such lengths to impersonate an officer of the law? What possible motive could they have had? It didn't make sense. If their goal was to infiltrate the police force, surely it would have been easier to maintain the guise of the specific officer they were mimicking.

As he pondered these questions, Waluge couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in his gut. The situation was more complex than he had initially thought, and he couldn't afford to underestimate his adversaries.

Turning his attention to his own belongings, Waluge's heart sank as he realized he was missing a talisman. It wasn't just any talisman—it had taken him considerable time and effort to create it, and now it was gone. He cursed under his breath, frustrated at the loss.

"It took so long to make," he muttered to himself, his voice tinged with both annoyance and disappointment. The talisman had been a crucial component of his defense against the mysterious green goo that had threatened them earlier. Without it, he felt vulnerable, exposed to whatever other dangers lay ahead.

Glancing over at Derrick, who still seemed to be grappling with the reality of witnessing actual magic, Waluge couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. He hadn't meant to reveal his abilities so abruptly, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

"Derrick, I know this is a lot to take in," Waluge said, his tone softer now, more reassuring. "But we're in a situation where anything can happen. We need to stay focused and alert if we want to make it out of this alive."

Derrick took a deep breath, steadying himself as best he could. "Waluge," he began, his voice still trembling slightly as he spoke. "I... I need to understand. How did you... learn magic? It's not something you see every day, you know?"

"Well, Derrick, it's a bit of a tale steeped in mystery and shadows," Waluge began, trying to maintain the intrigue of the era. "Picture this: candlelit studies, dusty tomes filled with arcane knowledge, and the occasional encounter with a peculiar stranger in a dimly lit alleyway."

But despite Waluge's attempt to weave a dramatic narrative, Derrick's expression remained solemn, his gaze unwavering.

"Alright, enough theatrics," Waluge relented, recognizing Derrick's seriousness. "In all sincerity, it's a skill I've honed over the past couple of years through diligent study and a fair share of trial and error. No Magic School here, just a lot of determination and a dash of luck."

"So Magic Exists?" Asked Derrick now that he was a bit more composed after the harrowing incident.

"Well, Derrick," Waluge began, his tone serious yet tinged with a hint of excitement, "magic does indeed exist. And not just magic, but almost every other mythical monster or creature you've heard of in stories and legends."

Derrick's eyes widened in disbelief. "You mean to tell me that vampires, werewolves, dragons—all of that is real?"

"Yeah, right on the mark Derrick." Waluge replied as he smiled and was ready to head home as it was getting late.

As they made their way back to the Police station, Derrick's frustration became more apparent. "This is just fantastic," he grumbled, his tone laden with annoyance. "I've been in this line of work for a decade, and I've never encountered anything like this. How am I supposed to explain magical creatures in my reports? My superiors will think I've finally lost it."

"Don't worry about this just say that a rouge criminal was impersonating an Officer and you took care of it."

Waluge replied as he was lost in thought about the green goo and the impersonator. His thoughts were thinking about was the impersonator a puppet?

As Puppets or Homunculus weren't that used as the materials required were harder to get these days.

This meant that whoever used that puppet had to be rich. Since requiring to create a full on doll and using Magic to control it like a Marrionet.

As they reached the police station, Waluge's mind was still racing with theories and possibilities. The impersonator's motives seemed more elusive than ever. The idea of using a puppet or homunculus raised even more questions. Who had the resources and knowledge to create such a thing? And why go to such lengths to impersonate a police officer?

Whatever it was currently it was to late to continue for Waluge.

"Goodnight detective Derrick I have other matters I have to attend to."

As Waluge bid farewell to Derrick, he made his way through the dimly lit streets, the flickering glow of the street lamps casting long shadows on the cobblestone pavement. His apartment was located in the quieter district of the city, away from the bustling crowds and noisy commotion of the main thoroughfares.

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As he approached his building, a sense of relief washed over him. The familiar sight of the worn brick facade greeted him, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia for the place he called home. The rent for his modest abode was reasonable, though still a significant portion of his earnings as a freelance investigator.

Entering the building, Waluge climbed the narrow staircase, each step creaking softly beneath his weight. Finally reaching the second floor, he made his way down the dimly lit corridor until he reached his apartment door.

Unlocking the door with a worn brass key, Waluge stepped into his humble abode. The main room served multiple purposes, with a simple bed tucked into one corner, a small desk and chair against the opposite wall, and a wardrobe standing sentinel near the entrance. A kitchenette occupied the far corner, equipped with a stove, sink, and a small refrigerator.

The room was sparsely decorated, with only a few personal touches scattered throughout—a framed photograph of his late mentor, a painting of a Family and a collection of well-worn spell books stacked neatly on the desk. Despite its lack of extravagance, the apartment exuded a sense of comfort and familiarity that Waluge found comforting after a long day's work.

Setting his belongings down on the desk, Waluge couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment as he remembered the talisman that was now missing. It had been a crucial tool in his arsenal, and its absence left him feeling vulnerable in the face of the unknown.

Pushing aside his worries for the time being, Waluge set about preparing a simple meal in the kitchenette. The rhythmic clatter of pots and pans filled the air as he chopped vegetables and set water to boil. Cooking had always been a soothing activity for him, a way to clear his mind and focus on the task at hand.

As he ate his meal in solitude, Waluge couldn't shake the feeling that something ominous loomed on the horizon. The events of the day had left him on edge, and he knew that he would need to remain vigilant if he hoped to unravel the mysteries that lay ahead.

But for now, he allowed himself a moment of respite, savoring the warmth and comfort of his humble abode before venturing back out into the city's shadows once more.

As Waluge drifted off to sleep, his mind plunged into the familiar depths of his recurring dream. It was a landscape of endless nothingness, shrouded in thick fog that obscured everything in sight. No matter how hard he tried to move forward, he always seemed to be trapped in the same spot, unable to escape the suffocating embrace of the mist.

In this dream, time lost its meaning, and Waluge felt like he was suspended in limbo, with no past or future, only the present moment stretched out before him like an eternity.

He wandered aimlessly through the fog, his footsteps muffled by the thick carpet of mist beneath him. Sometimes, he thought he heard whispers echoing in the distance, faint voices calling out to him from the void, but whenever he tried to follow them, they would fade away, leaving him alone once more.

It was a lonely existence, trapped in his own mind with no one to keep him company but his own thoughts and fears.

The Next day arrived as Waluge woke up as the Sun came up.

As Waluge began his morning routine, the events of the previous day flooded back into his consciousness. He made a mental note to visit the market later to see if anyone had come across his missing talisman. It was a long shot, but he couldn't afford to dismiss any leads, especially with the looming threat of the impersonator still hanging over him.

After a quick breakfast, Waluge gathered his belongings and prepared to head out into the bustling streets of Bolton. Despite the early hour, the city was already alive with activity, merchants setting up their stalls, and workers hurrying to their respective jobs.

He was currently living in the more Southern part of Bolton that was much cheaper to live in an average apartment being about 30 Crown a month to live in.

Crown was the Currency of the Country of Vestoria where Coins were being used as a type of Currency. It was a Round Golden Coin with a picture of King Charles.

Navigating the crowded streets with ease, Waluge made his way towards the market square, his keen eyes scanning the bustling crowds for any signs of familiarity. The market was a melting pot of sights and sounds, with vendors hawking their wares and customers haggling over prices.

As Waluge walked through the bustling streets of Bolton, his keen eyes caught sight of Miss Emma Watkins, an old woman he knew quite well. He approached her with a warm smile, recognizing the burden she was carrying.

"Miss Emma, it's good to see you," Waluge greeted her warmly. "You seem troubled. Is everything alright?"

Miss Emma sighed heavily, her wrinkles deepening with worry. "Oh, Waluge, it's dreadful. The police have closed down the street due to that awful murder last night, and I'm stranded here with all these groceries. They're too heavy for me to carry back on my own."

Without hesitation, Waluge offered his assistance. "Don't worry, Miss Emma. I'll help you carry your groceries home. No one should have to struggle alone, especially in times like these."

As they walked through the streets Waluge noticed that Miss. Emma was quite sad as she walked with less vigor.

"Are you alright Miss Emma? You seem quite sad, perhaps you knew the Girl?" Waluge asked hoping to gain some info about the victim.

Miss Emma's voice trembled as she recounted the heartbreaking details. "Sharron was such a sweet girl, just married and starting her new job. She lived right next door to me, you know. We'd often chat over the fence about our gardens or share recipes. She was full of life, always with a smile on her face. It's just unimaginable that she's gone now, taken from us so suddenly."

While Waluge sympathizes with Miss Emma's grief, he couldn't help but feel a slight sense of detachment. After all, he hadn't known Sharron personally, and the news of her tragic demise didn't affect him as deeply as it did Miss Emma. However, he maintained a comforting presence, nodding solemnly as she shared her memories of the young woman.

"It's truly heartbreaking," Waluge said softly. "Sharron sounds like she was a wonderful person. I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you, especially since you knew her so well."

Miss Emma nodded, her eyes misty with tears. "Yes, she was a bright young woman, full of dreams and aspirations. It's just so unfair."

As they approached Miss Emma's doorstep, Waluge gently set down the bags of groceries and turned to her with a reassuring smile.

"Oh, Waluge a question how are your Siblings doing?" Miss Emma asked politely trying to take the subject to a much more Positive side.

Waluge's smile widened, one could call it an Exaggerated smile but to Miss Emma it was normal because of her advanced age.

"Miss Emma, my siblings are doing well, thank you for asking," Waluge replied warmly. "They're keeping busy with their studies and work, just like always. It's nice of you to inquire about them."

Miss Emma smiled softly, her eyes reflecting genuine interest. "I'm glad to hear they're doing well, Waluge. Family is such a blessing, isn't it?"

Waluge nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it is. We may not always see eye to eye, but at the end of the day, we're there for each other, no matter what."

Miss Emma's smile widened, a hint of nostalgia in her gaze. "That's the true essence of family, isn't it? Supporting each other through thick and thin."

As they Continued to talk, Miss Emma did drop something important. "Oh, yeah well Sharon did have a Fight with her Friend Andrew."

As Miss Emma mentioned the fight between Sharron and Andrew, Waluge's expression shifted slightly, his curiosity piqued. "Ah, I see. Do you think there could be any connection between their argument and what happened to Sharron?"

Miss Emma paused, her brows furrowing in thought. "I'm not sure, Waluge. Their argument was quite heated, but I can't imagine Andrew would do something so terrible. He's a bit hot-headed, but he's always been kind at heart."

Waluge nodded, his mind already processing the information. "Thank you for sharing that, Miss Emma. It might be worth mentioning to the authorities, just in case it could help with their investigation."

Miss Emma agreed, her expression troubled. "Yes, you're right. I'll make sure to mention it when I speak with the police."

With a final nod of assurance, Waluge bid Miss Emma farewell and watched as she disappeared into her home. As he continued on his way, his thoughts lingered on the tragic events unfolding in the neighborhood, determined to uncover the truth behind Sharron's untimely death.