VVIP Section, Lumious Grand Hotel

"So, what you are saying is that Major General Zorick not only resisted the audit but challenged Detective Abel to duel in which he lost?" Gerald summarised the report he got from Abel and Gamma.

He chose to remain formal as this discussion was happening while all of the Corps of Seven were present.

"It seems this problem is out of the way. I will personally send messengers to pass down my judgment on Aslahan." Gerald said lightly before leaning back against the sofa. "The seven of you are dismissed. Your next case is in the Void Villages."

At that point, Alpha, who was kneeling in front of Gerald, spoke with a curious look in his eyes. "Void Villages? My lord, if I may ask, Why are we not deployed to Techonia? Considering we lost all contact from a major focal area, shouldn't it be our concern?"

"Alpha.. Techonia's situation isn't as streamlined as you imagine. Techonia, though a city, is an independent nation which is allied with both The Empire and The Republic. What do you think will happen if the Empire sends its Elite Force there?" Gerald spoke calmly, leaving the answer for Alpha to figure, which he should be able to, considering that he explained the political stance of that place.

"And besides, the thing in Void Villages is more important.. We have noticed the Movement of Rudandon's followers and the Survivors of the Battle of North." Gerald spoke calmly.

At the mention of 'Battle of North', Omega felt a wave of relief crash over her. There were survivors of that Bloody Battle, so there was a chance that her husband was there too.

'My Love, I'll find you if you are there.' Omega thought to herself, making no move to show her feelings to the others.

"Yes, your transport will arrive in 3 days. All of you are free to act as civilians and enjoy your stay in Luminae. Dismissed." Gerald spoke calmly before he stood up and left the room, walking back to his own.

Upon his departure, the Seven of them sighed in relief and after that everyone but Omega and Gamma left the room.

"Ma'am." Gamma spoke with his hand on his chest while he stood attentively.

"You are dismissed, Gamma. Roam around the city and enjoy. Make sure that the information about Abel doesn't leave your lips or I will hunt you." Omega spoke calmly before she waved her hand. At her orders, Gamma walked out of the room too, leaving Omega alone.

'My dear.. My Dear Arshawain..' She thought of her husband, whom she lost after the Battle of North. A battle that was fought so violently that the survivors couldn't find each other.

It was after that battle that Omega met Abel, who took her in as his disciple. It was Abel who taught her what she knows today and it was he, who provided her the power to look for her husband.

........

Central District, Luminae

"Abel, can you help us decide what color of collar we should get for Ellen?" Iliana said as she showed the various colored collars to Ellen, but being the playful kitten she is, Ellen just happily meowed at everything.

"I can't decide. They all look good." Abel said calmly, since he was carrying six bags full of clothes bought by Iliana and Eluya.

"I know, we'll just get green for her. I think it suits her vibe and her eyes are a little green so that's that." Eluya said calmly as she put on the green collar on Ellen, to which she got the reply of a sweet meow from Ellen.

"Hmm.. Looks good to me too. Let's get two, one Green and the Other Magenta." Iliana said calmly, as she put the Magenta collar on Ellen.

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Once she got Eluya's approval, both of them walked to the counter with the two collars. While Abel carried the bags and Ellen sat down on his head.

Just as they left the store, they met some old friends. The Oraphice Detective Agency, a famous 8 man detective agency in Luminae with the Rank 5, Rank 8 and Rank 11 Detective of the Empire.

"Oh? didn't expect to see you he-." Howard, the Rank 8 of the Detective Ranking who is also the group's founder and guide, asked Abel. "Wait, when did you three get a cat? Where from?"

"What do you think? From the streets.." Abel replied with a humorous smile, followed by a chuckle from the eleven of them.

"What brings you all here?" Iliana asked with a smile.

"We were shopping for what we needed for the Banquet. We know you've been invited too, just like us." spoke Ultaria, the rank 11 of Detective Ranking, who acts as their Second-in-command. "We should get going since we are running out of time. Good luck to everyone." Ultaria waved them goodbye.

"Good luck, you all. Have a safe journey." Eluya wished them goodbye before they went on their way.

Oraphice Detective Agency, regarded as one of the best detective agency in the Empire and THE BEST in Luminae. They have their headquarters in the Western District and work as an 8 man group. Their team is made up of 5 detectives, 1 accountant and 2 private investigators.

If anything, they are the most famous group in Luminae, earning respect from their competitors and Police Force alike.

"Good people, aren't they?" Eluya said with a smile as the three of them walked their way since they were done with shopping and Abel looked like a hanger, considering how many things he was holding in his hands, with Ellen obligatorily perched on him like a crown.

Once they reached the parking lot, Eluya took the keys from Abel's pocket and was about to sit in the driver's seat when he spoke with a cold, merciless look in his eyes.

"Eluya, if you so much as try to drive, I will not let you sleep on a soft bed." He warned Eluya, making her shiver and not sit on the driver's seat.

Eluya looked at Iliana, hoping that she'll help convince Abel to let her drive.

Iliana shook her head, refusing to help Eluya in such a dumb request. She can't handle the repercussions she would suffer if she tried to support Eluya.

"Iliana, can you hold Ellen for the ride?" Abel asked as he was done putting the shopping bags in the trunk.

"May I hold little Ellen!" Eluya said excitedly as she raised her hand.

"Sure, I don't mind." Abel spoke as he tilted his head, allowing Eluya to grab hold of Ellen.

........

14th of August, 2027

"There is no need to rush, we are on time." Abel spoke calmly as he was packing their lunch for the journey to Melobranch.

"We are NOT on time. The drive takes 2 days!" Eluya spoke anxiously since it was a big event. It only comes once a year and this is the day the rankings are updated. She wants to be the first one there when it is revealed.

"Eluya.. The rankings will not change even if you reach early so please don't rush." Iliana spoke with a smile, rubbing Eluya's back while Ellen scratched Eluya's jeans.

"Ellen! My little baby~" Eluya spoke out of endearment as she knelt down and touched her nose with Ellen's. "Oh sweet sweet child, You are staying with Mama Eluya for the journey, okay?"

"Meow~" replied Ellen, which Eluya inferred to be 'Yes'.

"Iliana, Have you kept food for Ellen in the luggage?" Abel asked as he was done packing the lunch for the three of them.

"Yes, I kept her favourites only. Don't worry." Iliana said with a smile.

She has fed Ellen multiple brands of cat food, dried fish and poultry. In the end, the Verdict was that Ellen loves Salmon and one specific brand of Cat Food, so that's what Iliana had packed for Ellen.

"Good job. Please help me put the lunch boxes in the car." Abel spoke calmly as Iliana walked over and helped him carry the lunch he made for them to the car.

"By the way, Abel, This much food doesn't look enough for a 2 day drive. Are you planning to stop somewhere?" Eluya asked as she watched Iliana and Abel put the food in the back of the car.

Abel nodded before he started explaining. "We'll be taking the South-Western Highway and stop at Simphona for lunch tomorrow."

"Simphona? Fine with me." Eluya spoke calmly as she sat down inside the car with Ellen held in her arms.

Iliana followed suit, sitting in the back seat with Eluya and Ellen.

Meanwhile, Abel did one last check of the house, making sure all the doors and windows were locked, everything was organized and nothing important was left behind.

Once he was sure of everything, he dropped 4 drops of his blood in the house before locking the front door as he left.

"All secure." Abel said with a satisfactory smile as he put on his seatbelts and looked back at Eluya and Iliana.

"Put on your seatbelts.. We are leaving." Abel declared as he scratched Ellen's chin.

Eluya and Iliana complied and put their seatbelts on.

.......

"Abel.. Listen to me."

"How many times have we been here?"

"Listen.. Listen.. Listen.. Listen.. .. ... .... ....."

"Just do this once more.. For me, for everyone."

"This is impossible.."

"No, I've found a way."

-.. --- --- --

........

Some voices rang inside Abel's head but he ignored them as he started driving.

The next event for them was 'Banquet in Melobranch'.