My job as a private detective is going well enough, though the numbers tell a story of their own. This month, I’ve managed to earn 15 gold coins and 7 silver coins, a modest sum that brings a sense of relief. Yet, the previous two months were a stark contrast—essentially devoid of income, leaving me to wonder how I would make ends meet.
As I stand in the bustling marketplace, surrounded by vendors hawking their wares and townsfolk engaged in all kinds of conversations, an aged male voice cuts through the noise. "Mr. Urvashi, how are you doing?"
I turn to see Mr. Gom, a familiar figure with silver hair and deep-set wrinkles that speak of years spent in worry and toil. His face brightens at my presence, and I can’t help but smile back. "Mr. Gom, it's always a pleasure seeing you," I reply warmly, appreciating the brief respite from my thoughts.
After exchanging pleasantries, his expression shifts slightly, revealing a hint of worry in his voice "Has that investigation of yours been going well?"
The old man hired me to investigate the mysterious disappearance of his merchandise. He offered me a hefty sum of 30 gold coins to find it, it must have been something really great if he offered me that much.
"I've got some clues," I reply.
"That's good," Gom says, relief flickering across his features. "Well, I won’t be holding you up any longer." With that, he gives me a nod and shuffles away.
All the clues I’ve managed to gather lead me down a dark path toward the local mob, the Olin organization. Their name is quite ironic, their leader Olin named his mafia after himself. Even so their reputation for ruthlessness is well-known in these parts, and makes me wonder why would such a powerful group bother stealing from Mr. Gom, they usually don't steal from ordinary people but rather rich and powerful ones. And why aren’t the Enforcers doing anything to retrieve what was taken?
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Could the Enforcers be in league with Olin? The thought sends a chill down my spine; surely other government organizations wouldn’t allow such corruption to fester unchecked.
Could it be a trap? But why would Gom set me up? It’s not like I’m some famous detective.
Anyhow, I’m planning to take action today. It would be too bothersome for me to attempt retrieving the old man’s merchandise myself; instead, I plan to inform the authorities. But if they truly are working together with Olin, could I be silenced just for reporting it?
Should I just tell Gom who took his stuff and leave it all to him? Do the Enforcers even know that Olin stole from him?
While I silently ponder these questions, my gaze drifts through the crowd until it lands on a middle-aged man standing a short distance away. He has one striking blue eye that seems to shine with an almost supernatural radiance, drawing my attention like a moth to flame. What's even stranger is that apart from me, nobody else seems to notice him at all.
Could he be with Olin?! Has he discovered that I'm investigating him? If so, this could spell trouble.
Should I make a run for it? No—he won't do anything with all these people watching.
As I continue to observe him warily, his expression suddenly undergoes a big shift, what was once curiosity turned into sheer terror. My heart races at this unexpected change, could he have sensed something about my dreams?
Should I confront him?
But before I have the chance to act on my impulse, he suddenly vanishes into thin air.
Should I go after him? No—perhaps he wants to lure me into a trap. Could I even go after him after he just disappeared?
Ever since those dreams began haunting me, dreams filled with powers and mysteries off all kinds, I’ve been aware of existence of powers. Yet this is my first time encountering powers in person.
...Could this be a dream?