Revol walked briskly through the grand corridors of the Blue Hope, the black sphere in hand.

He entered Heidrick’s room,

Revol saluted and began his report.

“Heidrick, I’ve tested the device on Sylas and his faction. The results were not good at all. The sphere didn’t react strongly to anyone present.”

Heidrick’s piercing gaze bore into Revol.

“Did the device show any signs at all?”

Revol hesitated for a moment before answering.

“The device did not give me any reaction at all.”

“I can surely say that Sylas or his people have no connection to Gareth (Alexander) or what he have done.”

“Sylas is clever. He could be masking his involvement. But without proof, we can’t act against him directly. We’ll keep him under watch.”

Revol nodded.

“Understood. What are your orders?”

Heidrick stood,

“Take the sphere to the other major factions. Start with Dark Sickle, then proceed to Dark Father. They’re just as likely, if not more so, to be involved in this mess. If anyone reacts to the device, we’ll have our next lead.”

“I’ll begin immediately.”

Heidrick stepped closer, lowering his voice.

“Revol, be careful. The factions on this ship are dangerous, and they’ll act to protect their secrets. If you find anything, report back to me directly. Do not confront anyone without my command.”

“Yes, sir,”

Revol replied firmly.

Revol exited Heidrick’s quarters and made his way toward the section of the ship occupied by Dark Sickle.

As he walked, the guardians behind of him protected him from all sides against any kind of attack or anything.

The tensions of the people were high.

After the battle between Third Circle and Frost Elves, it is already a known fact that the ship is no longer just a place for people, the mages to attack themselves from shadows but openly cause chaos and kill others to create battles.

Revol knew that testing Dark Sickle could provoke suspicion or even retaliation.

“If they are not enemies, then I will not care about them.” Revol thought as he moved.

Revol entered thechamber where Dark Sickle’s core members had gathered.

Lady El Tis sat at the head of the room, her piercing gaze fixed on Revol as he stepped inside. Beside her stood Oprein, the true leader of Dark Sickle, his expression calm but guarded.

The guardians accompanying Revol spread out near the entrance, maintaining a respectful yet watchful distance.

Revol held the device in his hand, its black sphere gleaming faintly in the low light.

“What is the meaning of this intrusion, Revol?”

Lady El Tis asked,

Revol bowed slightly.

“I’ve been ordered by Heidrick to conduct a check on all VIP factions regarding a recent incident involving sacrificial magic. This device will help identify traces of such magic. I request your cooperation.”

Lady El Tis exchanged a glance with Oprein, who nodded subtly.

“Proceed,” she said, her tone clipped.

Revol approached Lady El Tis first. Holding the device carefully, he moved it close to her.

Stolen novel; please report.

The sphere remained a dull black, showing no signs of activation.

“You see?” Lady El Tis said, her voice cold. “You’re wasting our time.”

Unfazed, Revol moved on to Oprein.

The leader of Dark Sickle stood motionless as the sphere hovered near him.

Again, there was no reaction.

Revol continued methodically, checking each member present.

The final member was a young mage with pale skin and nervous eyes.

Revol moved the device toward him, but the result was the same—the sphere stayed black.

“The device has detected no traces of sacrificial magic among your group. I appreciate your cooperation.”

Lady El Tis crossed her arms, her gaze narrowing.

“And what will you report to Heidrick?”

“The truth,” Revol said simply.

“That Dark Sickle has shown no signs of involvement in this matter. However, further monitoring will continue as per standard protocol.”

Oprein finally spoke, his voice calm but firm.

“Make sure it does. We have nothing to hide, but we do not take kindly to unwarranted accusations.”

Revol nodded, offering a polite bow before leaving the room with his guardians.

As Revol exited the chamber, he felt a mix of relief and unease.

Dark Sickle had shown no signs of guilt, but their hostility was evident.

Now, his next task was clear—he needed to test the members of Dark Father.

-

-

Revol left the room of Dark Sickle with a brisk pace, the device still in his hand.

As he moved toward the area where Dark Father resided, a faint shift in the shadows caught his eye.

Before he could react, a figure emerged from the darkness.

“I think you should not trust the device completely, as it may get triggered because of ordinary sacrificial spells.”

Shadowblade said, his voice low and smooth like a dagger sliding from its sheath.

Revol smiled and he asked.

“Yeah, but I am sure I can understand the difference”

“If they have used sacrificial magic. But not the kind we are looking for. The device should not give huge warnings.”

Shadowblade leaned against the wall as he said.

Revol considered this for a moment.

“As long as the spells they have used against their enemies and did not harmed our people and the civilians, it is not a big problem.”

“I’ll be clear,” Revol added

“If their rituals don’t pose a threat to the Blue Hope or its people, we have no reason to act on them right now.”

Shadowblade smirked. “Fair enough. Master.”

“Do you need me to do anything.”

Revol thought and then said.

“Just be around of me and keep your eyes open against any threat.”

Shadowblade nodded and then vanished like he never existed at the first place.

Revol soon arrived at the entrance to vip room of Dark Father and Rud. Two mages stationed outside crossed their spears as he approached.

“I’m here on orders from Heidrick,” Revol said,

“I need to perform an inspection of your faction members using this device. It’s a matter of ship security.”

“You may enter. Lord Revol...”

Inside, the room, Dark Father’s core members were gathered around a large, circular table.

Rud sat at the head of the table,

His piercing gaze locked onto Revol as soon as he entered.

“Revol,” Rud said, his voice deep and commanding.

“What brings you here, uninvited?”

Revol bowed slightly but kept his tone firm.

“I’m here to conduct an inspection, Lord Rud. There’s reason to believe that sacrificial magic was used aboard the Blue Hope. This device will help identify any traces of such magic. I ask for your cooperation.”

Rud’s lips curled into a faint smile.

“You think we’d be foolish enough to use such magic here, under Heidrick’s nose?”

“It’s a precaution,” Revol replied.

“Nothing more. If there’s nothing to find, you’ve nothing to worry about.”

Rud gestured for Revol to proceed.

“Very well. Do what you must.”

Revol started with Rud himself, holding the device close to the leader of Dark Father.

The black sphere remained unchanged, showing no signs of detection. Revol then moved around the table, testing each member in turn.

As he worked, the members of Dark Father watched him closely, their expressions ranging from amusement to disdain.

Some whispered among themselves, their voices low but tinged with mockery.

When Revol finished with the last member, he stepped back and addressed the group.

“The device has detected no traces of sacrificial magic among you. Thank you for your cooperation.”

Rud leaned back in his chair, a faint smirk on his face.

“As I said, you won’t find anything here. Now, if you’re done wasting our time, I suggest you leave.”

Revol nodded, turning to exit the room.

As he walked back through the corridors of the Blue Hope, Revol’s mind raced.

Both Dark Sickle and Dark Father had passed the test.

“Even if the device found nothing,” Revol muttered to himself, “it doesn’t mean they’re innocent.”

At that time, Shadowblade showed himself again and said.

“You are blind.”

“Device changed it is color but it was hidden.”

Revol gulped and then looked behind at the door of Dark Father.

“They were prepared...”

“Rud is the one who helped Alexander...”