The nascent dawn ritual in Trinketshore involved basking in the sun's gentle embrace, followed by the delicate sip of a steaming cup of tea, while staying apprised of the latest developments in the realm of homicide via telemedia.

Hugo McLaren should have beseeched the prosecutors for a simpler fate—imprisonment. House arrest transmuted into a nightmarish ordeal as its incumbent found himself ensnared in the grip of social scrutiny from the denizens of Trinketshore. That day, he had received about three packages of eggs, ten glass bottles, and a retinue of battered bodyguards after fighting with a group of vandals "decorating" his property. When the murder of a Bain happened, who would have thought they needed to call the fire brigades as well, for a bunch of strangers showering McLaren's opulent bastion with Molotov cocktails?

The sun just cast its first rays upon the horizon. Near the border crossing of Trinketshore town, Hugo McLaren was present, "thrown outside" from the windshield of a chromium-gleamed carriage as his new signature pose. His body melded with the chromium material of the carriage, a fusion of man and machine. Beside him, his loyal chauffeur, an innocent bystander, shared a similar fate. It looked like a man with superhuman brute strength stopped the carriage with a solitary hand, causing the vehicle to tilt forward at a precarious angle of forty-five degrees. All was evident from the pronounced dent on its front hood. Every aspect of the car and its occupants was a sculpted chromium; a memorial, a mockery tribute of Hugo McLaren at the town limits.

The carriage’s front hood bore a coat of pristine alabaster. This just proved the killer remained true to his ultimatum.

[Leave the town if you must, but do not forget to carry death with you!]

If the deaths of two individuals this morning were solicitous enough, adding one more victim would not hurt, would it? The judge in charge of Esmer Philo’s trial, named Wendy Mayors, became a proud human-shaped bush in her yard. Although her neighbours were sceptical. How did they know it was the judge herself? Was trimming the bush not a common hobby among the aristocrats, let alone shaping it according to their stature? That could be the case if the little dog did not howl all night long in front of that bush, and bite whoever tried to take it away from its master. The wizards dispatched to investigate the scene confirmed the presence of dark magic residue.

***

“Yet another new shipment?” remarked the first forensic physician.

“Fresh ones this morn,” the second forensic physician replied. “Wendy Mayors, Trinketshore’s local judge. And there are Hugo McLaren, one of the trio crooks from the latest burgeoning case, and Mikey, his chauffeur. Sadly, the latter pair couldn’t be brought here. They are literally fused with their own engine carriage. You'll have to inspect them outside."

“Are you certain they dispatched her corpse and not just a nicely trimmed bonsai for the sake of decoration?”

“Ha. Good one, mate.”

They inspected what remained of those soulless artworks, and like the two earlier victims, all three of them had the vestiges of black magic.

“They’re all the same,” uttered the first physician. “All of him is intact chromium. His insides are no longer there. He’s become a part of the complete monument.”

“You think this is the work of Reality Bending from the Western-rite sorcery?” continued the second physician. “That damn spell!”

“Well, for a practitioner of black magic, he’s surely a concerned citizen of human rights. But a sorcerer in Trinketshore? That was unexpected. Shouldn’t they be disconnected from the civilisation?”

“Except you don’t have to be a sorcerer to do such a thing. The power of Reality Bending itself stems from the intervention of Khaos. It’s not impossible for the Protos particle to bestow a similar ability to someone, even if that someone doesn’t draw magic.…”

***

The quartet of friends, along with Leith and his peers, planned to spend the day playing at the beach. Trinketshore was by the sea, so it was not a problem for them to go back and forth to the coast. But of course, summer was always the best time to visit.

Alicia, Gilmore, and Leith met Nadine at the heart of the town square, who happened to be part of the protest. They also chanced upon John Philo, recently liberated from captivity, surrounded by the activists to grant him their support and pray together. Never had the man's countenance radiated such vitality.

“Good afternoon, Mister Philo! It’s good to see you free.” Alicia warmly addressed her art instructor once he had parted ways with the protesters.

John replied to her greetings with cordiality as well. “Oh, if it isn’t Alicia and friends. Thank you for the kind remarks.”

“So, about the case,” Nadine interjected, “we are sorry about the verdict. Your daughter should have got the justice she deserves!”

John was silent for a moment. “My daughter does deserve more than what she has now. But you know what I learned while I was contemplating in prison? In the end, the dead always manage to demand justice from them. And it seems the higher authorities are getting busier and busier with the statue problems next door.”

Leith noticed a sudden blue glow emanating from Alicia's backpack. Orb flared up in a sudden. His eyes bulged at his sister. Alicia felt Orb’s turmoil too, an unsettling feeling amplified by her gaze upon John Philo. It felt like he was hiding something from the world. John Philo stared at her. Alicia faked a smile to hide her nervousness. But akin to a fine art connoisseur, her art teacher was excellent at interpreting emotions from her eyes.

“I can see from your clothes that you’re going to the beach, correct? Then don’t let this old lad get in your way. Go ahead, wee bairns, have a pleasant summer... while you can.” John Philo then passed them.

Alicia attempted to turn towards John Philo, but as she did, he, too, averted his eyes, transforming his once smiling countenance into a sombre grimace. A tumultuous blend of emotions wreaked havoc inside her. Gone was the ambience of vacation.

Living in a secluded town near the coast was a dream come true for those who sought tranquillity. Trinketshore Beach was full of white sand with crystal blue seas; it never felt crowded, and there were no protesters to make things worse, just those who wanted to unwind. Alicia, in a one-piece swimsuit, settled upon the sandy shore beneath the comforting shade of a beach umbrella. Her mind could not shake off the lingering image of her teacher's gaze and the weight upon his visage.

Having completed a few intense volleyball sets with his peers, Leith approached his pensive sister who was licking her vanilla ice cream. Nadine joined them, having just concluded her thrilling surfing session. Meanwhile, Gilmore just lay face down on his surfboard, floating in the sea. Hopefully, he was just enjoying the sun and not in slumber. Otherwise, he would wake up in the middle of the Devil’s Triangle.

“Okay, if you’re ruining your bonnie face like that, something’s wrong. What is it this time, hen?” uttered Nadine.

“It’s sure about the ever-dreich Unkel Philo,” Leith went over to his gloomy sister. “I saw the glowing Orb behind your bag.”

“Orb and I sensed the Protos particle flowing through his vein,” answered Alicia.

Nadine seemed lost. “Protos... what? What is that?”

“What my sister was saying is Mister Philo has black magic in him,” explained Leith.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

The incredulity expression ruined Nadine's face. “Mister Philo? Black Magic? Are you sure?”

“It seems Alicia suspects that he is the mastermind behind the recent serial murders,” Leith added back.

“That’s an absurd accusation! I mean, maybe he had an arr against the culprits, but killed someone related to the perpetrators instead of the perpetrators themselves? No. And he never escaped from prison until the day of his release.”

“Oh, Nadine,” replied Leith. “You’ve fought a Protos particle user before. You should know by now. Their ability is unexpected. Getting out of prison is pure pimps, especially to kill people. With that power, sometimes all it takes is one word and it will send many souls into Hades’ lap.” Leith said that before sitting down next to his sister and glaring at her. “Whatever you do, mind yer business, don’t take any risk of getting caught with yer magic orb. Let the elite wizards from the capital take care of it. That’s what they’re here for.”

Alicia pouted a bit. “Well, losing three people in one night was nae belter job, was it? “

“Hugo and his driver escaped in secret yesterday. You heard the news. It was their own fault for not trusting the elite officers guarding them. That could apply to you too if you don’t trust them, and stick yer nose where it doesnae belong. As for the judge... well, they didn’t think about guarding her at the time. Yeah, they can be stupid sometimes. But precautions have been taken. I heard they’ll gather everyone who was involved in the trial to the magic facility office of Trinketshore. Wizards can look after them better there.”

“How did you know that?” asked Alicia.

“Rumours I’ve received. The privilege of being a Crimsonmane, I guess.”

Leith spoke as if he had informants and connections to the underworld. This time, Alicia would consider her brother’s advice. After all, it was a summer holiday. After a few hard days, there was nothing wrong with enjoying the sunbathing and the refreshing sea waves.

Then the night got rid of the day. After a full day spent at the coast, they all returned home exhausted. Leith promptly retreated to his bed, instantly succumbing to deep snores.

Unlike Alicia, having engaged in minimal beach activities, she found sleep elusive, no matter how tight her eyelids shut. Frustrated, she scowled and rose from her bed, seeking solace in the moon's gentle radiance streaming through the window.

Accompanied by Orb perching on the windowsill, Alica inquired, “Do you think they’ll be fine during the escort by those elite magi?”

Orb emitted a subtle tone, meaning, If your brother’s words are to be believed, you shouldn’t put so much weight upon your shoulders. Even if you do insist on defeating the culprit, and making sure he doesn’t become a threat again, I won’t force you this time.

It was nice to have a friend in the form of the strongest magic essence that did not demand much.

The clock struck nine. It was still early, at least compared to the events of the past few days. Alicia conceived a plan as a smokescreen to alleviate her doubts: a nighttime stroll past the magic office.

“Half an hour,” Alicia pleaded to herself. “If all goes well, I’ll go home and act unconcerned.”

Alicia checked Leith’s room; her brother was a snoring boar. Splendid! The young girl forthwith took Orb and began her reckless journey again. This time, it was just the two of them.

Trinketshore's town square buzzed with noise. Alicia did not remember there was a summer festival at this hour. The townsfolk gathered together, their voices intertwined in a victorious war song. Could it be that the legal authorities were reconsidering the verdict? Or maybe a coup d’état; officials and perpetrators will be massacred, then paraded there as various models of statues!

That was surely a wild idea in her mind. But Alicia did not watch telemedia that day, so she threw the thoughts away, and continued to the quiet east area where the magic facility office was located.

Please be safe, please be safe! Please, no Mister Philo standing in front of the building or anything! she murmured in her heart.

Of course, fate had different plans. Just as Alicia was about to pass a small restaurant, John Philo, against all odds, rapped his knuckles against the establishment's window.

Alicia’s face went pale, while John Philo’s face was too bright for someone in a night melancholic storm. He waved his hand behind his back, inviting her to come in. Hesitant, Alicia stepped into the restaurant, finding solace in the presence of a dozen other patrons. At least she would not have to face him one-on-one in the eerie loneliness.

“Mister Philo! H-hi! Good evening. Nice to meet you at the restaurant at this hour.”

“Alicia Crimsonmane! Hey, come on in, sit down with me for a while.”

“Thanks for the kind o-offer, but uh... I’m on my way home, s-so I can’t stay long.”

“Come on, just a minute! Sit here,” John Philo offered the chair across from him. “I insist.”

Alicia gulped. She was forced to take a chair.

“Have you eaten yet? Fancy for some scran?” asked John Philo.

“I-I’m not hungry, sir. Thank you.” Alicia replied, attempting to steer the conversation away from awkwardness. Watching John Philo's enthusiastic demeanour scared her to death. “So, w-what are you doing here, if... I may ask?”

John Philo made a confused face. “What am I doing here? Eating, of course!” The man burst into laughter, and Alicia forced her lips into a smirk. Asking was no better than silence.

“I am actually waiting for something. You know, this restaurant was our family’s favourite. In the past, my late wife and I used to go on dates at this restaurant. Their Wee Cockatrice Flat Pie was one of a kind back then. Of course, the title is still undisputed to this day. I also often invited my daughter to have dinner here, because I was too tired to cook after coming home from work. Right here, at this table, by the window, my daughter and I often mocked every mage who passed by this street, laughing at them for their absurd outfits. Their clothes never seemed to blend with society, even when they wore seemingly ordinary garments. It's as if they were always out of place. Ever since Esmer… was gone,” his voice darkened right away, “this restaurant is one of the few memories I have of both my daughter and wife.”

The documentary broadcast on a restaurant’s small hanging telemedia was interrupted by a sharp and piercing musical instrument to all ears. The latest news from a local Caledoniascire broadcast.

[Hear ye, Trinketshore and all of Caledonia! Hear ye, Trinketshore and all of Caledonia! The president of Bain Industries, Stephan Bain, has confessed that he and the other houses involved in the crime had bribed several law enforcement officers during the trial for the murder of Esmer Philo. This declaration is made in the hopes of resolving the conflict with the people, which resulted in the deaths of the perpetrators' family members and others. The authorities have apprehended all those implicated and will closely monitor them to prevent any further attempts at assassination. It is planned that the verdict will be reevaluated, and a subsequent hearing will take place at the Eidyn District Court. This concludes the announcement for Trinketshore and all of Caledonia! These words have been thoroughly examined and presented by Eilidh Ross, yours truly. Good evening, dear Caledonia, and may the Silent Divine grant us Eternal Peace!]

The broadcast returned to the Great War documentary. All the diners and servants congratulated John Philo, who only replied with a polite smile of formality, nothing more. The girl, at last, understood what the noise in the streets meant.

“I told you, eh?” he said. “Sooner or later, the dead will get their justice. And that process will soon be over,” John Philo glanced at the magic office across the window.

“What do you mean, Mister Philo?”

“They will not be sent to the civil guard's office. They’ll be gathered in that building.” John Philo pointed to the magic office. “Of course, it’s their domain. The wizards can monitor the perpetrators and protect them with all the might of their resources. Some of those men are already there, the rest will be here shortly.”

The Crimsonmane girl saw that John Philo’s face turned to hate and anger when he said that. His intonation was rough. No more good Mister John Philo. He turned to look at her and said, “A Caledonian saying; Ah ken ye ken.”

Alicia knew it was time to get rid of the ignorant facade. She tried to return a serious look back to her teacher “But... you were in prison.”

John touched the plastic to his hand, turning it into a hand-shaped plastic board. Alicia was dumbfounded. “I can change the material of my being according to the material I choose by touch. In the same manner, I turned those people into statues based on the material I came into contact with. How did I escape prison? Simple. I touched the water. You can imagine the rest.”

“They’ve admitted their guilt and the legal authorities won’t miss it. Hasn’t Esmer got the justice she deserved?”

“Bah! I’d be stupid if I believed they would conclude the case just like that. Descendants of aristocrats like you are cunning creatures. Their legal certainty is based on the number of their gold tokens. Justice is seen from the amount of their wealth. They always have a way of escaping proper punishment. Even though they are imprisoned, their life is still way better than a lowly person like mine!”

“You can’t do this! Did Esmer want this? His father became a serial killer?”

“What do you know about my daughter?” the shouting John invited a number of eyes to turn to them. He sighed, asking the others to ignore them. He then returned to Alicia. “Do you know how long it takes to sculpt a human statue? Four to eight weeks! But with this ability, a three-dimensional art painting can be done in a single, gentle touch.”

John stood up from his chair.

“I will end this. I will present to Hades my masterpiece, in exchange for me being able to be reunited with my daughter in Eternal Peace. This is the only way Esmer can rest in peace. I don’t know how you found out, Alicia. I was planning to kill you when you suspected me.”

A shock of fear fell upon Alicia as she imagined her insane art teacher—now out of his mind—wanting to transform her into a stone carving.

“But since they’ve already admitted it, as I surmise, there’s no point in continuing this action, let alone killing you. Go home. Report the civil guards, find the wizards of the Magisterium, do what you want. But if you get in my way, I’ll offer you to Hades’ altar as well!”

After that fierce whisper, John Philo left the restaurant. An odd convoy of machine carriages approached the Trinketshore magic office.

Everyone had gathered in the cage. Now was the time to make sacrifices for Esmer Philo's soul. []