"Arya Gaelburg. Age 32. Time of death, 7.37 PM. Location, Vizior Park Lane. Cause of death, multiple stabs wounds, fatal wound to the throat."
"Did she have family?"
"No, she's single. Also sir, the team discovered traces of fire elemental magic being used. From our database, the deceased did not possess magical prowess. Furthermore, if she was murdered with a weapon, it can be assumed our killer did not possess such offensive magic as well."
Closing his notebook, the senior detective pat the junior on his back.
"My thoughts the same. Give me a list of all fire elemental users within a 5 block radius. Find anyone who knew the victim, I want every name, every detail compiled by tomorrow."
"Yes sir!"
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Placing the picture of Arya inside her pocket, Alice quietly fled the scene, activating a cloaking spell that let her slip past all magic detectors and camera installed throughout the vicinity.
Damn it. I've only awaken for less than a week. This body still isn't close to letting use even 5% of my full power. Using those hellfire just now really consumed too much mana, I can't hold my cloaking much longer.
Turning round the corner, Alice spotted an inn, making a dash towards the entrance before her invisibility wore off. Deactivating her cloaking skill, Alice paused to catch her breath, standing in front of the counter as the innkeeper looked at her in confusion.
"Hi, looking to stay the night?"
"Ummm, yes. Please. How much will it cost for one night?"
"It will be 6 copper pieces. But before that, come here."
The innkeeper approached Alice with a piece of cloth in her hand, holding onto Alice's chin as she cleaned the soot off her face.
"Thanks, madam."
"Are you a student? I won't pry too much but if there's anyone I can call to pick you up, do let me know."
"No. I'm just..."
Should I plant a fake memory on her? No... I shouldn't drag more people into this mess... Maybe I should leave.
"I...I'm good now. Thanks, sorry for disturbing you."
Before Alice could turn and leave, the innkeeper tugged on her collar, choking her briefly before pointing towards the back.
"There's a spare room at the back, you can use the showers there. Lights out for you at 12, don't come out when the men are in."
Grabbing a spare uniform, the innkeeper handed it over to Alice before tending to her own chores.
"Thank you."
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The room was old and run down, the door produced an audible creaking sound when opened and droplets of leaking tap water can be heard echoing from the small bathroom attached to it. However, this was more than sufficient for Alice who is now on the run, a fugitive. Taking out the picture of Arya, Alice placed it onto the wooden desk, clenching her fist in anger at her own uselessness before stripping down.
"If only I didn't hesitate...I probably could have saved her. That stupid old lady...I swear, I swear by the name of Atal...Alice Gaelburg. The name you would have given to her. I swear to resurrect you once I have my powers back."
Turning the shower tap clockwise, icy water cascaded onto her hair, drenching it completely before travelling down her skin. Alice could feel her body adapt to her inner powers, it was at this moment, her hazel brown hair began glowing a bright shade of red as her hair slowly transitioned into a birght crimson colour.
My eyes. I can feel them, my demon eyes. It burns...I really feel like a newborn, so much for being the demon lord...
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"So how was the shower? I see those clothes fit you perfectly, though I must say I could have sworn you had a bigger...nevermind haha."
The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
"Thank you once again for letting me use your facilities, my name is Alice. What would your name be, madam?"
Her hair had reverted back to its original colour, concealing its true colours from the innkeeper.
"Madam? Do I really look that old? Jokes aside, I'm Magnolia, innkeeper of Night Blues. During the day its just a normal old inn, but at night, kids like you shouldn't be around. Mhmmm, follow me, your hair's still wet."
Dragging Alice by the collar once more, Magonolia brought her to her personal room, taking out a hair dryer and comb for Alice to use.
"Here, let me help you."
Combing Alice's hair while blow drying it, Magnolia asked once again.
"Call me nosy, but I guess I am curious what are you doing here this late? Do you have a home? Did something bad happen Alice?"
"I'm sorry madam. For your own good, I can't...share any information. If it helps, I'll be gone before sunrise tomorrow."
"I understand. Then why not take my bed for the night, I'll be pulling at all nighter. I have 5 customers for the night, real busy ya know? Well, if there's anything else you need, feel free to let me know."
Nodding her head in silence, Alice had a vague picture of what this inn and Magnolia's job were.
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"Ahhhh...ahhhhh...no matter how many times I use you, you're still this tight! Ahhhh!"
Damn, they're loud.
"More! I demand it!"
The man's assertive voice echoed throughout the hallway into the room Alice was in.
He must be drunk. What a tough life she has. This world. The world I fought to protect 4000 years ago, who knew it'd end up worse than before. From the few days spent in this era, I roughly understand the hierachy system placed in the kingdom. The Royals are at the top, followed by Nobles like the rich, influential businessmen, then there are the Vanguards, soldiers, puppets whatever you call them. They live to serve the nobles and royals in exchange for a more comfortable life. Finally the commoners, like Magnolia, Arya...
"Let go of me Drew! You're way too drunk!"
"Shut up whore!"
"Stop! Please at least use protection! Drew!"
Stifling her screams, the man placed his hand over Magnolia's mouth, pinning her against the floor above the room where Alice was.
"This is a shitty run down whore house. You will do as I say bitch, I'll give you double the pay so shut the fuck up!"
Magnolia's cry for help slowly died down as she accepted her fate, emotionlessly lying on the floor as the man pounded her relentlessly.
"Are you broken or something? Show me some reaction, you slut!"
"Get your hands off of her!"
The man released Magnolia in shock before turning around to face Alice who stood at the door to the room.
"Tsk! Just another girl. Oh, a uniform? Magnolia never told me she had a new face here! Well this bitch isn't satisfying me enough, so why not come here and service me instead? I'll let her go for tonight if you obey me girl."
Kneeling in front of the man, Magnolia frantically held onto his left leg, pleading the man to let Alice go and use her instead.
"She isn't a worker here. She's a...she's my niece. Please, let her go, I'll give you the reactions you want. Alice, dear, sorry for making so much noise. The customer and I were just doing a unique roleplay, everything is fine here."
I had it. I won't let anyone else protect me. This is stupid. I, the demon lord, who moved mountains, slaid dragons, made gods kneel before me... That's it, this world is no longer worth saving, I'm done hiding as well!
Hearing Magnolia's plea, the man delightfully tugged at her hair, pushing his member deep down her throat as she struggled for air.
"Vecta Slash."
A sharp breeze of air sliced across the man's hands, creating a vacuum as it travelled through them. In an instant, the force Magnolia was fighting against disappeared ensued with the screams of the man.
"Fuck! My hands! You bitch!"
Pulling her head backwards, Magnolia gasped for air before looking up at the man without hands. Blood squirted out from the ends of his arms all over the floor and onto Magnolia's skin. The horrified expression across her face was enough for Alice to realise what she had done.
Again. I destroyed someone's life...again... I truly am a demon...
"Why? Get out! GET OUT!"
The man pushed himself onto the floor, using his knees, he worked his way towards Alice.
"No, save...save me! Please, I don't want to die!"
Hanging her head low, Alice snapped her fingers, incinerating the man's body into ash before advancing towards Magnolia.
"Get away from me! You fucking burnt him alive! Mur...mur...murderer!"
Placing her finger against Magnolia's forehead, she sensed her mana fading away but still managed to alter the memories of their encounter from Magnolia's mind, before knocking her out momentarily.
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"Let me try this again."
Having taken a short nap at a bus stop, Alice concentrated all the remaining mana within her.
"Dark Zone."
Her surroundings faded, replaced by black empty walls with Alice sitting in the middle.
"I did it..."
Lying down having created a pocket dimension around the size of a wardrobe, Alice was finally able to rest and replenish her mana.
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"Sir! I'm afraid there wasn't anyone who matched the database as a pyromancer. However, within the past few days, the camera near the victim's house did pick up an image of a girl."
Handing the senior detective multiple print out images. He further explained.
"Having done some questioning with neighbours, they all claimed never to have seen the girl. All but one, a girl named Misaki Toura. She says the girl in the images attends the same academy but for some reason she can't seem to recall her name."
"Great work Kenji, you pulled an all-nighter didn't you? Go home and get some rest, we can meet in the afternoon to discuss how the investigation will go. On my end, I'll contact the academy and try to fish out some clues on this girl."
Memory altering abilities? Can a pyromancer do that? An esper? Hmmm...