Samael sat around the table, his eyes lost deep in contemplation. He and Ajax had suspicions that Eric was indeed omitting details regarding the southern forest. But Samael's doubts had taken root even deeper than he had thought.

He closed his eyes. What did he see last night?

There was a silhouette. He didn't know whether it was a man or a woman. There was only the shadow cast by the ethereal guidance of the moon.

The moment he took notice, the silhouette was already stumbling to get away. Yes, he stumbled.

Can it really be...? Samael doesn't know anymore.

He saw the village elder as a rather odd person. Everyone seemed to trust him and respect him. He doesn't see any reason for him to enact such heinous crimes.

His behaviour was far too optimistic for someone who's experiencing such streaks of bad luck.

Not to mention the wound on his knee.

Is Eric really the culprit? Samael wondered.

A resounding sigh escaped his lips. He leaned back, eyes closed.

Light knocks echoed in the room, luring Samael's gaze towards the weathered wooden door.

Samael's brows furrowed. He rose to his feet, dusting himself as he opened the door.

Ella stood on the other side of the entrance, a basket nestled in her palms.

"Miss Ella? What brings you here?" Samael asked, beckoning her to enter.

"Thank you," she said as she set foot inside the wooden cabin.

"Do you need anything, Miss Ella?" Samael asked once more.

"Oh, it's nothing. I heard the commotion earlier this morning, so I came to check up on you," she explained.

"It's okay; there was no harm done," Samael said.

"I see, that's great. Here, I brought food," she mentioned.

"Thank you; you didn't have to bother," Samael said.

"No, no, it's okay," she insisted, setting down the basket filled with bread and fruits.

"Well, if you insist..." Samael sat down, politely accepting the food offered to him.

"Is there any news regarding the disappearances of my f-father?" She asked, her figure shifting uncomfortably.

"I'm sorry, but we're still currently in the dark," Samael said. Revealing their findings can put their whole operation in jeopardy. For now, they'll tread carefully and reveal it once they've confirmed the real culprit.

"I see." A shallow sigh escaped her lips.

She must be worried about his father, Samael thought. He can sympathise with her; after all, he knows the agonising feeling of not being able to do anything to find the people you hold dear.

Samael's nose twitched as he took a whiff. Why is this scent so familiar? It was quite a relaxing fragrance. Nevermind. He dismissed.

"You should take care more, Miss Ella. You shouldn't burden yourself further and let us handle this case ourselves," Samael advised.

I'll keep it in mind. She smiled wryly.

"Ah, before you leave, may I ask a few questions, Miss Ella?" Samael asked.

"Hmm? Ask away; it's no problem," she replied.

Samael gave a brief nod. "Did your father have any sour relationship with the village elder by any chance?" he asked.

"The village elder...?" she asked.

Samael's brows furrowed.

"Well, I wouldn't say they have a bad relationship, but... Father has been in a few quarrels with the elder before," she said.

"Can you elaborate?" Samael asked.

"Well, they've had some quarrels regarding the election before. The title of village elder is one that is granted by the voting of the people. My father once ran for the position, but they've had some mild discrepancy because they both wanted the throne. In the end, father lost by a few votes, souring the relationship between them," Ella narrated.

So they already have bad blood after all, Samael thought.

"A week ago, my father went into an argument with the elder before his disappearance. I heard them bicker in the middle of the night regarding the security of the village the elder was supposed to supervise," Ella said.

"I see; thank you for telling me," Samael said.

After their brief conversation, Ella left the abode, leaving Samael to his thoughts.

Is Eric really the culprit? All the evidence we have points to him. But Ajax said I shouldn't judge things by their cover. Samael stood up, making his way out of the wooden cabin.

He will have to delve deeper before he makes his final verdict. But where do I start? Samael asked himself

What will Ajax do in my situation? Samael wondered. Looking back, Ajax was a very meticulous person.

If that's the case, then he'll have to retrace his steps and check every single detail along his path.

***

Samael wandered in the village, his mind steadfastly braving the storm of thoughts.

If he were to be honest, killing someone because of such a simple argument feels a little too much. Perhaps there's more to the story hidden in between the lines.

Samael's investigation ensued once more. He went around asking people the same question. "Do you know any details regarding the previous election?"

"The previous election...? Hmm... Ah! Isn't that where the Elder and Old Man Verun competed against each other for the title of Elder? Let's see... If my memory serves me right, I think they had a mild quarrel, but I heard they made up eventually," a villager said.

"Oh, that election? Well, I saw them get heated up during the debate, but isn't everyone like that?" another answered.

"It was quite the election back then, probably the most exciting we've seen. Fortunately, it didn't seem to tarnish their relationship that much," a villager replied.

So everything Ella said is what everyone else knows Samael concluded. He didn't get much from them, but by the looks of it, Verun and Eric seemed to have made up after the election.

What if the grudges they bear stem deeper than the election? But who can he ask? Everyone seems clueless regarding the personal businesses of Elder Eric and Old Man Verun except...

Samael made his way towards the border of the southern forest, where a lone cabin stood tall.

Samael approached the weathered wooden door, knocking a few times on its coarse surface.

The sounds of footsteps echoed in the air as the door flung open. Revealing a man with grey hair, adorned in simple peasant clothes.

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"Ho...? Is that you, young man?" He asked, his eyes narrowing down.

"Yes, it's me, grandpa," Samael confirmed.

"Ah, come in, come in," the old man beckoned.

"Thank you," Samael said as he stepped foot inside the humble abode.

The house wasn't too big or too small; it had the basic furniture and appliances for someone to survive. It was simple, but just enough.

"What brings you here, boy?" The old man asked.

"I came here to ask more questions," Samael answered.

"Oh, you're further interested in my old stories?" The man said.

"Yes, especially regarding the southern forest and... elder Eric," he stated.

"The forest, huh? Well, there isn't much to tell. As I've said, there was once a nun living here that taught us the dangers of the forest. Ever since then, no one dared to venture in," the old man said.

"Once?" Samael asked.

"Yes, the nun that lived here died years ago. No one knew what happened; all they told us was she caught a disease and left this world without saying anything," the old man replied.

"It was quite the tragedy for all of us. She was very kind and compassionate; she willingly helped the poor and sick, yet that sickness also took her," he resumed, wiping the beads of tears off his eyes.

Samael glanced down, his brows furrowed. He despises anything that has even a small resemblance or connection to the Church of Light. But that nun... She was a kind person.

"How about elder Eric and old man Verun?" Samael asked after a brief silence.

"The elder and Verun...?" the old man asked.

"I see. So you think Verun accounted for the disappearances in the village?" The man asked.

Samael flinched back.

"It's quite obvious, but fret not; I won't reveal anything we've talked about," the man assured.

Samael released a sigh of relief. "Thank you, sir," Samael said.

"Enough of that; let's get back to the topic at hand." The man waved it off.

"Personally, I don't think Eric caused the disappearances," the old man stated.

Samael's brows rose to an arch. "Why is that, sir?" he asked.

"Eric is... Verun's brother," the old man revealed.

Samael's eyes widened, and his jaw slung down. The elder was Old Man Verun's brother...

"I know it's shocking, but many of us older folks know of this fact. In the last 80 years of my life in this village, never have I ever seen them get separated; they were practically one person," the man said.

"I never expected that... WAIT, YOU'RE 80?!" Samael roared in disbelief.

The old man winced, staggering back as he struck Samael with his cane.

Samael groaned, his hands massaging his head.

"You didn't have to scream!" The old man said.

"I thought you were 50 at best," Samael said. Is this what retirement does to a person?

"Oh, do I look that young?" A wide grin plastered on the man's face.

A small smile tugged at the corner of Samael's lips. "Yes, yes," he replied.

"Okay, let's go back to the topic before. As I've mentioned, Eric and Verun were practically inseparable. They did everything together, not leaving anyone behind," the man stated.

"But times change, grandpa," Samael retorted.

"Yes, times do indeed change, but the brotherhood they once had will never fade. They swore a creed before, to never raise a sword against one another, in anger or sadness. I believe that vow will never be broken, ever," the old man said.

"Especially with Eric's personality? Forget about grudges; he's always been a very optimistic person. Even when he's in a load of problems, he will smile it off and say cheesy lines such as "Everything will be okay; we'll just have to wait for the storm to pass." Honestly, it still makes me feel skittish to this day." The old man shifted uncomfortably.

Samael fell silent, lost deep in his thoughts. If what Grandpa said is the truth, that explains Eric's odd behaviours. It also nullifies the possibility of Eric killing Verun out of spite. But if that's the case, then who could he have seen?

"Then, last question, grandpa, can you tell me more regarding the nun that died years ago?" Samael asked.

While the old man's testimony lessens his suspicions against the elder, it still doesn't erase the fact that he lied regarding the southern forest.

The only person with information that has a connection with the forest is the nun, who passed away from a disease, and the only people Samael can think of who hold knowledge about her are the old man and possibly the doctor who treated her.

"The nun? Ah, Evelyn. Well, she was a devout believer of the church of light and as such followed their virtues with great passion. As you know, the ministry has three great rules: to never elope and remain pure, to spread kindness, and to never doubt the God of light himself," the old man narrated.

"She came here with a purpose of spreading faith. But, she eventually fell in love with the village and made it her duty to guide us. Even today, I still vividly remember her golden eyes that shone with such reverence. However, by some tragedy of luck, she vanished, leaving only a single note detailing that she contracted a severe disease and that she would be going away for a while. Eventually, when we heard of her again, she was... gone." The old man fell silent.

"I...I'm sorry," Samael said.

"No, it's okay. It has been years since it happened; the wound might never heal, but her memory will remain pure in our hearts," he said.

Samael left the cabin after their talk, giving the man some time to himself.

He strode forward, each step firm and purposeful. His direction? Towards the village clinic, where a mystery remains entombed in time.

When he got there, he requested to have a private conversation with the doctor. The clinic was closed early that day.

"So, what do you wish to converse about, Samael?" The doctor asked.

"If I may ask, do you happen to know Evelyn? The nun that came here years ago—" Samael's words were cut short as the doctor's visage darkened.

"I will stop you there, Samael. Do you know what you're asking me?" The doctor asked, his tone heavy and grim.

"Yes, it's part of my investigation," Samael answered.

The doctor sighed. "I'm sorry for my outburst. It's just that... Evelyn was a leading figure for all of us. She was even the one that taught me medicine, and I couldn't help her in her hardest moment." Tears meandered down the Doctor's cheeks as he hurriedly wiped them away.

"I'm sorry; even now it still hurts to remember her last words," the doctor said.

"Last words...?" Samael asked.

"Yes, she said to me before life left her eyes, "Do not be sad, protect her in my place," the doctor reminisced.

"Her?" Samael clarified.

"Yes, I believe she wanted me to use my medical expertise to keep the village healthy. Even now, I still follow my oath and help those in need without asking for anything," the doctor said, a gentle smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Perhaps, is there something wrong with what she said?" The doctor asked, his brows furrowed.

Samael's eyes narrowed down. "Can you still remember how she died?" Samael asked.

"Yes, you might not believe me, but I've never seen such sickness before. She vanished around the start of spring and came back around the end of fall, just before winter befell on us. She was bleeding, pale, and exhausted. I don't know what sort of disease she caught, but it was all too sudden; she died before she could even make it to the bed. I think it was around 14 years ago," the doctor said.

The doctor stumbled to his table, his visage pale. "I'm sorry, I do not wish to talk about this further," he said.

"No, it's okay; I got all I wanted to know. Thank you, doctor," Samael said before leaving.

Samael made his way back, his mind occupied by all the information brought to light. Unfortunately, there wasn't much else regarding Evelyn that held any connection to the southern forest.

"Hm—?"

A figure collided with Samael. Fortunately, he managed to maintain his balance and avoid a fall.

Jerking his head back, he asked. "Are you okay?—"

Elder Eric stood there, his hands tightly clinging to Ella, keeping her from landing on her face, her golden eyes quivering.

"Didn't I tell you to be more careful last time we met, Miss Ella? You could've injured yourself and Samael," Elder Eric advised.

Ella hurriedly stood up. "Thank you for helping me; I will keep your words in mind," she said as she lowered her stance to a bow, her hands tightly grasping her shoulders.

"Did you injure yourself?—"

"No! I'm okay; please do not worry. I will go now as I have business to attend to," she said, cutting off Eric and leaving soon afterwards.

"That girl is as shy as always; wouldn't it hurt to converse a little, don't you think, Samael?" Eric asked.

"Uh, yes, maybe," he answered in surprise.

"Next time you meet her, make sure to advise her to be more careful. Last night she bumped into me, causing us to plummet towards the ground," Eric said.

"Anyways, sorry for taking your time; see you around Samael," Eric said before storming off.

***

As the day came to an end, Samael sat in his room, staring into the unknown.

If Eric wasn't the culprit, who could it be? And what is their connection to the monster lying in the southern forest?

Or perhaps he's simply jumping to conclusions based on the words of a man he met near the border. Who knows if his words were, in fact, the truth?

A resounding sigh trailed from his lips as he lay down. It hasn't been long since Ajax left, and he doesn't know what to do or where to go. He can't help but question himself—is he doing the right thing?

He doesn't know anymore.

Samael closed his eyes, allowing himself to gently glide under the loving embrace of sleep.

The chill of the night was soon overshadowed by the glaring warmth of the sun. Casting shadows over the horizon and welcoming the start of another day.

Samael woke up, took a bath, ate his breakfast, and did another round of maintenance. Afterwards, he's off to do another round of investigation.

He walked around the village once more, asking the locals if they knew or noticed anything odd about the village.

Unfortunately, their answers would remain the same. Eventually, he would end his day with barely any progress.

He would repeat this for days, until the day of the festival. It was a dedicated day in Irvel village, where they would have a grand feast in hopes of yet another great harvest this year.

This festival only occurs once a year; therefore, they couldn't cancel it no matter the reason.

The day of the festivities also marks the fifth day Ajax has been gone. Samael remained vigilant all those times, sometimes even taking watch in the midst of the night.

The village also remained peaceful; no missing cattle, no missing humans, or fights have broken out. The atmosphere was also relatively lively. Perhaps everyone's spirits were uplifted for the upcoming celebration.

Samael was on his way to do another round of inspection when his gaze caught a glimpse of a letter. It was encased in a brown envelope with a wax seal of the very medallion he wore.

What's this? Samael wondered. Delicately picking up the envelope, he broke the seal and unveiled the message within.

-Greetings.

Samael, this is Ajax. I sent this message in advance to inform you of my arrival. I should arrive there before the sun dips over the horizon. I will be waiting for you at the border of the southern forest. Prepare, for what awaits behind those towering trees is the answer to our questions.

-Ajax.

Samael's brows furrowed, his visage dimming as he read further. It seems that the truth shrouding this village will be unveiled soon.

What horrors await them beneath those chilling woods? Who is the culprit causing all these disappearances?

Tomorrow is the day of reckoning.