"Where exactly are we?"
I looked around my surroundings, there were many people on the streets, filling it with life. Upon exiting the Braveheart Bar in the mirror world, we seemed to be transported to a similar bar in the physical world, walking out of the front door.
"We are in Moulin Street, so hurry up and bring us to Graham's house!"
'Tsk, this guy... However, Moulin Street is on the complete opposite side of the town. Did I really stray that far from home that I ended up here? Or is it a special property of the mirror world...'
It could have been due to the pain that I lost my sense of distance when I wandered here yesterday, but I felt like the distance from the University to here should not be this big.
"Sigh, just so you know, we are very far from Ironford Street, it will take us slightly less than two hours if we were to walk there, but if we took a horse carriage it would be slightly more than thirty minutes--"
"Then let's take a horse carriage!"
Without hesitation, the blue haired man called for a horse carriage from the streets, urging us to get on.
"To Ironford Street."
'What is so important that he is in such a rush? It is not like a two hour walk is that long. Taking a horse carriage is just a waste of money!'
Deciding to test my luck, I asked him again about what is so important about Graham.
"Sir, may I ask? Why are you in such a hurry to go to his house? It is not like he is going to run away, he is dead after all. What about the road to enlightenment---"
"Ah, ah, ah. Shush. Don't speak those words, and besides this is something that you do not have the qualification to know."
Hearing his answer, I was even more intrigued about this so-called 'road to enlightenment', and from then on, I swore to myself.
'I will uncover what this secret about yours is about no matter what!'
"Pst. Hey, kid."
From next to me, Bram leaned in, whispering something into my ear.
"To tell you the truth, about three years ago, a similar incident to yours happened, where a normal person got entangled with the supernatural."
My eyes widened at his words.
'There were others that summoned supernatural creatures?'
If there were other events like this, why are most people not aware of the supernatural? Actually wait, no. Now that I think about it, there was a report three years ago about a case of mass murder that was strange...
Digging through my memories, I remembered reading the newspaper, which told the story of how five people were mysteriously murdered one night and the murderer was never found.
Furthermore, they were all influential and rich people. They had gathered at their friend's house for a party that night, and the next morning the dismembered corpses of all five of them were found splattered all across the house.
'Now that I think about it, could all the mysterious disappearances of people be due to the supernatural?'
Deciding to confirm my suspicion, I pressed Bram for more details.
"Was that incident, the murder incident from three years ago about that group of five rich people where the murderer was never found?"
"How did you know?"
'Hah, it seems like I was spot on.'
"The truth of the matter was that they decided to summon a supernatural monster which killed all of them except for one."
"Hmm? Did they not all die?"
"No. One survived, back then the boss said he was spiritually inclined and had him sent to one of the main cities."
'It looks like the 'road to enlightenment' is connected to being 'spiritually inclined' somehow.'
Remembering what the blue haired man first said to me when we first met, he seemed disappointed that I was not spiritually inclined, then he started acting like I was inferior to him.
I continued to ponder about this the entire journey. Soon, we were at Ironford Street.
***
Ironford Street
Getting off the carriage, the blue haired man passed a silver note and two silver coins towards the driver.
'I still feel like it is a waste to pay twelve silver coins just for a ride slightly more than thirty minutes. The horse carriages are always so overpriced, I could buy forty-eight apples with that amount of money!'
The blue haired man then urged me once again to bring us to the house.
Letting out a silent sigh, I slowly walked through the neighbourhood searching for Blk 63. However, when we reached the house, there were two policemen on the outside of it.
'What? Did someone report the house in the time from yesterday afternoon to now?'
I was starting to worry if we were even allowed to go close to the scene, even worse if I might get arrested as a suspect since I was here yesterday.
"What are you waiting for? Let's go."
"Huh? Do you not see those policemen on the outside? They won't let us near the house, let alone go inside."
"As if, just follow me."
The blue haired man, not even batting an eye, started to walk forward, heading towards the house.
'Is this man insane?'
I was dumbfounded by his brazen lack of concern, but as I tried to walk away, Bram grabbed my shoulder, shaking his head and dragging me towards the house.
"Bram! Are you actually following that madman?"
"Stop, we are going to get arrested!"
"Bram. Hey! Stop, I can't end up in jail!"
I pleaded to him, but he didn't listen and continued to drag me forward.
"Stop right there! Who are you three? This is a restricted area, you aren't allowed to enter."
Spotting us, one of the policemen shouted out.
'We are done for!'
Despite this, the blue haired man continued to walk forward.
"Stop! Did you not hear me?"
"If you come any closer, we will be forced to use force!"
The policemen, now startled by the blue haired man's complete disregard for their authority, took out their revolvers, aiming at him.
My eyes almost popped out when I saw this, as I was filled with fear.
"Bram, you have to stop him, at this rate he will get shot!"
Bram showed a slightly conflicted face, but continued to do nothing.
Now only a few meters away from the two policemen, the blue haired man stopped and took out something from his coat.
"What is that, do you think--"
I saw the eyes of the two police officers instantly widen, one of them running straight into the building.
'Huh? He didn't get shot? What happened?'
I stood there confused. Why did they not arrest him then? What did he show them? Many questions flooded my mind.
Then, coming out of the building was that same policeman, this time bringing what I presumed to be his superior.
He too, after taking a glance at the thing the blue haired man was holding, bowed down and greeted him with a warm smile.
"What a surprise to see you here, Inspector."
'Wait, Inspector?'
"Yes, good to see you too. My associates and I would need to see the crime scene alone, so please ask everyone to leave."
Soon, every single policeman inside the house was brought out at their superior's orders, leaving the blue haired man, Bram, and me free to enter.
'Just who the hell is this guy...'
"Sorry I didn't tell you this earlier, kid, but it was funny to see you worry. Of course we have ties to the police in this town since we are supernatural hunters."
'Ah... Why did I not think of that.'
Feeling slightly flustered, I walked forward, avoiding his gaze, moving into the house.
Stepping onto the lawn, I again smelt that horrible stench of what I now know is rotting flesh. I pinched my nose in an attempt to block out the smell; however, it still caused me to gag as I quickly made my way to the front porch.
The door to the house was already wide open, and inside was the blue haired man looking at Graham's mutilated body. Looking at the scene, I couldn't help but almost vomit. The smell alone was already ten times worse, but seeing brain matter scattered all over the floor and his limbs thrown all over the place was just...
"Here."
Next to me, Bram passed me a small vial, asking me to smell it.
Putting my nose to the opening, I smelled the fragrance of actual flowers that slightly calmed me down.
"Thanks Bram."
No longer feeling an overwhelming urge to vomit, I moved further into the house. Standing next to the largest remains of Graham, I knelt down next to it, muttering a silent prayer.
"I'm sorry Graham... If I knew this was going to happen, as your friend I would have done anything to stop you. I hope you find peace in the afterlife."
Not really a religious person, I didn't pray for him towards a deity, but instead wished him happiness and hoped that he went to a better place.
Standing back up, I heard the blue haired man muttering something to himself.
"He really was a visionary..."