Academic gathering with a lich-Chapter 27 - 26 Chai Chai

"So, what are the specific details of the case?"

"Lavren Town has only recently been acknowledged as new territory by the kingdom, and its administrative system is just beginning. Less than a month after the new mayor was dispatched, this case occurred."

"The victim was a farmer from Lavren, who died three days ago. There was an eyewitness, his wife. By the time the mayor arrived at the scene, his wife was nearly in a state of collapse. She appeared to have witnessed a tremendous fear, mumbling incessantly, ’The wolves of Lafillin have come, they want to take us back...’"

"Wolves of Lafillin? What is that?"

"According to the locals, it’s a massive wolf the size of a house that only prowls the outskirts of Lavren. It’s not afraid of swords or spears, nor does it fear bright fire. In the darkness, you can only see its pupils glowing green. It’s always been there, but only recently, it started attacking the residents."

"The locals believe that the wolf thinks humans have betrayed it and that it’s biting off the hands with which they’d made a pact, causing them to wail until death on that piece of land."

"A pact?" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

"Lafillin was what Lavren used to be called, geographically situated at the border between Zwei Kingdom and Hualuo Kingdom, in a remote area surrounded by swamps that are difficult to utilize. The kingdom had no need for that land, so Lafillin became a place that neither kingdom cared for."

"Without the kingdom’s development initiatives, Lafillin was as primitive as the Stone Age. It was a land of destitution with extremely harsh living conditions. To change the situation, the mayor at the time sought the help of an outsider, a Shaman Witch Doctor, requesting a Guardian God. The Wolf God came."

"The Wolf God brought animals that could be hunted and seeds for plants suitable for cultivation. The locals discovered the swamps were fertile enough to sustain themselves."

"All this was meant to continue indefinitely."

"But a few years ago, the mayor of Lafillin died, and no one was able to summon the wolf anymore. The residents started to realize the wolf was just an animal, and without a restraining leash, they began to fear and started to flee. Someone suggested that all the people should move into the kingdom’s territory. They were willing to accept the rule of the kingdom and become part of it."

"At the time, as the first group of newcomers accepted in nearly a decade, the kingdom signed a compliance pact with them, and next to Lafillin, Lavren Town was established."

"Now that the wolf has come, the citizens of the area feel fear once more. Some want to leave, some want to go back to Lafillin. The mayor can’t control the situation and decided to commission us to investigate the case to give them a resolution."

"We need to determine whether someone is playing tricks or if the Wolf God truly exists."

"I have no more questions, ready to leave at any time."

"There’s no rush, we’ll depart tomorrow morning. Before that, I need to make some preparations, meet a friend."

"A friend?"

"A professional dealing with strange matters, a forbidden friend."

"A wizard?"

"I think he wouldn’t like that title. He always emphasizes the sanctity of his profession. To me, he’s just a mad old man."

"Can I meet him?"

"Of course, you’ll come with me. Tomorrow morning."

"Alright."

..........

Ralph went to prepare everything he needed, and Lyle also prepared to seek his own assistance.

The night sky over Andrey still bore the unchanging blood moon. Was Andrey really on Earth?

Seated on the balcony of The Cup of Luxury, Lyle watched the steam from his hot tea drift into the night sky and pondered this.

Around him, Lady Alianna, Mr. Dragon, and Mr. Gentleman were gathered around the stone table, partaking in a tea party to welcome the newcomer, though none of them touched their tea at all.

"For the Talent Awakening Ritual, the materials required are ten ounces of Lich Dust, a piece of Spectral Moss, three tears from a snow monster, and..."

"A gift from a Talented, offered willingly." Alianna removed a Goose Yellow Stone from her skirt hem.

"Here is the Lich Dust, the exact amount needed," Mr. Dragon produced a small cloth bag.

"Three tears," Mr. Gentleman brought good news, "Hearing that the Plague Doctor wanted to undergo the awakening ritual, I specifically discussed it with friends from the Magic Research Society and easily resolved the issue with coins. However, they have a small request."

"They want to make a slight change to the ritual. Of course, it’s entirely beneficial to Mr. Plague Doctor, I’m sure."

This was indeed good news. As for a few slight changes, would they matter with a hundred and twenty thousand gold coins at stake? Besides, Mr. Gentleman assured there was no ill intent — reliable.

"Thank you very much."

"That leaves only the Spectral Moss, for which we don’t have any in stock. But we can provide locations where you can gather it, although, Mr. Plague Doctor, you’ll have to make a trip yourself."

"This is only right, the help from everyone is something I’m deeply grateful for."

"Don’t mention it, Plague Doctor," the gentleman laughed, "This is merely the first step in helping each other. You can consider it an investment; who knows, there might come a time when we will seek your help, and we hope you’ll be generous then."

"Certainly."

"Is the Plague Doctor considering making a staff? Have you chosen the material yet?" Mr. Dragon rubbed his hands, sitting opposite Lyle like a small mountain.

"I’d like to use the right kind of wood so that I can naturally use it outdoors."

"Well then, once you’ve made your choice, I can take care of the engraving for you. It’s a little hobby of mine, free of charge." Mr. Dragon set aside his regret.

"Thank you, but I shouldn’t need it recently. I need to take a long trip and probably won’t be coming to Andrey for a short while," Lyle said, not believing that with Ralph around, he would have the time to disappear for a bit—his uncle’s sense of smell was as sharp as a wolf’s.

"Is it something urgent?"

"Yes, I need to go to Lavren."

"Lavren? The newly established human settlement near Cassandra?"

"The latest addition to the Zwei Kingdom’s villages, you might recall Lafillin," Lyle deliberately brought up the topic, knowing that with Alianna’s curiosity, she would definitely keep the conversation going.

"Ah, Lafillin," Alianna deflated, apparently quite familiar with Lafillin and not the least bit curious to learn more.

"Cha-Cha is there, in Lafillin!" Mr. Dragon suddenly got excited.

"Cha-Cha?"

"That was over a decade ago; I’d been to Lafillin once and used the Spirit Summoning Skill to revive a pet dog. Its owner and I were both very satisfied, it was a truly happy time. Mr. Plague Doctor, you should go see, the touch of Cha-Cha’s fur is quite wonderful."

"Also, in Cha-Cha’s den, there are some magical herbs growing, including Spectral Moss."

"Really? That is indeed fortunate."

So, what kind of pet dog would Mr. Dragon cherish so much that even valuable magical ingredients would grow in its home?

"Is Cha-Cha as big as a house?"

"No, Mr. Plague Doctor really likes to joke. How could there be a dog as big as a house?"

It seemed his speculation was dismissed.

"Cha-Cha is a newborn, only the size of a carriage."

"..."

Cha-Cha is the wolf of Lafillin.

"Cha-Cha is a Shepherd Soul Hound, a special one. He has a gift, benevolent to people. In life, he was adored by humans, and in death, turned into a Ghost Dog, absorbing the power of wandering souls, which causes him to grow continuously."

Lyle felt a mix of emotions. It seemed the final boss of his sheriff’s journey might just be Mr. Dragon’s pet.

"Is there a way to tame him?" Actually, Lyle wanted to eliminate him, but Mr. Dragon would likely not agree.

"Of course, and it’s quite simple. Cha-Cha is a little darling, he likes everyone who plays games with him."

"We play a game of touching noses."

"As long as you can place your palm on his nose before he reacts, he will submit and like you."

The task seemed a lot less difficult.

"What if Cha-Cha is faster to react?"

"You’ll lose your hand, Cha-Cha will bite off your arm and make it his new toy."

"..."

"Since Cha-Cha isn’t very intelligent, as soon as you reach out your hand, he’ll assume the game has started."

"..."

No doubt that was the cause of the farmer’s death.