We drove off the road, heading back toward headquarters, the Golden Lamp car moving steadily ahead of us. Margaret's hands gripped the wheel firmly, and my mind kept lingering on our teasing encounter with Emilia.
"What is her problem?" I muttered under my breath.
Margaret glanced at me. "Actually, Emilia is the kindest in their squad," she said slowly. "She just hates people who don't value others."
I groaned. "I admit it was partly my fault for leaving those injured people behind earlier, but still… she annoyed me so much."
"Be patient. Back when we worked with them, she always checked if we were injured. Just get to know her. I promise you, she's genuinely the kindest person you'll ever meet," Margaret said.
I didn't reply.
Instead, I reached for the dashboard radio and turned it on. The car was filled with radio interference until a voice finally came through.
"Last night, the Golden Lamp Squad eliminated three necromancers in a coordinated operation," the radio announcer said. "Authorities confirmed that all civilians were unharmed, thanks to the squad's immediate action."
I turned the volume up. Margaret also seemed focused on the report. "Looks like that battle was exactly what Emilia was going to say, they were completely exhausted by it," she murmured.
"Necromancers are just as dangerous as witches. Even a small group can wreak havoc if you're unprepared." She paused, eyes narrowing. "It really shows how skilled and coordinated the Golden Lamp Squad must have been to take them down without any civilian casualties."
"Experts warn that necromancers, can summon dark minions and manipulate the dead," the announcer said.
The radio announcer continued, "Authorities urge citizens to remain resilient as the world becomes darker and more dangerous. Don't forget to call or ask for help from our Sentinel Extermination Corps."
"Additional report, the Grim Stalkers also confronted two witches in their latest case. Sadly, the witches managed to escape, as they were highly skilled and cunning. Authorities warn that these witches remain dangerous and should not be approached. They are known to often visit beauty salons or buildings related to beauty services. Citizens are urged to call for squad assistance if they encounter two suspicious individuals."
"Authorities also confirmed that the owner of a derma clinic and her assistant were found unconscious and severely exhausted in the clinic. They are now safe and recovering in the hospital, having been transported by ambulance last night for full care. Thanks to the efforts of the Grim Stalkers Squad, the situation was handled quickly. This concludes the additional report. Thank you for listening."
I switched the radio to music as the report ended.
"I should be dead by now… if you hadn't arrived in time," I said, glancing at Margaret. "Thank you… really, I'm thankful to you guys."
Margaret gave me a small smile. "You should be thanking Theai more. She tracked you with her Nature magic, sensing even the faintest trace of your presence through the plants and the wind, guiding us straight to you."
I just nodded.
After a few minutes, we arrived back at headquarters and parked the car.
Once Margaret finished parking, we stepped out and walked toward the entrance, where the Golden Lamp team was waiting. The small creature still hovered at Victor's side.
Emilia gazed at me sharply.
"Let's head to our office floor," Alistair said, motioning for us to follow.
Margaret and I nodded and followed them.
We greeted the receptionist with polite smiles before stepping into the elevator. Alistair pressed the button for the fifth floor.
Moments later, the elevator opened, and we stepped out into the hallway. Alistair led the way to an office door and pushed it open.
"Welcome to our humble office, both of you," Jaspher said, stepping inside as we walked in.
A guy sat at a desk at the far end of the office, looking up as we walked in.
"You got here fast. Did you manage to locate the client's building after the call?" their Captain asked, leaning forward, resting his hands on the desk.
"Yeah, we found it, Captain," Victor said, giving a small nod.
"Oh, you've got two visitors," Captain Malachi said, raising an eyebrow as he looked at us.
"Yes, they helped us eliminate the threat," Luna replied.
"So the Imps were behind the fire?" Captain Malachi asked, glancing at the creature floating beside Victor.
"We're here to ask for permission for Victor to access its memory, so we can understand the reason behind their attack," Alistair explained.
"Hmm… I'll allow it, but Victor, be careful. The creature might contain a huge amount of darkness," Captain Malachi warned, leaning back slightly in his chair.
Victor nodded. He raised his hands, and a faint psionic energy began to swirl around him, then he gestured toward the small creature, bringing it in front of him.
Closing his eyes, Victor concentrated deeply, placing his hands gently on the creature's head. A surge of energy erupted around him, swirling and pulsing as it connected with the creature's mind.
His body twitched slightly under the force, and the small creature shivered in response, its tiny body trembling as the energy flowed. Victor held his focus, letting the psionic connection strengthen.
A few minutes later, he opened his eyes.
"Vampires!" Victor exclaimed, his eyes widening.
"What?" Emilia asked, tilting her head.
"They were summoned to eliminate a human witness," Victor said, his eyebrows furrowed.
"Why would they want to kill that human?" Charlotte asked, frowning.
"I think the vampires were discovered," Victor explained, glancing at the others. "Since they can't move freely in daylight, they sent these creatures to handle the human."
"Do you know where that person is now, Victor?" Jaspher asked.
"He escaped, but he was wounded by burns. I don't know where he is. I can't see the imps' memories," Victor replied.
"Those monsters! They attack innocent people and children!" Emilia clenched her fist, her eyes flashing with anger.
"Why are they all showing up now, Captain?" Luna asked, glancing at Captain Malachi.
Captain Malachi's expression grew serious.
He straightened his shoulders and took a step closer to us. "Witches, necromancers, vampires, they all want the same thing," he said, his voice steady. "They want to summon and unseal their Masters. That is why their attacks are becoming more frequent and more dangerous. They want to find a living sacrifice or prepare their rituals."
I leaned slightly on Margaret. "What exactly are they trying to summon?" I asked.
"Devils," Captain Malachi explained, his gaze sweeping over us. "The Seven Deadly Devils rule the Abyss. Each one represents a sin and each has followers in the human world to do their bidding."
He raised a hand and began counting on his fingers. "Pride is served by vampires. Envy commands witches. Wrath leads the orcs. Lust commands succubi and incubi. Greed rules over goblins. Gluttony is followed by ghouls. And Sloth commands the necromancers."
Captain Malachi's eyes darkened. "Each follower carries out tasks for their Master, summoning, spying, sabotaging, sometimes even killing. They act in the shadows, but when they appear together it means something big is happening. The Imps, the small demons, are often sent ahead to prepare the way or retrieve objects needed for a ritual. When these followers gather, it is always for the same goal, bringing devils into our world."
"That is why we have to be ready. Every summon, every ritual, every move could trigger a disaster. If we fail to stop them, it will not be just one town at risk, it could spread across the entire world."
"Why are they gathering in our city, and did they really plan to perform their ritual here?" Luna asked, her eyes narrowing with concern.
Captain Malachi rubbed his chin. "I still don't know why they chose our place. Maybe they spotted a potential sacrifice… or they have another reason. We have to stay vigilant and watch over our citizens."
Alistair stepped forward, his hand resting on Victor's shoulder. "Victor, can you alert the other Captains?"
Victor nodded. "Yes, Vice Captain. I'll alert everyone right away."