The Master of the Tower Dreaming of What Lies Beyond (4)
"Hello. What brings you here?"
As I drew closer, the border guards greeted me.
"What else? I'm here to commission a request from the guild."
"A request?"
Border guards commissioning from a guild? That was rare. They had their own investigation unit and handled nearly every crime internally, so they could sort out most issues themselves. It was a far cry from the inland security forces in terms of duties and nature. For them to come to a guild meant it was either trivial—something they didn't need to bother with—or something so massive they couldn't handle it.
The former was just errands with no real profit for us, but the latter? That changed everything. Big payout, official imperial funds so no risk of getting stiffed, and it opened doors for future deals with the border guards. National coffers beat private clients any day.
I wondered what it could be.
"Come on in. Let's sit and have some tea while we talk."
I led the guards into the guild.
"Whoa, check that out."
They pointed at the two demon trophies mounted above the fireplace, eyes wide in awe.
"They're huge.... If the heads are that big, the bodies must've been monstrous."
"Mid-sized demons, about five meters tall."
"Five meters?!"
The guards exchanged stunned glances.
"That's building-sized! How the hell did you take them down?"
"Trade secrets. This way."
We sat across from each other at the consultation room table. There were three guards; the one in the middle was an officer, judging by her insignia. A woman with sharp short black hair and rare green-gold eyes. Captain rank, probably heading a company or department. She wore a uniform instead of armor, so likely a desk officer handling fieldwork rather than frontline combat—those guys stuck to leather armor even on civilian errands.
The officer smiled and extended her hand.
"I'm Captain Bibian, head of investigations for the Schlessi border guard."
"Leonar, guild manager."
As we shook, she studied my face intently.
"You're him, right? The Demon Hunter. The water demon at Rezobuar Reservoir."
"That's me."
"Pleasure to meet you. Your reputation precedes you in the border guard circles."
"News to me."
"Of course it is. But it's true. Why else would I skip every other guild and come straight here?"
"So, what's so big that the border guard treks all the way out here?"
Just then, Leana entered with four cups of tea. She set them down and took a seat beside me. As guild master, she should sit in on an official visit like this.
"Mmm, this is excellent."
Bibian sipped appreciatively. Her manners suggested good breeding—fitting for an investigations chief. You didn't climb that high without brains.
She set her cup down and got to the point.
"We've got a case we suspect involves demon activity."
"A demon? What happened?"
She took another sip before answering.
"Have you heard of Elodi Village?"
Elodi Village. Rifling through my mental map, I recalled it was a small settlement not far from Schlessi.
"I know it."
"Our Schlessi border guard patrols that far. A recent patrol reported something bizarre."
"What kind?"
I asked, and Bibian leaned in gravely, like she was revealing state secrets.
"The villagers died while still alive."
It sounded contradictory at first, but I got it instantly. Leana's sharp eyes told me she did too.
"Like zombies? Or lost their minds?"
Bibian nodded at Leana's question.
"We're leaning that way."
"Be precise."
"Here's the rundown."
About a week ago, the patrol entering Elodi Village stumbled on a weird scene. The little grape-farming hamlet was your typical boring rural spot—no fun, no drama, just monotony. Visits were always routine, but that day, an inexplicable unease hung in the air.
It was the people. They looked normal enough, but different from the last patrol. Something off. Then it hit the patrol like a chill down the spine.
"They were all just sitting or lying around?"
"Exactly. Prime grape harvest season, but everyone was parked in their houses or by the roadside."
"Hmm. Some plague making them lazy?"
"Never heard of a laziness plague."
"Fair. Go on."
"We sent investigators and city hall for a joint probe. Seemed unnatural."
The investigation revealed the villagers weren't lazy—they were completely soulless.
"Couldn't hear, see, or speak. Just vacant stares, like corpses. No eating, no drinking."
"That's... baffling."
"Some died in that state. Starved over a week—makes sense."
"No cause identified, obviously?"
"Nope. It's beyond normal. We ruled it demonic."
"That why you're here?"
"Yes."
I'd suspected as much. High demons had a vile skill called soul extraction—ripping out human souls for nefarious rituals. Victims became living corpses, just like she described.
Her face clouded with worry at my explanation.
"Then we need you, manager. Border guard can't handle demons."
"Got it. We'll take the job."
A single high demon? Piece of cake. Tracking one hiding in human guise was the pain, but once located, potions, special oils, and Nightrend made short work.
Leana handled the details like pay. Bibian looked puzzled at our role swap—manager negotiating like master—but Leana's ironclad confidence soon had her sweating.
The moment we pegged it as demonic, we held the knife. Leana demanded a king's ransom upfront, bargaining down to our price. Bibian whipped out her abacus, beads flying.
I'll leave this to Leana and prep.
"Celestine."
Calling as I left the room, the purple-haired saintess sweeping the floor scampered over.
"Yes, manager?"
"Request. Two days, tops. Gear up."
"Got it. Just you and me?"
"Who else?"
"Um, okay.... I'll prepare...."
She seemed reluctant. Hate going with me? I could solo it, but she was essential—buffs for me, combat XP for her.
"Hurry. Pack spare clothes. Snacks on the way."
"Huh?! Right away!"
Snacks lit her up; she bolted upstairs. Ditch the priestess robes, and the glutton awakens.
Up in her room, Celestine paused to scratch her head.
Off with the manager again. Far this time. Better pack quick.
Snacks on the way, so just clothes.
Stuffing garments into her bag, she yanked open the bedside drawer, grabbing all the condoms and cramming them in.
Just in case. Last time he eyed me like a slave snack.
He's hot, kind, sweet—not that I mind. But caution.
Unofficial squatter here. Pregnancy? Useless trash. Guild master boots me. Manager's irreplaceable Demon Hunter.
Horror. Double caution.
"Celestine! Done? Down here!"
"Y-yes! Coming!"
Bag in hand, cloak on, she descended. Leonar was geared up, waiting.
"She's the healer?"
"Yep."
Bibian, beside Leonar, bowed.
"Pleased to meet you. Captain Bibian, Schlessi border guard investigations."
"Hello. Celestine."
After introductions, they left the guild, mounted up.
"Safe travels!"
Leana waved them off. Leonar, Celestine, Captain Bibian, and two guards headed for Elodi Village.