5 Ch. 5: Detective

With light steps, I opened the curtains and welcomed the morning dew dancing in the air. The bright morning atmosphere seeped into my heart. Amidst the sparkling sunlight, my gaze fell on the system that was now showing the latest Daily Quest that appeared under the title [ DETECTIVE ].

New quest!

[ DETECTIVE ]

Completing this quest will reward you with a random crate. [ COMMON, UNCOMMON, RARE, EPIC, LEGENDARY, MYTHIC ]

Exp (+50)

I tilted my head. The previous Daily Quest hadn't been completed, in fact I didn't even have a clue to complete it. However, my Daily Quest was increased instead of "replaced". Does that mean my quests will always increase every 24 hours?

Then that makes sense if my previous quests don't disappear.

But still, disappointment overtook me, as if my dreams had been dashed by an unexpected reality. I had no clue whatsoever about this quest. There was no description. Just imagine the quests I got had to be interpreted by myself, like an unsolvable puzzle.

"Do I need to have the ability to see small details that others often miss in order to complete this quest?

"Is it by making others believe I'm a detective, or

"Do I have to have a natural talent for being a detective, like Sherlock Holmes?"

I sighed. Looked up at the blue sky. "How can I complete this quest?"

If this is how I'm sure I can't even get to Inazuma, let alone kiss those soft Ei lips... I'm falling into despair.

I felt it was impossible to finish. an uncontrollable wave of pessimism. My face radiated doubt and exhaustion, reflecting the despair that filled every fiber of my soul. Being strong?

My lips curled. "Impossible."

But in that terrifying yet brief silence, there was a voice whimpering inside my heart. It was trying to find a way out of the haunting abyss of despair.

My eyes widened. I could practice for real! F**k this system!

"I need to focus on my goal, work hard, and believe in myself. I'm going to build the six-pack I've been dreaming of. I must make my body match Ei's. Raiden Shogun!" My lips curled.

"What should I do? If I'm not mistaken, I should do sit-ups, crunches, leg raises, and planks to strengthen and tone my abdominal muscles. But is that enough?

"What about diet? I need to eat nutritious foods high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and reduce my intake of excessive calories. Is there anything in the world that I need?"

"I have to change my way of thinking. I have to try. I have strong beliefs and will continue to fight. Should I let doubts and fears get in the way of my efforts to get better?

"I will increase my stamina and muscles so that I can play with Raiden Shogun all I want!

With that in mind, I quickly warmed up and went straight into doing sit-ups, crunches, leg raises, and planks for 3 minutes.

But in the middle of the muscle-building process.

I gave up. How could someone who had never trained their body and just stayed in their room be so strong? It was impossible!

Gradually. That was the only solution.

Annoyed, I left the inn and set out for a jog. At least I could improve my stamina while refreshing.

While I was jogging. From a distance, I watched the crowd gathered in the center of the open field seriously. The rumbling sounds of their conversations could be heard faintly, interspersed with mysterious tones that made me curious. Their faces looked tense, their eyes serious.

My steps paused for a moment, contemplating whether I should approach them or keep jogging for a while longer.

The clothes they wore looked elegant with intricate details, such as high collars and long skirts that floated elegantly around them. Definitely Fontaine people.

With heavy strides and heavy breathing, I finished my jogging session. Sweat poured down my face, soaking my sweat-sticky clothes.

Indeed, my steps were heavy, every breath deep. With a tired yet satisfied smile, I strode slowly towards the Adventurer's Guild, checking if there were any quests I could work on for an attractive fee.

"Miss Katheryne, is there a quest for today?"

With a delicate and graceful hand gesture, Katheryne beckoned me to come closer. When I got close enough, she whispered next to my ear. Intriguingly.

"Investigating a case, but I have to be honest, it's a bit dangerous. A murder case that happened in the city," Katheryne whispered.

My eyes widened. Murder? Is that why there was a crowd when I was jogging? I pulled myself up and looked at Mrs. Katheryne.

"Would you like to receive it, Mr. Charles?"

I nodded.

I honestly didn't understand the concept of requests in the Adventurer's Guild. Why would the Adventurer's Guild also accept requests like playing a detective like this. Isn't their job about adventuring and finding treasures?

Indeed, in the game too, the Adventurer's Guild accepts requests of any kind as long as there is a fee... meaning that someone is asking the adventurers to investigate this case.

But this is good. It's somewhat related to the Daily Quest I got which is: DETECTIVE. Just... isn't this too coincidental?

The Daily Quest I got is even related to real world events. It's too suspicious no matter how you look at it!

After receiving the request, I immediately went to the scene of the crime to conduct further investigation.

I approached a middle-aged man. Neat and elegant, he was wearing a dark-colored suit with a tie tied tightly around his neck. His trousers were black, and his leather shoes looked shiny in the sunlight.

"Good morning, sir," I greeted. "I'm conducting an investigation into a murder case. Do you have any information that could help?"

"Yes, of course. What would you like to know, sir?" the middle-aged man replied confidently.

"Did you see or hear anything suspicious at the time of the incident?"

"I don't know much about it, but I remember there was a commotion around that shop on the corner." The middle-aged man directed his gaze in the direction in question.

"What kind of commotion do you mean?"

He held his chin. "I couldn't see clearly, but there were sounds of people arguing and shouting."

"Did you see who was involved in the commotion?"

"Shadows."

At this moment I fell instantly silent. Shadows. I knew it had something to do with the shadow I saw last night.

"Sir?"

"Sorry, I understand. Can you give a more detailed description of the shape of the shadow? Such as height and size," I asked clearly.

"I can't give you an exact estimate, but it seems to be around less than two meters or so. It's dark, and it resembles a human figure." The middle-aged man described the shape by moving his hands.

"Got it. Is there anyone else who might have clearer information about this incident?"

"Perhaps you could try asking the neighbors around. They usually know more about what's going on around here."

"Thank you for your help."

After saying thank you, I immediately left the scene.

I, in the confusion that crept into my mind, found myself at the crossroads between two possible suspects.

First, the Treasure Hoarders, they had the highest possibility of causing the murder. Given their track record and motives.

Murder, rape, etc.

Secondly, I couldn't rule out that woman, Amelia. the mystery woman. I have no direct evidence to suggest her involvement in this incident.

It was a bit contradictory for me to accuse Amelia considering she was locked up in a cage.

Even if she did commit murder, the motive is unclear.

That's how mysterious she is.

Once I was in my thoughts, I bit my lip. Damn it! I remembered my promise to meet with the boss today.

Although I don't know exactly when the meeting will happen, I feel like it's better to leave now!

***

I'm getting lazier every day man... I want to write one more chapter on vacation but I need motivation 😓 :"(

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