Extra's Perfect Ending

Chapter 93: Piece together

Reeva left the Sailor Association with a satisfied expression, a small but hopeful sense of progress lifting his spirits. Hinly had agreed to look into the situation and potentially assist Reeva in his quest. It might not have been the safest move, but Reeva needed all the help he could get.

As time passed, however, his uneasiness grew. The day the white demon would emerge was fast approaching—a day when everyone in this city would be at risk, and Reeva would be forced to flee. He felt the weight of that looming deadline, a constant reminder of the dangers he faced.

Reeva began to piece together the fragments of information he had gathered so far.

Riche had become involved with a cult from Guragua, likely seeing it as an opportunity to amass power by becoming the head of it. But his ambitions had led him into dealings with Landlong, who, in turn, used Riche as a pawn to further his own agenda.

It was a complex web, and while the outline of the story was clear, Reeva still felt like there was a missing piece—a crucial detail he had yet to uncover.

From what Reeva knew, Landlong was an influential figure but not a mystic. He was likely a normal person who had encountered mysticism through his business dealings. But despite that, Landlong’s confidence in the 12 Eyes cult seemed unfounded. Reeva doubted that Riche alone could give Landlong enough power to execute such an ambitious plan.

There had to be someone else—a more skilled mystic—guiding or supporting Landlong, someone who truly understood the power they were dealing with. This was the missing piece Reeva needed to find.

Alternatively, Reeva considered the possibility that Hinly had lied to him about the entire situation. It was a disturbing thought, but one that could be easily confirmed if Reeva stepped into the tiger’s den himself.

At the wedding, Landlong had given him a business card, inviting him to join his "special group" if he was interested. Reeva now planned to take that offer and see firsthand what kind of group Landlong was assembling. He needed answers, and this was his best chance to get them.

---------

Reeva and his companions finally arrived at the hotel in the evening, after an hour-long walk. Theia, clearly worn out, immediately made herself comfortable on the sofa.

"Oh my god, Mister Hinly is really something..." Theia said, expressing her thoughts on Hinly’s attitude. She stretched out, relaxing as much as she could.

"Can we trust him?" Reeva asked, seeking other opinions. He settled into a nearby chair, still processing the day’s events.

"Mister Hinly is very upfront, he’s unlikely to speak falsehoods. However, considering his line of work, there’s always a chance," Hilda responded in her usual composed tone, her analysis closely mirroring Reeva’s thoughts.

Reeva then turned his gaze to Theia, who looked surprised to be included in the conversation.

"Me?" Theia tilted her head, unsure why Reeva was asking for her opinion.

"Do you have any thoughts on the guy?"

"Well... he’s certainly a character. My father dealt with people like him before. He used to say, ’They’re honest if you’re honest.’ So, I... I’m inclined to believe his words," Theia said, a hint of nostalgia in her expression as she remembered her father’s advice.

"If what Hinly said is true, then we’ll have to confirm it ourselves."

"Mister Landlong’s invitation?" Theia asked, quickly catching on to what Reeva was planning. "Are we throwing ourselves into danger again?"

"You don’t have to go if you don’t want to," Reeva replied with a reassuring smile.

"No! I’ll help," Theia insisted, puffing up her chest with determination. For the first time in her life, she felt like she was part of something significant. Unveiling a cult and stopping it from ruining Tumidus would be a major accomplishment, something she could be proud of and maybe even share with her father when he wakes up... hopefully.

Seeing Theia’s resolve, Reeva couldn’t help but smile. It was clear she was growing and becoming more confident.

"Theia, I have a task for you and Hilda."

"Me and Miss Hilda?"

Reeva nodded. "I’d like you to investigate Ulla in person. I suspect he has connections with Tula of the blood cult. There’s a chance they’re tied to all of this somehow."

"Wouldn’t it be better for us to meet Lanlond together? What about you?" Theia asked, concern in her voice. "Will you be okay without our help?"

"I have a few tricks up my sleeve if I get cornered, don’t worry. Your job is more dangerous since you’ll be dealing with a confirmed enemy, while I’ll be going in as Landlong’s supposed ally."

"OK... What do you want out of him? So far he’s not in the picture for me"

"As I said, I want to understand how Ulla fits into all of this. If he’s merely employing Tula, we might let it go, but I suspect there’s more to it."

"Okay... I think I can manage," Theia replied, though not entirely confident. The last time she was with Hilda, she’d been scolded for not keeping track of Reeva. Now, being sent away from Reeva entirely made her worry, but she hoped Hilda wouldn’t have any complaints this time.

"Will you really be okay, master?"

"Yep, completely fine," Reeva assured her, thinking about his demon mode. Most people wouldn’t stand a chance once he activated his powers, though there was a time limit he had to be mindful of.

"Master, this is the present someone left for you at the stall. Jenny mentioned it was a merchant, but she couldn’t remember his name," Hilda said, presenting a wooden box about the size of a small dog. Reeva squinted at it, scrutinizing the box carefully.

"Is this a mystic item?" he asked.

"I can’t sense any mystic energy," the maid confirmed. While it was unlikely, there was always a chance it could be something dangerous. Better safe than sorry, especially when dealing with mystic items. Reeva felt a wave of relief wash over him.

He gently opened the box, bracing himself for whatever might be inside. But when he saw the contents, he was more shocked than he would have been if it had been a mystic item.