The trio had uncovered more leads than they had expected, which made things both easier and more complicated. While they now had more clues to follow, they didn't have enough people to investigate all of them.
The first lead involved the three families from different villages who had moved to the city. These villages were scattered around the jungle, making it difficult to visit each one. The journey was dangerous, and going one by one posed significant risks. Even with the three of them together, it would be challenging—especially since only Cassandra, with her warrior rank, could handle the potential threats.
It would be unusual and suspicious for high-ranking warriors or mages to be found in this jungle. The forest, with its strongest monsters rated around 3 stars, would pose no real challenge to them, so there was little reason for such powerful individuals to be there. Similarly, high-ranking mages only ventured into the forest to gather specific ingredients, which this particular jungles lacked.
If such powerful individuals were in the jungle, it could only mean they were involved in something shady. While it was rare for higher-ranking warriors or mages to be there, the same couldn't be said for those of lower ranks. Many lower-level warriors and mages roamed the jungle, making it difficult to determine whether they were engaged in illicit activities or just seeking adventure.
These individuals posed a risk if the trio decided to investigate the leads one by one. Now, as the three sat in a village restaurant eating lunch, they contemplated their next move.
"I say we visit those villages together, all three of us, and figure out what to do from there," Dallas suggested, dipping a piece of bread into a muddy-looking soup with bits of meat floating in it.
But to Dallas's disappointment, Cassandra shook her head. "That'll take too much time, and we need to report back to the department. They'll start worrying if we don't return soon. A delay of one or two days is manageable, but not more," she said, eating the same dish as Dallas.
"Then let's send him to inform the department and request reinforcements to help follow up on these leads or any new ones that might come up," Dallas suggested, gesturing at Cassian, who was quietly preparing his own meal, adding green and red dressings to a plate of fruit.
Both women turned to him, and he looked back at them, slightly confused. He hadn't been paying attention, too focused on savoring the dish he was assembling. Cassandra sighed, shaking her head. "It's too dangerous to send him alone," she said.
"Where am I going, Miss Cassandra?" Cassian asked, confusion in his eyes as he mixed the fruit in his bowl.
"To the city, to report our findings to the department," Cassandra replied, eyeing his dish. The spicy, citrusy aroma made her mouth water. "Can I try some?"
Cassian nodded and pushed the bowl toward her. "Go ahead."
Dallas, intrigued by the dish, reached over and took a piece of fruit—a grape—while Cassandra chose an apple. As they tasted it, the initial burst of spiciness and tanginess filled their mouths, gradually softened by the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Dallas spoke up as she finished chewing. "He could take Daniel with him. We were already planning on heading back, and if that's not enough, we could hire a Circle warrior from the village. Aiden mentioned there are a few around."
Cassandra, being the strongest of the three and their leader due to her seniority in the field, fell into deep thought. After weighing the idea, she nodded and looked at Cassian. "Are you okay with going back to the city without us, Cassian?"
Cassian, still savoring his spicy fruit salad, nodded. "Yes, Detective. But can I fight any monsters on the way?" he asked with a hopeful grin.
"No, you can't," Cassandra said, shaking her head, much to Cassian's disappointment. Noticing his reaction, she added, "Given how things are unfolding, we'll be in this jungle for a while, so you'll have plenty of chances for that later. For now, focus on informing the department as quickly as possible. Also, tell them to send a long-distance message relay board."
"Understood, Detective. I'll get it done," he said with a slight salute, his tone light but earnest. Then, pausing for a moment, he asked, "So, when should I leave?"
"Tomorrow morning," Cassandra replied, leaning back in her chair. The tension in her shoulders eased slightly as she saw his enthusiasm. Cassian's face lit up, and before he could contain himself, he blurted out, "Does that mean I'm free for the rest of the day? Can we go hunt some monsters?"
Cassandra couldn't help but smile at Cassian's boyish excitement. With a nod, she said, "Fine, but make sure to find Daniel first and ask him to find someone who knows where we can spot monsters around the village. It'll save us some time."
Cassian nodded eagerly, already envisioning the hunt. "I'm on it," he said, finishing the large plate of fruit in record time, as if he were drinking rather than eating. In moments, he was off to find Daniel, leaving Cassandra smiling at his enthusiasm.
Dallas noticed and asked, "Detective, may I ask why you go easy on him and treat him like a kid?"
Cassandra looked surprised by the question and offered a small smile. "I didn't realize I was doing that," she admitted. "But I suppose it's because he is a kid." She added with a touch of uncertainty, "Maybe that's why I treat him that way."
Dallas nodded in agreement. "You're right, he is a kid. So, who agreed to let him work in the special unit instead of just being a regular constable?" But as she spoke, she realized Cassandra had become absentminded.
Cassandra's smile faded, her thoughts drifting. She hadn't fully noticed how she'd been treating Cassian, though she was aware she'd been kinder to him than others. It wasn't just out of habit—it was a way to draw closer to him, to understand more about him and the mysterious person he was said to know at the Beacon of Knowledge.