Chapter Fifty-Seven: A Visitor by Night

I have stared at the unchanging walls through the iron bars of my cell for eight hours now. They allow no one to visit me, nor anyone to speak with me. I could easily escape, of course, but that would be the worst possible course of action.

Eight hours ago, when the Rangers arrived, I surrendered without a fight. Resistance was meaningless, and I had no idea how to handle the situation properly. They undoubtedly recognized me, yet no one asked any questions; they knew there was something fishy, something highly unusual about this. They all chose to remain silent, unlike some impulsive, reckless idiot.

That masked figure managed to slip away, taking the Ashi sisters with him. The remaining slaves and Dark-born were taken into custody by the Rangers. The Ranger commander did not interrogate them either—was it on Legrand’s orders?

*Fishbone, play along with them, negotiate with them, act harmless. You are still useful to them; they might show some leniency.*

But I was only investigating a case. Everyone I killed was a villain defying the law; I did nothing wrong.

*It has nothing to do with right or wrong, and you knew that all along. This matter involves interests and reputations in certain quarters. They intended to silence you, but they were too late.*

Perhaps... perhaps Sepherose was the mastermind. The whole affair stemmed from her. I killed her, the case is closed; even if the Black Coffin does not reward me, they might at least let me off the hook. I am, after all, more useful alive than dead.

*Do not harbor such fantasies. If Sepherose was merely a pawn, this matter likely involves one of the Six Elders.*

The question is, which one?

According to my brilliant deduction, I must first rule out the Archon, for he is a paragon of selflessness and noble ambition, and more importantly, if it were him, I would be finished. I hope it is Mizon, Bochi, or Norris; they seem like the unpopular sort within the Elder Council.

Faja said, "I am sorry, I cannot provide more information. The Elder Council is discussing your case, but I cannot currently detect what is happening in their chambers."

I asked, "Is Lamia alright?"

Faja replied, "She is fine, she has calmed down. She sought help from Jiunan and Legrand, and Legrand agreed to assist her. This is the first time in the history of the Black Coffin that a high-ranking vampire has been murdered. The situation is grave."

I told Faja everything I knew. Faja said, "I will investigate, but the outlook is grim. Both Sepherose and Mordy belonged to the Archon’s faction."

I said, "They were traitors, moles planted within the Archon’s camp!"

Faja replied, "I hope so."

The prison door opened, and Legrand appeared. Seeing him, my confidence grew; for some reason, I felt Legrand would help me.

Legrand said, "The Elder Council has sent me to interrogate you." Behind him followed two other young vampires, likely subordinates of the other bigwigs.

I said, "Finally. Why not sooner?"

Legrand replied, "The Elder Council does not want ordinary Rangers to know about this. The fewer people involved, the better."

I asked, "What about those slaves and Dark-born? Have you questioned them?"

Legrand said, "I couldn't get a word out of them. They seem to have suffered severe trauma; they are listless and unwilling to recall the event."

My heart sank. "Someone wiped their memories! And... so many of them! In such a short time—that was the work of an incredibly powerful vampire."

Another vampire spoke up: "Legrand, haven't you noticed something wrong? Someone is trying to cover up the truth! I saw the crime scene photos—someone moved the bodies!"

Yet another vampire sneered, "The truth? We only need to see what we are meant to see and hear what we are meant to hear."

Legrand suddenly commanded them, "Get out!"

They looked displeased and retorted, "Do you wish to defy the Elder Council's orders?"

Legrand said, "The Archon is exercising executive authority over this case. He does not want anyone interfering with the interrogation."

The two had no choice but to leave. My anxiety deepened as only Legrand and I remained in the room.

Legrand whispered, "It wasn't just memory wiping; it was a brutal exertion of willpower that shattered their neural pathways. Only two noble remains were found at the scene, along with the remnants of the Blood-Pact Gang. Doesn't something seem missing?"

I rushed to say, "There were others, similar to vampires but barely stronger than ordinary humans. They used torture and baptized themselves in blood. I killed them all, but their bodies didn't wither. Didn't you find them?"

Legrand shook his head with a bitter smile. He said, "As far as I know, only three vampires of the Ventrue lineage in the Black Coffin possess the power to destroy the brains of so many people in such a short time—Typhon, Maxwell, and my foster father. Even Michael cannot do it."

I said, "If Michael could conceive of a crime this intricate, the world might as well be doomed."

Legrand and I both laughed. I realized then that Legrand was on my side.

Legrand said, "The strength of a vampire is largely determined by lineage and age. Third-generation vampires are the strongest known, referred to as the Antediluvians. Fortunately, these monsters are confirmed dead. Fourth-generation vampires are also terrifying monsters, known as Ancient Ancestors; some still walk the earth, but they are exceedingly rare. Fifth-generation vampires are called Exalted Elders; Typhon, Mizon, and Maxwell are all fifth-generation. By comparison, they are still relatively normal."

I asked, "What about the Archon?"

Legrand said, "His lineage is peculiar, somewhere between the fourth and fifth generations. If he were an enemy, he would be the most troublesome."

Hearing him say the word "enemy," my heart trembled.

Legrand whispered in my ear, "It couldn't be more obvious—it is the Archon. He wants to cover this up. The members of the Elder Council can see it, but no one can stop him."

I felt completely hopeless regarding my supposedly brilliant deductive skills. I asked, "Can't they use this scandal to force him out of power?"

Legrand said, "Missouri holds key secrets of the Black Coffin; that is the leverage that keeps him standing. And the Elders are unwilling to have a public fallout with him. They don't realize the severity of this matter."

I said, "Then we just tell them how severe it is, don't we?"

Legrand shook his head. "That would only worsen the situation. If pushed into a corner, Missouri might use the secrets of the Black Coffin. No one can predict what kind of catastrophe that would cause. Missouri is looking for a scapegoat; if he finds one, the other Elders will not probe further."

I panicked. "The scapegoat won't be me, will it?"

Legrand laughed. "No. They all know you don't have that kind of power, and they know you wouldn't shoot yourself in the foot." He took a small stone from his pocket and said, "I believe in the power of the blade-will. If Missouri tries to destroy your brain, you should be able to resist it. This amulet is just an insurance policy."

I asked, trembling, "He... he might also harm me?"

Legrand said, "Not might—he certainly will. The Elder Council will interrogate you tomorrow. He will definitely act tonight to ensure there are no loose ends."

I asked, "Won't the Elder Council post guards?"

Legrand said, "They can't be bothered. They only care about political stability and don't want to provoke Missouri. In their eyes, you are just a disposable pawn."

I asked, "You've interrogated me for so long—won't you be in danger, too?"

Legrand said, "That is the only good news: he still trusts me, especially now that Mordy and Sepherose are dead. He has no other confidants for the time being. He will use me as his lackey, but he won't let me know the truth."

He added, "Show him weakness. Pretend he has succeeded, or he will kill you. He is reluctant to kill you because you are a useful pawn, but if you provoke him, he will."

These words left my hands and feet icy; I felt as if I were sitting on pins and needles.

Just as Legrand predicted, in the dead of night, after the lights were extinguished, Missouri came in person.

He opened the cell door. With just a single thought, my entire body went numb. It was exactly like those psychic shocks, comparable to the Ikes sisters. He was incredibly, incredibly strong—nearly as dangerous as Vasilisa.

He did not bother to hide his face, for he was confident that his telepathic power could paralyze and render unconscious everyone except the other Elders. He walked to my bed, and I felt myself falling into an abyss of sin, unable to find anything to cling to.

Missouri was silent for a moment, then said, "Do you have any idea how much trouble you've caused me?"

I didn't know if I should answer, but I couldn't speak anyway; it was better not to.

Missouri said, "Perhaps I should have you drink my blood and turn you into a loyal ghoul, but you have undergone so many modifications, and your willpower is extraordinary—that makes things inconvenient."

I felt as if a knife had been driven into my brain; I convulsed in agony.

As Missouri performed his psychic surgery, he remarked, "Everyone should keep a few private hobbies, a little... space for relaxation, moments to enjoy leisurely amidst the busyness, don't you think? I ask myself if I have a clear conscience toward the Black Coffin and humanity, but you don't know the pressure I am under, or how desperately I want to see this world restored to its former glory."

Suddenly, he applied immense force. I suspected my brain had been reduced to shreds.

Missouri said, "I am a flawless man, the leader of the vampires and humans. I cannot let them see me in such a light. But you must know, even if I hide nothing, there is nothing they can do to me. It is just... I have a bit of a cleanliness complex. I value my reputation highly. You understand me, don't you, little human?"

At that moment, the stone Legrand gave me pierced through my clothes and entered my bloodstream. I regained a sliver of clarity. The sensation was extraordinary, as if I had been replaced—swapped out. The soul Missouri was tormenting was a false one, no longer mine.

Missouri said, "Ah, good. It is done. You will remember nothing of the case; you will know nothing. You have guarded my noble reputation. For this, I must thank you, Fishbone Longinus."

I accidentally blurted out, "You're welcome."

Missouri’s expression froze. He asked, "What do you mean, 'You're welcome'?"

I realized he had pierced my disguise. Terrified, I said, "That... I have completely forgotten what just happened. Buddy, who are you? What's your name? Is your mother well?"

Missouri’s eyes glowed red. My heart shattered; I felt as if I were trapped in a cramped room filled with demons and monsters.

Just then, a loud alarm sounded. Missouri grunted, covered his face, and vanished in an instant.

Faja asked, "Are you alright?"

I panted, "Little angel, thanks to you, I managed to save my life."