Crossing Illusion: Reflection (Book 1) #Wattys2017

Chapter 25: Forest Scouting

Sun soon set, and as twilight become a darker shade of night, moon arise to shine the forest and the lonely camp nearby.

A campfire lit brightly on the center of the grass field, it might even been said too big for a bonfire. Surely, it's easy to create fireplace or even a big campfire with a fire-making Phantasm.

"Alright, everyone already here?" Fahmir stand up in front of the campfire, facing a group of teenage which either drinking some hot beverage, or eating snack. One of them, which had a white hair, even just done eating a cup noodle by then.

"Well, let's start the meeting then." He took out his rapier and then it start to glow like a neon bar. "Runescratch... Accumulating mana mode." The thin saber now actually glowing in azure light, as he tried swinging it around.

"As you all know, the disappearance in Blightsmire have been happened for quite of time, and no result of investigation come yet. Of course we may suspect supernatural of mythical cause since it's our field. The problem is that..." He took a breath and then pointing the forest with his blade. "We had no clue at all on what would roam in there, or what actually causing the phenomena."

Astina lifting her hand, spontaneously speaking with plain tone. "Maybe werewolf or trolls." The group glance at her, and didn't bought it since she already repeating her theory twice on the day, three with now. Fahmir coughed and goes back to his explanation. "Anyway, we need someone who really know about the area, including topography and other natural trait of the place, so we need..." Astina appointed herself by arising her hand up in the air, but ignored by Fahmir again.

"We need the local to assist us." Fahmir continue his speech as someone come into his side. Two adult wearing the local hunting outfit with sign as "Forest Ranger" and "Special Police Department" are on their shirt. One of them are dark skinned with hair braided in Hip Hop style, meanwhile the other one had pale white skin with short blonde hair and Australian hat. The two have been around since afternoon, but just properly introduced now.

"This Bates Meddley." He pointed the black skinned man. "And this is Hallmark Tristoff." He pointed to the other one. "They are an SPD unit of Danfalke, and yes, they also had Phantasm." Fahmir lit his cigar, taking his time before speaking again. "They would guide us as we scout the forest, searching for clues or any possible suspect to the scene. Any words?" Fahmir allowed the two new guest to speak.

"Before all, nice to meet you guys, hope we could be a good friend and-" Bates was speaking with bright cheerful mood until Hallmark elbow him softly. "Too long, Bates." That made Bates abruptly stop, apologizing as he made an awkward smile. "Anyway, you know about the case. But seriously, for all the damned sake, we had no clues, and for for god sake, we don't know where we should start searching or what could attacked us there." Hallmark speak with a unique accent, and his tone are notably bitter.

"How about the lake?" Astina suddenly speaking. The two look at her. "Where you know about the lake?" Bates asked. "Silly. I of course research the place before we go to the perimeter. I know about the lake, how it used to be a tourism spot, until now abandoned due to a mysterious case." Though speaking with plain tone, there are hint of excitement in it.

The two new allies look at each other, then turn to Fahmir, indirectly asking. Fahmir nod. "Please explain." He spoke as he turn to Astina.

She took a breathe before opening a certain book. "Blightsmire are connected with two mountains, Grunwatch and Grunheld, then in eastern end of the whole area, there are a lake past the two mountains, positioned between them, lake Wasserwelt. The province of Danfalke used to prosper with tourism thanks to the lake, but in August 13th, 2033, a child named Copper Dereck drowned on the lake. The guards tried to help, but his body disappear so quickly, as seems he's been eaten whole. Eyewitness said that he's pulled into the water by what seems to be human-like hands, which quickly pulled him into the center of the lake. His shadow still seen below the water when he pulled, but suddenly disappear without a trace as soon he pulled to the center of the lake. After many consideration and many pressure regarding the case, the local decide to seal off the place and halt any business in it." She close her book and inhale. "People still feared the place as haunted, or inhabit monsters. While not reported to the officials, there also few daring teenage that entered the place to proof the rumor, and they went missing as well. The locals call the lake and forest surrounding it as Devil's Den."