Rise From The Ashes

Chapter 1 - Long-awaited

Richmond

One year later

"Then put it simple, so we'll understand quickly."

"Here is the report. Ashenville School's Principal, Jorgen von Rousseau has been found brutally murdered in Werth Keep. He was found in a gruesome state, as well as the other victims. Most of his limbs were torn apart from his body, his chest was ripped open, internal intestines were scattered, and his face was disfigured. Judging from his wounds, it can be concluded that the thing that murdered him is a brutal and savage creature, stands at seven feet tall, with very stong and large clawed arms. Strong possibility that the creature is a were-beast from the Order."

"And we are going to use this report as our clue?"

"Yes, after a year has passed. Finally, we are allowed to investigate more in this matter."

"Yeah, and after the Highmont's officials has already finished their pampering on them. I really don't think there will be anything left for us to discover."

"Better to try than do nothing at all, I guess."

The massacre incident in Werth Keep a year ago has been mostly investigated by the Highmont's Enforcers, without leaving any of us to investigate on ourselves. It turned out that many influential figures, other than our principal were killed in that incident.

Despite the letter clearly stated that they needed our help, in reality they didn't. The only help they need is to bring the body back home for a proper burial. It was him, no doubt. At least we were able to identify him during the process.

The Heads have decided that we should backed down from the case and focus on other things until they were satisfied with their business, which in reality took a year process.

That day, Dylan, Castille, Roland, and myself are currently reviewing the autopsy report of Jorgen von Rousseau, our principal in the recently-made, hall for the spec ops. It is a well-made hall, feels like the exact replica of the Heads' office minus their specialty furniture, leaving only the basic commodities for a common gathering.

"This piece of information is the only one that was sent to us because of the person being involved with us. While the other information, such as identity of the other victims and the investigation progress were held by them." Dylan throws the report gently on the table. "For research and confidentiality purpose, they said."

"Highmont, all autocratic as always." Roland cracks a joke, again.

Dylan chuckles, "I agree with you on this, kind of."

"By the way," Castille interrupts. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but to replace that, you were tasked in the other incident." He must be referring to Dylan and me.

"Ah, you meant about those were-beasts." Dylan answers.

"Sadly, many of the guards stationed at the border were killed during the assault because the mage squads came late. However, even the mage squads were almost overwhelmed and suffered many causalities during the battle."

"Why is that?"

"The beasts' hides are able to resist magic, making most of their spells useless. Fortunately, they managed to be annihilated on the spot. And it turns out, the assumption was true after all. Once the were-beasts were defeated, they shifted back to their human form. Each of them has the distinctive seal on a body part, such as arm, leg, chest, stomach, you name them." Dylan explains.

"Heck, so the Order was really involved after all." Unusual on his way, Roland puts up a more serious expression, "Did the case have the clue we need? You know what I meant."