Our Family Has Fallen

Lance also recalled some things about this; he remembered that at the Ascension Sect’s ritual sites, there were also these specially made blood-red candles.

Speaking of this, Amanda wasn’t surprised.

"This is a kind of desecration ceremony; actually, in many cases, it’s similar. It pollutes the spiritual essence in the surroundings, making no one dare to investigate rashly. If the area is cleaned up once, the traces are also removed, all based on similar principles."

There were many areas worth delving into, but sadly, Laura stood by, leaving Amanda at a loss, and after a few simple words, she could only give up.

"Do you need me to help send this guy to the sanatorium?" Before leaving, Amanda nudged Audrey with her foot as if choosing a piglet, displaying an unabashedly aggressive attitude.

"No need, I still have to go to the sanatorium later, just leave her for now."

Lance’s casual words had little intention of treating her like a person either.

She came to Hamlet to stir up trouble, not shooting her was already considered Lance’s mercy.

Seeing this, Amanda turned and left, but gave Laura a last glance, with a look of doubt in her eyes.

It’s no wonder she’s curious, after all, if this matter is considered resolved, what else is there to report?

However, she wasn’t so foolish as to eavesdrop outside the door, sometimes excessive curiosity can be deadly. Amanda wisely suppressed her curiosity and left.

Lance was also curious, but he remained calm, even lightly jesting, "Amanda almost asked directly out of curiosity just now, and you actually managed to hold back from saying anything."

Laura wasn’t someone with a slick tongue, so she straightforwardly recounted her experience at the hotel, and how she felt something was watching her.

"At the time, I was the only one in the room, I searched it several times and found nothing inside. The walls and windows were all checked for no damage."

"You mean that kind of sight wasn’t coming from reality, but from a powerful Transcendent observing from another realm."

Lance roughly understood her meaning; probing from the void implies there’s another expert watching their actions.

Because ordinary Transcendents, especially those who rely on equipment to enhance their powers, don’t possess such methods. Only Spellcasters with particularly outstanding inspiration talents, and masters at that, could manage.

Of course, some special tools or strange rituals, like the Romani’s spirit communication ritual, could lower the threshold.

But whoever could do it wasn’t simple, and even Laura only realized it upon noticing when she was alone.

Now they could confirm there was still a hidden powerful Spellcaster in the town, and their interest in their capture operation suggested the other party was closely monitoring their actions.

Lance could feel Laura’s unease, as someone who habitually hides in the shadows to spy on enemies and waits to deliver a fatal blow, only to have someone watch her instead.

Do not forget Laura’s identity; if exposed, it might provoke Count Bastia’s assassination.

Lance silently stood up, walked towards her, and gently placed his hand on her shoulder.

"This is Hamlet, you are under my protection."

With just a few words, Laura inexplicably felt her blood surge, and the slight pressure seemed fragile in the face of this power.

However, Lance paused slightly and withdrew his hand, smiling to comfort her.

"I know what you’re worried about, but rest assured, Hamlet doesn’t have a habit of abandoning companions, neither do I."

Even if Laura were exposed, Lance wouldn’t mind much, but it was crucial to impart this confidence to Laura.

Without a doubt, he succeeded. Laura, now devoid of any anxiety, seemed so exhilarated that whether she could sleep tonight remained uncertain.

"Relax~ You accomplished your task remarkably and even noticed some issues others didn’t..."

Lance’s words, as if imbued with a power of expression, easily calmed Laura’s restless heart, and the encouraging words significantly satisfied her inner self.

"Go back and rest, it’s getting late."

"Mm."

Laura left, but Lance sank into deep thought.

Laura’s strength was decent, probably at the peak of elite level, preparing to strike at Master level.

He previously considered advancing her towards Master level.

However, he noticed something unusual within her and had to pause.

About those, he roughly guessed it was the power inherited from her tribal bloodline, perhaps the forebear of the Eagle Flock.

This power made her much stronger than average while also causing some transformation. If it continued, it inevitably reminded Lance of Warwolves turning into werewolves.

Would Laura turn into a bird person?

And could the beastification disease suddenly emerging in the mountains be related to these?

Indeed, the extraordinary powers all came at a cost...

Lance didn’t dwell too much on these matters since there were more urgent issues to address.

"Go, find out who is so intrigued by our actions."

The room had no more people, yet Lance’s self-talking words were somewhat eerie.

Nonetheless, he didn’t react much, simply hoisting Audrey and heading towards the sanatorium.

Recently, due to various hospital matters and the research on potions and holy water, the sanatorium was still illuminated at this hour.

Paracelsus and Grendel were still busy inside.

Lance waited briefly at the unwatched gate, and soon the heavy door opened, revealing Grendel’s figure.

"Caught?"

She immediately noticed the person Lance was carrying, easily guessing the situation.

After all, for something worthy of the Lord’s visit, it could only be that thief.

"Yeah, you have no idea how abstract this matter is..."

Entering, Lance didn’t forget to complain to her, briefly summarizing the case, omitting Audrey’s growth, however.

In truth, upon hearing it, Grendel suddenly understood the concept of "biodiversity" the Lord previously explained.

"Then why keep her?"

Grendel, having been by Lance’s side long enough, could roughly gauge his thoughts. If someone was useless, they wouldn’t survive till now.

As she spoke, she reached over, brushing aside the golden hair covering her face, then teasing with a smile.

"She’s quite beautiful, I see she’s still quite charming.~"

"Don’t ever touch this type of woman, not even a thousand lives are enough to die."

When Lance talked about this, he shuddered. There weren’t many things capable of frightening him, but plenty that disgusted him.

Earlier, listening to Audrey recount how she looted her ex-husband’s gold coins horrified him.

Thievery, debauchery, a craving for freedom, a pursuit of excitement, hedonism...

She ticked all the boxes, no matter how pretty she was, it was useless.

The beautiful patterns of a black widow are there to attract its prey and then kill and devour it.

Moreover, Lance didn’t find her particularly attractive, her body was so bony; carrying her felt like she was all bones.

Seeing her tease met with Lance’s warning, Grendel understood he wasn’t joking and restrained her smile.

"Is it really that serious?"

"A beast driven by an eternally unfillable void of desire—sure, some might enjoy taming such beasts, but a slight mishap leads to backlash. In any case, I’m not interested."

Lance’s stance was simple: she’s beyond saving, let her wait for death.

To confine this tomb robber with her myriad escape methods, Lance chose a deluxe room for her.

The windows were just fist-sized, reinforced with cross-patterned steel bars, indicating an intense level of security.

There was also a meticulous body search, stripping everything external, checking hair, mouth, and body cavities, then switching to simple prison attire.

Lance didn’t have any particular reaction to this, as if he was just dealing with a mere doll.

Once you’re in, there’s no escape!