"I'm acting pretty well," Vaelor said. "I pretended to be a person who has in debt of Carter Han. I borrowed money from him five years ago, and now I have to repay it, so I handed it over to a relative. That's why I have the file."
Truman frowned slightly. "Hmm… that could work."
"I'll ask permission from Boss Augustin before we visit them," Truman said.
"Okay, sir," Vaelor replied. "And can you keep my side of the story a secret? It would be awkward to show my ability this early."
Truman felt suspicious, but he nodded. "Alright. I'll just say you're acquainted with some cops and got the information from them."
"That's fine," Vaelor said.
Truman went to the head office, asked for permission, and it was approved.
Later, Vaelor and Truman went to Nancy's house on Maridona Street. It was a big house. For a moment, they wondered if the address was even correct. Truman pressed the doorbell.
The door opened. A girl stood there.It was Rema.
She looked at them cautiously. "Who are you?"
Truman smiled politely. "Is this Nancy's house?"
"Yes," Rema said. "I'm her younger sister."
Not wanting to cause any trouble, Truman said calmly, "We're friends. We wanted to meet her."
"She's not at home," Rema replied. "You can leave your number. I'll tell her when she comes back."
Truman gave her his number, and they walked back onto Maridona Street.
"So now what, sir?" Vaelor asked.
"All we can do is wait," Truman said. "Nancy isn't home, and we don't have Edin's address either. All we know is that they go to the same church."
Vaelor thought for a moment. "Isn't there any way to find out where he goes?"
Truman replied, "Usually when people attend church, they keep a small notebook. They write down key points from sermons or scripture references."
Vaelor's eyes narrowed. "Then we should check his house."
They took a taxi to Carter Han's house, entered quietly, and began searching for the notebook.
Inside his bedroom, a wooden cupboard stood beside the bed. The surface was old, with scratches that hinted it had been used for years. Vaelor moved closer and slowly opened one of the drawers. Inside were only a ballpoint pen and a thin notebook, neatly placed as if they mattered more than anything else.
Vaelor picked up the notebook and handed it to Truman.
"Let's read it," he said quietly.They both leaned in.
The pages were filled with handwritten prayers and notes about church members. At first glance, everything felt normal
almost innocent.
Day 1
'Newlife Church. Bishop Auckland is kind but very strict about justice and teachings.
Sister Allena is cute, adorable, and kind.
The teachings are good. I think I am doing my best.'
Several prayers were written carefully beneath it, each line calm and well-spaced.
Truman turned a few more pages. The entries continued in the same manner, but something subtle began to feel off. The handwriting slowly changed. The letters grew darker, sharper, as if the pen was being pressed harder and harder into the paper.
The words also shifted.
The tone was no longer peaceful.It felt… forceful.Almost aggressive.
Truman frowned. "This is strange," he said. "People usually become calmer when they start going to church. But here… something's wrong."
Vaelor stayed silent, watching the pages.
Day 27
'I found a new friend today. He thinks like me.
His sense of justice is the same as mine.'
Truman closed the notebook slowly. "Vaelor… he's no longer writing prayers. He's convincing himself that he is justice."
Vaelor nodded. "Let's go to Newlife Church. I think all the answers—and this 'friend'—are there."
On the other side of the city, Perun and Melody had reached her maternal grandparents' house. It was located just outside Norus, near the boundary of Doret City. The house was simple but slightly bigger than the surrounding homes, built with warm-colored stone.
A small garden lay in front. Tall lily flower swayed gently in the wind, and apple trees stood nearby, heavy with fruit.
Perun parked the car, and both of them stepped out.
In the garden, Melody's mother and younger brother were laughing, enjoying the air. The moment Melody saw them, her eyes widened. Her breath trembled.
"Mom… I'm here," she said, her voice breaking.
Her mother turned, froze for a second—and then ran toward her. Her brother followed, shouting, "Sis! You're here!"
They hugged her tightly. Melody stood on the verge of crying, unable to stop smiling.
Her maternal grandparents came out of the house as well, surprised but joyful. They welcomed her warmly, asking questions all at once.
Perun watched from a short distance and smiled quietly.
Melody's mother finally noticed him. "Who is he?" she asked gently.
Melody wiped her eyes and said, "He's our driver."
Perun blinked. Driver?
He thought, I mean… yes, technically. But I'm also her bodyguard.
Still, he said nothing.
Her mother warmly welcomed him inside as a guest. That felt strange to Perun. He wasn't used to being treated like family—especially not without suspicion.
They all sat together at the same dining table for lunch. Everyone talked, laughed, and shared stories. Perun listened quietly, but something inside him softened.
It had been a very long time since he felt like he belonged somewhere.
As evening came, the day passed with casual conversations and shared memories. Without realizing it, Perun slowly became part of their bond.
Meanwhile, Vaelor and Truman reached Newlife Church by taxi.
Vaelor sighed. "We're taking taxis too often. It's costing us."
Truman nodded. "Yeah, I know. Our vehicle is still under repair. Once it's back, we'll use it."
They entered the church and met Sister Allena. Truman introduced them as members of a special investigation team and asked about Edin.
Her expression changed instantly.
"You… you don't know?" she said in an emotional tone. "He passed away last Wednesday."
Truman's eyes narrowed. "Wasn't he friends with Carter Han?"
"Yes," she replied softly.
"That can't be a coincidence," Truman said.
Sister Allena shook her head. "It was God's decision."
She paused, then added, "Edin died from lung cancer."
That single statement made the case even more complicated.