I sigh.
After eliminating those guys, I teleport back to where I was before.
The rich kids are still talking, completely unaware of what just happened.
—Well… about the case of the missing girls from the neighboring county —Chloe says—, that's what interests me more.
I listen carefully.
—I think it's human trafficking —she continues—. I knew one of the missing girls. I'm surprised they still haven't found her.
I raise an eyebrow.
—The police won't find them alive —someone says—. They're probably already dead.
—Don't be so pessimistic —Chloe replies—. Although… realistically, it's horrible.
—Chloe —Madison says—, tell me more about the disappearances.
Chloe smiles at her.
—Well, Mad… I wasn't really close to that girl. I'd only seen her around a few times and we talked occasionally.
—Then why are you so focused on this now? —Madison asks.
—Just curiosity.
Madison stays silent, but I can sense her discomfort.
Missing girls…
Not long ago.
Was it after Tairon's gang was killed?
—Chloe —Madison insists—, why so much emphasis on this now?
Chloe lowers her voice.
—Because of the clown, Mad.
—Clown?
—Yeah. You know my dad is the director of the police department.
I raise an eyebrow. I didn't know that.
—So I hear things —she continues—. More than I should.
I sigh silently and keep listening.
—How many girls have disappeared so far? —Madison asks.
—Four, from what I last heard. I don't know if the number has increased.
—And in other counties? Or other states?
—I don't know that much —Chloe admits.
Chloe suddenly smiles and changes the subject.
—Mad… tell me something —she says with a mischievous grin—. Are you interested in that guy, Ryan?
The atmosphere tightens.
The guy who had been trying to get close to Madison stiffens and looks at her sideways.
Madison doesn't answer.
She stays silent.
After that, nothing important is said.
Later that afternoon, I visit Sarra, Brittany, Susan, and Deysi.
Nothing.
A waste of time.
That night, I teleport to a remote forest and train all night.
When the sun rises, I return to my room.
After a shower, I plan to sleep for a while.
But suddenly—
—Click—
I get up and turn off the TV… but not before I catch the news.
—Dear listeners, we bring you information about recent missing persons cases, the forest fire, and the massacre that occurred in an abandoned warehouse…
I frown.
—It is said that all these events may be connected to individuals dressed as clowns…
—Hm.
Interesting.
Not like they could catch me.
Still… I shouldn't underestimate anyone.
I turn off the TV.
Later that night, I decide to infiltrate the police headquarters to check the files on the missing girls.
But first… sleep.
At three in the morning, I'm standing on a rooftop facing the police station.
I observe the building.
—Good… not many people.
I don't want a shootout, although entering the armory to get high-caliber weapons at zero cost doesn't sound bad.
I use illusion magic and invisibility, then teleport inside.
There are only a few people—just enough to handle emergencies.
I head to the records area.
I disable the cameras with illusion magic. They're not pointed directly at the documents, so it's easy.
I search for the missing persons cases.
Four girls.
Basic information.
I keep reading.
The first disappeared from her home. Forced lock.
The second vanished near a movie theater entrance.
The third disappeared in a park.
The last went missing during a school trip.
Consecutive days.
I look at the date of the first disappearance.
One day before I woke up in this world.
—Interesting…
I don't think that clown is generous enough to force me into fighting this organization just to show me how dangerous this world is.
Although… knowing him, it's possible.
After a while, there's nothing else useful.
I return home.
Now I'm a little better informed.
The phone rings.
I sigh.
—Hello, Ryan —a mocking voice says—. I saw you. I liked how you infiltrated the police station. Very professional.
He laughs.
—What do you want? —I ask impatiently.
—Nothing —he replies—. I was bored. I just called to mock you for a bit.
Haha.
The call ends.
I tighten my grip on the phone.
This is getting complicated.
And it's only the beginning.