“Obviously, because this seems to go beyond the business of our district aloyler Khan sighed: “As we speak, liaisons from our unity have met with leaders and w enfort officials iy to discuss this. It is a matter of grave importance.”

  “I see. And - what do you think we do to assist you in this? ” Captain Ko sighed: “Information and intelligeag along on your iigations?”

  “Currently not much, we just ask that you keep a for any signs, rumors and - and maybe reported occurrehat resemble paranormal is, of course.” Tyler Khan nodded: “And - the more information the more helpful it get. Even if you don’t believe it to be true, if we still collect the information it’d still be tremendously helpful.”

  “Sounds alright. And - do you happen to have a list of pces where these schors, practitioners and monks reside?” Kevin asked: “I mean - we start from SOMEWHERE if you’d like our help iigating - ”

  “That is - sensitive information, I’m afraid. ” Tyler Khan shook his head: “But - I think I provide you with some information with one case we’re looking into. One of our best iigators is already on a case, where some unknown assaints attacked a small, pretty run down temple, and they murdered the temple watcher. His name was Clergyman Gyuu Park, of the Fragrant Chrysanthemum Temple, around 20 minutes drive away from here.”

  “Way - I thought I heard of this name and the temple before.” Kevin couldn’t help but mumble and turned his eyes Marcus’ way: “So - what is the situation there? How we get in touch with this iigator of yours?”

  “I’ll give her a ping. Then she’ll know that I made tact with you beforehand.” Tyler Khan Kevin with a smile: “She’d be happy to receive help from you. Things have been - challenging for many of us.”

  Marcus frowned. All of this talk brought an image into his mind: the vision the White Wug let him see. The corpse of bald men, and the simple clothes they were wearing while standio the altar - could they actually be the schors and monks Tyler Khan eaking off?

  “ I - we take a look at the pictures of the monks and schors that are firmed missing? That’s not sensitive informatiht?” Marcus raised his hand: “Not to put up posters or anything, but it’d be great if we have at least some ideas on who are missing. And if our officers know what they look like, there’d be a way better ce of their being found.”

  “Good point, I will have our people forward them right over.” Tyler Khan gave Marcus a thumb up: “But do be aware - those pictures tend to be dated and low definition, because we only registered them when they went into reclusion and only take pictures of them once every five years. Some of them don’t even allow us to take pictures at all…”

  “That’s fine. Whatever help they could be, it’s good to have that information heless.” Shrevas interrupted: “After all - you’re asking us to at least be on the lookout for these schors.”

  “And - I have a general question as well.” Marcus raised his hand again, with his eyes fixed on Tyler Khan’s face: “If I uand correctly - these schors and practitioners don’t meddle at all with the affairs of normal people. And - if they’ve been away from the secur world for several years, and they’ve only started going missing, I would almost say, that someone was attempting to do some kind of big ritual. And it’s not some simple ritual, it must be vast, it must be grand, it must be very, and I mean very, impactful. Do you happen to have an idea on what that might be?”

  Tyler Khaire body shivered o the mention of a ritual. It was barely noticeable, but it did not escape the attention of Marcus. He knew something, yet due to whatever reason, he did not disclose it.

  “That’s - uh - that’s a theory we’re w on as well. It’s possible, but not very likely.” Tyler Khan forced a dry smile: “The reason is simple - though these practitioend to keep a low profile, they are also simple minded and stubborn. It would not be easy to make them do anything. More importantly, most of them do not have any family anywhere, so it would be hard to bckmail them as well.”

  “Yes. But if these kidnappers are desperate enough, they would still bring them along. After all, if it was me, I would just hide and imprison them somewhere, and - ” Marcus thought for a moment, before he could finish his sentehe face of Simon Tu, or better known to him as Sitch, fshed through his mind.

  “What is it, Marcus?” Keryn asked with a frown.

  “No - it’s just - I thought of something.” Marcus sighed.

  “If you know something, maybe you let us know? ” This time, it was Tyler Khan’s turn to fix his eyes on Marcus: “And perhaps - I hope, that this would be mutually beneficial.”

  Marcus sighed, then looked at Captain Ko with an inquiring expression on his face. Captain Ko frowhen shrugged, signaling him that he should be free to say what he wao.

  “Sitch.” Marcus hesitated before uttering this name. His stomach ed, and his heart ached at this name. “When we first arrested him, he told me that he was w for something grand, something great, and something bigger than himself.”

  All the others in the room went silent, including Tyler Khan. Marcus thought for a while, then stared at Tyler Khan, who was also staring at him.

  Shout outs to my patrons:

  mant06,

  Jonathan

  Thank you very much for your support! And have a nice holiday season!