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2024-10-29 19:42:56Vana's POV
“I do. I plan to return to Ashern after I graduate. I also plan to publicly leave the Shadows and remain its member in the dark. Then, I’ll open my own detective agency—”
“You’re opening your own agency!” Jerome exclaimed, slamming his hands on the table, which startled me. “Seriously?”
“Y-yes?” I stammered, bewildered. “Something wrong with it?”
“Not really, but you’re going to do that alone?” Jerome scowled.
“No, why do you think I’m telling it to you?”
“It’s not what I think, is it?”
“More or less. It’s what I need your opinion—or your answer, in this case. I can’t do it alone, and that’s a fact. That’s why, if you would like, I would like to have a partnersh
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The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Prologue:
3rd POV The Detective stared at the board he created in his office, connecting all dots in his web. Red lines of string connect to one person to another, objects and reasons correlating to their deaths. The wind of summer blew against the window shutters, creating a rattling sound that slightly disturbed the Detective’s stirring mind. He rubbed his chis as his eyes landed on the initials written in a letter. The initials, C.Z. was written at the end of the letter that he received a couple of days ago. A formal letter that states for him to stop his investigation. He cannot help but think of only one person that could fit with the initials. The Detective heaved a sigh, heading back to his desk as he pulls out his journal from below one of his locked drawers. He began writing everything he learned from his investigations, the real culprit of the case, and the regrets he carries along with it. His mentor’s friend’s wife and his friend both died in two consecutive days after a heated
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 1: Bandits on the Ship
Vana's POV Desperate call for desperate measure. The ocean waves splashed against the ship as it sails through the current. The sound of waves clashed against the ship’s exterior, humming in my ear. It was late in the morning when the ship neared the borders of Ashern, the island of Jasper far from my sight. I let my hand sway beyond the deck railings, letting my magic drop and play on the water. I froze the splashes and drops of water from the waves, converting them into crystallized, ice dusts that looked like glitter in the air. I rarely use my magic—I almost don’t use magic if not necessary. But out of boredom of being in the ship for the whole night, without any wink of sleep, I decided to amuse myself by using my magic. I don’t dislike magic. I dislike my magic—the kind of power my magic holds. “Vana, escaping the academy is a very bad idea,” I said to myself, sighing as I thought of the consequences of my actions. I had all night to think and realize how dumb my actions are
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 2: Fakes
Vana's POV The bandits dashed around me, grabbing me by the arm as they haul me along with the rest of the hostages. My hands were tied behind by back, sitting down along with the passengers as the bandits surround us from all direction. Wails and cries of children teared up next to me. I could feel the growing dread and fear in every passenger in the lounge. Their bodies shook from the danger they are facing, their heads lowering to the ground as they panic in their spots. “How are things in this lounge?” another man’s voice asked, a man entering inside the lounge. The man had a lousy posture, wearing a sleeveless hoodie and cargo pants that resembled my brother’s style. Too similar, in fact, that I suspected that it was him at first. The man had the same blonde hair as the woman from earlier. Are they related to each other? Are they the leader of the gang? I moved at the very back of the passengers, leaning back on the wall as I gaze at the man from afar. I observed him, notici
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 3: Lower Lounge
Jerome's POV “All of you stay back and don’t you dare try do anything funny,” the woman said as they all tied us up on one corner of the room. Never have I thought that I’d be involved in a ransom-hostaging case, especially not after I snuck out of the academy grounds. I only wanted to take a break from the academy, why do I have to be caught up into this mess? The woman introduced herself as Vana Farasol, the sister of Storm Farasol. I know who she is; she is a member of our rival guild, Green Serpent. And she’s known in another name. The Cold Killer. From what I’ve heard, she was rumored to have killed her father. But that is not what I’m supposed to be concerned about right now. Half of the passengers in the ship are held hostage in the upper lounge. The other half is held here in the lower lounge, where I am also currently at. As far as I’m concerned, if I don’t’ do something now, something worse will happen to us later. I lifted my eyes up on the bandits within the room, coun
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 4: On the Loose
Jerome's POV I observed the position of each bandit across the room, even the ones guarding outside. I closed my eyes, feeling the aur sear inside me. I can feel my magic overflowing down my hands, hearing it hum in the wind. My hands stayed behind my back as I continue to pretend to be tied up. I opened my eyes, giving the little girl another wink as I glance at her. She gave me a nervous smile, and I nod back to assure her. I pulled my gaze towards the bandit outside the door, silently whistling in the air. The whistle was barely heard by the bandits, but the passengers around me can hear it. They turned their heads at me, their distorted faces shifting into a calmed look. The whistle was my quiet command to my magic. My call for the wind to blew in my command. My eyes landed outside of the lounge, towards one of the bandits standing guard on the door. I gestured my hand behind my back, weaving it close to the ground as I watch my magic play into the air. I could see the wind fo
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 5: Upper Lounge Escapee
Vana's POV Three bandits on the inside, while plenty on the outside. There are at least ten of them outside, and the two leaders who serves as the head of the group is a room away from us. The control room of the ship is only a room away from here, and the ship’s crew are all tied up with us as well. I can’t tell whether negotiations have been made already or not, but I do know that if I don’t make a move now, all of us in this ship will likely be in big trouble. I overheard one of the bandits’ conversations, saying that there’s a bomb in the ship. I tilted my head to the drawer, eyeing my weapon a look. I walked over—or in this case—I crawled my way next to the drawer, trying not to catch the bandits’ attention as I get close over the drawer. I stayed in front of the drawer, taking my time as I observe the bandits guarding the hostaged passengers inside the room. I reach for the lower drawer, slowly opening it with caution. The drawer opened with a small gap, big enough for my han
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 6: Freeze
Vana's POV I glared at the guy, disgusted by the way he portrays my brother. My brother is nothing like how he acts or looks. He never has such as disgraceful personality. I snorted, snarling at him with mockery and dismay. “If you’re going to dress up as Storm, you should’ve done your research. You disgust me,” I insulted, blabbering my mouth at him. One of the bandits took a step forward to defend the fake Storm, threatening me as he places a finger on the gun’s trigger. The fake Storm stopped the guy, extending an arm at him as his eyes stayed fixated on me. I held my grip tight around my sickle’s handle; fingers curled. “Are you calling me a fake, Vanessa?” the fake Storm taunted, chortling. “Maybe you’re the one whose faking names and identity here.” “I am. But I am telling the truth that I know the real Storm,” I stated, grinning at him. “I know him quite well.” His grip tightened on his fist, and he gritted his teeth, glaring at me with daggers in his eyes. “Take her and b
The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion Chapter 7: The Real One
Vana's POV “I am the real Vana Farasol. The real sister of Storm Farasol, and the girl that you have been impersonating.” The fake Vana squealed, falling on her back as she cowers in fear in my presence. Her whole body trembled, forcing herself to surrender on her knees. The fake Storm took a step back, glowering at me with spite and hesitation. I gazed at the fake Storm, tilting my head at him with a sass. He grinded his teeth, pivoting his feet out of the broken wall. He tried to make a run for it, shouting an order to the bandits waiting for a command outside of the room. “Seize them!” the fake Storm yelled, escaping as he dashes away. He didn’t manage to run far as Jerome cornered him before he could reach the next room. His magic weaved through the air, levitating the fake Storm up in the air. “Not so fast. Do you really think I’ll let you off that easily?” Jerome said, a hand extended towards the fake Storm’s direction. The bandits the fake Storm commanded charged forward
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- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Epilogue Part 3:
Vana's POV“I do. I plan to return to Ashern after I graduate. I also plan to publicly leave the Shadows and remain its member in the dark. Then, I’ll open my own detective agency—”“You’re opening your own agency!” Jerome exclaimed, slamming his hands on the table, which startled me. “Seriously?”“Y-yes?” I stammered, bewildered. “Something wrong with it?”“Not really, but you’re going to do that alone?” Jerome scowled.“No, why do you think I’m telling it to you?”“It’s not what I think, is it?”“More or less. It’s what I need your opinion—or your answer, in this case. I can’t do it alone, and that’s a fact. That’s why, if you would like, I would like to have a partnersh
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Epilogue Part 2:
Vana's POVI stared in front of Green Serpent’s guildhall as I arrive at their doorsteps, contemplating myself. I gulped, pursing my lips as I hesitate to take a step forward. Maybe it’s a wrong idea to be here.The last time I stepped foot in this place was when I left the guild. Since then, I never tried or dared to return or join any other guild. I have other plans for the future. None of them includes joining another guild, even if it is Golden Scorpion.“Vana, I thought you wouldn’t arrive,” a voice called, and I turned to face who it was. Cara plastered a smile on her face as she came up to me, her hair flailing on her bare shoulders.“Good afternoon, Cara,” I greeted with a thin line on my face.“Why haven’t you entered?” she wondered.“Well…” I hesitated, gla
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Epilogue Part 1:
Vana's POV9 months laterI got off the train with my suitcase rolling on the ground, lifting my hands up in the air as the sun beamed above me. It’s been six months since the last time I was in Auregon. It’s been nine months since the Case of the Serpent and Scorpion came to an end.Many things happened in the past nine months. Many to be even count in my hands. I don’t even know where to start. After Chairman Zerondale’s arrest, he was jailed in the palace dungeons and was investigated for nearly a whole month by the royal investigators.He was put in trial the following month after the investigation, with all the charges we filed to him. It took almost two months for all his crimes to be verdicted, and in the end, he was sentenced to death.Lifetime of servitude or liftetime in prison wasn’t enough of a verdict for all
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Chapter 178: Conflict Resolved
Vana's POV“You’re right. I made a mistake… a lot more than I could have ever imagined,” Master Sergis agreed, muttering.I flinched, my head tilting down at Master Sergis’ direction. His hands crumpled the letter, staring at it with his teeth gritting. A regretful gaze flickered in his eyes, raising it up at the ice wall’s direction.“From the beginning, I should have known something is going on when Zerondale enticed me against Ashemre. I should have… noticed that he fabricated it all,” he admitted, his voice full of sorrow and regret.“I knew Ashmere wasn’t that kind of person, and my wife would never betray me like that,” he mentioned, pertaining to the conversation between Ms. Madison and Master Ashmere that led to a cheating misunderstanding.“I should have… listened to t
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Chapter 177: Two Guilds
Vana's POV“And I have the evidence to prove it,” I boasted.Heads turned and raised up at me as I yell, jaws dropped and irritated looks carved out of their faces. I stood in front of them with my back straight, breath hitching as my actions sink into my head.What in the magic did I just do?“Now you’ve done it…” Jerome mumbled with a sigh next to me.Not only did I used my magic arbitrarily and unexpectedly, but I also revealed the journal right from the start without any prior explanation. It’s already a mess, and I think I only made things messier.“How are the two of you even here? Aren’t you supposed to be executed?” Master Sergis asked in a shout. “Wha—how—” That is exactly the reason why things got complicated.It was surprising
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Chapter 176: Unsettling Feeling
Vana's POV“Case closed…” I mumbled with an unsettling feeling in my chest.“Vana, are you okay?” Jerome asked as he ran towards me in concern.I blinked, flustered as Jerome took my hand as soon as he knelt next to me. My eyes widened, but I remained composed as I pick myself up. “I’m… fine. I just… felt underwhelmed by everything,” I said, standing up from my spot.A soft smile curled up my lips as I assure him. He held my hand gently and we walked down from the stage. The chaos was all over the place, but my gaze fixated on Jerome as we head down the stage together.I followed him from behind, my eyes going back and forth between his back and his bleeding hands that held mine. I paused on my step, unable to stop the urge to speak.“Are you satisfied? About your revenge?&r
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Chapter 175: Case Closed
Vana's POV“Do you see it now? We lured you in a trap, Chairman Zerondale. Do you think I would be stupid enough not to realize that you were planning to assassinate the king?” I stated, a smirk plastered on my face.Chairman Zerondale stepped back, horror and fury stirring in his eyes. His jaw clenched, gritting his teeth with his eyes glaring at me. The Shadows surrounded him at the back center of the platform, our weapons drawn.“You can’t run away from your crimes forever, Chairman Zerondae. It’s time for you to face it,” Jerome said, taking a step forward.A sharp curve cured on Chairman Zerondale’s lips, a hysteric laugh leaving his mouth. He laughed out loud, a grim atmosphere emitting out in the air. He raised his eyes at us, a grim smile plastered on his face.“You can arrest me all you want, but I will alw
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Chapter 174: Trap
Vana's POV“Can you do it?” I asked Gregory as I roam inside his room.Gregory, Jerome, and I gathered inside his chambers to cast the illusion spell as part of our trap against Chairman Zerondale. Thanks to the information Professor Zander provided from the Magic Council Tower, and with a bit of calculation, inferencing, and assumptions, we narrowed down the day the Chairman would assassinate the king.“Shall we start then?” Gregory implored, standing at the center of his chambers.He glanced at me, gesturing for me to move out of the room as he prepares himself to cast the spell. Jerome observed the scene from outside of the room, leaning against the doorframe with his injured body covered with gauze.It hasn’t been a week since we were treated, and his bruises aren’t healed with magic either.I moved ove
- The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion
Chapter 173: The Dragon Egg
3rd POVThe halls of Jasper Academy remained peaceful as the new academic year began. It won’t be long for Professor Zander to be asked to return to the academy, having to start teaching his new students. Unfortunately, he’s still in the middle of a mission.He made it an excuse that he’ll be having orientations with his new class, hiding his main objective of heading to the Magic Council Tower. Gregory already made arrangements with Angela about the Special Unit helping them, requesting Angela’s mother, Chairwoman Iris, to access the tower.Professor Zander lurked around the hallways near the Magic Council Tower, observing the people entering in and out of the tower. In the few minutes of his observation, only Chairwoman Iris entered the tower, with none of her assistants following her inside.It was the signal he’d been waiting for; one that Angela and Gregory menti
