Chapter 328

Chapter 291: Investigation

In the city divisions of Tivyán, apart from the central Royal District, North Tivyán and East Tivyán are both areas with relatively better infrastructure and living conditions.

North Tivyán, due to the presence of numerous government institutions, church organizations, and educational institutions, can be considered the cultural, religious, educational, and administrative hub of Tivyán. Therefore, the living environment here is quite good, making it one of the best areas in terms of environment in Tivyán. East Tivyán, being by the sea, has the busiest port in Prit, thus it is the financial and commercial district of Tivyán, bustling with activity.

In contrast, South Tivyán and West Tivyán fare much worse. The main factories of Tivyán are located in an industrial zone outside South Tivyán, leading to severe pollution there. Most residents in South Tivyán are workers, living in densely packed and cramped housing with low-rise buildings and poor environments. West Tivyán, due to its position as a major transportation hub for railroads and highways connecting Prit, attracts many people from inland areas of Prit seeking livelihoods. This area has the highest population density and, although not much better than South Tivyán in terms of environment, has even worse security. It is a mix of all sorts of people and houses the largest slum area in Tivyán.

At noon, in West Tivyán, the Coal Ash District.

The dazzling midday sun illuminated the streets, lined with only three or four-story buildings that appeared dilapidated and low. Many of these buildings were not made of stone but were wooden structures, some built so hastily they resembled makeshift shacks.

The streets and the surfaces of the buildings were covered with a layer of black coal ash. Plainly dressed, even somewhat ragged pedestrians left footprints on them. Soon after, a heavily loaded carriage rushed past, leaving fresh coal ash that obscured the newly formed footprints. Ragged beggars could be seen along the roadside, while distant chimneys continuously spewed thick black smoke. Train whistles could be heard faintly in the distance, though the weather was clear, everything seemed to be shrouded in a gray haze.

This was the Coal Ash District, close to South Tivyán. Due to its proximity, coal trains carrying large quantities of coal from outside Tivyán would stop here for distribution. Coal-filled trains gathered here, and carriages transporting coal raced through the streets, scattering coal dust everywhere, hence the name Coal Ash District.

On the streets of the Coal Ash District, pedestrians and carriages hurriedly moved about, though the atmosphere was lively, each face bore a serious and somber expression. People maintained a certain distance from each other, their expressions wary as they scanned their surroundings. Upon closer inspection, many carried portable cudgels or knives. A tense atmosphere permeated the entire street.

At the side of the road, on the second floor of a slightly upscale teahouse, a pair of sharp eyes observed the street scene intently.

“It seems the atmosphere here is rather tense,” Ed commented as he sat by a window, still wearing his coat and hat. Opposite him, another voice quickly responded.

“Of course, considering all that has happened within half a month, anyone would feel nervous. To those who only read the newspapers, this might just seem like a series of murders, but actually, the overall crime rate in this area has significantly increased during this time. However… the most impactful incidents are probably those public killings.”

Adelle’s voice replied, sitting opposite Ed, wearing a simple yet avant-garde yellow dress, with a wide-brimmed hat. Her long hair was neatly bundled up, and she wore large sunglasses that concealed her face. Despite her efforts to hide her appearance, her allure still shone through her modest attire.

“Yes… if everyone around you could suddenly turn into a mindless killer, no one would feel safe,” Ed continued Adelle’s thought. Adelle then sipped her tea and shook her finger as she responded.

“Rather than people suddenly turning mad, it’s more accurate to say that we are all inherently mad. Each of us harbors dark and terrifying desires, and the ability of the Desire Dancer merely brings these desires to the surface. We don’t create random thoughts out of thin air; those four people killed in public had similar thoughts in their hearts already. They were just triggered by extraordinary abilities, not random killers,” Adelle explained to Ed with a smile.

“This is further evidence that the Desire Dancer’s ability mainly induces and amplifies desires, rather than creating unprecedented thoughts out of nowhere.”

“You’re so sure these events were caused by the Desire Dancer’s ability? To use your ability, don’t you need to dance and make the other person see your dance? And I remember you mentioned that the range of your ability is only within a hundred meters… although these events are strange, it’s not necessarily caused by the Desire Dancer’s ability, Miss Adelle.”

From a distant carriage, Dorothy controlled Ed to speak to Adelle, who responded calmly.

“A hundred meters is the basic range of my ability. With additional spirituality, this range can be greatly extended, reaching over a kilometer. The farther away, the harder it is to influence… also, dancing isn’t necessary; it’s just a way to amplify the ability. Even without dancing, the Desire Dancer’s ability can still be used, though the effect will be reduced.”

Adelle further explained her ability to Ed. Listening to Adelle’s words, Ed paused and then asked.

“So, Miss Adelle, what is the extent of your ability or your teacher’s when not using dance? Please answer me, Miss Adelle… Of course, if you distrust me and fear exposing your ability information, I apologize for any offense.”

Ed said to Adelle, who smiled in response.

“Heh, since I’ve officially hired you, Detective… what else can’t I trust? My teacher was at the White Chalk Tier when she disappeared, and I was a Black Tier ‘Provocateur’ when I escaped. I later ascended to the White Tier as a Desire Dancer. My teacher was always researching ‘Enlightenment’ to find the method to reach the Red Tier, but she never succeeded. If she is truly alive… she should still be at the White Tier.”

Adelle explained, understanding that to hire a detective, she needed to share all the relevant information.

“As for the Desire Dancer at the White Chalk Tier, meaning someone like us… without dancing, we can control desires as long as we can clearly perceive their location. For ordinary people, such control is enough to drive them mad. For extraordinary beings, controlling without meeting or dancing has limited effects. Below Black Tier, it works well, but above Black Tier, it’s very limited… perhaps it can only influence decisions like choosing between steak or grilled chicken, favoring the latter.”