Chapter 1428 (2/2)

“No matter what happens,” Elmer swore to himself. “My time as Commissioner-”

The doors in front of him opened, interrupting the heavy moment. Helen poked her head out and glared at Elmer in annoyance. “Commissioner, why are you making us wait? Get in here. We have much to discuss.”

“Ah? Oh, well then…” Elmer blinked and then lowered his head as he followed Helen through into the interior. Perhaps because he hadn’t ever been inside the workshop before, Elmer’s attention was immediately pulled in every direction. Strangely glowing, Engraved contraptions sat on top of heavy stone dais in the middle of the workshop. Along the walls were huge, hand-drawn sketches and plans of Kharon Academy. To Elmer’s right was an area that looked more like a warehouse than a workshop. Fully one half of the building was filled with towering piles of materials.

Helen walked to the left, entering into the area for which the building was named. Workbenches, hammers, forges, stills, glowing edifices, altars, pools of mysterious liquid, and messy piles of paper became a haphazard labyrinth in front of them.

She continued forward past several tables bearing casually strewn brass instruments, heading toward the far corner. During their journey, they passed the familiar form of Sam, who was bent over a table and scribbling furiously. Even from a distance of about ten meters, the image of obsession that surrounded Sam was potent. Before Elmer could get a good look at the messy scrawl on the paper in front of the man, they cut along a side path and suddenly a large pile of metal ingots blocked Sam’s figure from view.

So even the great Sam is worked to the bone by the Ghosthound, Elmer reflected. Considering all the free time that he would soon have, Elmer realized that perhaps losing this job wouldn’t be so bad.

Eventually, Helen brought Elmer to a small alcove in the very back of the workshop. Already waiting there were Ajax and a boy, that Elmer recognized, named Nathan. Both smiled as Elmer walked into the room.

“I’m sure you can guess why we brought you here, Commissioner,” Helen began with her signature bluntness. Immediately, the vague friendliness that was in Elmer’s heart was plunged into cold water.

Elmer sighed. “I mean… yes. Based on the people assembled… I think I have a pretty clear idea of what is going on. And honestly… I have been expecting this conversation for a while. I’m not… unaware of my situation.”

“Eh? Really?” Helen blinked in surprise, which in turn caused Elmer to be slightly thrown by her reaction. He didn’t think that he had ever seen Helen caught off guard before. Even when she was fighting the Ghosthound. Then Helen released a light laugh. “Not as humble as you appear to be, eh? Well, that’s a good thing. Images require certainty.”

“That does make things much easier though,” Nathan said with a sigh. “Do you know how many times I’ve had to do my job basically without any support from the individual in question? Making the arrangements as a third party complicates things immensely; no one knows the images and themes that make up your Skills better than you.”

Even Ajax seemed somewhat pleased by Elmer’s response. “Heh, good. The more quickly I can get back to training, the better.”

Abruptly, Elmer Arrietti became aware that something very strange was going on around him. The words they were saying… did not sound at all like the sort of things you would say when someone was being let go.

Just as Elmer was clearing his throat to test the waters with a vague question, Nathan spoke again. “I mean if you are all ready, we can start the planning immediately. Do you have any ideas?”

Ideas…? Elmer narrowed his eyes. Now even his confusion was hesitating. Was he perhaps right and they were now asking for his input in training the next Commissioner…? It was somewhat emasculating to train the next generation… but hohoho, this just went to show that he did possess some value for the Order Ducis. “...hum… ideas… well, those sorts of things are somewhat hard to put into words… and I am not really a man of words. I think… doing it personally would be best.”

Nathan’s eyes widened. “You want… you want to make your own Class entirely by yourself? Without anyone else's input? I mean, it is possible, but… I suppose I can provide you with the energy...”

“Eh? Well, this…” Elmer Arrietti began to sweat. Wait, what had Nathan just said?!?

*****

One by one, Clarissa, Ed Dugg, Ajax, and Sam wandered out of the dining hall on the pretext of going for a stroll. Then, when they were sure that none of the Riders or police force had followed them, they turned sharply away from Ghosthound’s peak and loped through the darkness.

A few miles away in an unassuming stretch of forest there was a cleverly disguised cabin. Inside was a table and four chairs. On the table was twelve columns of chips, three white, three green, three red, three black.

As they arrived, each individual stretched to loosen their muscles and took a seat. Ed Dugg began to professionally shuffle the deck. Sam brought a sheaf of papers with him that he stared at and muttered.

Clarrisa sorted the chips into four piles. Then she smiled around at the other people in the cabin. “Why not make things interesting tonight? The buy-in will be… one favor, to be accomplished while still within the Dungeon.”

Everyone nodded with serious expressions.