Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic

Chapter 25 The Cat-Searching Commission

Leaving Dr. Schneider's psychiatric clinic, Shard found the outside world bathed in the glow of the setting sun. The city, shrouded in a light mist, reflected the sunlight in such a way that walking through it gave Shard an impression reminiscent of another era.

Just half a day ago, he was an ordinary person, and now he could ignite a piece of paper with his mind...

"Actually, it's not that different," he muttered.

Upon reflection, he realized that he hadn't given up much to gain what he now had. This seemed a bit too lucky.

"But according to the doctor, besides the compulsory credits earned through study, each academic year requires completion of the Academy's practice tasks to obtain practical credits. Otherwise, even if one advances to the Second Ring, they would have to repeat the year."

It seemed his life had truly gotten back on track, creating a sense of unreality for the Outlander who, just the day before, was contemplating collecting relief food. With newfound strength, he could now continue working at the Detective Agency.

Shard planned to complete the three-month task left by the previous detective; of course, the condition was to successfully resolve at least one official commission to see if he was suited for the job.

To save money, he still walked home, but to celebrate, he treated himself to dinner at a restaurant.

By the time he got home, it was already seven in the evening. After briefly studying Dr. Schneider's notes, he learned that both Arcane Technique and Sorcery were formally taught at the Academy. But when it came to Spirit Runes, each person had to explore on their own, from which one could develop their own Arcane Technique. It could be shared or kept for oneself to study.

With that in mind, instead of researching Arcane Technique by himself, it made sense to wait for the textbooks and start with some conventional ones. Nevertheless, Shard couldn't contain his curiosity and spent the entire night exploring Spirit Runes.

Thought affects matter, the mind interferes with reality. By bedtime, he was unable to draw upon the power of Space-Time at all, and could only make the tips of his fingers emit a faint Silver Light—an Arcane Technique of the Silvermoon Rune.

That light was incredibly serene, and gazing at it soothed Shard's mind.

"It's not much use... At least it'll save some on the gas bill... Speaking of which, do I have to pay the water, gas, and steam bills for this house?"

With these disheartening thoughts, he fell asleep, exhausted.

Outside, the night sky of March hung high, and although the brightest phase of Silvermoon had passed, it still shone upon him.

Shard's gaze followed her, watching the brown-haired girl merge into the flow of people at the alley's entrance.

"She..."

Naturally, it wasn't love at first sight. The moment Shard saw her, he suddenly felt a strange sensation.

"It was as if the light around us dimmed in that instant, and only a spotlight shined on her, making her the main character on stage..."

"That's a person from the Sun Church, young man, best not entertain any unnecessary ideas," someone said.

Only then did I notice the middle-aged man in front of the pet shop's door behind me, with a ruddy, heavily veined nose, watching Shard as he turned around.

The man reeked even more strongly of a mix of fermenting animal feces and food. He was dressed in blue work overalls, a topcoat whose original color was indiscernible, and black boots covered in mud.

"Can I help you?"

The middle-aged man asked.

"Hello, I am from the Hamilton Detective Agency. I've come to pick up... please wait a moment."

Shard cast aside the odd sensation he felt for a second and looked at the note in the former detective's notebook:

"An orange cat, about half a year old, with a pure white tail. It has orange markings on its left front leg, the other legs are all white. Its name is Mia."

He described the characteristics of the orange cat, but to his surprise, the color drained from the man's face inside the door.

"You're not about to tell me that the cat is lost, are you?"

Shard's own face paled as well, pressing against the door frame and asking in a low voice. The former detective had paid to board the cat here, and the client—described as a "generous lady"—had offered a reward of two pounds and three shillings to find the cat, even allowing for reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred during the search.

This offer was extremely unreasonable but also showed the cat owner's anxiety. If it weren't for the fact that "Good Man Peter's Pet Shop" was closed on weekends, the first commission Shard would have chosen definitely wouldn't have been Mr. Lawrence's mistress.