As I cut the path for us, Will made sure that Daniel was safe, and dealt with everything that tried to get to him. It took us some time, to find the first body.

Two people were obliterated by ice magic in the chambers of skeleton mages. It was hard to decipher who those people exactly were since the faces were unrecognizable.

We found even more in the boss room after I dealt with the necromancer. Around thirty people. All chopped, crushed, and pierced by weapons, and spells. I made sure we could look around without problems by providing additional light with my firebirds.

The bodies were in their clothes, but all the weaponry was gone.

- This was a massacre - said Will. - Look at those people.

- Yes - Daniel agreed. - And the number of bodies roughly matches one of the newcomers.

- Who would be stupid enough to try to clean up those places? It was obvious people will be dying here like flies - I said.

- What's even dumber, they didn't retreat after the first spot and went to another - said Will.

- I don't understand... Why would they even try?

- Some of those hunters were pretty good - said Daniel. - Look at the armors. Those are enchanted. Not as strong as the ones you are using, but it's still Rishi's job.

I kneeled down to check by touching some of the leathers. He was right. I could feel the tingling of magic.

- Any ideas about what happened here? - I asked looking back at him.

- No. But I think those are the same people who were clearing the dungeon by night to get all the crystals for themselves. There is a lot that doesn't make sense here yet. I need more information. I have few clues to pursue. I'll let you know when I find something.

- Ok - I nodded.

- Can you take me back?

- Sure.

I jumped with him to the city and then returned. There was plenty of crystals to be collected, that we ignored at first to look for the bodies. I summoned my shadows and ordered them to pile up the stones.

- What do you think about this, Peter? - asked Will.

- I don't know, but I don't like it.

- I doubt it, besides he is outside of the city.

- Maybe we should ask?

- You think he would tell us anything if it was him?

- You said yourself it's probably not when maybe he has seen something? You know how he is. He has his eyes everywhere, and that's exactly why we should ask.

- Ok. Let's clean up this place and the lizardfolk settlement and visit him.

We did just that, splitting the score from both places in half, then we went to the bear cave. Blue's men were camping close by, already finished with their hunt. A couple of tents, a bunch of fireplaces with food being prepared, and the soldiers just hanging around in their free time. We were stopped by the guards, but the man himself showed up shortly after and invited us to his tent.

It was simple, with a bedroll on the ground, a small table with a bowl of still unfinished stew, and a single chair. Still, there was enough space for few people.

- What brings you here? You usually just kill the boss and leave - he said to me.

- We have a little issue in the city and want to know if you've seen anything - I replied.historical

- What is it about?

- Few people died in the dungeons located in the swamp - explained Will. - It doesn't look normal and doesn't have sense since people wouldn't take such a risk. Not to mention some people were cleaning the dungeons at night, to have all the crystals for themselves in the easier territories. We know that you keep your eyes open, so I'm gonna ask you without playing games. Do you know anything about this?

Blue didn't answer right away. He needed a minute to digest the news.

- No, I don't know anything, but this is quite a serious problem. You two are investigating this?

- No. We are helping though - I replied.

- Let me help too. I wasn't planning on returning for a couple more days, but might as well make it sooner. I'll ask my people, and let you know.

- Thanks.

He extended his hand for a handshake, but I ignored the gesture, and grabbed Will, to return to the city.

- I guess we won't be hunting properly today - sadi Will as we appeared in my room.

- No. I need to talk with Daniel. He should know Blue is coming - I said while going straight to the door.

Will followed me. It took us a moment to locate the guy. We found him in the hospital, talking with Marcella in one of the empty rooms in the hospital.

- Can we interrupt you two? - I asked.

- Yes. We just have been discussing what you found in the swamps - she said.

- Will and I went to visit Blue. He said that he doesn't know anything but is coming back to ask his people if they know anything, so we have a chance for additional information.

- Good. I'll take it from now, so you can return to your hunting. I appreciate the help - sadi Daniel. - I will let you know if I find anything.

- You sure about this? - asked Will.

- Yes. This is my job, and I will handle it.

- Ok. You know where to find us.

- I sure do.

- Let's go, Peter - Will turned around and started heading to the door.

I stayed for a second longer to have a look at both Marcella and Daniel, then followed my friend.

- Let's grab a beer - he proposed.

I agreed, and we spent the rest of our day in the pub, drinking and talking about the issue, but we couldn't figure out what would make people take such risks for the crystals. Not to mention the tenacity in face of losing so many people during the hunt.

Even when we started hunting four years ago it wasn't this bad, except few indicates, but those were the outcome of stupidity or lack of knowledge. This on the other hand was completely deliberate.

This period of time came to an end with 1 802 111 949 points remaining on my account, and 94 class points.