Chapter 804: Life Force

The morning after her successful case at Wraithwood Manor, Aubrey Hall awoke to the familiar chime of her alarm, signaling the start of a new day.

After a quick breakfast at the small diner down Lantern Street, known for its hearty meals and robust coffee, she made her way to her office.

The diner owner, Mrs. Jenkins, always had a kind word and a fresh pot of coffee ready for her regulars, and Aubrey appreciated the warm start to her day.

'I guess it won't be a busy day today...' Aubrey thought to herself.

Unfortunately, her office was a hub of activity, with Crystal Messages from potential clients, Spirit Messenger Summons needing responses, and case files to review.

Aubrey's reputation had grown, and with it, the demand for her unique expertise. Well, this was mostly because she was part of the Hall Family...

If not for their influence, she knew that she wouldn't get contacted by potential clients this easily. Anyway, she just accepted this as part of their love for her.

Her schedule for the week was quickly filled because of this.

"I just started, but I probably need a secretary soon..." She muttered to herself. It felt quite exhausting but she was happy with her work.

The Holy Arts Faction was no longer bothering them, and the Demons were already defeated. Their continent had somewhat returned to normal over the past few years.

Anyway, she spent the morning hours poring over a case involving poltergeist activity in a nearby town, her notes meticulous and detailed.

Poltergeists weren't a big deal, but the fact that the client was actually a Beastmaster who was worried about his beasts, made her want to resolve this case.

The morning quickly passed and it was soon time for lunch.

Well, it was a simple affair, often a sandwich from a nearby shop, eaten at her desk while she continued her work.

The afternoon was spent in the field, visiting a site reported to have unexplained cold spots and disembodied voices.

Aubrey's equipment, ever reliable, captured several voices and, of course, dark energy, adding to her growing collection of evidence.

'It's just a case of a Dark Magician leaving his traces here... Did he summon something?' Aubrey shook her head as she confirmed that there were three or more Dark Arcanists in this town who were most likely unlicensed by the Dark Arts Faction.

As the sun began its descent, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, Aubrey returned to her office to organize her findings.

She was about to close up for the day when the door creaked open, and a figure stepped into the waning light of the office.

The man was tall, with a presence that filled the room.

His hair, once a vibrant chestnut, was now streaked with silver, and his eyes, a piercing shade of green, held a depth that spoke of knowledge and experience. He should still be young, but it seemed that something was eating up his soul.

'Mhmm? He looked familiar...' Aubrey thought to herself as she observed the man.

He wore a tailored suit that spoke of refined taste, but there was an edge to him that no clothing could conceal.

Aubrey's eyes widened in recognition. "Wade... Wade Saxon?" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of surprise and disbelief.

"Senior... What are you doing here?"

Wade offered a wry smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling.

"Aubrey Hall, as I live and breathe. I must say, I never expected to seek the services of a former junior."

Aubrey was taken aback. Wade Saxon had been a prodigy, his prowess in the Dark Arts unmatched in her early years at the Academy.

To be exact, he was in his Sixth Year when she entered the Academy and he was the Vice President of the Spirit Crafter's Club! Although she hadn't heard much about him since she was also busy with her lessons, she knew from her Senior Club members that he was previously a participant in the Twelve Academies Competition.

To see him here, in her office, was the last thing she expected.

Wade's expression grew serious.

"I didn't graduate, Aubrey. I left the Academy after my seventh year. Life... had other plans for me."

"But your skills," Aubrey interjected, "you were exceptional. Why come to me?"

Wade sighed, a shadow crossing his features. "I may have learned a few Dark Spells, but what I'm facing now... it's beyond me. It requires an expert Dark Arca--Paranormal Investigator, someone with your particular set of skills."

Aubrey nodded, understanding dawning on her. "Tell me everything, Wade. I'm here to help."

Wade Saxon leaned forward, his hands clasped tightly as if to anchor himself to the reality of Aubrey's office.

"It started subtly," he began, his voice a low whisper. "We'd wake up feeling drained, as though we hadn't slept at all. Then it escalated; people began to look... withered, like the very life was being sapped from them."

Aubrey's brow furrowed in concentration. "How many have been affected by this?" she asked, her pen poised over her notepad.

"Four so far, including myself," Wade admitted. "We've had doctors check, but they found nothing physically wrong. It's as if something unseen is feeding on us."

"And this house," Aubrey pressed, "has there been any history of paranormal activity or legends tied to it?"

Wade chuckled humorlessly. "Legends, yes. The locals speak of a cursed estate, where a spirit of the night preys upon the vitality of its inhabitants. They say it's been happening for generations, but no one ever took it seriously... But I don't think that was the case after my own investigation... This one seems different... I'm not sure but I think it may not be a Spirit..."

Aubrey leaned back in her chair, her mind racing with possibilities.

"You're suggesting a Vampire," she stated, not as a question but as a realization of the implication.

Wade let out a short, mirthless laugh. "I know how it sounds. Vampires are the stuff of folklore, but I can't ignore the similarities especially with the old rumors of the Vampire as a Protector of mankind during the Demon Invasion..."