Chapter 814: Return
814 Return
Since a Dragon was most likely involved in this case, everyone was hesitant.
After all, it might even be the Dragon of the Shadow Immortal who had claimed the scale for its own benefit.
Several years ago, the Shadow Immortal gathered a lot of people to get various ancient materials, and perhaps that scale was something they needed now.
However, as the investigators started going outside to untie themselves in this murder case, Victor revealed his trump card.
"The one who brings the culprit of Rowena," he announced, "will receive an Airship—a gift from Rowena's wealthy husband."
Their eyes widened.
An Airship—the pinnacle of luxury and freedom. Suddenly, the investigation team felt lively. It was a chance to soar above the mundane! It was something that none of them could afford if they relied on their salary!
And so, with resolve etched into their hearts, they set forth—the investigators, the reluctant allies, and the promise of an Airship that would carry them toward bringing justice!
***
Meanwhile, in Aubrey's office, Chad found himself fascinated by his friend's current work.
"Paranormal Investigator... You have a nice office. Do you earn a lot?" He asked.
"Not really... If it's a request from other Arcanists, I get paid higher, but for commissions by ordinary people, it's just enough to pay the rent.
Chad nodded at this as he made some small talks to his friend.
Soon, they got back to business, and his gaze lingered on the living flesh—a fragile vessel that held the remnants of Lisa's essence.
The room hummed with the activation of the Formation Arts, and Chad couldn't help but admire it. Its walls were etched with ancient runes and it seemed that Aubrey had commissioned an expert Runecaster to make them.
On the other hand, Aubrey, stood by his side and tried to look for any changes on the living flesh.
"Lisa," Chad whispered, his voice sounded like it was a prayer. "We'll bring you back."
At this time, he already pretty much confirmed that this was indeed Lisa's final defense from her certain death against the Time Manipulators. She must've done this herself in order to have a chance of surviving in the future.
For the past four years or so, her tiny flesh probably turned into this... Perhaps, if they allowed her just to consume energy or life force, Lisa could return in the next 30 to 50 years.
However, Chad and the others didn't want to wait for that long. That was why, as soon as Vale's Avatar learned about Lisa's possible remnant, he was sent here.
Aubrey gently nodded, her fingers tracing the sigils etched into the stone floor.
"We have the tools," she said. "The ritual begins."
And so, they set to work—their shared knowledge and plan to save Lisa.
Thankfully, Chad didn't come here empty-handed since Vale's Avatar had prepared the things for this matter already. Nonetheless, it still took them a total of five days to gather all the materials they needed to perform the ritual.
They have the Crystal of Vitality that was filled with infused Life Strands that only the Church of the Lord of the Secrets could produce.
It was a flawless crystal—a pulsing gem that shimmered with an inner light.
"This," he explained, "holds the essence of life itself." Chad said.
Aubrey nodded as she knew about this rare item.
"To restore her physical form," she said, "we infuse her with vitality."
Aubrey uncorked a vial—a liquid that swirled with iridescent hues. "This elixir of Arcane Rejuvenation from my family's store..." she revealed, "It rekindles dormant Arcane Energy. It will help her."
Chad smiled seeing the elixir that was probably worth a lot of money.
He then looked at Lisa's pulsing flesh and withdrew a feather—a fiery plume that radiated warmth. "From a phoenix..."
"Ahh... How did you get that?" Aubrey asked in surprise.
"It is from the Shadow Immortal." Chad replied as he knew that it came from the Black Grimoire owned by Vale. The Grimoire had a Phoenix Summon, though it was already an undead.
Aubrey then placed other items that might help Lisa's recovery, including various Arcane Scrolls that contain Arcane Energy and Life Force.
Chad did the same and produced all the items he obtained over the past few days.
Soon, the ritual began as Chad and Aubrey worked together to hasten Lisa's recovery speed!
The room blurred as it was soon filled with Arcane Energy.
Lisa's living flesh quivered, responding to the mixed energy trying to enter the flesh!
Chad traced the flesh's blood vessels and placed the Crystal of Vitality. Soon, it started sinking into her skin.
Aubrey then poured the elixir on the flesh that started producing skin! It didn't take long before the liquid started seeping into her veins.
The other items that could help Lisa recover her life force and energy were soon used up as well!
Soon, the living flesh became larger as it started forming a humanoid figure... Then, bones and veins formed, and human organs also started forming!
The Crystal of Vitality, however, had been used up! Chad could tell that they were lacking life force!
Without any more hesitation, he produced a drop of his Dragon Essence to help with Lisa's recovery!
Thankfully, everything went well as the transformation continued!
It took over four more hours before Lisa's exposed body was formed!
Aubrey immediately covered Lisa's body with a blanket before she glanced at Chad, who was looking out the window.
Anyway, Chad and Aubrey stepped back, their breaths mingling as they noticed Lisa's body quivering as if she were about to wake up!
Soon, Lisa opened her eyes, her gaze shifting between them.
"Chad? Aubrey?" she whispered.
"Lisa! You're really back!" Aubrey exclaimed, almost about to cry. She couldn't believe that she almost lost Lisa! It was truly a blessing that Chad managed to find them in time.
Lisa, on the other hand, immediately recalled the things that had happened before her death...
"Right! The Time Manipulators!"