Chapter 411: The Analysis of The Aftermath
Lyan and Alicia stood in the courtyard, the tension around them almost tangible. The aftermath of the explosions left the air heavy, tinged with the acrid scent of burnt magic and scorched earth. The remains of the assassins were scattered around them—twisted bodies, dark stains on the cobblestones, remnants of magical artifacts glinting in the dim moonlight. The scene was a mess, but Lyan knew there was something they could learn here—something important.
With a deep breath, Lyan let his hands hover above the ground, a faint blue glow surrounding his fingers. He closed his eyes, channeling the lightning-infused wind magic that Griselda lent him. The energy flowed through his fingertips, swirling along the surface of the courtyard, lifting dust and debris gently into the air. The lightning danced across the scorched earth, revealing the aftermath beneath the cover of darkness. The calm hum of his magic seemed to ease the tension in the air, if only slightly.
Beside him, Alicia was on one knee, her hand pressed to the ground, her psychokinetic senses stretching out to take in the entire scene. Her eyes were closed, her brow furrowed in concentration as she tried to find any lingering traces of the dark magic that had caused the assassins to explode. Lyan glanced at her, appreciating the determined look on her face. She always seemed to know how to focus her abilities in situations like this. He couldn’t help but admire her focus, but quickly turned his attention back to his task, trying to hide the tiny smile that crept onto his lips.
The courtyard was still, save for the occasional crackle of Lyan’s magic as it swept over the ground. They both worked silently, the only sounds being their controlled breathing and the distant crackling of dissipating energy. As Lyan cleared away more debris, he started to notice details—burn marks that didn’t belong to any spell they had cast, strange patterns etched into the ground, pieces of charred fabric with small metallic clasps attached. It was all significant, but he couldn’t put the pieces together just yet.
Alicia opened her eyes, her gaze immediately finding a spot among the remains. She rose to her feet, her expression one of intense focus as she walked forward, kneeling beside a particularly charred section of the courtyard. Her fingertips brushed against the edge of one of the remains, and she closed her eyes again, her senses expanding once more.
"There’s something here," she murmured, her voice distant as she focused on the magical energy. Lyan looked over, his interest piqued. He moved closer, his eyes following Alicia’s movements.
"What is it?" Lyan asked, his voice low, not wanting to disturb her focus.
Alicia didn’t respond immediately, her face scrunching in concentration as she tried to sense whatever trace was left. After a long pause, she opened her eyes, her gaze sharp and serious. "It’s faint, but there’s still some residual magic. It’s... different. Not just a regular spell. It’s something older, darker. The kind of magic that’s meant to cover up tracks."
Lyan nodded, his jaw tightening as he absorbed her words. He let out a slow breath, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the remains around them. The explosions hadn’t just been a means to kill—they had been a cover-up. Whoever had planned this wanted to make sure that nothing could be traced back to them.