Bayne City West District Police Sub-Bureau, Interrogation Room.
Silas sat quietly in a chair. Across from him were a stern-faced police officer with a square jaw and the two Demon Hunters from before.
"Don't be nervous. Just tell us everything you know. We are not associated with those cultists!" The blond, square-jawed officer spoke with solemnity, his voice firm and resonant.
This officer was the Deputy Chief here, named Orson Heath. He was a well-known figure in Bayne City, having solved many cases, and was known for his passionate and upright character. The common folk called him the "Ally of Justice."
Silas nodded. "I am an enthusiast of the mystical arts. About half a year ago, I joined an organization called the Death Cult. They claimed they could help me obtain mystical powers."
A nearby clerk diligently took notes. The two Demon Hunters remained silent, their expressions unreadable.
"At that time, I was studying mystical knowledge under a man named John Ross. I saw Jace Paskell several times back then; Paskell and John Ross had a very close relationship."
"As time went on, I gradually realized that those people weren't actually teaching mystical knowledge, but were instead using us as experimental subjects. A few days ago, John, with Jace Paskell's assistance, captured me. They intended to refine me into one of John's undead warriors."
At this, the two Demon Hunters leaned forward slightly, their interest piqued.
Deputy Chief Orson Heath nodded, signaling for Silas to continue.
"I distinctly remember feeling myself being drowned by the two of them, then losing consciousness. I don't know what happened after that. But last night, I suddenly awoke in the western suburban wilderness. I have no idea what I experienced, why I didn't die, or even how long I was unconscious. At the time, I thought this might be a way to sever ties with the Death Cult, so I returned home to first ensure my safety. Then, today, I planned to come to the police station to close my missing person case and then report this evil organization to the authorities."
At this point, Silas's expression grew tense. "But at the entrance, I saw Jace Paskell. I became even more terrified, fearing there might be other accomplices within the police station. I took advantage of the crowd and fled in panic. What happened after that, the two esteemed Demon Hunters already know."
Orson Heath had already received a brief account of the encounter from the Demon Hunters.
"You mentioned just now that you could hear the voices of the dead?" Orson Heath asked.
Silas frowned slightly. "I'm not entirely sure what that voice was, but I did hear something."
Orson Heath then asked, "Do you remember the location of the Death Cult's headquarters?"
"I do. Under safe conditions, I can lead you there," Silas said firmly.
"Do you remember any other members of the organization?" Orson Heath inquired.
Silas nodded. "I remember some, but I only know their names, not their identities. Some people I've only met, and I don't even know their names."
"Very good." Orson Heath looked satisfied.
With the crucial points covered, the questioning shifted to finer details.
The entire interrogation lasted over three hours, including the creation of portrait sketches of those individuals whose names Silas didn't know.
The two Demon Hunters remained completely silent throughout; Orson Heath conducted the entire questioning himself.
Once everything was completed, Orson Heath looked at the thick stack of deposition papers. "Mr. Sotos, thank you for your assistance. Your testimony is extremely important to us. Rest assured, the Bayne City Police Department will now do everything in its power to protect you and your family."
Silas replied with a look of relief, "Thank you, Deputy Chief Heath."
"Please wait here for a moment." Orson Heath said, then led the two Demon Hunters out of the room.
Outside the interrogation room door, Orson Heath asked respectfully, "Mr. Jeros, was everything he said just now true?"
The middle-aged Demon Hunter with the white beard, Jeros, nodded. "It's all true. He is trustworthy."
Orson Heath let out a sigh of relief, his expression brightening. "Then we shall proceed with deployment immediately."
"Go ahead," Jeros said calmly.
"Yes, sir! Then, this individual will be in your care." Orson Heath said and quickly departed.
Inside the interrogation room, Silas let out a long breath and slumped back in his chair.
The interrogation process had been grueling, placing him under immense mental strain.
Silas could feel his back drenched in sweat, his clothes sticking uncomfortably to his skin.
"No one will expose my secrets. This way, I can use the police's power to deal with the Death Cult as quickly as possible."
"What I need now is time. I still have many secrets to uncover about myself. Give me some time, and I should be able to find some means of self-protection." Silas clenched his fists.
At that moment, the door opened again. The young, green-haired Demon Hunter said, "Let's go. We're moving to a different location."
The two Demon Hunters held a very high status. They navigated the police station as if it were their own domain, easily reaching a tea room on the third floor reserved for VIP guests.
Sinking into a comfortable, plush sofa, Silas instantly felt unwilling to get up again.
"Allow me to introduce myself first. My name is Jeros Russell. I am a Demon Hunter Master," Jeros stated calmly.
Hearing this, Silas was inwardly astonished.
"Master" was not merely an honorific; it was a symbol of knowledge and power.
This world didn't have a traditional leveling system like those in xuanhuan novels. The conventional system ranked individuals based on their degree of understanding in a particular field.
The entire ranking was divided into four tiers: Apprentice, Professional, Expert, and Master. Generally, these four tiers were accompanied by corresponding professional titles, such as Apprentice Demon Hunter, Professional Demon Hunter, Expert Demon Hunter, and so on.
These four ranks were universally applicable to all professions, not just combat roles like Demon Hunters, but also to conventional professions such as lawyers, mechanics, accountants, and the like.
According to rumor, there were even higher levels beyond these four, related to the mystical. However, these were relevant only to mystical fields, and thus their classifications were obscure, even entailing strange mystical forces, making them unknown to the general public.
It was worth noting that this ranking was not based on combat prowess but primarily on an individual's achievements and accumulated knowledge in a specific field.
And the Master level represented the pinnacle of existence in the conventional world.
In Silas's understanding of this world, among all professions – including warriors, archers, demon hunters, arcanists, accountants, lawyers, etc. – only a very small fraction ever reached the Master level.
In other words, a Master of any profession wielded enormous influence and was respected by all.
Jeros continued his introduction, "This is my apprentice, Warren Aitcheson."
"Greetings, esteemed Master. Thank you for your assistance just now." Silas stood up and bowed deeply, showing one hundred percent of his respect.
This was not fear or flattery, but genuine, heartfelt reverence.
Jeros gave a slight nod, accepting Silas's respect and gratitude. "Sit down. No need to be nervous."
Silas respectfully sat down, but his previous lazy posture was gone. He sat bolt upright, his expression serious.
"What is your Spirit Vision?" Jeros asked.
Silas closed his eyes for a moment in thought, then answered truthfully, "Ten."
After being able to hear the voice of the dead earlier, Silas's Spirit Vision had increased by one point.
Warren, standing nearby, interjected, "That is already far beyond the range of a normal person. In fact, once Spirit Vision reaches 10 or higher, it is impossible to revert to being an ordinary individual."
Silas nodded bitterly, thinking to himself, "Isn't this Spirit Vision increasing a bit too quickly? I'm not even close to being prepared to deal with those monsters!"