Kruger raised his right and cupped his chin in thought. His calm silver eyes studied the elongated fish skulls, yet he did not follow up on the topic, instead he asked. "Did you two personally notify the police of what happened at the Watson residence?"
"No we left quickly before we got spotted by civilians." Damon answered.
Kruger nodded slightly and said with a solemn expression "We need to get back to that house immediately. Mr Junnan could you prepare us a carriage."
"With pleasure." Mr Junnan turned and briskly walked out the examination room to prepare his private carriage.
"Huh… Why?" Watching the mortician leave, Damon shot Kruger a look of confusion. He didn't believe the creature was foolish enough to return to its dwelling that soon after being attacked there.
"The fish bones you found were from the Haribel fish, three to be precise." Instead of the priest, Lorelei responded with a patient smile. "It's indigenous to the waters around Koinonia and started as a mutation of a pre-collapse species called barracuda"
"What was so special about the mutation…?" Henry asked.
"Their bones became porous, capable of storing spiritual energy, and their scales adapted to withstand rapid pressure changes." As Lorelei spoke, she took one of the fish bones off the table, holding it her chest as if its a precious object."How sad... they did so in order to escape larger predators only to end up attracting one."
"Presumably the Yūmbra was after that energy. If it was manifested from Cecil's physical body, the spiritual energy from human cores would be sufficient to sustain, however if this creature was born of her spirit then It would need to feed incessantly."Vincent explained.
"Doesn't that mean the Music college would be more likely to be attacked?" Damon asked doubtfully.
'Shouldn't guarding the area around the school be our priority.'
"There is no need", said Kruger as he rubbed his brow. "While we were at the school we were informed of Cecil Watson's disappearance and heard several rumors that suggest foul play. After some contemplation, we decided to use a foundation barrier to secure the entire school and everything within ten-meter radius."
"Foundation? Barrier?"
"There are two types of Barriers. The first is the Skill based barrier and its most commonly by all specters. To deploy one you'd simply need to visualize a geometric shape in mind and manipulate your spiritual energy to forming it. The second is the Spell based kind which requires complete focus to prepare and a hand sign to form. Casting it is so simple even those not proficient at spell casting could perform it, However unlike the former this type cannot be interrupted once started or the barrier will fail and requires a constant source of energy."
Five minutes later, Mr Junnan returned to inform them the carriage was ready and the group quickly boarded. After bidding him farewell, they instructed the driver to head to Winchester street and the four wheeled carriage quickly sped down the still wet road.
Inside the carriage, Damon, Henry and Vincent sat on one side while Kruger and Lorelei faced them on the other. Watching the duo, Damon couldn't help but wonder whose idea it was to pair them together. Despite Kruger's choice to sit in silence, Lady Lorelei seemed blissfully vibrant as she hummed a tune.
'She's definitely annoying him…' With each note Damon could sense the subtle fluctuations in the priest's spiritual energy.
["So you're able to sense it now."] Tomoe said. Her tone carried the air of mother witnessing their child learn to walk.
'Mmm…?' Hearing Master Tomoe's words, he was confused for a moment. 'Wait! … Now that you mention it, how can I sense his energy now? Before I could only feel the pressure from his presence but nothing else!'
["Congratulations boyah! Your perception has improved once more"]
'How did that happen…?'
["Who knows why not ask the stern Priest sitting in front of you. He might have an interesting answer hahhah"]
Damon could practically see Master Tomoe as she threw up her arms laughing.
He was sure she knew what had changed but for some odd reason didn't feel like sharing that information with him. Her student!
'The status panel doesn't even show perception stats. What's the point of having a master who shirks her duty of actually teaching'Damon grumbled. Taking a glance at Vincent who sat beside him, he suddenly had a better idea how to figure it out.
"Earlier When you encountered the creature, Did either of you experience any visual or auditory hallucinations?" Kruger adjusted his cross ring without look up.
For a moment Damon and Henry were hesitant to answer, but they quickly realized this was perfect chance to gain information.
"We both did." Taking the initiative Damon stared at Kruger and spoke up first. "Henry mentioned hearing a song he was familiar with when he stared into the creature's face while I heard a girl's laughter and saw a blurry white silhouette."
To his surprise Kruger said nothing more in response, merely standing up as the carriage came to a halt. He stared outside at the house then reached for the door handle.
"While the Yūmbra might not be here, I suggest you all have your weapons ready. Lorelei and I will go through the front door, you three enter through the back window." Opening the door, Kruger got off the carriage and pulled out a scarlet glove with a sinister looking devils face Inscribed on the back. He slipped it on his right hand.
"Alright." Vincent had no issue with the plan and didn't wish take any unnecessary risk.
After informing the carriage driver to wait for them, The two official specters made their way up to the front door while the brothers began sneaking around to the back.