The Path of Madness

Chapter 7: Art Display

Aldric has a break now at 3 o'clock from his long work. He didn't really care about how many hours he worked after all he used to be a mercenary who might work a few days without a break.

Aldric exited the pub, Arthur's master told him to go out and visit his other colleague Victor Wismen after he was done with his break. He's licensed to get sick but Mr. Arthur told him to pick him up after he didn't come to the pub this afternoon. He had 2 hours to rest, so it was not a problem. Victor's house isn't too far from the pub. And it even passes the way to the bakery Alice works. He would go to where Alice used to be to help her shop for groceries and after that he would return to the pub while visiting Victor. It was usually her aunt who was shopping with Alice, yet she obviously couldn't today. He was quite busy preparing for the exam for graduation at the school where he worked. And she certainly couldn't let Alice go alone, wasn't she as a good sister she needed to help her brother.

Aldric walked down a paved road filled with horse carriages, street vendors, and passers-by. The air in this small town is mixed with musty smell, pollution and dust. It was definitely not like the otherworldly images he had read. And maybe the air in a big city would be much less bad. After all this was an era where the industrial revolution was at its peak.

An era of rapid economic growth and massive technological development. It brings great benefits to the country in terms of industrial and economic progress, but it also has complex social impacts and often harms society. Such as the lack of wages, unsafe working conditions, environmental pollution, living in dense urban areas, and increasing social inequality. In this era, many workers faced exploitation and dangerous working conditions, while industrial development led to heavy pollution and urbanization, creating a large economic gap between factory owners and workers.

The increasing discontent and hardship of workers' lives in the factories fueled the rise of the trade union movement and the workers' political struggle for better rights. And pressure from concerned communities on poor working and housing conditions leads to political efforts to formulate better worker protection laws and housing regulations.

This is in contrast to the other world that Aldric reads where there is no need to care about economic, political, social and other impacts.

Aldric headed to the bakery on the corner, where his sister Alice worked. There he saw a simple bakery, a building that stood firmly in the middle of a paved road. There were no fancy decorations, only old wooden doors and small windows that allowed the morning sunlight to glitter in. The roof of the shop is made of a deep red tile that has been decades old. Above the entrance, there is a gracefully engraved sign, inscribed with "Clara's Bread and Cakes" with classic letters.

Aldric walked into the bakery with bells clanking as he entered. She was greeted by the sweet scent of fresh bread that had just come out of the oven. Inside, simple wooden shelves are decorated with a number of loaves located. There are also some neatly arranged pies, waiting to be picked up. All the breads and cakes look delicious, although there are no fancy decorations surrounding them.

Although the atmosphere inside the bakery is simple, it gives a warm and inviting feeling, creating a comfortable place to visit.

There he saw an old woman at the cashier. With ash-colored hair, soft black eyes and a face that had wrinkles, describing his lifetime. It made her have the image of a kind and gentle grandmother.

Aldric tried to greet her. "Hello lady Clara"

“Oh, Aldric!” madam Crala exclaimed as she looked. He looked at Aldric with a smile. “Did you come here for your brother, you haven't been here in a long time."

Aldric was a little awkward yet he still nodded.

"Your brother is cleaning up in wait a minute, I'll call him." Madam Clara said with a smile.

"Yes." Yeah." Aldric answered briefly while going to a chair nearby. He forgot to ask in the pub about yesterday's incident. He would ask after returning if there was a major incident near the dock yesterday. After all, such an event should be big news. He couldn't possibly be wrong in smelling the smell yesterday, it was clearly the smell of blood and there were people following him. He tried to think of a way to keep his question from being suspected and vague.

His mind was obscured by the voice that called out to him. "Aldric why you're here, aren't you overtime. Is there something?"

Alice puffed up, she saw Alice still with the apron walking towards her with a puzzled expression.

"I'm on a break and I'm thinking of helping you shop, can't auntie help you today." Aldric said with a little embarrassment. He has no other intentions, he just wants to get closer to his new family.

Alice was clearly a little surprised. "Well, shouldn't you use your rest time better."

Before Alice continued her words further. Aldric tried to speak. "Because that's why I'm helping you."

Alice smiled faintly. "All right, wait a minute. I need to clear things up."

Aldric nodded and saw Alice going into the kitchen. He tried to take his eyes out of the window. Just before Madame Clara brought a tray of two tea glasses and a piece of pie walking towards her. He obviously wanted to talk to her. The shop was close and no customers came.

He had nothing to do so he did not mind it. Especially with a pie for him. He only needed to listen to Madam Clara speak and chimed in briefly, while enjoying the pie cut. The quiet talk even contained stories about her brother. Before the conversation turns awkward as it discusses youth, lovers, marriage, and the future.

He tried to go outside, on the grounds of seeking fresh air. But clearly madam Clara pretended not to hear him continue her words. He could only helplessly look at the exit with a blank look with long words of advice beside him.

She was saved by Alice who had finished cleaning with a bag full of bread in her hand. Madam Clara was obviously reluctant to let him go. However Alice insists that they must leave now, she explains that Aldric does not have much time to work back. The madam could only disappointedly let Alice take her away.

"Thank you." Aldric said with shame. While trying to pick up a bag full of bread.

"You should try to leave if you can't stand the advice of Ms. Clara. She's still a good old lady. He'll let you go if you talk to him." Alice said as she handed over her bag.

Aldric's mouth twitched when he heard it, yet he still answered it briefly. "Yes. I'll try it in the future"

They walked to the bustling market in the city center with people peddling a wide variety of goods, ranging from vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, to clothes, to, jewelry, toys, books, and other items.

They decided to stop at one of the vegetable merchants first. They bought potatoes, carrots, and some other vegetables.

After shopping for vegetables, they went on to the fish merchant. They buy some fresh fish from the surrounding waters for their main course. After shopping for some ingredients like spices, cheese and a few other things, they walked home with their hands full of groceries. They spent about 1 REPL for fish and 2 REPLs for other ingredients besides bread. The bread was free because Ms. Clara would give some bread every day to her employees. And the other ingredients they can use for the next few days, it makes them more efficient in one week, they only spend about 12 REPLs to eat with the main menu of meat, he said, fish or eggs. Food prices in pubs or other places usually range from 2 - 5 REPLs and the cheapest drinks cost 1.5 REPLs.

The wind began to whisper softly, creeping among the trees and creeping through the grass. In the distance, thunder rumbled like a sign from the dark-colored sky.

Aldric and Alice try to accelerate their steps towards the house. They could have boarded the train, but the cost between the city center and their home was around 2 REPLs. They prefer walking to save money.

After arriving home. The rain started to fall behind them. Aldric was a little confused as to how he got back to the pub. Umbrellas are not yet common here, they tend to be used by upper classes and nobles. He saw a clock in the living room that showed at 4:15. The journey between his house and the pub was about 20 minutes, so he was not too rushed.

"Are you going out when it rains like this." Alice spoke to him behind her.

"Yes, I don't have a choice. The rain will not stop in a short time." Aldric looked back at her. He was obviously worried about her.

"I'm sure Mr. Arthur will understand if you're late for the rain to subside." Alice tried to persuade him.

"Mr Arthur told me to stop by somewhere, so I had to go. Rain is not yet a storm." He came into his house to put the groceries.

Aldric smiled hearing that. "All right."

Aldric inhaled the smell of rain around him. He tries to get through the rain with a thick coat on his body, while remembering the road to Victor's house from fragments of his memories.

A cold rain wind pierced his bones and his hands trembled, he tried to walk faster towards Victor's house.

Street lights and lights in the houses began to light up one by one. The city began to become quieter, accompanied by a torrential rain. The sound of thunder is more often a sign of the arrival of the storm.

He tried to get there at least before the storm. If Mr. Arthur finds out that he's been seeing Victor and it's too late. At least he won't scold her. He'll try to take shelter in Victor's house until at least the rain subsides.

He passed by several people who were sheltering in the surrounding shops and houses. As he passed the crossroads he found a simple house among other houses. He tried to approach her while muttering to himself.

"It's weird why there's no lights on whether Victor's going somewhere."

He tried to knock on the door in front of him while waiting for a reply. He thought of several things, according to his memory, Victor lived alone without relatives, his mother died a few years ago. So he's just living alone right now, which is why Mr. Arthur told him to look at it.

He tried to knock back but there was still no answer from within. He knocked a few times and there was still no answer. He planned on calling her if he didn't hear a reply he would try to leave here. Maybe Victor's right to go out.

"Victors...Victor's...Victor are you inside." Aldric continuously called out to him from the outside. And there's no answer anymore. He looked back, the wind and rain did not seem to be getting any more abated. Maybe he'll get sick after today, he's a little upset now. He should have heard Alice's advice.

Aldric tried turning the doorknob before he left, and it worked. It puzzled her, why would Victor not lock the door if she left. He started to worry about his partner who was inside.

Aldric wants to go inside. He felt a little doubtful, but he had no other choice. He needs to know what happened to Victor. He just hopes Victor doesn't get angry and suspects he's committing a crime. That'll get him in the police station.

Victor's house is a simple house consisting of several rooms. Aldric tried to search for the surrounding gas lamps, but he found nothing. He only saw a few burnt out candles on the table and shelves. He tried to turn it on and take it. He looked around, the house looked dirty and messy, it was no surprise because only the young man lived here. He's trying to figure out where Victor's bedroom is.

Aldric walked into several rooms carefully, while trying not to bump into things that were not very visible. He saw that the rooms were empty and dark, there was no sign of life in them. He tried to go to another room, where there was only a bed, a cupboard, or a table with no sign of people.

Aldric felt increasingly confused and worried. Is Victor not home? Then he'll make trouble for breaking into people's houses. Aldric threw away that useless thought and continued walking to the other room, he would go and apologize after checking all the rooms.

He would try to open the door of the room in the corner of the hallway, a pungent fragrant scent wafted on his nose. He stopped opening the door. He saw the view through the open door. There was only a shadow from the table faintly in the darkness.

The sound of thunder and heavy rain was still heard outside the house. And a more pungent and strong fragrant aroma began to spread in the air. It makes the atmosphere creepy.

The entire Aldric muscle stiffened immediately. Trying to act as calm as possible, he began to walk away from the door calmly. His entire focus was directed around him especially the door he was looking for a sign of danger that might come. His instincts started to scream making him to leave. He tried to listen to sounds that might not be there and began to lower his breathing. He did not take his eyes off the door and surroundings from the beginning. He counted the few minutes passing in silence.

"Victor, are you there?" he exclaimed as he prepared in an attacking position, trying to see what might come out.

Still with a candle in his hand, Aldric broke the door quickly. A fragrant smell attacked him in front of his face, he was shocked by what he saw inside. His entire body stiffened to the point of making him unable to move. In that simple room, he saw a human corpse.

Inside the pitch-black room, with the candlelight in his hand he saw the shadow of a corpse bound above the room sky in an upside down position.

Aldric's mind was about to go crazy, thinking of the various things that were putting him at risk. He looked around the dark room filled with tension. He tried to retreat further from the door. He began to wait for a while trying to maintain his attitude.

After a dozen minutes had passed, he still did not know where the danger might come from. He only saw a faint shadow of a corpse hanging upside down. Aldric began to set his breaths daring to get closer. He didn't even want to go outside. If the killer isn't in this house then, the best guess is outside. In the event of a stormy outside attack, he would not find any shelter at all, at least in the event of an attack in this house he had some means of escape or attack utilizing the terrain. Maybe this sounds illogical. But he has calculated the possibilities.

The first is if the killer is in the room, he will choose to attack him when he opens the door, because that is where he will lose his position when breaking the door, it is based if the killer is professional. If they were amateurs he would know instantly if there was anyone inside other than a corpse.

The second possibility is if the killer is in a room in the house that he has not seen. Then the killer will come out or wait for him after hearing the door break. Right now the killer hasn't come out so he's probably hiding. He could not guess when the place he was going to attack him was, but he had already guessed some places that might be the hideout of assassins. Excluding the room he visited and this room. He had already seen the living room, dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms. So stay the bathroom near the kitchen and the other room at the end of the hallway, maybe the bedroom too. He will notice if there is a faint sound in the bathroom while he is in the kitchen even though the sound of a storm can obscure him. Unless the killer was a professional, with techniques such as silent practice, controlling breathing and movement, he would not know before looking at the room directly. And the room at the end of the hall, from the beginning after breaking down the door he had already divided his attention at the end of the hall and behind his back where the bathroom was. While the room he visited, he was very confident when examining it, even though his vision was limited by candlelight alone. He would instantly know if there was someone hiding in the room. It was one of his skills as a professional mercenary.

And the third possibility is that the killer is out. There are many more possibilities if he's outside, like he's probably gone, he's waiting in another house, he's waiting in the outside house, he's on the roof of the house, he was in the alleyway where this house was seen, he could also be in the police station or the road to the police station. There are many possibilities if the killer is outside. And that was why he did not want to risk rushing out. He would try to guess the motive of the killer first, so that at least he could sift through some possibilities. This is already strange with the absence of any confontration scenes in the house, or traces of blood and smell. The killer actually removes the smell with the scent of perfume. And he may have cleared the scene. This made him more certain the killer was not home anymore. Yet he still maintained his cautious attitude to eliminate unexpected possibilities.

He tried to get inside the morgue where the corpse was and opened the window curtain beside the door. That will make him able to see with light even outside the storm.

As he opened the curtain he finally saw the actual condition of the corpse. The tiny needles were all over his body, piercing through his skin, muscles, and everything in sight, making him a giant iron puppet with needles sticking out. The legs of the corpse were tied around his neck with a long needle connecting the two. The corpse's head had a crooked smiling face, on its face the eyeballs were gone, only an empty cavity with needles kept its eyes open. In his hand he held something like an eyeball. The eyeball did not look like an eyeball but an ornament, as if a wooden ball painted in color and resin, made it look like a duplicate eyeball. There was no blood flowing in his body, no stench of corpses, only the fragrant smell of perfume around him. It was as if not a sadistically murdered corpse but a display of art made for a lavish show.

Aldric could see that the corpse was Victor, his old friend.

Aldric was horrified and frightened. Even his experience as a mercenary could not bear such a scene. He covered his mouth with his hands trying to resist the nausea that was about to come out. He was completely paralyzed at the moment, he had forgotten all his vigilance. He felt his heart rate getting faster and his breathing getting shorter. He felt cold sweat running all over his body. His head began to throb madly making him close his eyes. He tried his best to hold the candle tightly trying not to lose the light.

The rest of the candle started falling into his hands keeping him conscious from time to time. He began to make his entire body tense, trying to look for the impending danger.

His breathing began to get out of control again. The silence around him made him even more agitated. He tried to stay calm running to the corner of the room. Before the sound of a break was heard at the entrance of the house.

Aldric tried to keep his body tense, he would try to fight back and get out of the house with all his effort. Even before he wanted to jump into the window various sounds of footsteps approached this room and other spaces.

He was starting to panic and despair now. Why so many footsteps. He cursed his bad luck for possibly dying a few days after he came back to life.

The sound of footsteps drew closer. He tried to give up while looking for a chance to live. This is the most logical choice. If he had a gun like a gun, he swore he would hunt them until they cried.

Finally, the steps stopped in front of the room. Various people saw him in a corner of the room with a corpse hanging in the middle of the room.

With cold sweat flowing more profusely. He knows he'll be in bigger trouble now. He might not be able to escape.