The next day, with a clearer mind, Zeyang sat cross-legged on his bed, drinking the tea Lu Shen had given him.
As he reflected on the missing artifacts, he couldn't understand why they had been stolen. Of course, they must have had considerable value on the black market—but he wondered whether there was something more behind it.
The only one who might know more was the sorcerer, so he wrote to him: "Good morning! Can we talk about the stolen objects?"
The reply came shortly after: "How are you feeling?"
"Fine, thank you."
"I'm free today. What time would you like me to come? I assume you didn't go to work today."
Zeyang looked around his apartment, where orderly chaos reigned supreme, and realized he would have to tidy up a bit before receiving him.
"Give me an hour."
"See you later."
Zeyang got up and made the bed. He cleared away some of the things lying around, then went to get ready.
The intercom buzzed just as he was finishing dressing.
He answered and made room on the coat rack.
---
As he entered, Lu Shen handed him a small package. Zeyang held it uncertainly for a moment before opening it.
"It's a potion prepared by a healer. If you overuse your power again, drinking it will completely restore your energy."
"Thank you. You didn't have to."
"I didn't do it out of duty," the sorcerer replied, hanging up his jacket.
Zeyang looked at him, unsure how to respond. Then he led him to the living room, inviting him to sit on the couch, joining him after putting the vial somewhere safe. It must have cost him quite a bit.
"What did you want to talk about?" Lu Shen asked. The soft white turtleneck sweater brightened his face, serene, his gaze attentive.
"I'd like you to help me understand what connects the thefts. You told me some are from similar periods, but… what could they be used for together?"
Lu Shen smiled. "I've asked myself the same question. I analyzed the objects individually: the Rune Cube can hold a spell inside it—even a powerful one—without it decaying; the sacrificial dagger was used in offering rituals; the Blood Bowl was called that because it collected the blood of sacrificial offerings; the incense burner in my possession belonged to a pagan temple. They're all objects linked to magical rituals in which blood is the offering. The ring is the only one whose possible use I haven't yet understood."
"It's a powerful ritual if blood is involved, right?"
The sorcerer nodded. "The Rune Cube can also contain a great deal of magic."
"Do you have any idea what kind of spell they want to create?"
"No. I've searched through my books, but I haven't found anything yet. However, I believe it could have a great impact."
That was exactly what the detective feared. He stood and went to prepare tea.
"What do you think, Detective?"
"I think it's something big. They took significant risks to get those objects. The ritual seems important and out of the ordinary. I want to understand the goal—or who's behind it—before they act." He handed a cup to Lu Shen and sat back down, blowing gently over his own.
"At first, I thought the sorcerer who broke into your house was the one who had the objects. Now I'm afraid he's just a pawn in the hands of someone more powerful. I've asked for his bank transactions to be checked, but nothing unusual was found. I'll investigate his social connections."
"I'm sorry. Even though I'm part of the guild and know many sorcerers by name or by sight, I don't have personal relationships with them."
Zeyang smiled at him. "I wouldn't ask you to get involved, Shen."
The sorcerer looked at him. "Zeyang, I make my own decisions and choose my own battles."
"If you want to fight a battle with me, then you shouldn't face the consequences alone. Whatever they may be."
Their gazes locked. Lu Shen held it for a moment, then lowered his eyes. "It's not always possible to share certain burdens."
"Can't you or don't you want to?"
The sorcerer set his cup down on the coffee table. He looked at his hands, then met his eyes again. "Even if you had come to Yanghoun, you wouldn't have been able to help me."
"I know I'm not a sorcerer, but often magic isn't necessary to help each other."
Lu Shen swallowed. He felt uneasy. In so many years, no one had ever come this close to him. He had never allowed anyone to before. He rested his forearms on his knees and looked at his intertwined hands. "It's… complicated."
"Leave it to me. I'm good at making things simpler."
He looked at him—and, seeing his smile, returned it shyly.