Enlightenment Under the Stars/Prologue

Prologue	Chapter 1	Chapter 2	Chapter 3	Chapter 4	Epilogue
Stone of Truth			Investigation Notes

Star Sacrificer

1-1 Star Sacrificer

Mr. Inference	This freshly printed copy of the Wightlow Gazette should help alleviate some of the monotony of this long and tiresome journey. Wightlow has been rife with stories of late, with this eye-catching headline at the forefront. As always, these seasoned newspaper editors know how to capture their readers' attention.
New Development in the "Star Sacrificer" Murders Case! Early yesterday morning, police discovered a body on the outskirts of the city, believed to be another victim of the "Star Sacrificer." Authorities have confirmed that, in addition to the distinctive fluorescent markings found on the body, there were also signs of mild poisoning—similar to those observed in the recent string of serial suicides. However, this case differs from the others in one significant way: investigators found a fatal external wound on the victim's chest. The new clue, unlike those in previous incidents, could be the breakthrough needed to unravel the mystery behind the series of deaths that have shaken the town. The scene has been thoroughly cordoned off, and further investigation by the authorities is expected to yield more crucial evidence.
Mr. Inference	The latest "Star Sacrificer" serial murder... there's something strangely off about these killings. Perhaps buried in this article will reveal the secrets I seek.
Azoth Library Announces New Director The Azoth Library has long upheld the noble mission of preserving timeless wisdom and fostering intellectual enlightenment. In pursuit of a brighter, more prosperous future, we are proud to announce the appointment of Ms. Arya Miller as the 27th Director of Azoth Library. May the light of truth shine eternal.
Mr. Inference	An ancient library, its history stretching back centuries, filled with strange and curious stories. Arya Miller... The name of the new library director seems vaguely familiar. I recall Lady Truth mentioning her during the Lonesome Moon case.
Spiritual Revolution Cranial Divination Leads the Way? Auburn Duval, one of the brightest emerging figures in astrology, has recently set out to create a lasting legacy with his innovative cranial divination technique. Many individuals who have undergone Duval's treatment report noticeable improvements in their physical health, as well as profound transformation in their minds and souls. This new treatment is rapidly gaining traction in the scientific community. A growing number of scholars are now taking a keen interest in the concept of "spiritual healing" that Duval promotes.
Mr. Inference	Auburn Duval... A rising star in the arcane school of astrology. According to the information provided by Mr. Benefactor, three years ago, he was a rising academic star with a deep passion for astronomical science. Given his intellect and knowledge, it seemed only a matter of time before he made a name for himself in academia. Why, then, this sudden turn toward the ethereal realm of astrology? It's truly puzzling. Perhaps these perplexing questions will finally be resolved when I meet him face-to-face.
"Underground Disturbance" The City's Latest Crisis In recent months, an increasing number of residents have reported unsettling noises coming from the city's underground pipes, disturbing their daily lives. Our investigation shows that these sounds are most prominent in the older parts of the city, particularly in the Mill and Limerick districts. They are most commonly heard at midnight or in the early hours of the morning. During the city's military-industrial past, these areas were home to extensive subterranean railways and tunnel systems. However, after their abandonment, these infrastructure works were left to deteriorate, with little to no effort made toward their restoration or upkeep. Once the pride of Wightlow, these districts have now, over time, become a "midnight nightmare" for residents.
Mr. Inference	Eerie underground noises that only surface at night? Such a blatant correlation to time... To mask it with the excuse of abandoned works is far too clumsy. Wightlow is relatively close to my destination. After I finish here, perhaps I shall find time to explore it further.
Time of Death
Mr. Inference	Judging by the decomposition of the veins and the level of edema, it is estimated that the time of death occurred roughly three days before the photograph was taken. The body's well-hidden location made it much harder to find, significantly complicating the ease.
Fatal Stab Wound?
Mr. Inference	A dagger was lodged in the victim's chest, bearing the shape and style typical of those used in daily life. Based on the volume of blood and the length of the blade, the wound's depth is estimated to range from 7 to 10 centimeters—a fatal injury by any measure.
Suspected Poisoning?
Mr. Inference	According to the newspaper, the deceased exhibited mild signs of poisoning, much like those found on the victims of the earlier serial murders. The ambiguity lies in whether this was driven by free will or forced upon the victim.
Fluorescent Markings
Mr. Inference	The fluorescent markings on the victim's body, as the police have stated, match those found in the "Star Sacrificer" suicides. The meaning behind these peculiar markings remains unclear. Perhaps they stem from some obscure religious rituals.
Shattered Ring
Mr. Inference	These broken fragments in the corner... Is it a ring? If I can reconstruct the complete design of the ring, it might reveal some vital information regarding the deceased's identity.
Mr. Inference	Despite the ring being damaged by some forceful impact, the fragments still allow me to infer the overall design. A snake... and several barely discernable letters... ME... LOD...?
Disturbed Undergrowth
Mr. Inference	The corpse was discovered in an isolated forest on the town's outskirts, a place where, theoretically, few would venture. Yet, the undergrowth surrounding the body was disturbed and flattened, as if a struggle or conflict had taken place there.
Mr. Inference	This, it seems, is all the information we are able to gather at this stage. Amongst these clues, a pair of unmistakable contradictions emerge, forming the principal mystery of the case.
Select two clues that contradict each other
Fatal Stab Wound? and Suspected Poisoning?
Mr. Inference That doesn't appear to be a pair of them...
Mr. Inference	Two completely distinct causes of death are evident on the deceased, marking the most notable divergence from the previous "Star Sacrificer" cases. Yet, I am more inclined to conclude that the cause of death was the significant blood loss from the stab wound in the chest. The evidence to support this assertion is...
Select the clues that support your theory
Disturbed Undergrowth
Fluorescent Markings Mr. Inference The fluorescent markings are a vital link to the "Star Sacrificer" case, but they have no direct connection the the cause of death. Shattered Ring Mr. Inference The ring serves as an important clue concerning the deceased's identity, but it has no direct connection to the cause of death. Time of Death Mr. Inference The time of death, without thorough forensic report, does not yet provide the necessary conditions to infer the cause.
Mr. Inference	Indeed, the flattened undergrowth likely stems from the victim's attempts to avoid the deadly thrust of the blade, either through continued struggle or confrontation with the murderer. The killer then applied a fluorescent substance, arranging the scene to resemble the "Star Sacrificer" cases, thus making it look like a suicide. With the loss of vital signs, blood flow ceased, and as a result, the evidence of poisoning was not as readily noticeable. These are the key deductions regarding the case, though there is one more important clue I cannot seem to disregard...
Select clues that are linked to the suspicions
Shattered Ring
Fluorescent Markings or Time of Death Mr. Inference No, this is not the clue in question.
Mr. Inference	The ring, marked with the surname Mélodis, appears to be a symbol of family lineage. Was it shattering intentional, or merely an accident? A sense of foreboding lingers... It appears the task entrusted to me by Mr. Benefactor grows increasingly complicated. Perhaps it would be wise to go over the case notes and instructions Mr. Benefactor conferred upon me at this time.
View the request in your Notebook
Mr. Inference	(The hurried scribbles in my notes instantly reminded me of that afternoon, heavy with the scent of the ocean.) (After stepping out of the dim room, I joined Mr. Benefactor on the deck.) (We breathed in the fresh sea breeze as he handed me a bundle of old, yet neatly arranged newspapers.) (Each paper contained an article about the "Star Sacrificer" case, which he had assigned me to investigate.) Mr. Benefactor, the "Star Sacrificer" you mentioned in your request... Who are they, exactly?
Benefactor	A group of zealots who believe in the purification of the soul through ritual suicide, or perhaps calling them madmen would be the most accurate description. Of course, these are merely the opinions of the world at large.
Mr. Inference	Suicide? This doesn't appear to have anything to do with Mélodis.
Benefactor	Oh? You might think otherwise if you were to learn of the ingredients in the fatal concoction they each ingested.
Mr. Inference	What concoction?
Benefactor	A new type of drug with a formula and scent akin to Datura, but with toxicity far surpassing it.
Mr. Inference	(My mind raced back to the failed experiment D.M. had mentioned at Zinaida's funeral.) (He openly acknowledged that this was the drug that caused Zinaida's demise, but didn't elaborate on what happened to it afterward.) (With the series of deaths mentioned in Mr. Benefactor's commission, an uneasy theory began to emerge in my thoughts.) Are you suggesting that D.M. is behind these cases?
Benefactor	Since you've already made the deduction, why not voice it? Or perhaps... you don't believe this is something Mélodis would do?
Mr. Inference	Trust, after all, is based on sufficient understanding, and my bond with Mr. Mélodis is hardly one of profound intimacy. As a detective, I cannot simply offer a conclusion or judgment based on what may be mere inference without reliable evidence to support it.
Benefactor	While I respect you precision, Mr. Inference, I assure you that my claim is not made without solid reasoning. As I understand it, this drug is made from a rare fern, with the extraction process and formula proportions being extraordinarily complicated. As things stand, no one but Mélodis possesses the resources and drive to pursue drug research through relentless experimentation. Additionally, his research has progress to the crucial final stage, with success almost within reach. As much as I dislike admitting this advantage of his, it is a reality I have no choice but to confront...
Mr. Inference	(Mr. Benefactor's words held a certain underlying envy, and his tone unmistakably carried a note of scorn.) It seems your true motivation in entrusting me with this case is not out of sympathy for the innocent dead, but rather to disrupt Mélodis's experiments. (To my surprise, Mr. Benefactor responded with a faint, playful smile, nodding with quiet composure.)
Benefactor	Does it really matter? For you and me, it's essentially the same thing. These are merely different motivations for reaching the same goal. What's more, I know you well... You will not refuse me.
Mr. Inference	(Mr. Benefactor gently shook the blue vial in his hand, the unseen shackles he had made for me, binding me inescapably.) (According to Mr. Benefactor's information, this secret drug experiment has been ongoing intermittently for almost three years now.) (In two days, D.M. will visit a tower on the outskirts of Wightlow to attend a celestial divination ceremony hosted by a well-known astrologer.) (The location, referred to as the "Black Storm" is the site of the final drug experiments.) (Given the suspicions surrounding the identity of the recent victim, I believe that only by going there personally will I be able to uncover the full truth.)