Start with the Readers

Despite Hugh’s misgivings, she refrained from asking any questions, for she sensed that even if Abner knew the answers, he would not reveal them at present. Furthermore, she trusted and was patient enough to wait for Abner, confident that as their friendship deepened, she would eventually be able to uncover the truth through her own investigations.

Abner, unaware of Hugh’s thoughts, followed her to the shooting range in the backyard and queried, “Buy me? Is it true that evil spirits are lurking here, considering the recent spate of accidents among the wealthy businessmen?” He lacked the capability of perceiving spirits, unless he devoted time to spiritual rituals.

“The Nighthawks and the Punisher Team were sent to investigate the incidents due to the differing beliefs of the successive wealthy businessmen who lived here,” Hugh responded after some contemplation. “I am uncertain what the Nighthawks uncovered, but the Punisher Team encountered a formidable Extraordinary. There was a violent battle, and one of their members was gravely injured. Lately, the Punisher has been feuding with various gangsters in the East District, as it is rumored that the injured member was eventually killed by a gangster.”

Abner was moved by Hugh’s words and wondered if the Church of Storms had possibly discovered the formula for the “Zero” potion. Could the Extraordinary picked up by the Punisher Team be the hapless individual who sustained serious injuries? But, how did he travel from the northern suburbs to the Bridge District with such wounds? Surely, not by subway…

“Is this place secure now?” Abner asked, his gaze scanning his surroundings apprehensively, for he feared the Punisher Squad would pounce on him, considering he was a devotee of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom, deemed a heretic by the tyrant.

“You need not worry, this place has been thoroughly purged and the authorities no longer take an interest,” Hugh reassured him confidently. “I’ve visited several times before, and nothing untoward has happened. Old Todd, the mansion’s servant, who cannot speak or write but can communicate through sign language, also informed me that no one has investigated in a while.”

Abner was temporarily relieved by Hugh’s words and realized that he was merely here to practice his shooting and did not require any extraordinary abilities. Even if he was noticed by the authorities, they would likely not take him seriously, as it was a common occurrence for young men and women to secretly practice shooting at other people’s ranges.

Hugh then proceeded to impart the skills and precautions of using firearms and how to quickly master shooting through training. Abner listened attentively, raised the gun with both hands, pointed it at a target ten meters away, and practiced aiming repeatedly, honing his posture, as Hugh corrected his form from time to time. After about ten minutes, Hugh nodded in approval and granted Abner permission to proceed to the next phase of training.