Ning flew through the fake city like a bird given freedom. In his bat form, despite being a massive black blur in the sky, he was precise and careful, hitting not a single obstacle on his way.
He went from one green mark to another before they could even turn yellow, let alone red. The others that were there to train or test couldnāt help but stop and watch Ningās brilliant display of control and speed as he blitzed through the air, hitting nothing at all.
Even the official was surprised by his display. It wasnāt unusual to have people coming to fly who had incredible control over where they were, or a speed that could reach supersonic. However, seeing someone who had both at the same time was rare.
It didnāt take long before the centaur stopped Ning. He had shown all he had to, so all he had to do was come back tomorrow and do the same.
Ning raised an eyebrow but said nothing and left.
"I was hoping to pass today," Ning said once he was a little far away.
"That wouldnāt be possible," Blake replied. "The official judge usually requires you to show your ability to fly around for a few days in a row before he gets you to take an actual test. So, all you really have to do now is come here and fly around just like today for a few more days."
"I see. I guess I can do that," Ning said.
"Still, I must say Iām surprised. Your flight skills are incredible," the angel said. "How did you learn it?"
"Itās mostly intuitive," Ning said. "Part of it is my reaction speed that allows me to react to anything in time, so flying becomes easier."
Blake nodded slowly.
"Youāve trained and youāve flown. So what will you be doing now?" Blake asked.
"Go over to the station," Ning said.
The manās eyes narrowed. "But itās Saturday."
"Crime doesnāt take the weekend off," Ning said. "Besides, youāre here today too."
"Today is special," Blake said. "Weāre open because of you. Otherwise, there would be far fewer people working here today."
"Oh. I see. Well, Iām sorry to have brought so many people away from their day off then," Ning said. "Iāll try to be more careful next time. Anyway, Iāve got to go. I have a vampire to catch."
Blake showed him to the front of the agency, where he also had someone drive Ning away. He made sure Ning knew that he could be called at any time for anything before he left.
Ning arrived back at the station some time later and found the group mulling over what could be done. It was decided that Ning was going to become the bait for the vampire, but not a single one knew how that could be done.
"Are we sure this vampire knows who you are?" Mira asked. "Maybe weāre working under the wrong assumption entirely."
"Could be," Larissa said. "But since they came here for him, they should know who he is."
"Why kill the centaur then? What does the bar have anything to do with it at all?" Jack asked.
Larissa had no answer. "Do we know anything else? Are the drows fit for talking?" she asked.
"No, theyāre barely responding," Jack replied. "The doctors say that their mental state isnāt right at all. Something affected their mind so violently that it will take them some time to heal from that."
"No doubt the vampire bitch, right?" Mira asked.
"Could be," Larissa said. "Thereās nothing else to do now. I think you two can return home. Itās annoying that we have to come in on a Saturday, and even more annoying that nothing productive happened."
Mira shrugged. "Yeah, we should all return."
"Actually," Ning spoke up. "Are you guys hungry? I signed the contract today, I want to treat you all."
Mira and Jackās eyes widened at the suggestion.
"Really?"
"Iām purchasing the most expensive drink out there."
Ning chuckled. "Well, just know that the money hasnāt hit my account just yet, so as long as the bill is under 10 thousand Jorans, itāll be fine."
"Thatās a shit ton of money anyway," Jack said. "Weāll party all night long."
The four left in the van, arriving at an above-average restaurant. It was getting close to evening now, so no one would mind if they started drinking either.
The tabaxi waitress arrived by their table and took their order. Ning remained silent, letting the group order for themselves and him. He would eat whatever was brought to them.
Jack and Mira fought over the menu as they both wanted to order something. Larissa asked for some fancy pasta that Ning couldnāt even pronounce, and a fancy steak prepared in a method developed far to the west.
They talked while they waited, each one trying to hold back their excitement at the moment from spilling the secret of what had happened to the bystanders.
"Can you tell us how much youāre earning?" Mira asked.
"Mira!" Larissa said with a flustered look. "You canāt ask that."
"Thatās fine," Ning said. "I got a 20 million signing bonus. And a 1.5ā Hey, drink some water. Here."
Larissa had entered a coughing fit the moment she heard Ning speak the number. She took the glass Ning handed and quickly drank some, quelling her coughs. She looked at Ning with a pained expression, her eyes wide. "20... million?"
Ning nodded.
"As a signing bonus?"
Ning nodded again.
Larissa looked at him for a long few seconds, her expression of shock now matching the other two that had been there from the start.
"What the fuck?" Larissa finally blurted out.
"Sorry?"
"No, what the fuck? Weāre detectives. We work hard. Weāre heroes too. Why the fuck donāt we earn as much?" she asked.
Ning didnāt know what he could say exactly. "Donāt ask me," he said, raising his hands in defeat. "If itās any consolation at all, I donāt plan on using my money for myself. Iām trying to find a way to help others."