Lunalus: “Yes... this does seem like the place. Yet, I can’t help but sense a nauseatingly pure aura lingering in the air.”

  Lunalus and Cabdan hastened through the slums, their steps deliberate. Just days had passed since the battle that dismantled Cabdan’s prostitution ring, and now they stood within the same grounds, led there by Lacerbus’ final, haunting vision.

  Lunalus: “He’s gone... forever. Lacerbus was one of Nox’s finest warriors. For him to sacrifice himself, revealing a mere glimpse of that boy -- there can be no doubt. Wherever he is, it is imperative we find him.”

  Lunalus’ towering figure loomed over Cabdan, his gaze piercing and unyielding. Cabdan forced an unconvincing smile, though his sweating brow betrayed his terror.

  Lunalus: “... I’m waiting, Cabdan.”

  Cabdan: “O-of course, Spymaster Lunalus! We’ll head to his home immediately. W-we’ll find him in no time!”

  Lunalus: “Lead the way. The sooner we leave this wretched chamber, the better.”

  They began weaving through the winding streets. Along the way, the eyes of passersby locked onto Cabdan. Word of his return spread like wildfire, their expressions a mix of fear and hatred. Though none dared to confront him outright, their accusing stares burned deep.

  Lunalus: “You don’t seem too popular around here. Then again, their hatred is justified, wouldn’t you agree?”

  Cabdan shrugged, adopting a fa?ade of indifference.

  Cabdan: “You can’t get rich by being friends with everybody... It is what it is.”

  Lunalus narrowed his eyes, displeased.

  Lunalus: “Lives are non-exploitable... They are not mere commodities. Every bruise should have a purpose; every cut should have meaning. You would do well to learn this.”

  Cabdan smirked as if the spymaster’s words held no weight. His confidence, fueled by the contemptuous glances from the crowd, swelled with every step.

  Cabdan: “Exploiting? No, no, Spymaster -- you misunderstand me. It’s all about supply and demand. One hand washes the other. These people needed shelter and food, and I needed a little monetary influx to fund my ventures. It’s mutual... helping each other, really.”

  His nonchalant tone made Lunalus visibly bristle.

  Lunalus: “Do you truly believe that? Their expressions scream for vengeance. There’s no gratitude there, Cabdan. They see your dealings as little more than chains around their necks.”

  Cabdan shook his head dismissively.

  Cabdan: “Ungrateful swine, the lot of them... Pay them no mind! We’re nearly there. Soon, we won’t have to walk these filthy streets ever again.”

  Shortly after, they arrived at the house Cabdan had rented for Anya and Virno. The door, like many in the slums, had no lock. Without a moment’s hesitation, Cabdan barged inside.

  Lunalus: “Hmph.”

  The house was barren. There was no food, no water, no belongings of significance. It was as though the occupants had vanished without a trace.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Cabdan: “So... they must have moved. Like scared rats, desperate to survive.”

  In the distance, a voice rang out:

  Citizen: “It’s him! It’s really him!”

  Cabdan and Lunalus turned to see a group of men pointing at them before darting down one of the winding streets. Cabdan’s lips curled into a smug grin.

  Cabdan: “Of course... all the little mice must be hiding in the same nest. I believe I know where the boy may have sought refuge. It’s not far.”

  As they made their way toward the orphanage, word of Cabdan’s return reached its walls. Inside, citizens armed themselves, prepared to face him at the entrance. Among them were Rel, Jargen, and Punjo, their expressions grim as they prepared for battle.

  Jargen: “Took him a while. Wherever he was, it must’ve been far. No way he spent days sitting on his fat ass, wondering if he should drop by. He’s here because he rushed the moment he heard what happened.”

  Punjo, gripping his warhammer tightly, nodded.

  Punjo: “Aye. But why’s he come without his usual entourage? No guards? No thugs? Just doesn’t seem like Cabdan, y’know?”

  Nearby, Rel was fastening his armor. He couldn’t help but overhear.

  Rel: “Maybe he doesn’t need them. That guy with him -- if what I’ve heard is true, he’s terrifying. And don’t forget Cabdan’s got that damn ring...”

  Jargen’s face twisted with anger.

  Jargen: "Can't wear rings once all your fingers are broken."

  The wooden door to their room swung open with a resounding crash, the creak of its hinges reverberating across the room. The noise startled several inside, who turned their heads in alarm. Standing in the doorway, Tyssa glared with bloodlust burning in her eyes.

  Tyssa: "I need a sword."

  Without hesitation, she strode toward the weapon rack. But before her fingers could curl around a blade, Jargen stepped into her path, blocking her from the steel that, in her mind, would put an end to Cabdan's life.

  Jargen: "What do you think you're doing? Aren’t you supposed to be taking care of Faya?"

  Tyssa didn’t blink, her piercing stare fixed on him like an unyielding force.

  Tyssa: "Move, Jargen. Faya is fine. We’ve done everything we can for her. I can spare five minutes to slit Cabdan’s throat -- and to find out what really happened to my brother."

  From the corner, Rel spoke up, cautious but firm.

  Rel: "Look, Tyssa, I know you’re furious, but --"

  She cut him off mid-sentence, her focus never wavering from Jargen.

  Tyssa: "I’m not furious. Furious doesn’t even *begin* to cover it. Stay out of this, Rel. This is something I have to do. I won’t let anyone stop me."

  Jargen sighed, his voice steady but heavy with warning.

  Jargen: "Listen, girl. Do you want to get yourself killed? Because this is a damn good way to do it. Cabdan might prefer getting others to dirty their hands, but he’s killed more people with his own than you can count. You’d be walking to your death."

  She stomped hard, the sound echoing with her resolve.

  Tyssa: "Who says I’m going alone?! Maybe I can’t beat him by myself, but together, there’s no way he gets out of this alive. You’re all going to be there, right? So disarm him, pin him down --whatever! Just let me land the killing blow."

  Punjo chuckled dryly from behind.

  Punjo: "Queue’s long for that, missy... You’re nowhere near the front."

  Her glare shot toward him like daggers, humorless and unyielding.

  Tyssa: "Move, Jargen. Someone’s dying today, and it’s not going to be me."

  For a long moment, Jargen held her gaze. Then, with a sigh, he stepped aside.

  Jargen: "Fine. Just don’t be reckless... alright?"

  Whether she heard him or not was unclear. Without a word, Tyssa seized a shortsword from the rack and stormed out of the room.

  Jargen: "Dammit. You two could’ve helped out a bit, you know?"

  Rel shrugged, adjusting the straps of his armor.

  Rel: "I get why you didn’t want her there. I don’t want her there, either. But I had to shut my mouth the second I realized -- this is her fight. You heard her, Jargen. Tyssa *needs* this. This might be her one shot at closure. I won’t stand in the way of that."

  All geared up, Rel grabbed his mace and began heading for the door.

  Rel: "But I’ll make damn sure she doesn’t get hurt. See you out there."

  He exited, followed by a small group of armed men, leaving Jargen and Punjo to finish preparing themselves.

  Meanwhile, on the slum streets, Lunalus and Cabdan approached the orphanage. The closer they drew, the larger the crowd amassed by its entrance. Armed citizens had gathered, their faces burning with hatred, their weapons gripped tightly.

  Lunalus: "My, my... Seems they’ve been eagerly awaiting your return."

  Cabdan: "Hmph. They all want my head on a spike."

  His gaze lowered to the black ring on his swollen pinky. The gem set in it glowed faintly, pulsing with an ominous black aura.

  Cabdan: "But today, only one of us will walk out of here with what they want."