Appearing from the array were members of the defense force. Following behind them were relief teams to distribute food and supplies. They also directed civilians to cities close to their waystations that would suit their lifestyle. The defense force was planning to occupy the area until the city was stable again.
Leaving the city alone was unwise because the slavers could easily worm their way back in and set up shop. To ensure this didn't happen the sentries patrolled the city examining the citizens. They were ensuring no one was staying behind to sow dissent, but all those with grievances about the new visitors in the city quickly took their leave.
"I'm sorry but they had us blindfolded the entire journey. The only time we were allowed to see was during the auction." Lindsey told Zack.
"Would it be okay if I connected with everyone? Even a little information goes a long way in our search." Zack asked.
They already lost hope in being free, and if the only request their savior had was a mind link they had no objections. Zack began to float and crossed his legs to enter a meditative state. Connecting to so many, and searching back so far require him to focus.
The auction they spoke of took place openly in a large city that Zack had never seen before. They were marched out with their families onto a stage for everyone to observe closely. Once a few of them were chosen they were offered to sign the contract of their own accord or watch their family be slaughtered. If they signed the rest of their family could be returned to their home, and left in peace.
Zack wondered how they could get someone to sign a contract like that. What he didn't understand was how could they trust their word? While Zack continued to watch he saw some of them unable to trust the slavers, and as a result one of them tried to kill a child. The moment the slaver swung his blade Malachi ran his hand through the man's spine.
"Anyone who breaks our end of the bargain will end up the same as this man." Malachi declared while eroding the slaver from within.
After that display everyone signed, and they were all covered in hoods once more. Zack switched to the species with better senses, and in the background, there was a familiar sound. He opened his eyes ending the link before uncrossing his legs to stand.
"What did you see?" Haruna investigated.
"Your late." Zack smiled.
"There were more bandits than we thought," Haruna stated.
"It would've been done faster if I was running the op." Miu approached Zack confidently.
This approach was halted by a simple glance from Octavia. The reports of her abilities and potential instability were well documented. Crossing her cousin who would shrug her taunts off was one thing, but facing down Octavia was another.
"I saw one of the cities they operate from. Judging by the number of demons it was one of their cities, but not one I've visited before," Zack told Haruna while showing his comrades the city.
"It has to be a city that forbids humans from entering their borders because we've never seen it," Miu stated.
"That doesn't narrow it down any," Haruna replied.
"I know that, but he didn't." Miu scoffed while crossing her arms.
"In the background, I heard the horn for an arena challenge," Zack stated.
"There are only ten arenas used exclusively by the demons," Octavia told Zack.
"That helps to narrow it down, but we can't gain access to the areas so easily. Breaching the border is already hard enough, but the arena is typically held in the larger cities and to get there we have to pass outpost." Haruna gestured at a nearby shinobi while retrieving an empty scroll.
Walking up was a nekomata with white hair tied into a ponytail and red eyes. The woman was wearing the traditional shinobi garb with a black mask covering her face. She walked up to Haruna, and Zack before bowing politely.
"This is Nozomi. From now on when I'm out on a mission she will run things. If that's okay with you." Haruna told Zack.
"I trust your judgment," Zack replied.
"Thank you," Haruna smiled.
'I'll never get tired of seeing that smile.'
"I look forward to working with you," Nozomi told Zack.
Haruna opened the scroll touching her mind's eye, and then the scroll as kanji appeared before fading. After being handed the scroll Nozomi left through the array. They spent a few hours fortifying the city and left guards stationed till the core could be built. While Zack was appointing a temporary leader Amy came crashing down on Zack.
"I was wondering when you would show." Zack kissed Amy while resting his hand on her little hips.
Appearing right after was Yu waiting patiently for her turn. Miu watched how open they were with Zack, and how Octavia paid it no mind. She wanted to know how to breach the gap between them. Swallowing her pride Miu approached Haruna.
"If they are entering the badlands without a guide they could waste a lot of time, and even end up somewhere dangerous," Miu told Haruna.
"I'll send someone with them," Haruna replied.
"C-could you send me?" Miu mumbled.
"You have another mission soon," Haruna stated.
"And I won't miss it," Miu replied.
"I'll let him know." Haruna walked off to find Zack.
Haruna found Zack's group preparing the wagon to head out. Octavia was adjusting the armor on the horses while Kaya checked their supplies. Amy was soaring around the town scouting while Yu was saying goodbye to the children.
"I think we will be fine without one," Octavia declared while glaring at Miu.
Being close enough to overhear Miu was feeling a little down. Zack pulled Octavia in by the hips and turned her attention to him.
"No one is gonna interrupt our personal time." Zack kissed her on the cheek.
"Promise?" Octavia asked.
"I promise...I've missed my elves after all." Zack teased.
Zack braced himself for a gut punch, but Octava kissed him passionately.
"H-hurry up before I change my mind," Octavia mumbled at Miu.