The Diaspora was thrown into chaos for a stretch, though such disruptions are not uncommon in this town. Despite several injuries incurred from being bitten, the resilient locals and merchants swiftly restored order.
Bert and their companions remain preoccupied with tending to their wounds, leaving them unable to attend to other matters urgently. However, their response time is expected to improve shortly.
Oswald's objectives exceed the capabilities of the abandoned temple of Crow's Nest, making it unsuitable for prolonged stays.
As soon as their respite was complete and the team prepared to resume their journey, the sedated black-eared wolf slowly came to. Gradually, the bloodshot eyes dissipated, replaced by clear blues that glanced around the deserted temple's shadows, lending itself to an eerie atmosphere.
With the moon's light radiating on it, the towering bulk of the wolf's visage began to morph, and in mere seconds, the animal's frame gave way to a man. The newly transformed individual stood at roughly two meters in height, with black hair and bright blue eyes. Dressed in a crude black vest, their robust arms, exposed only extensive scarring - old and new. An antiquated cut stretched diagonally across the left side of their face, obscenely extending to the junction of the neck and right clavicle, imparting a terrifying appearance.
Rising from his position in the corner, Shaw walked towards the group, first expressing his gratitude towards Oswald and the others with a nod. He then greeted them with a smile, introducing himself as Shaw.
He then lowered his head and rushed to Ben with a smile: "Don't you know me?"
Ben appeared puzzled by the newcomer's arrival.
"My absence from the valley has been stretched for years, the last time we met you were but a crawling infant," Shaw reminisced, glancing at Mai who remained in their current form. "Leader Mai still prefers to maintain their current form?"
Ben shrugged, "Beast shape feels more comfortable." Perhaps it also imparts a sense of security, he thought.
Shaw shook his head in response and said nothing.
Observing the interaction intently, Kevin queried in a low voice, "Former subordinate?"
Oswald hummed in agreement. He recounted a recent account, whereby Mai was pushed into an iron cage at a casino. Shaw was momentarily stunned, after which he circled provocatively. "During that instance, I led to Mai our leader, in animal language, asking 'Why are you here?'. Mai appeared oblivious to the situation and failed to answer."
Kevin recalled that initially, Mai remained motionless until Shaw emitted a rhythmic grunt from his throat that triggered Mai to react. Consequently, the sequence of ensuing attacks would be under Shaw's direction only, as Mai could only comprehend him.
Putting together this from various cues, it is understandable that Mai's circumstance is unique, but how did someone like Xiao Shaw, who had been a regular on the battlefield, find themselves in such a predicament? Kevin and Oswald couldn't comprehend this anomaly.
"Don't look at me with that expression, it's a long story," Shaw remarked, sensing the group's unvoiced questions.
Oswald sensed that something strange was amiss, and urged, "Let's cut down the story and get to the point."
Shaw furrowed their brows before explaining, "I was initially abducted by the Northern Emerald's residents, though Sand Ghost came to my rescue. Consequently, I was detained in the Northern Emerald's dungeon for several months, during which time I was drugged daily to suppress my transformation into human form. Though the beast form is powerful, it becomes uncomfortable in many instances, particularly while napping and going crazy. Thus, saving oneself and others became difficult."
"Save others?" Kevin interjected.
Shaw replied, "Yes, many people, including members of our clan, Eldar clansmen, and yours, are imprisoned in the dungeon. Are you from the Golden Lion Kingdom?"
Kevin was dumbfounded. Does this fellow come around?
Shaw nodded in affirmation before speaking sternly, "Yes, I've been detained with a group of yours. Some of you were released from imprisonment after a brief period, and I suspect they were killed."
Shaking his head in disdain, he commented, "It's regrettable. I chatted with two of them briefly. Moreover, a few sand ghosts entered the dungeon's premises. Perhaps they thought we were all insane and didn't attempt to hide their presence. I overheard expressions like 'It's almost time' and 'Everything is arranged.' The matter appeared dangerous, so I fled as soon as possible. And now, here I am..."
Upon hearing this narrative, the atmosphere in the room became somber. In particular, Oswald's expression turned intense since he had not been informed about any lost persons or groups, let alone such a vast contingent.
There was something wrong with this, but they didn't figure out what was wrong for a while.
The problem was identified after some time had elapsed.
"It has come to light that Northern Emerald Nation and Sand Ghost are surreptitiously engaged in nefarious activities. I suggest that you remain vigilant. I shall depart now to inform the current leader," he declared while rummaging through the antiquated garments.
Upon finding a metallic animal tooth, he bestowed it upon Oswald as a token of gratitude and offered assistance in the future. With that, he cast a piece at Mai and Ben then departed.
Consequently, as he approached the side of the final row of heavily armored cavalry, Shaw abruptly emitted a "huh" and came to a halt.
Kevin then directed his attention towards the exposed half-finger of the heavily armored cavalryman and observed that the cavalryman was lacking a digit, with scars on the back of his hand inflicted by animal bites.
Shaw suddenly exclaimed: "I've seen him in the dungeon!"