*Unbelievable, just unbelievable. My legacy has been reduced to a mere fairy tale for children!* Ercale's voice echoed inside Xain's head, filled with frustration and annoyance. He had been venting his anger for a while now upon discovering his portrayal as a villain in a children's story.
*I mean, is it the worst thing to be remembered by? Most people are easily forgotten,* Xain said, trying to calm Ercale's anger and prevent himself from getting a headache. *Yes, it is, you dumb ape. After all I've done, people should remember me as a great being that none can ever hope to match, not just some villain in a story* Ercale said, somehow growing even more annoyed after what Xain just said.
"Xain, why are you zoning out like that? Is everything alright?" Larkin asked, genuine concern in his voice. He couldn't help but worry about Xain after the intense encounter they had just faced.
Xain snapped back to reality, his eyes darting around nervously. "Oh, uh, yeah, I'm fine. Just lost in thought for a moment there," he replied, trying to brush off any suspicion. How could he possibly explain that a powerful demon lord had taken up residence in his mind?
Larkin nodded, his voice filled with concern. "Yeah, okay, just tell me if anything's wrong, kid," he said, sensing that something was bothering Xain. "But damn, they sure are taking their time interrogating Zee," Larkin continued, his frustration evident.
Both Xain and Larkin were seated in a well-furnished waiting room, located within the guard station. The room exuded an air of professionalism, with its clean and orderly arrangement. The color scheme of gold, red, and black added a touch of sophistication to the space.
A single guard stood near the door, ensuring security and maintaining a watchful eye over the room's occupants. The atmosphere was calm and composed, offering a comfortable setting for those awaiting their turn. The absence of any unnecessary clutter or distractions contributed to the room's pleasant ambiance.
As Larkin expressed his frustration, the guard at the door swung it open, and Zee entered the room. Xain immediately expressed his concern for her well-being. "Holy crap, that took a while. Are you okay, Zee? Did they do anything to you?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. Zee reassured him with an upbeat tone, "No, they just asked me questions. They were actually quite nice, to be honest." However, their conversation was cut short as the guard at the door announced, "Next up is you, Xain," and swiftly escorted him out of the room, leaving the other two behind, unable to respond.
"Why do I get the feeling like you guys are going to be meaner to me than you were to her?" Xain snarked, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. The guard, unfazed by his remark, retorted, "Unlike you, she hasn't committed any crimes and hasn't been a pain in the ass like you either." The guard's words stung a bit, but Xain couldn't deny that he had gotten himself into trouble more than once. With a resigned sigh, he followed the guard, prepared to face whatever awaited him during the interrogation.
*Wait a minute, did he just say Zee hasn't committed any crimes? Then where was the money I thought she stole coming from?* Xain thought, his confusion growing. *She just lied during the interrogation, you dumb ape. The she-elf is more clever than she looks or acts,* remarked Ercale, his voice filled with disdain at Xain's stupidity.
*HEY, I'm not stupid, I'm just not smart,* Xain retorted to Ercale, attempting to defend himself. *You know, someone like you is born once in a blue moon,* remarked Ercale. *The moon can turn blue? Wait, was that a compliment?* asked Xain, trying to make sense of Ercale's statement. *To some, yes. To you, it was meant to be an insult,* clarified Ercale.
*Why y-* Xain's train of thought was cut off as the guard abruptly interrupted, saying, "We're here, get in," and forcefully shoving him into the interrogation room. "Ow, rude!" Xain exclaimed to the guard who was already heading back. As he turned to face the interrogating guard, he froze in place. "Miss me, you little rat," Malvin said with a menacing smile. "Malvy, how are you doing? Good, right? I'm fine, but I think I entered the wrong interrogation room, so I'll just leave if you don't mind," Xain said, attempting to make a quick exit. "Sit down, Xain," commanded Malvin. "Yes, sir," Xain replied flatly, reluctantly taking a seat.
"So, how did it go with The Fiend? I mean, that fight was so neck and neck," Xain sarcastically asked. "I lost," Malvin answered with a straight face. "Yeah, I kind of figured," Xain replied. *Hey, ape, why are you so scared of this man?* Ercale asked in Xain's mind. *You don't know Malvin, okay? He is terrifying. He has been chasing me for years,* Xain explained to Ercale. "Stop spacing out, rat! You're fucking lucky that you were captured by someone else instead of me, especially after I told you to stay still when I fought The Fiend!" Malvin yelled, slamming the table between them.
"You weren't even fighting The Fiend you were just swinging wildly while he effortlessly dodged. It was a hopeless situation, so I made a strategic retreat," Xain reasoned, attempting to explain his actions to Malvin.
"I don't give a fuck about your excuses! Now, I want answers. Tell me everything about the magic user. Where did she come from? Why did she attack you and the others?" Malvin demanded, his tone sharp and demanding, as he began his interrogation of Xain.
"Okay, okay. I'll tell you what I know, though it's not much," Xain said, starting to explain everything that happened.