Clare found herself in an unexpected situation when she was assigned to assist with the investigation. Despite not having reached their intended destination yet, both she and Xain couldn't turn away from someone in need. They couldn't ignore the pleas for help from the little girl's brother, whose life was in danger.
After successfully stopping the thugs and ensuring the safety of the brother, Xain's body gave in to exhaustion, and he collapsed, unconscious from the intense battle with the gang's leader. It was at this critical moment that Kai, the brother of the little girl, stepped in to lend a hand. He offered to carry Xain, understanding the urgency of the situation.
Knowing that taking Xain to a medical center would consume valuable time and potentially raise suspicions, they made the decision to seek refuge at Kai's and his sister's house. There, they could attend to Xain's condition and proceed with the interrogation of the captured orc without drawing unwanted attention from The Shadow Baron or his network.
Xain lay in a makeshift bed within the confines of a somewhat dilapidated house situated in the slums of the market district. The surroundings exuded an air of neglect and hardship, a stark contrast to the bustling city streets they had left behind.
Clare, ever apprehensive, couldn't help but express her gratitude. Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke, bowing in a gesture of respect. "Tha-thank you for helping us," she uttered, her nervousness evident.
Kai, with a kind smile on his face, quickly dismissed the need for such formality. "Huh, no, you don't have to do that," he replied, his tone warm and reassuring. "I'm just helping because you helped me. It's the least I could do."
"Yeah, everybody was ignoring me, but you helped, so you don't have to do that," the little girl May said, her voice filled with gratitude.
Clare nodded. "But still, you didn't have to do that. Thank you," she said sincerely, appreciating the kindness shown by May and her brother.
Kai leaned against the wall, a curious expression on his face. "You know, when I saw you take down those guys, I didn't expect you to be so shy. You've got some serious skills," he remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice.
Blushing slightly, Clare shuffled her feet. "I just don't know how to talk to new people. Sorry," she admitted, her nervousness palpable. Despite her impressive abilities, social interactions remained a challenge for her.
May piped up, her voice filled with curiosity. "What are you going to do with him?" She pointed at the tied-up orc in the corner, who remained unconscious.
Kai looked surprised. "Wait, you're trying to stop The Shadow Baron?"
Clare nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, that's our objective. The Shadow Baron has been causing a lot of harm in the city, and we're determined to put an end to his activities."
"How would you even do that? Nobody knows who The Shadow Baron is, not even their own people," Kai exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief.
Clare paused for a moment, considering her response. "Well, I've been ordered to gather individuals who work for The Shadow Baron and extract information from them regarding the location of their base through interrogation," she explained, her tone firm and resolute.
May gazed at Clare, her eyes filled with curiosity, as she questioned, "So you're both guards, right? I can see you're in uniform, but why isn't he?"
Clare's unease was palpable as she responded, "Oh, um, he's not officially part of the guard, that's why." Kai's interest was piqued, and he added, "You know, I was just about to ask the same thing. There's something oddly familiar about him."
Clare's thoughts raced as she contemplated the delicate situation. *I probably shouldn't tell them that a wanted criminal is helping The Guard, should I?* She paused, weighing the potential consequences. Meanwhile, a grunt from the corner of the room interrupted her thoughts. The orc had regained consciousness and groaned, "Ugh, where the 'ell am I?"
*Oh thank goddess* Clare thought, as she approached the orc, kneeling down in front of him. She looked determined as she thought to herself, "You're going to tell me everything you know about The Shadow Baron's operations."
"First ya gotta tell me where the bloody fuck I am," the orc said in an aggressive tone.
"You're in custody, that's all you need to know," Clare said firmly. "Like 'ell I'll tell ya anyfink! Nobody messes with The Shadow Baron and gets away wiv it," the orc retorted, his voice laced with defiance.
*Ugh, I said I would interrogate him, but I've never done anything like this before. If Xain were awake, he'd probably be able to handle it,* Clare thought, her panic growing inwardly.
"Oi, you over there! The guy we were poundin' on! If you let me out, I'll forgive your bleedin' debt!" the orc yelled, his voice reaching Kai's ears despite Clare still being able to hear him. "Why would I do that when you're in the position you are?" Kai replied, showing no interest in helping the orc.
"I'm doin' ya all a favor 'ere. I won't say nuffin' about The Shadow Baron, 'cause if I do, I'll be six feet under. And when ya know your six feet under, and if they see that I ain't back at the bleedin' base, then you lot are done for. So let me the fuck out!" the orc yelled once more, his voice filled with frustration.
"I know you were too busy fighting blue hair to notice, but if The Shadow Baron sends anyone after us, Clare here can handle them easily," May said, gesturing towards Clare somewhat smugly. "He-hey May, I appreciate your confidence in me, but I don't consider myself that strong," Clare said, feeling caught off guard by the sudden compliment.
"Oh, come on. The girl has such confidence in you, don't break her heart, even when it's true," a soft voice said from the ceiling. Clare's senses heightened, and she felt a surge of danger. Reacting quickly, she pushed both Kai and May behind her, assuming a defensive stance.
As a man dropped from the ceiling, Clare's eyes widened in surprise. "Ah, you're quick, aren't you?" he said, his voice smooth and composed. She couldn't help but notice his ethereal beauty, a mesmerizing presence. "Oi, you're 'ere, Valien! Hurry up and free me!" the orc yelled eagerly.
Clare's attention shifted to the newcomer, who seemed to be known as Valien. He glanced at the orc, Cagan, and a smirk formed on his lips. "Oh, Cagan, I forgot about you. Of course, I'll free you," Valien replied with an air of nonchalance. With a swift motion, he produced a sword with a unique hook-shaped blade that Clare had never seen before. It seemingly materialize out of thin air as he walked nonchalantly towards the captive orc.
"Tha-thats VALIEN! We need to get out of here!" Kai exclaimed, his voice filled with alarm. Clare's heart raced as she recognized the danger that Valien posed. *That's not a name we have at The Guard, but I can sense that he's dangerous. It looks like I have to fight both of them,* Clare thought, her muscles tensing in preparation.
She quickly made up her mind and turned to Kai and May. "You two, get out of here!" she urged, her voice determined. May, wide-eyed and terrified, quickly responded to Clare's words. "But blue hair is still there!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with fear. "Don't worry I-" But before she could finish her sentence, a chilling sound cut through the air—a swift slash followed by the sickening gurgle of someone gasping for breath.
As Clare witnessed the gruesome scene of the orc gasping for breath, clutching his throat while Valien's weapon dripped with blood, her shock and horror deepened. The realization of Valien's brutal act sank in, leaving her momentarily speechless.
"Hmm," Valien turned and responded with an eerie sense of satisfaction. "He asked to be freed, and I obliged. He just failed to specify from what." His tone carried a twisted delight, betraying a disturbing pleasure in his violent actions.
Valien's unsettling smile widened as Clare mustered her courage and spoke up, determined to protect Kai and May from any harm.
"I won't let you hurt them," Clare asserted, her voice laced with a hint of nervousness.
Valien's smile persisted, his demeanor seemingly detached from the gravity of the situation. "Come on now, there's no need to fight. I neither like nor want to fight for The Shadow Baron," he declared, his tone eerily calm.
"So why don't you all just make it easier for yourselves and let me kill you?"