Xain would never typically suggest using one of his friends as bait, but the current situation was far from normal. They stood as (practically) the last line of defense against a vampire that was about to evolve in an hour or two.
Xain turned to Larkin with a somewhat apologetic smile and said, "Yeah, sorry there, old man, but you're gonna have to play bait so that Victoria can get into the barracks."
Victoria quickly agreed, saying, "Yes, this is the best option. It'll allow me to enter without harming my militia members."
Larkin, raising a hand and voicing his concerns, reminded Xain, "Xain, did you forget the fact that you left Ironhelm to protect me?"
Xain awkwardly scratched his head, saying, "Well, I originally left Ironhelm to protect Zee, and then you, so...play the bait?"
Larkin found himself between a rock and a hard place, reluctantly accepting the plan. He let out a sigh and rubbed his forehead, and then turned to Xain, saying with a mix of irritation and resignation, "After this is done, you're gonna pay, you little shit."
Xain simply shrugged, a hint of an apologetic smile on his face. "Trust me, you'll be fine... I hope. Now that I think about it, how skilled are the militia members?" He asked Victoria, who pondered for a moment before responding,
Victoria considered for a moment before responding, "They're really good! In fact, their efficiency is such that even in a town as large as Moonveil, crime rates are exceptionally low. They excel in chasing down criminals, especially on foot."
Larkin, growing more concerned by the second, muttered to himself, "Well, this is it. I'm going to die today." Xain patted him on the back, trying to offer some reassurance.
Larkin, reluctantly accepting his role as bait, asked Xain, "So, what should I do to get their attention?" Xain, not entirely sure, shrugged and replied, "I don't know. Insult them, yell at them, tell them you slept with their moms—just do anything to get their attention. It doesn't really matter, as long as you get their attention and make them chase you."
With a resigned nod, Larkin walked out to the main street and approached the militia barracks, positioning himself close enough to be noticed by the four militia members stationed there. One of them, wary of his presence, questioned him, "Halt! What's your purpose here?" The other three turned their gaze to Larkin, who sighed before launching his provocative attack, "Some militia you lot are. You suck harder than your mums did last night!"
Xain overheard Larkin's bold statement and couldn't help but think, *I didn't expect him to actually bring up their moms.* One of the militia members couldn't contain his anger and demanded, "What the hell did you just say?" Larkin, undeterred, continued his taunt, "This is why you lot suck so much, though it's good to see your mums' talents were passed down!"
As Larkin's provocative words hit home, one of the militia members studied his features more closely and came to a startling realization, whispering to the others, "Hey, he matches the exact description of one of the individuals the mayor wants us to apprehend." The rest of the guards followed suit, squinting at Larkin.
"Not only are you a murderer, but you're also vulgar as hell. Your day of reckoning has arrived, criminal scum!" one of the militia members proclaimed, their expressions darkening. Larkin, sensing the urgency, prepared to sprint away. But not without delivering a final barb, he sneered, "If you think I'm vulgar, you should hear your mother whenever I pay her a visit!"
Enraged, the guards brandished their firearms, vowing retribution. "You'll pay for your existence!" one of them yelled, and the pursuit was underway. Larkin dashed past the concealed alleyway where Xain and Victoria were hidden. He managed to catch a glimpse of Xain giving him a thumbs-up as he led the militia members on a wild chase, ensuring that Victoria had a chance to infiltrate the barracks unnoticed.
Xain turned to Victoria, nodding, and whispered, "Alright, now that the coast is clear, let's head in." Victoria acknowledged with a nod, and they swiftly proceeded to the front of the barracks. After exchanging a knowing look, they pushed open the door and went inside.
As they entered the barracks, they observed it to be relatively unoccupied, except for a visibly exhausted militia member seated behind the reception desk. The man had dark circles under his eyes, a clear sign of sleep deprivation. He didn't look up from his work even upon hearing their entrance. In a tired and monotone voice, he mumbled, "Please, have a seat. I'll get to your concerns shortly."
While the man seemed utterly drained, Xain couldn't help but be reminded of Specialist Tores, the exhausted member of The Guard back in Ironhelm. Xain whispered to Victoria, "Let's make the most of this opportunity while he's occupied." As Xain started to move, he noticed that Victoria remained in place, not following him. Before Xain could question her, she suddenly addressed the man behind the reception desk, "Good evening, Savik," she said, causing the man behind the desk to look up in bewilderment. His expression shifted from confusion to utter shock as he blurted out, "Mayor Victoria!?"
Xain stood there in disbelief, shocked that Victoria had openly revealed herself. While he understood the need to get information, her audacious approach took him by surprise. Victoria, on the other hand, wore a smug expression as she taunted Savik, "Yes, it's me, Savik. It's good to see you're still enduring your wretched existence."
Savik's face mirrored Xain's shock, perhaps even surpassing it. Xain quickly positioned himself beside Victoria, prepared for any unexpected reactions from Savik. Savik, still flabbergasted, managed to stammer out questions, "How are you alive, and who's he?" His gaze shifted between Victoria and Xain.
Xain chimed in, voicing his own question, "How did you determine that he's not under Eirisse's control?" While Xain could tell if he paid close attention to people who were being controlled, he couldn't at a glance like Victoria just did.
Victoria let out an exasperated sigh and said, "Could the two of you please ask questions one at a time instead of bombarding me!" She then addressed Xain's question first, saying, "Remember when I mentioned that the cow's mind control only affects those with no mana or weak willpower?" Xain nodded as Victoria continued, "Well, Savik here may lack mana, but he compensates for it with extraordinary willpower. I mean, who else could endure endless paperwork and unpaid overtime, all forced upon them by their superiors, without significant willpower?"
Victoria turned her attention to Savik, addressing his questions. "As for your question, Savik," she began, "I was never actually dead. The current mayor lied to all of you about my death to secure her position. And as for who Xain is, well, he's hell of a lot more useful then all of you for starters!" Victoria's frustration showed in her tone as she continued, "For now, think of him as my bodyguard."
Xain was about to interject, but Victoria's glare swiftly silenced him. Savik, who was processing the shocking news, started speaking, "Oh, goddess! You must reclaim your rightful position as mayor, Miss Victoria. I always had a strange feeling about that woman. Is there anything I can do to help?" His determination was evident.
Victoria smiled at his eagerness and replied, "Yes, there is something you can do to assist. I need you to locate the former Supreme Officer, Kaden."