Severin, Marcellus, and Ralf navigated the winding streets of Mythralis, their footsteps echoing through the deserted alleys.
Eventually, they came across Mr. Doan's Establishment, the same motel where Marcellus had stayed when he first arrived in Mythralis. But now, it stood in stark contrast to its former bustling self.
The once-vibrant motel was eerily quiet, devoid of the lively atmosphere that had once filled its halls.
In contrast, the Salty Siren, a nearby establishment, was a place of vibrant life, while Mr Doan's Establishment seemed to have transformed into a realm of eerie silence and hushed stillness.
There were few women in sight, most having fled from the area, leaving behind a palpable sense of unease brooding that hung in the air like a heavy shroud.
Despite the unusual quietude, Severin led Marcellus and Ralf into Mr. Doan's Establishment without hesitation. Severin's purpose demanded that he proceed with unwavering determination and confidence in his abilities, even in the face of the unsettling silence that enveloped the hotel.
As they stepped further into the dimly lit interior, Severin's cobalt-blue eyes scanned the room, taking in the few remaining patrons who had sought refuge within the establishment. They were oblivious to the danger that had just entered.
Marcellus and Ralf, unaware of Severin's true intentions, followed him, their senses attuned to the ominous atmosphere that had settled within the walls of the motel.
Severin moved with silent purpose, making his way deeper into the establishment, each step bringing him closer to his grim objective.
Bypassing the main interior of Mr. Doan's Establishment, Severin walked to the back of the establishment, where he turned to Marcellus and Ralf. With a calm yet commanding tone, he instructed them, "Guard this place. Make sure no one steps in."
Severin then manipulated Ralf's perception, saying, "If it gets too much, kill them all."
Ralf, remaining remarkably composed, calmly asked, "Do I have to?"
Severin fixed him with a meaningful glance and replied, "You have already betrayed the Stormseekers. You know what the punishment for that is, right? In their minds, you're already branded a traitor. Pretending otherwise will lead to tragedy for you."
Severin couldn't help but think that with more time, he could have made Ralf more loyal.
The web of lies might eventually unravel, but he deemed it inconsequential at this moment.
Marcellus, still confused by the situation, chuckled and addressed Severin, "Severin, my friend, surely you jest, what this talk of betrayal. The governor needs these men. We should not get on the governor's side. I've avoided him so far, and I intend to keep it that way."
Severin glanced at Marcellus, flashing the most innocent smile he could muster, and replied, "I'm sure Ralf will manage… If you are squeamish about it."
Ralf nodded, and Marcellus's face paled.
His dear friend Severin was not joking, and neither was the staunch knight Ralf.
They were not joking at all.
Marcellus attempted to rebut, but Severin had already begun walking up the stairs, leaving Marcellus and Ralf with a grim decision.
Herein lies the situation; Severin, a Sequence 7 Cipherist, had swindled Ralf into betraying the Church of Storm, an optimal choice given his Cipherist abilities.
However, he did not swindle Marcellus.
Severin had gauged Marcellus's strength to be that of a second-rate swordsman or, at best, a regular mundane wannabe pirate.
Marcellus had not betrayed the church to his knowledge; his actions were driven by the belief that Severin was a dear friend. Marcellus saw Severin as a trusted ally, someone who shared connections with Livius and Ralf, further cementing the idea that Severin was a friend, not a foe.
The nature and depth of their manipulation were different.
Ralf had been manipulated with logic, believing that the actions Severin intended would ultimately benefit him.
In essence, it was all "for his own good." On the other hand, Marcellus had been swindled into believing Severin was a dear friend, a bond that ran deep and clouded his judgment.
Severin had his assessments of Marcellus and Ralf's abilities.
While he didn't expect Marcellus to excel in physical prowess, he recognized Ralf's strength as a sailor, which made him one of the strongest starting sequences when it came to pure physical might in the divine pathways.
With this knowledge in mind, Severin continued his ascent, leaving Marcellus and Ralf to guard the door and fulfil their assigned roles.
As Severin ascended the stairs, he reached a landing where two men stood guard at the door. They were vigilant and on high alert, their expressions hardened by the Sight of Severin.
The two guards stationed at the door were clearly hardened individuals of the sea.
With just a quick glance, they recognized the strength and presence that Severin exuded. The sea had shaped them, toughened them, and made them acutely attuned to the nuances of violence.
The atmosphere was tense, and Severin could feel the weight of their watchful gazes upon him.
Severin's cobalt-blue eyes met theirs, and for a brief moment, an unspoken understanding passed between them; A Monster.
Severin, still shrouded in his intentions, approached the guards, his cobalt-blue eyes calculating and filled with purpose.
Severin, with his Swindler skills finely honed, began to engage the two guards in a conversation that would ultimately sway their loyalty. His voice was soft and persuasive, laced with a subtle charm that wormed its way into their minds.
"Are you sure you want to stay here?" Severin asked with a hint of concern in his tone. "It's getting rather quiet and eerie in this place, don't you think? Besides there's something you need to know. Downstairs, there's a potential danger brewing. I overheard a conversation earlier, and it sounds like there might be trouble down there, and I'm worried for your safety."
Severin had to implant the notion of heading downstairs in their minds before they could entertain alternative actions, such as notifying their superiors or summoning additional assistance. these actions would not further his intent.
The two guards exchanged uncertain glances, their faces betraying a growing sense of unease.
They had been vigilant in their duty, but Severin's words had planted doubts in their minds.
One of the guards, a burly man with a weathered face, scratched his head, his brows furrowing. "Trouble? Well, I suppose it has been a while since anything happened, What kind of trouble are we talking about here?" he mumbled, his resolve faltering.
Severin leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper, adding an air of secrecy to his words. "I couldn't hear everything, but it sounded like there might be a confrontation brewing between some powerful individuals. It's best if you leave now, for your own safety. There's no telling what might happen."
The other guard, a younger recruit with a nervous disposition, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, maybe it's better if we check downstairs for a bit," he said, his voice wavering.
Severin seized the moment, his Swindler skills working their magic. "That's a wise decision," he encouraged with a smirk hidden in the dim light. "Who knows, it might get bloody down there"
With hesitant steps, the guards turned to descend the stairs, their attention diverted from their posts.
They looked back at Severin, their expressions a mix of confusion and uncertainty.
Severin had skillfully manipulated their perceptions, and they were now under the sway of his influence. They had to head downstairs for their "own" good.
As they began their descent, Severin's agile fingers moved with precision. He approached one of the guards, his hand slipping into the pocket where the key was kept.
With a deft manoeuvre, he extracted the key without the guard noticing or making a sound.
The guards' departure was the distraction Severin needed, and he had successfully obtained the key to the guarded door.
With the stolen key in hand, Severin approached the guarded door and inserted it into the lock. As the door creaked open, revealing the room beyond, he stepped inside.
In the dimly lit room, Severin's keen eyes quickly spotted a man behind a desk, bathed in the eerie glow of the moonlight that wafted in through the aperture behind him.
The man was hunched over, his silhouette casting long shadows as he scribbled furiously on a parchment with a quill.
The man appeared engrossed in his task, his concentration unbroken by Severin's entrance.
It was only when Severin's presence became undeniable that he looked up, his eyes widening with surprise and realization. He had been a second late in noticing Severin's approach.
Severin's cobalt-blue eyes locked onto the man's gaze, their eyes meeting in silence.
In that moment, the room seemed to hold its breath, as if anticipating the revelation of the mysteries that had been concealed within its enigmatic walls.
Severin stood there, poised and ready, contemplating his next move.