[
Authors Note:
Timestream has been changed to Soulstream, and Aether of Time to Aether of Soul
]
Aldrich knew he and Remi were surrounded by a group of bandits.
"Plus, I cannot run away from the man in front of me even if I go all out. He is not some ordinary bandit", He thought.
He carefully considered his options before replying to the man's questions.
"Yes, we had heard that the Count has been steadily rising in ranks, and several opportunities were available in his territory."
The man looked at Aldrich and Remi before speaking out,
"I would advise you to stay out of the Count's territory."
Aldrich felt he could gain some information from the man before him.
"Why do you think that? Did something happen",
"You look like a strong kid. Don't waste your life by going there. I am telling you."
"I am sorry, I have no time listening to a bandit, thanks for your advice, but we will be on our way", Aldrich tried to press the man for information.
The man looked at Aldrich before backing off.
"Would you not take revenge for your comrades?" Aldrich asked.
"I have no use of weaklings in my squad. They often committed acts that were against our group's values",
Aldrich looked around; the bandits surrounding him were strong; they would make a sizeable force in any territory they would go to.
"You don't look like bandits; why steal from others?"
The man looked at the dead bodies of his members and sighed,
" You can call me Mark. These three didn't listen to my orders and wanted to kill you. We were from a mercenary group in Count Ash's territory. But slowly, lesser and lesser missions were posted in the territory; combined with the events inside the territory, I decided that our group would leave the territory, as it was best for the safety of our group. "
"A territory with no crimes or missions, something is fishy", Aldrich pondered and decided that he had gathered enough information, and it was time to leave.
Aldrich and Remi picked up their belongings, starting to walk away, when the man spoke up,
"Be careful. Commoners have been disappearing all over the territory recently. I know what It feels like when you become a warrior as a commoner. Nobles will always try to bring you down. You are a promising brat; you can always come to the cave near the cliff south of the territory. Be careful, brat. Some strange things are happening in the Count's territory."
"Ah, I never expected him to have a soft spot for commoners" Aldrich now understood why this man was warning them; he was glad of his decision to choose basic physical features for his face.
Aldrich looked back towards the man, enquiring,
"Are you not strong enough to handle the strange occurrences?"
"I am, but I am responsible for way more warriors and their families. I had to prioritize their safety, and hence we had to move out of the territory", the man said before parting their ways with Aldrich and Remi.
Aldrich and Remi started to walk towards the Count's territory, wary of any other ambush waiting for them.
"What do you think? According to those bandits, only the commoners are going missing", Remi spoke up, thinking about the situation.
"Nobles going missing cannot go unnoticed. But no one will check if commoners disappear. But where is the Count taking them to" Aldrich had faced similar situations a few times.
"Everything hints towards demonic activities. It might be a large-scale summoning ritual.", Aldrich thought.
He revealed his plans to Remi, "When we reach the territory, you go and search for the man we must bring back. I will investigate the disappearance of the commoners. "
Remi thought that Aldrich might ignore the issue of commoners, and he might ask her to focus only on their mission. She was glad that Aldrich wanted to help ordinary people.
The two reached the territory's border, but the soldiers stopped them.
"State your identity and purpose", one of the guards spoke up.
Aldrich and Remi handed over their identity cards, noticing a glint in the soldier's eyes.
"commoners, hmm", the soldier smiled,
"Welcome to Count Ash's territory."
Aldrich and Remi entered the city to notice that the streets were filled with vendors and buyers.
"Looks like the business is blooming", Remi muttered.
The territory was bustling, full of life, with huge merchant shops everywhere.
"Hello, sir! Would you like to buy chicken skewers?" one of the vendors ran up to Aldrich, offering him a variety of food items.
Aldrich didn't say anything, walking towards the inn.
The vendor glared at him before returning to his usual self.
The two of them entered the nearby inn.
"We would like to book two rooms for tonight", Aldrich said, looking at the receptionist, handing out his identity card.
Aldrich scanned the inn. It was packed with mercenaries, who were happily munching at their food.
"Welcome to the inn", The receptionist smiled, escorting them to their rooms.
Aldrich and Remi kept their stuff in their respective rooms before meeting in Remi's room to discuss their mission.
"There seems nothing wrong with the territory. I have never seen people so happy, living and enjoying their life", Remi said, looking at the ceiling.
Aldrich looked at Remi, thinking about something,
"Yeah, it seems too good".
"You should rest; I will gather some information downstairs ", Aldrich said as he left Remi's room.
Aldrich stepped downstairs, entering the eating area of the inn.
He took one of the corner chairs before ordering wine and some stew. He silently observed everyone in the inn. Their actions, their behaviours, everything.
Suddenly, his sword vibrated as if his summons were trying to contact him.
"Lumi, can you sense it as well?",
"Grr", Lumi nodded, conveying her emotions to Aldrich.
It was nighttime, and Aldrich left the inn, walking towards the territory's south. He noticed the cave beside the cliff and walked into it.
"I knew I would see you again", Mark greeted Aldrich. "Want to join our group?".
Aldrich took out his sword, pointing them towards Mark. His eyes were cold, revealing intense bloodlust.
"Did you know that everyone in the territory is a demon?",