After delving into Kai's background and confirming his independence from Gunlag's gang, they discovered he had been residing in the area for over two years. Finally, their eyes beheld it: the castle perched atop a lofty hill amidst the accursed city. Its splendor was undeniable, boasting numerous towers that reached skyward, adorned with intricate arches and columns. Sinister gargoyles peered down from the eaves, adding to the eerie ambiance of the ruins below.
The path leading to the castle was as imposing as the structure itself, a narrow, heavily fortified route encircling the hill, strategically designed to thwart any potential assailants. At its terminus lay a majestic staircase ascending to the castle gates. Once, a sprawling stone platform had adorned this space, intended to rally soldiers in the event of a breach. Now, it had transformed into a ramshackle settlement, comprised of crude structures fashioned from whatever materials the inhabitants could scavenge, creating a labyrinth of disorderly clusters and winding alleys.
Though starkly different from the outskirts Rin knew in her youth, the settlement exuded the same palpable aura of suffering, dread, and desperation. As the trio neared the outer reaches of the settlement, several Sleepers greeted Kai with warm smiles.
"Hey, Night! Glad to see you, man. Where have you been lately?"
Kai smiled in embarrassment.
"Ah, you know. Flying around. What about you, pal?"
While the charming young man was exchanging pleasantries with his acquaintance
They glanced at Sunny with relatively unchanged expressions until their gaze landed on Rin. The guards' faces displayed a mix of fear and recognition as they processed who stood before them.
"Kai is SHE with you"
Kai sighed
"Yeah she is"
As she came into view, one of the guards nudged his companion, his expression reflecting a mix of surprise and reverence. With genuine sincerity in his voice, he addressed her with the utmost respect, as if acknowledging a debt of gratitude towards her.
"Ms. Red, I want to extend my sincere apologies. We've successfully rescued all the victims of the kidnapping. I am deeply grateful to you for your assistance, especially in saving my girlfriend, Maggie. I truly appreciate you…. Here"
He handed her a bag of soul crystals and she took it
Rin and Sunny were both scanning their surroundings, their main objective being caution.
Rin spoke with a smile behind her mask
"Glad i could help"
The place hadn't really changed much since her last visit not too long ago. The settlement looked pretty familiar, with just a few buildings having some subtle alterations. But what really caught her attention was the vibe among the people. They seemed livelier, more upbeat, like they had a renewed sense of hope. It was as if the constant worry about survival wasn't weighing on them as heavily as before.
Yet, amidst this newfound energy, there was an underlying tension lingering in the air, making her wonder what might be brewing beneath the surface.
She heard Sunny in her head
*You lot were busy these three months huh*
She sounded apologetic
*Sunny…*
*It's fine rin*
After successfully wrapping up the conversation, Kai turned towards them with a warm smile and a hint of apology in their expression.
"Sorry about that."
rin spoke
"Why are they calling you Night? I recognise that name from somewhere"
The young man, with a captivating charm about him, gazed at her for a moment before gently clearing his throat. There was a hint of something unusual in his voice as he spoke.
"Oh, you really don't know. Well… it's a nickname of sorts. Nightingale, that's how I am known around these parts."
*What a stupid nickname*
Sunny spoke to her.
*Someone woke up on the wrong side if bed*
*No i just want to leave this depressing place*
Rin looked at him
*Nephis actually wanted to speak to you about something*
He rolled his eyes
*Great*
Kai spoke before they could talk anymore
"Alright, since we're here, time to make good on your promise."
Kai gave Sunny a nod.
"Sure. What do you need me to do?"
Sunny looked around, making sure that no one could hear them, and said:
"It's simple. Go into the castle and find out about who is selling Memories, and what the price is. Then come back and report to me."
*You need memories?*
*A couple*
Their winged companion blinked a couple of times, clearly surprised, then shrugged.
"No problem. But it's going to take a while. If you want the best information possible, of course."
Sunny grimaced.
"Do as you see fit. I'll be waiting for you in that alley over there."
Kai looked at him one last time, smiled, and walked away.
Sensing a sudden chill in the atmosphere, Rin glanced around, catching sight of a cloaked figure with a hunched back. As the figure turned away from her, she paused, briefly leaving Sunny's side to investigate further.
*I need to go confirm something I'll be back*
Rin strolled serenely through the bustling crowd, slipping her hood over her head as she seamlessly blended in. Spotting the figure seated nearby, she noticed that he too had his hood up. Without making direct eye contact, she settled beside him and leaned forward to speak.
He had an intriguing aura about him, with a complexion that seemed almost translucent, framing a face defined by sharp angles and eyes that seemed to hold no trace of emotion. His slender frame, accentuated by a curved spine, lent him an illusion of being shorter than he truly was.
She grinned mischievously, her gaze fixed ahead on the bustling crowd before her.
"Hello Harus, how's my favourite spy…"
He spoke a voice with a tinge of annoyance it was a older voice
"Im fine Rin… stop asking"
"Any more assassins, our golden king is sending nephis way"
"After the last one failed… because of… unfortunate circumstances… gunlags stopped… he know about the death of the cults monster…"
He looks at her for a second before looking back forward speaking
"your work i'm assuming"
"Of course"
He chuckled and the woman spoke
"any major news"
He turned serious in a second
"Hes planning to send me out to kill nephis and any who stand with her, you're the second on the hit list"
"Im flattered he thinks so highly of me"
"Rin take this seriously"
"Okay okay, we'll just make it very convincing that we died, nephis has got a major plan"
"Understood… may i leave.. he'll get suspicious if i keep leaving like this?"
Rin giggled
"It seems like you're suggesting you're married to him while also being unfaithful."
He sighed standing up and leaving
"Goodbye lady Rin"
"goodbye Harus.. oh..and harus..be careful please"