As dawn broke over the city of Sylvenmere, the group was already on the move. The streets were quiet, with only a few early risers beginning their day. The air was cool, carrying the scent of dew and the distant chatter of market vendors setting up their stalls.
Reinhardt led the way through the winding alleys toward the warehouse district. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. Lea walked beside him, her lute strapped to her back, ready to play a role if necessary. Guil and Inoue brought up the rear, their expressions a mix of determination and wariness.
The warehouse district was a stark contrast to the rest of the city. The buildings here were large and imposing, with high, windowless walls and heavy wooden doors. The streets were narrow and shadowed, the few people they passed keeping their heads down, avoiding eye contact.
"This place gives me the creeps," Inoue muttered, pulling her cloak tighter around her.
"Stay close," Guil replied, his voice low but reassuring. "We'll be in and out before you know it."
As they neared the heart of the district, they spotted a group of men loitering near one of the larger warehouses. They were rough-looking, with hardened expressions and weapons visible at their sides. Reinhardt signaled for the group to stop.
"That must be the place," he whispered. "We'll need to be careful. If they're guarding the entrance, there's no telling what we'll find inside."
Lea nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. "I could try to distract them, create a diversion while you three slip inside."
Reinhardt considered the idea, his gaze shifting between the guards and the warehouse. "It's risky, but it might be our best shot. Guil, Inoue, you'll need to move quickly. Once you're in, find Dross or his boss, and get any information you can."
Guil clenched his fists, his expression resolute. "We're ready."
Inoue took a deep breath, steadying herself. She glanced at Guil, finding strength in his calm demeanor. "Let's do this."
Lea stepped forward, her lute in hand, and began to strum a lively tune. The guards looked up, their attention drawn to the music. Lea sauntered toward them, her smile disarming as she played, her fingers dancing over the strings.
"Morning, gentlemen," she said, her voice lilting as she approached. "Care for a little entertainment to start your day?"
One of the guards, a burly man with a scar across his forehead, narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "What's a bard doing in a place like this?"
Lea laughed lightly, the sound almost musical itself. "Just passing through, thought I'd brighten up the mood. You boys look like you could use a break."
The other guards exchanged glances, their postures relaxing slightly as the music worked its charm. They began to focus more on Lea and less on the surroundings.
Reinhardt gave the signal, and Guil and Inoue moved swiftly, slipping around the side of the warehouse while the guards were distracted. They kept to the shadows, their movements silent and precise.
They reached a side door, and Guil tested the handle. It was unlocked. With a nod to Inoue, he pushed it open, and they slipped inside.
The interior of the warehouse was dimly lit, with stacks of crates and barrels creating a maze-like environment. The smell of damp wood and stale air was heavy, and the only sound was the distant drip of water somewhere in the darkness.
Guil led the way, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of movement. Inoue followed closely, her heart pounding in her chest.
"This place is huge," Inoue whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Stay close," Guil replied, his tone firm but gentle. "We'll find him."
They moved deeper into the warehouse, the tension building with every step. Suddenly, they heard voices—a low murmur coming from somewhere ahead.
Guil motioned for Inoue to stop, and they crouched behind a stack of crates, listening intently.
"Did you hear about Kharok?" one guard muttered, keeping his voice low.
The other guard grunted. "Yeah, I heard. That bastard and his crew made a shit ton of money from that deal in Cascadia years ago. Sold a bunch of slaves to some rich bastard over there. They struck gold with that one."
"Filthy rich, they are now," the first guard replied, a hint of envy in his tone. "Most of 'em quit Dia's Hand right after. Can't blame 'em, really. With that kind of money, who needs this life?"
The second guard chuckled darkly. "Yeah, Kharok got lucky, alright. But he's still here, isn't he? Guess he's not done milking this cow dry."
"Well, not for long if he keeps playing his cards right. Speaking of which, I gotta take a piss. Watch my back, will ya? I'll be back in a minute."
"Yeah, yeah, hurry up," the other guard muttered as the first one walked off.
As soon as the remaining guard was alone, Guil saw their opportunity. He motioned to Inoue, and they silently emerged from behind the crates. In one swift, fluid motion, Guil drew his sword and pressed it against the man's throat. The guard froze, his eyes wide with fear.
"Don't move, and you'll live," Guil whispered coldly. "Where's Kharok? What does he look like?"
The guard swallowed hard, his voice trembling. "Kharok's… Kharok's a tall guy, built like a damn ox. He's got long blonde hair and black eyes. He's in the basement right now, evaluating the quality of the slaves for the next sale."
Guil narrowed his eyes, considering the man's words. "Good. Now—"
Before Guil could finish, Inoue stepped forward, her short sword drawn and anger flashing in her eyes. "Where's Dross?" she demanded, her voice cold and sharp. The guard's fear intensified as he stared at her hooded figure.
"Please… I don't know where he is!" the guard stammered, beginning to panic. "Dross left the group after that big deal! No one's seen him since!"
Inoue's expression darkened as she pressed her blade against the guard's side, making him whimper in pain. "I'm not asking again. Where is he?"
Guil, now unnerved by Inoue's intensity, placed a hand on her shoulder, whispering urgently, "Inoue, calm down."
But Inoue was beyond reason. Ignoring Guil's plea, she dug her blade a little deeper into the guard's side, her voice laced with venom. "Where's Dross?"
The guard, now on the verge of tears, gasped out, "I swear, I don't know! But… but some people say he left for the countryside, somewhere quiet, away from all this! Please, I'm telling you everything I know!"
Inoue's eyes burned with fury, but after a tense moment, she sheathed her sword and turned away, her body trembling with barely restrained rage. The guard sagged in relief, only to be knocked unconscious by Guil, who swiftly hid the body in one of the nearby crates.
As Guil hurried to catch up with Inoue, he called out, "Wait up! Inoue!"
But she didn't slow down. Her footsteps echoed down the corridor as she made her way toward the stairs leading to the basement. Guil followed close behind, his thoughts racing. He had never seen Inoue like this before, and it worried him. He needed to keep a close eye on her, especially with Kharok and whatever else awaited them in the dark depths below.
They reached the staircase and began their descent into the underground. The air grew colder and thicker as they went deeper, the flickering lanterns casting eerie shadows on the walls. Guil could feel the tension radiating off Inoue as they prepared to confront Kharok.
This was it—the moment of truth.