The shack,
Renduim.
Styx Bratoviae
Styx had hurried over to the shack after his rendezvous with the human detective earlier. He couldn't help but recall how his heart had stopped beating for a moment when she mentioned that she had been threatened. Regardless, he was relieved that the detective was okay. Recalling Rudiger's warning against falling in love with her, he dismissed the thought. After all, she was a valuable source of information, any sensible being would protect anything that provided them some value.
Having meticulously prepared dinner beforehand, his aim was twofold: to foster a sense of ease and familiarity with the detective and, in doing so, subtly influence her actions to align with his own agenda. Recognizing her potential as a valuable ally in destroying any potential uprisings, coupled with an innate curiosity surrounding her mysterious persona, he harbored an intense desire to unravel the layers of mystery veiling her true nature. Despite his efforts to appear hospitable, a lingering suspicion gnawed at him, something about the detective was unusual.
As he reached the shack, he reached into his pocket, withdrawing a cigarette and a lighter. Positioning the cigarette between his lips, he sparked the lighter, igniting the tip with a satisfying flicker of flame. Drawing in a deep inhale, the act of smoking engulfed him in a wave of profound contentment, akin to the euphoria derived from drinking blood from a live source itself. The mere thought of tasting fresh blood stirred a primal hunger within him, heightening his senses as he pondered the unique flavor that would undoubtedly accompany the detective's blood.
Styx walked around the perimeter of the shack while taking occasional drags of the cigarette as he got lost in thoughts about all the recent happenings. The timing of the chaos amidst the impending regnis war felt too coordinated to be mere chance. There was a huge conspiracy playing out here and he needed to figure it out.
Based on his gathered intel, it was clear that the MeaWarld Procurement Agency operated under the patronage of a formidable and affluent individual. The acquisition of three sizable ships demanded substantial funds, not to mention compensating workers and buying victims. Additionally, the recruitment of a tenebrae maleficae suggested considerable power at play, likely requiring the backing of a potent figure. His contemplation was interrupted by the eerie sensation of the approaching night shades.
"The Nightshades collectively bowed and greeted, 'Good evening your grace.' Styx settled into his chair, crossing his legs, and inquired, 'What news do you bring?' The foremost member of the Nightshades N1 approached and reported, "We've gathered details on Romand Bernarui. His daily routine is quite unremarkable. He rises at 6am, dines at a diner across from his residence, proceeds to his job, and frequents the rouge after work. The man leads a solitary life, devoid of companions. He dines again at the eatery near his abode before secluding himself for the night."
"About five years ago, he surfaced in Bratovi, presenting himself as an orphan, and was welcomed into the city. Assigned to sewer maintenance, he's held that position to this day. His residence is in Renduim. During his work hours, we accessed his living quarters, which were quite bare, with minimal decor and devoid of personal belongings. Intriguingly, we discovered a sack of blue powder and a box containing 18 million regz. A metal bin in his quarters showed signs of frequent use for incineration, evidenced by its scorched interior and residual ashes. It appears he regularly disposes of items by fire, and it seems a letter was his latest subject to the flames."
"Our records indicate he professed to hail from Tirim in Ilyin upon his arrival in Bratovi, yet no trace of Romand Bernarui can be found there. The townsfolk of Tirim are unfamiliar with him; indeed, no registration under that name exists in Ilyin. His origins remain enigmatic. Nonetheless, we possess his photograph and are diligently seeking further intelligence on him. The link between him and an Isaac Bernarui is still unclear. Yet, it's been noted that he was at the scenes of numerous vampyre vanishings. I'm inclined to believe he's implicated in the recent spate of vampyre disappearances," N1 delivered the report swiftly. Styx, a cigarette dangling from his lips, drummed his fingers on the table rhythmically. "Instruct our surveillance to apprehend him and bring him to me," he ordered. "Understood, sir," N1 acknowledged, fading back into the shadows.
"What's the update on Medellin?"The duke posed a question about the situation in Medellin. Emerging from the darkness, N3 presented his findings: "There has been a peculiar development with the revolt. Our sources report that the dissenting humans convene at designated spots during dawn and dusk for food. They're organized into factions, each led by a chosen head. Rumor has it these leaders are in contact with superiors who relay commands to the masses via these appointed heads. Separately, it's been noted that the Medellin coalition and the house of Medellin have allegedly executed some captured protesters.' As Styx extinguished his cigarette, he maintained a steady rhythm of tapping, while N3 withdrew back into the obscurity of the shadows."
"I've just obtained crucial information indicating that the organization transports its targets via three distinct vessels: the Magdalena, Catalena, and Gadalena. Your task is to determine the routes taken by all three ships. Time is of the essence; I require swift results. Additionally, monitor the Medellin uprising closely and provide comprehensive reports. Conduct a thorough investigation into the financial activities of all the Houses, covering the past five years. Lastly, issue a green alert to all Nightshades members. We must ready ourselves for the imminent war." With his directives given, Styx rises from his seat and exits the shack.