Noir had confirmed that the Duke was behind the sinister dealings, and he knew he couldn't face this challenge alone. He needed allies. After a few hours of careful thought, he made his way back to Elderglen.As he moved swiftly through the forest, the shadows seemed to cloak his presence, thanks to his skill, Veil of Shadows. His mind was racing with plans. He knew that the elves might hold the key to his success.Arriving at Elderglen, the guards eyed him warily, but Noir pushed past them without hesitation. He made his way directly to Elion's hut. Inside, the elder sat in quiet contemplation, but his expression quickly shifted to concern when he saw Noir's tense demeanor."You return sooner than I expected," Elion said, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity. His silver-white hair flowed elegantly behind him, his pale blue eyes sharp and focused.Noir wasted no time. "The Duke of Valewood is behind the capture and enslavement of your people," he began bluntly. "I saw it with my own eyes. Martin, the Duke's steward, is leading slavers, and they're branding your people as slaves."Elion's face tightened, but his tone remained measured. "Noir, I believe you may have misunderstood the situation. Martin was here to offer jobs to the elves in the town. This is not an abduction; it is an opportunity for them to integrate and earn a living among the humans."Noir's expression darkened, his crimson eyes narrowing. "Opportunity?" he snapped. "I saw them being stripped, branded with hot irons, and treated like property. Do you really believe that is an 'opportunity'?"Elion's brow furrowed, his mind turning over the new information, but his voice remained steady. "Martin and the Duke have always shown kindness to us. They offered work, not harm. Are you sure you did not misinterpret what you saw?"Noir felt a surge of anger. "Do you think I would make this up?" His voice was low, controlled, but intense. "If you don't believe me, I'll show you where it happened."Without waiting for a response, Noir grabbed a quill and a map from the table, marking the location where he had witnessed the horrific scene. "Send your scouts to this place," he urged. "If you trust Martin and the Duke so much, see for yourself what they are doing to your people."Elion hesitated, his face troubled, but his inner sense of fairness compelled him to act. "Very well," he said slowly. "I will send a group to investigate, but if this is a misunderstanding, it could damage our relationship with the humans. Are you certain of what you saw?""I'm certain," Noir replied, his voice unwavering. "You'll find proof there, and then you'll understand the truth."Elion nodded reluctantly and turned to the male elves gathered nearby. "Take a group of our best scouts," he instructed, his voice steady but with a note of urgency. "Go to the location Noir has marked and search for any signs of what he described. Report back immediately."The male elves moved quickly, arming themselves with bows and knives before heading out into the forest. Noir watched them go, a mixture of anger and determination in his eyes. He knew what he had seen, and he knew that the elder needed to see it too.While they waited, Elion remained deep in thought, his fingers tracing the intricate symbols on his wooden staff. His pale blue eyes, usually calm, were clouded with doubt. He had trusted Martin and the Duke for years, but now... now the weight of Noir's words was impossible to ignore.After a tense period of waiting, the scouts returned, their faces grim. They approached Elion, their expressions dark with anger and horror. Behind them, they brought the female elves who had been captured. The sight was heart-wrenching. The female elves were naked, their bodies covered with burns where they had been branded with the word "SLAVE." The male elves had quickly covered them with whatever clothing they could find, but the evidence was undeniable.The leader of the scouts stepped forward, his voice filled with shock and fury. "Elder Elion," he began, "we found them... exactly as Noir described. They were chained, stripped, and branded like animals. We brought them back as quickly as we could."Elion's face went pale, his hands trembling as he saw the branding on the torn cloth. His normally calm expression contorted with fury. "So, it is true," he whispered, his voice barely more than a growl. "The Duke has betrayed us... After all these years..."He turned to Noir, his earlier skepticism gone, replaced by grim determination. "Thank you for revealing this to us," he said solemnly. "You were right. I owe you an apology."Noir nodded, his expression cold and resolute. "There is no time for apologies," he replied, his crimson eyes gleaming. "We need to act now, before more of your people suffer."Elion's eyes hardened, and he gave a sharp nod. "You have my support," he agreed. "We will fight back. But we will need allies... skilled ones."He gestured for Noir to follow him, leading him toward the center of the village. "Come with me," Elion said. "There are others here who can help you."They arrived at a clearing where a young elven woman practiced her archery. Her arrows flew swiftly and precisely, each one hitting the center of her target with a satisfying thud. Her silver-white hair flowed freely, and her green eyes were sharp with concentration."Lyralei," Elion called out, causing the woman to turn her head, lowering her bow as she saw them approach."This is Lyralei," he introduced her to Noir. "One of our best archers. Her skills are unmatched in these woods. If anyone can help you, she can."Lyralei eyed Noir with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "Help him?" she echoed, her voice calm and focused. "Why would I help a stranger who brings such troubling news?""Because the Duke of Valewood is behind the enslavement of your people," Noir stated bluntly, meeting her gaze. "I need your help to bring him down."Lyralei's expression hardened, her green eyes studying him closely. "And why should I believe you?"Noir didn't flinch. "Because I've seen your people suffer. I've heard their cries. I saw them branded like cattle. If you want to stop this, I need your help."Elion nodded, adding, "Lyralei, you know the truth now. This man has exposed the evil that threatens us all. We must act, and you are the best to join this fight."Lyralei paused, her keen eyes searching Noir's expression before she spoke. "Very well," she said slowly. "But if you betray us, I will be the one to take you down."Noir smirked slightly. "Fair enough. I wouldn't expect anything less."Together, they sought out Thalor, a strong, silver-haired elf sharpening his blades by the fire. His tall, lean frame moved with the practiced grace of a seasoned warrior. His dark blue eyes were sharp and calculating as he looked up."Thalor," Elion called, his voice steady. "We have found a cause worth fighting for."Thalor stood slowly, his face stoic. "You're challenging the Duke?" he asked, his voice cool, his eyes fixed on Noir. "I've always hated humans, but if this is true, I'll gladly fight."Noir nodded, his voice firm. "We need to plan our next move. Together, we can make them pay."Thalor's lips curled into a faint smile, his hand gripping the hilt of his blade. "Then let's get started."Inside the elder's hut, the flickering candle cast long shadows on the walls. Noir sat across from Lyralei and Thalor, his expression focused as they prepared to discuss the strategy that would lead them to the Duke. Elion, though eager to help, had left them to plan in private, understanding the complexity of what lay ahead.Noir leaned forward, his voice calm but intense. "We need to approach this carefully. The Duke isn't just any noble. He has resources, guards, and eyes everywhere. A direct assault would be suicide."Lyralei's eyes, sharp with focus, reflected the seriousness of the situation. "Agreed. He has connections within Valewood, and likely informants in the surrounding villages. Any suspicious movement could alert him."Thalor, ever blunt, chimed in with a grim expression. "Then we should aim for a surgical strike. Cut off the head before the body realizes what's happening." He motioned with his blade-sharpening stone. "But how do we get close enough without raising alarms?"Noir paused, thinking carefully. "I've been to the place where the Duke conducts his dirty dealings," he began. "It's not his main estate, but a discreet house he uses for... transactions like this."Lyralei raised an eyebrow. "You mean the one Martin led you to?"Noir nodded. "Yes. It's guarded by men in armor, heavily armed. They seem more like mercenaries than the Duke's usual soldiers. The place is secure, but not impenetrable."Thalor's deep blue eyes narrowed. "If it's mercenaries, they may not be loyal to the Duke himself. Could they be bought or distracted?""Perhaps," Lyralei added thoughtfully. "But that's risky. A bribe might alert them to something unusual. We need to find another way to get in."Noir looked at Lyralei. "We need someone who can create distractions without drawing too much attention. Can you handle that?"Lyralei smiled faintly, her green eyes gleaming. "I can move fast and quietly. I'll find a way to keep them guessing."Noir nodded, satisfied with her response. "Good. I'll handle any close-quarters combat. If it comes to that, I can use Claw of the Wild to strengthen my strikes and Predatory Instinct to anticipate their movements."Thalor leaned back, considering this. "A distraction could work, but it would need to be coordinated. If she draws the guards away, how do we ensure they don't return too quickly?"Lyralei interjected, her voice steady. "I can move fast. Hit one spot, then another. Make them think they're under attack from multiple directions. It will spread them thin and create openings."Noir nodded, pleased with the idea. "That would buy us time. But we need more than just a distraction. We need to get inside that house without alerting those still guarding the interior."Thalor, tapping his fingers on the table, suggested, "What if we find a way in from below? There are old tunnels and catacombs beneath the city. Some lead right under the houses. The elves know these woods well—maybe there's an entry point nearby?"Lyralei nodded. "There's an old elven well nearby, covered and hidden for centuries. It might connect to those tunnels. I've never used it, but I've heard the elders speak of it.""That's a start," Noir agreed. "If we can get into the house through an underground passage, we bypass most of the defenses. But once inside, how do we find the Duke?"Lyralei looked thoughtful. "The Duke will likely be in the most secure room—probably where he meets his contacts and conducts his business. If we know the layout of the house, we can anticipate where he would be."Noir frowned slightly. "I didn't get a full view of the inside, but there were guards posted at certain points. We should assume that his location will be heavily protected."Thalor leaned forward, his voice quieter now. "If we're going underground, we'll need someone to scout ahead, someone who can move quickly and quietly." He gave a pointed look at Lyralei. "That would be you."Lyralei nodded, her demeanor focused. "I'll take the lead. Once we're inside, we move quickly. Silence is key. No unnecessary noise, no mistakes."Noir added, "Once we reach the Duke, we strike fast and hard. But we need to be ready for resistance. He won't be alone, and he may try to flee. We must ensure there's no escape route for him."Thalor nodded, his expression serious. "Then we need to secure all exits. I can cover the rear and any other points that might provide him a way out. If he tries to run, I'll be ready to take him down."Lyralei's eyes glinted. "And if he has mercenaries inside, we'll need to neutralize them quietly. Quick kills, no alarms."Noir agreed. "Use your skills—silent shots, well-placed arrows. I'll handle any close-quarters combat."Thalor grinned slightly. "I'll take down anyone who tries to make it to the door."Noir stood, his crimson eyes sharp. "Then it's settled. We make our move tonight. We infiltrate the house, find the Duke, and see how far this rabbit hole goes."Lyralei nodded. "We'll need supplies. I'll gather what we need. Thalor, check the entrance to the tunnels. Make sure they're passable."Thalor saluted with a faint grin. "On it. I'll make sure our path is clear."Noir watched them both, feeling a sense of determination growing inside him. "We're doing this," he said firmly. "For those who have suffered and for those who cannot fight back. We'll bring this Duke to justice, no matter the cost."The three of them exchanged resolute nods, knowing the risks ahead but ready to face them together. The plan was in place, the course set. Now, it was time to act.The moon hung high in the sky, its silver light filtering through the dense canopy of the Valewood Forest, casting elongated, dancing shadows on the ground. Noir, Lyralei, and Thalor moved stealthily through the underbrush, their footsteps silent and measured. Tonight was the night they would carry out their plan. Under the cover of darkness, they hoped to remain unseen and use the shadows to their advantage.They approached the old, hidden elven well, covered in moss and tangled roots. Lyralei knelt down, her fingers gently brushing aside the foliage to reveal a hidden entrance beneath. "This is it," she whispered, her keen eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of life.Thalor, his bow strung and ready, nodded, his voice low. "No movement from the guards. We're clear for now."Noir gave a quick nod. "Good. Lyralei, you take the lead; Thalor, cover our rear. I'll move between, ready to react."Lyralei slipped into the narrow opening first, moving with the grace of a seasoned hunter, her bow slung across her back. Thalor followed, his crossbow in hand, while Noir brought up the rear, The Grimreaper resting on his shoulder, its dark aura pulsing faintly as if anticipating the bloodshed to come.The tunnel beneath the well was narrow and dank, the air thick with moisture and the smell of earth. They advanced cautiously, their senses heightened, ready for any traps or guards that might be hidden in the shadows. Lyralei led the way, her movements silent, her eyes catching every detail in the dim light."Watch your step," she warned, her voice a soft whisper. "These old tunnels are still rigged with traps. One wrong move, and we'll alert the whole house."Thalor glanced around, his hand tightening around his bow. "I see light up ahead," he murmured. "We're nearing the basement of the house."Lyralei nodded and motioned for them to halt. "We should be right beneath the main chamber now. The Duke usually does his dirty dealings upstairs. We need to eliminate any guards quietly before moving in."Noir closed his eyes briefly, activating Predatory Instinct to heighten his senses. He could feel the presence of guards above them, their nervous energy, and their slow, methodical movements. "Three guards near the staircase," Noir whispered. "We take them out quietly, or we risk everything."Lyralei nocked an arrow in her bow, a faint smile of confidence on her lips. "Leave them to me," she replied. In one swift, fluid motion, she loosed three arrows in quick succession. Each arrow found its mark, silently piercing the guards' throats. They dropped without a sound, crumpling like puppets with their strings cut."Nice shot," Thalor whispered, a hint of admiration in his tone."I never miss," Lyralei replied, her green eyes gleaming.They crept up the narrow stairs, entering the lower level of the house. The only sounds were their soft, calculated footsteps and the distant murmur of voices above. Noir held The Grimreaper ready, feeling its dark aura pulsing in his hand."We move fast and stay quiet," Noir ordered. "Lyralei, cover the left; Thalor, the right. I'll handle the center."As they moved, Thalor positioned himself on the right side, his eyes keenly observing the hallway. He whispered, "Two more guards coming. I'll handle them."He raised his crossbow, drawing it with precision, and unleashed two frost-tipped arrows. The arrows flew silently through the air, striking the guards in the chest. Instantly, a layer of frost spread from the impact point, freezing their hearts. They collapsed to the ground, ice creeping up their bodies."That's how it's done," Thalor whispered, smirking at his own accuracy.Lyralei, on the left side, spotted a group of three guards near the main staircase. She activated Windrun, moving with blinding speed as if the wind carried her. In one swift motion, she fired a volley of arrows, each finding its target with deadly accuracy. The guards fell, their bodies slumping silently to the ground."Clear on my side," she whispered.Noir advanced forward, feeling the hunger of The Grimreaper growing stronger. Suddenly, two more mercenaries emerged from a side room, weapons drawn. Noir swung The Grimreaper in a wide arc, activating Claw of the Wild. The weapon seemed to roar with primal energy, its blade glowing as it tore through the first mercenary's chest with a brutal slash. The second lunged at him, but Noir's body became a blur as he dodged to the side using Umbra Step, momentarily merging with the shadows before reappearing behind the man. He brought The Grimreaper down, severing the mercenary's head in a single, swift motion.The trio moved further up the staircase, reaching the main chamber door. From inside, they could hear the Duke's arrogant voice, barking orders."He's in there," Noir whispered, his tone tense. "And he's not alone."They positioned themselves for the assault. Thalor readied another frost-tipped arrow, while Lyralei nocked a piercing arrow in her bow. Noir activated Veil of Shadows, his form shrouded in darkness, invisible to anyone who might be looking their way."On my mark," Noir whispered.He kicked the door open, and they burst into the room. The Duke was standing at a large desk, flanked by three heavily armed bodyguards. His eyes widened in shock as he saw the intruders.Lyralei acted first, her bow releasing a charged shot that pierced through the armor of one guard, pinning him to the wall. Thalor followed quickly, releasing a volley of arrows with his Frostbite Volley, each shot freezing its target on contact. Two more guards fell, encased in ice before they could react.Noir charged forward, activating Primal Roar. A deafening roar echoed through the room, a shockwave of force that sent the Duke and his remaining bodyguards flying backward into the walls.The Duke scrambled to his feet, reaching for a hidden blade, but Noir was already upon him. The Grimreaper swung in a deadly arc, cutting through the air. He activated Infectious Touch; the blade shimmered with a dark, toxic energy. As it sliced through the Duke's arm, a wave of necrotic energy spread, black veins crawling up his arm as he screamed in agony."Mercy, please!" the Duke begged, fear in his eyes."Mercy?" Noir's voice was cold as ice. "For the pain you've caused? The lives you've ruined?" He swung The Grimreaper again, severing the Duke's other arm, leaving him writhing on the ground.The last bodyguard lunged at Noir with desperation, but Lyralei was quicker. She unleashed Focused Aim, her arrows striking with rapid, precise accuracy, each shot driving the guard further back until he collapsed, his body riddled with arrows.Thalor moved in quickly, ensuring there were no other threats. He found a hidden door at the back of the room. "There might be more inside," he warned.Noir looked down at the Duke, his expression dark. "You're going to tell us everything," he growled. "Or you'll die slowly and painfully."The Duke whimpered, his strength failing him, his life ebbing away. Noir raised The Grimreaper, ready to strike once more, but the Duke blurted out, "Wait! Please! The others... they're deeper in... hidden... I can show you!"Noir paused, considering. "You're going to guide us," he said finally, his tone sharp as a blade. "And if you try anything, you'll wish you'd died back there."Lyralei and Thalor stood ready, their weapons aimed. They had taken the first step, but they knew this was only the beginning. The Duke might be leading them into a trap, but they were prepared for anything.Noir's eyes glinted in the darkness. "Lead the way," he commanded.And with that, they prepared to venture deeper into the shadowy depths of the Duke's hideout, determined to uncover the full extent of his twisted operations and bring justice to those who had suffered.The Duke, trembling and weak from his wounds, stumbled forward, leading them to the hidden door that Thalor had found. His breath was ragged, his face pale from the necrotic energy that still coursed through him. Noir and his companions followed closely, their weapons ready."If you lead us into a trap," Thalor warned, his deep blue eyes gleaming coldly, "you won't live long enough to regret it."The Duke nodded fearfully, pushing the door open. It creaked on its hinges, revealing a dark tunnel that descended deeper underground. The air was thick with dampness and the stench of decay.Lyralei moved forward, her sharp green eyes scanning the tunnel ahead. "I'll scout ahead," she said softly, activating Windrun. She vanished into the shadows with barely a sound, her swift movements making her almost invisible in the darkness.Noir, Thalor, and the Duke followed more slowly, descending into the dark, twisting tunnel. The stone walls felt cold and oppressive, the flickering torchlight casting long shadows around them.Moments later, Lyralei reappeared silently, her expression grim. "There are more guards down here," she whispered. "But they're scattered. We can take them out one by one if we're careful."Noir nodded. "Good. We'll deal with them silently."Thalor drew his bow, a confident glint in his eyes. "Let's end this quickly."Together, they moved through the tunnels, eliminating the guards with quiet precision. Lyralei's arrows found their marks with deadly accuracy, while Thalor's frost-tipped arrows silenced any who tried to cry out. Noir followed closely, ready to strike with The Grimreaper if needed, but their stealth and skill kept the guards unaware until it was too late.As they reached the end of the tunnel, they found a large iron door. Behind it, they could hear muffled voices—likely the Duke's remaining collaborators.The Duke, now barely able to stand, slumped against the wall. "Please... I've led you here. Spare me. I've told you everything."Noir stepped forward, his crimson eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. "Your fate is not decided yet," he said coldly. "But you'll answer for what you've done."Thalor and Lyralei exchanged a glance. "Shall we?" Thalor asked, his hand resting on the door handle.Noir nodded, gripping The Grimreaper tightly. "Let's finish this."With that, Thalor pushed the door open, and the three of them stormed inside, ready to face whatever final horrors awaited them in the heart of the Duke's conspiracy.