Inside the dimly lit tavern, the conversation among the thugs grew tense.
Thug 2: "Don't say anything, just do whatever orders come from above," one thug muttered. "If we don't, those people will finish us off before we know it."
Another thug, leaning back with a scoff, shot back, "Why are you so afraid? We're the majority here. Why don't we take over the City Guard and control the Fourth District ourselves?"
The first thug shook his head. "Keep your ideas to yourself and stick to the orders. The Boss won't tolerate anyone stepping out of line."
The third thug, furrowing his brows, added, "I still don't get why he agreed to some peace treaty with a rival gang. Aren't they supposed to be our enemies?"
Another thug, smirking, warned, "Better stay out of things you don't understand, or we won't be there to save you. Got it?"
"Everyone, focus on your work. We don't need to get involved in every little detail," the first thug grumbled.
At this, the other thugs fell silent, their rebellious spirit seemingly quashed.
Adam listened closely, piecing together the clues. It was clear that a noble family was pulling the strings, shielding these criminal organizations from the City Guard. However, Adam couldn't yet figure out two things.
The first mystery was the identity of the noble family providing cover for these thugs.
Who could they be? And why operate in secrecy, hiding behind the scenes rather than stepping forward?
"Are they afraid of retaliation from rival noble families?" Adam wondered. "And if they're supporting these thugs, how do they keep the various groups so organized?"
As far as Adam knew, the different criminal organizations were working toward a peace agreement, presumably orchestrated by this noble family. But why unite them in this way?
"I need to dig deeper," Adam thought. "But first, I have to identify which noble family is behind all this."
Before he could finish the thought, a new idea struck him. Adam quickly left the tavern, heading to a secluded room where he wouldn't be seen.
Once inside, he opened his status window to check the mission that had just appeared.
________________________________________
Main Mission: Stop the riots in District 4 and identify the mastermind behind it.
Mission Description: A group is planning to incite riots in District 4. The host must prevent the riots and capture the masterminds, delivering them to the Arthur family without revealing your identity.
Mission Rewards:
- 500,000 EXP
- Basic Magic Knowledge
- Basic Artifact
Penalty: Death
__________________________________________
Adam studied the mission details, a mix of surprise and understanding dawning on his face.
"How could I have missed it?" he muttered. "The Kol family is the one managing these operations, yet my question remains… why?"
He snapped out of his thoughts as the thugs in the tavern began to stir. It was time to move.
With practiced ease, Adam slipped out of the tavern, blending into the city's shadows, and returned to the more familiar District Three. There, he found a deserted alley, transforming back into his Eli disguise, and set his course for the restaurant.
Adam arrived at the restaurant just as the sky began to darken. It was six in the evening, and Robert and Anastasia were already waiting for him.
As soon as Robert saw Adam, he called out, "Eli, where were you? We've been so worried!"
Anastasia gave Robert a calming look. "Honey, it's okay. She's still new here and hasn't quite settled in yet."
Turning her gaze to Adam, she smiled warmly. "So, what did you think of our city?"
Adam nodded, keeping his expression neutral.
"Good," Anastasia continued, gently pulling him along. "Come with me. I want to hear all about what you saw today."
As Adam followed her, Robert rubbed the back of his neck, looking a bit regretful. 'Maybe I shouldn't have yelled like that. She's probably still uncomfortable… and she doesn't seem to talk much.'
Watching Adam and Anastasia walk into the restaurant, Robert made a mental note. 'I need to help Lily and Eli become friends.'
And with that, he joined them inside.
As they settled in, Anastasia looked at Adam with a curious smile. "So, tell me, what did you see out there?"
Adam shrugged. "Nothing much. Just a few shops and a place I could be alone."
Anastasia's smile faltered, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "Eli, I know how hard it must be, thinking about your family. But I want you to think about us now. We're here for you."
Adam gave her a small nod, feeling her kindness even through the disguise.
Anastasia's warmth returned, and she gestured toward the kitchen. "Come on, I'll show you how to make one of my best dishes."
Lily also arrives there and she also starts helping Anastasia in the kitchen to prepare dinner.
Anastasia: "Lily why don't you show your talent to Eli tomorrow"
Hearing this, Lily does not say anything and continues doing her work quietly.
Robert agrees with Anastasia and says, "That's a great idea, Eli. Do you know what Lily dreams about?"
Then Lily shouts "How many times have I told you not to tell everyone about my dream"
Robert and Anastasia are both surprised by Lily's screams, and Anastasia says, "Eli is your sister and she has a right to know."
Lily: "she is not my sister. Stop saying this again and again. I don't have any siblings."
Saying this, Lily leaves from there and Robert looks at Anastasia and follows Lily who goes to her room.
Anastasia takes a very deep breath and looks at Adam and says "I know I'm talking about it again, but she's not bad at heart, she just doesn't know you."
Adam (Eli): "I know, don't worry too much, I understand."
Hearing this, Anastasia looks at Adam and starts preparing dinner.
Atom also helps Anastasia prepare dinner.
Then Robert and Lily arrive there and both sit at the dining table, seeing them Anastasia says "You have come at the right time, dinner is ready"
Then Anastasia gives dinner to everyone and after eating dinner everyone goes to their rooms.
He immediately comes to his room and thinks, "I never thought that I would live in such a family in disguise."
"I have to complete this mission as quickly as possible or else my peaceful life might get eclipsed" Adam