Sahar entered the room and closed the door behind him. This room was quite spacious. The beds were separated: one on the left, one on the right. Az asked him which one he would like to take and Sahar chose the one on the left. He sat down and put the bags on the floor and took a deep breath. Az sat down on his assigned bed and looked at Sahar.

- Comfortable? he asked.

Sahar was already in bed. He blew out his nose and nodded.

- Yep.

- Mine too, like last time. Perfect.

They were both lying down. They were enjoying the softness of the sheets and the fluffiness of the pillows. They were silent for a good minute. Sahar finally raised her head and looked around the room. A small chandelier hung from the ceiling and, along with the sun, it lit up the room. The walls were a pleasant silver-gray. The cozy beds were accompanied by nightstands on which small lamps rested. Two other doors adjoined the entrance and probably opened on the bathroom and the toilets. Az finally broke the silence.

- I guess we'll have to go talk to Nyara, right?

- That's what she asked me, yes," said Sahar.

The invisible man jumped to his feet and cracked his neck. Sahar followed suit.

- She shouldn't talk too much, she'll explain the missions and maybe tell you a little about the capital. It shouldn't take hours," the man tried to reassure her.

The boy nodded and left the room, accompanied by the man. Sahar headed for Nyara's room, eager to learn more. Since arriving on this World, he had had many discussions, but he did not mind: action would follow.

When he arrived at the door, Sahar knocked. It took only a quarter of a second for Nyara to open it with a big smile. Her fox ears were wagging on her head again while the red markings had returned to their usual place. She was really cute like that. She invited the two boys into the room and they accepted. Closing the door behind them, she ran past them to her bed. Creel was sitting on the other Creel. He had one arm resting on his left knee and was closing his eyes. Sensing that the guests were already there, he looked at Sahar with a small smile. The latter waved his hand reflexively.

- Are you ready to listen to me, Sahar?! said Nyara with a big smile.

- I guess..." Sahar answered and sat down next to Creel.

Azgoria joined the girl. Nyara stretched and started to speak.

- Before explaining in detail the two missions we have been given, I'll have to give you a little geography lesson... Not too long, I promise!

- Me, I sleep, let go Creel by closing again the eyes.

- We don't need your comments!

She sighed and looked at Sahar with her beautiful red eyes.

- Sorry to put you through this, but I think it's for the best.

- No, no, I don't mind, on the contrary!

Sahar would like to expand her knowledge of Duzmog. Nyara settled down more comfortably and began to talk about her world.

- I suppose you already know this, but you are on Boskow, the only continent that is on Duzmog, along with yours, of course! There are no other continents, are there?

No sooner had she started talking than she asked the boy a question. He didn't want to lie, so he answered seriously.

- No idea...

She thought he was from the other continent. However, it was a lie that he had invented: he could not say that he came from another world, they would not believe him... But above all, they would not trust him or befriend him anymore... He didn't want to lie anymore, but he couldn't say anything. He was going to have to live with this lie... Maybe one day he could confess the truth to Nyara and the others. The girl did not seem disappointed; she was even relieved.

- I see, I see!" she said. Around our continent are three oceans: the Merasic Ocean, which lies to the north, the Boskowic Ocean, which lies to the east and southeast, and the last one lies along the west and southwest coast, the Sarmatic Ocean. We also discovered another place, where the water is strangely purple, it is called the Tectonic Ocean. I guess you don't have the same names back home...

Sahar did not answer. He wanted to lie as little as possible. Nyara continued without waiting.

- You don't have to remember what I'm going to tell you, but it's always interesting to know! Boskow consists of six countries. We are currently in Zorepli. This is the central country and this is where the capital of the world is located. That's how we call it, even if to be more exact, it's the capital of the continent. Anyway, I'll tell you more about this country when we visit it.

Nyara paused to catch her breath.

- In the northwest of the continent is "Jarnou-Sar". I've never been there, so I don't have much to say... It's a pretty rich country and it gets along particularly well with Zorepli. It was in this country that the capital of the World was originally located, which was called "Ashäar". Anyway, I won't go into too much detail.

Sahar wanted to know more, though, but Nyara continued without worrying about the boy's curiosity. Creel was still sleeping.

- Below is a tiny country called "Oulriäh". I've been there a few times before and it's a pretty quiet country, but you can tell they'd like to become more powerful. It is a rather new country. Below them is "Revenuy". They almost completely surround Oulriäh. I don't necessarily like to go there, because the people there are much more violent and they like power... You have to be careful when you go there, especially when you are a "foreigner".

- A bit like racism...? wondered the boy.

- Next to this country, the one furthest south is called "Sar-Suüoh". They are the most powerful militarily, but they are rather... nice. After that, all the other countries are careful about them: we are all afraid that they will attack one day, without warning. For the last country, it is the biggest of the continent: "Balaho". They once announced that they would like to cover the whole continent, but they wanted to do it peacefully. This is the country I visit the most outside of Zorepli, because it is a very nice country. Moreover, their beaches are beautiful ! I won't go into the details of each country, I don't have the time or energy... You'll learn that as you go along!

He wanted to learn as much as possible, but if she went into detail, it could take hours...! Az continued to explain.

- Each country is divided into several "provinces", and here we are in Provinäah. The easy thing to remember about Zorepli and its provinces is that they all end in "äah". Provinäah is the most central province and the one they call the capital of the world, as you've heard... As far as geography goes, I think that's more or less it, right?

Nyara raised her finger.

- It's also where most of the laws are made and where the biggest criminals are tried," Nyara added. There's also something "very special" about Provinäah... Did you see it, Sahar?

What was she talking about? He hadn't noticed anything unusual. The only thing he had noticed was how dark Provinäah was: but it was probably just a cloudy day, nothing else.

Sahar hadn't seen anything. He shook his head and Nyara shrugged.

- When we go out again, you'll realize it, anyway," she said. Anyway, I don't think I have anything more to say to you, not right now, anyway... Umm... Well, let's get to the details of the missions we received.

She put two pieces of paper in front of her. Sahar couldn't see what was written, but he noticed that one of the two pieces of paper was covered with writing, but the second was almost blank. She tapped the latter.

- This mission is the one I'm going to do today, alone," the girl began. You'll visit Provinäah without me, after all...... Aaaaah... Never mind, never mind.

She looked sad.

- Anyway. This mission is relatively simple, it's just long and full of pitfalls. It will probably take me seven, maybe eight hours to finish it and get back, if all goes well.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

Creel, who had been sleeping through Nyara's explanations, began to wake up. Sahar looked at him, her ears still attentive to the girl's words.

- The one who sent us on this mission is known to us, since he is the person who most asks for our help. He made us rather famous in the region, even if it's nothing good... Wow? D-In any case, I just have to go get an ingredient for a tea.

Sahar was shocked to hear this. A mission that would take about eight hours... all for a tea ingredient?! It had to be a rare ingredient. Creel, his eyes still closed despite being awake, moved his hand.

- Does he still want his evil flower? he asked.

- Correct," Nyara answered, nodding.

- Evil... Flower?" asked Sahar.

- The Flower of Evil is a flower with blue and red petals and a thorny stem that can knock you out in less than ten seconds. To pick it, you have to know a lot about it. It is in great demand by the rich, and the drinks distilled from it are very expensive. The evil flower has a euphoric effect, as if one were in a state of ecstasy. It is found in the northern regions, especially in Jarnou-Sar, but there is a high hill in Albeinäah on which the evil flowers also grow. However, it is rather risky to go there without preparations: there are many thieves there. Nyara has already been there a dozen times, so it won't be a difficult task for her.

Azgoria finished her explanation with a small laugh. Sahar felt as if he had heard an oral explanation of a Wikipedia article! Not knowing what to say, he nodded to show that he understood. Nyara only let out a small "Yes, that's right" after Azgoria's clear and precise explanation. The girl waved her hand at the white-haired boy.

- He wants to make a new tea with this evil flower. Ironically, the tea that is made of this flower is called "Tea of Good", hehe. He needs three flowers for next week, but I'd like to make it as soon as possible...

- Why is that? Because of the other mission?" asked Sahar.

She nodded and took the other piece of paper in her hands. Seriousness replaced the softness in her face. Sahar was eager to learn more about the mission involving the criminal. Nyara began her explanation by waving the piece of paper in her hands.

- The people who sent us this request are people we don't know, but we have the address and first name of the person who will offer us the reward. Our payment will be proportional to the duration of the mission. After that, we don't have enough information to do anything now.

To make himself useful, Sahar had planned from the beginning to get information from the inhabitants, whether he was asked or not. He didn't want to be a thorn in the side or a pushover; he wanted to be useful. He knew he wasn't cut out for action, so he was going to have to do his best to fit in with them.

- This criminal has no physical description, since no one has seen him; or at least no one alive," the girl continued. So it could be anyone.

That was a real problem. And besides, he could be anywhere.

- This killer is called "Virus", simply because as the days go by and as the victims come and go, there are more and more of them... On the other hand, the author of the letter tells us that there would indeed be one person behind the murders.

- How can she be sure of that?" asked Creel, now attentive.

Nyara shook her head and shrugged her shoulders.

- Here, we are told that all the people murdered by this criminal have the same wound: the heart pierced by a blade. However...

- Nothing tells us that there are no other victims...?

Nyara turned to Sahar. The latter lowered his head a little, embarrassed. She squinted and asked him to elaborate.

- W-Well, if it's true, this "Virus" is not the only criminal and is helped by other people, and maybe there are other deaths...? I mean, maybe Virus is helped by other people and they too are killing on their own, but they don't have the same way of killing.

Nyara nodded.

- That's what I thought too. After that, all the murders by this Virus are indeed by him, nobody imitates his style: the wounds are identical on each body found: it is too precise to be imitation.

Sahar felt like she was in a detective story. There was no action, but it was exciting! He couldn't wait to catch this criminal! Az joined in the discussion.

- So it's possible that Virus is acting with other people, but the bodies can't be found, or they can't be linked to Virus, right?

Nyara nodded again and looked at the piece of paper.

- That's right, but the letter writer tells us at the end of the message that they think Virus is acting alone and that other deaths have no chance of being linked to him.

- They're not too sure of themselves..." said Creel.

- Making assumptions like 'They know Virus' or 'The one who sent us the request is Virus' would be too quick for my taste," Az replied. I don't think it's a trap either.

- I was just thinking out loud...

Sahar was amazed at their discussion. They sounded like real pros! Silent, he did not know what to say. He just let them talk to each other. Nyara turned back to the boy.

- As far as we know, he has almost a thousand deaths. That's already... too many. Besides, all the dead are here in Provinäah. No deaths outside the capital seem to be attributable to him.

Sahar opened her eyes wide. This many?

- This is too much!" he cried. How... How do the people still dare to go out?!

This surprised the boy. When he arrived at the hotel, he had actually seen a hundred people outside! He couldn't believe his eyes. On Earth, it would take a simple little attack to scare everyone - here, a thousand deaths didn't seem to be enough. It was Creel who answered his question.

- This is not the first time the continent has encountered such a dangerous criminal. But we can't stop living. Some people can't live without their jobs, others have to go shopping. They can't stay at home, unmoved by the fear of this virus.

- But there are certainly some who don't go out," Nyara continued. People who are weak in mind or body don't dare to go out. We've had cases like this before, but what's special here is... it's ONLY in the capital.

- Seeing that no one is dealing with this Virus, some people will flee this place, Az said. I'm sure a lot of them have already left, I'll bet.

Nyara nodded and looked at Sahar.

- The capital is a city that everyone would like to live in, especially in the center. Most people won't leave, even if their lives are in danger. And don't think there isn't fear either. All of Virus's murders have one other thing in common: he commits them at night. At least, that's what it says in this letter. People in the morning and afternoon are less afraid to go out because they feel safer. There are law and protection guards making the rounds, so it's almost impossible for this Virus to try anything until Etholys goes to bed.

Sahar listened to them in awe. If these guards were making rounds during the day... why not make rounds at night too?! As well as at night?!!!!

- There are very few people who have to go out at night, that's for sure. After that, don't forget that we are in the center of the capital, so we are safer here. Most murders take place in the outskirts or near the center, but rarely in the heart of Provinäah. Even if I don't recommend it, we can walk around at night without any worries. If you're with one of us, I don't necessarily mind.

Sahar nodded, but fear gripped him. If he were to go out with Nyara, Creel or Az, he would feel safer, but...

- Personally, I'd like to visit the capital at night once," Nyara said. I don't want to wait until we find Virus before we go on this trip. We are safe and by my side, you are 100% protected!

The girl was confident in her abilities. Nyara smiled and Sahar followed her lead. He didn't fully understand the situation, but he trusted Nyara and the others. If she said it was okay, then he could believe her. She now looked more serious.

- Despite the fact that this application is filled out from front to back, we don't know much about this criminal... How he kills, how many victims he has, where he kills, what his nickname is and how long he has been active... That's more or less it," Nyara explained. The rest are notes expressing their thoughts or the route to the intermediary who will give us our reward. They'd like us to see it in advance, too. From what I understand, they would like to know when we arrived in Provinäah...

- I'm willing to go.

Sahar had raised her hand by reflex and lowered it immediately. Creel gave her an indescribable look, while Nyara seemed to be... amused, even relieved.

- You make me happy, but we're the ones who are asking for all this...

- What if it's a trap?" asked Sahar.

- We don't have a better chance of getting out of this than you do, idiot," Azgoria said.

Sahar did not reply. It was true that he, with no power, was not likely to survive a trap. Even if he wanted to be as useful as possible, it would be stupid of him to face death. He had to deal with it.

- Brave and stupid, two synonyms...

Creel had spoken softly, but Sahar had heard. The boy bowed his head weakly as Nyara put the papers away in her nightstand drawer. She stretched and got up from her bed. She stared at Sahar with a beautiful smile.

- Anyway, there you go, you know everything. That's all we know about the missions.

- Thank you... for explaining everything to me.

- I have to! Anyway, I'm going to go get this flower, I'll leave you with Az and Creel to visit the capital, is that ok?

- Yep.

- If it's okay with you, it's okay with me! Creel, don't rape-

- Stop taking me for a torturer.

Nyara's brother got up and left the room with Az. Nyara followed them and behind them was Sahar. When the latter reached the man, he gave him an embarrassed smile.

- I can't wait to see the capital, hehe......

- I promise you, it's worth seeing!" said Az.

- I've already seen so much of it, even if I don't mind, I'd rather be sitting...

With a sigh at the end of his sentence, Creel took the lead. Sahar turned around and watched Nyara leave on the opposite side. Her tail and fox ears had disappeared, leaving no one to see that she was one of those people with animal attributes. Sahar didn't understand why she was doing this. Why she didn't show others that she was a fox woman .... If she didn't want to show people that she was...

Then why hadn't she hidden herself from Sahar, when they first met...?