Waking up from a deep slumber, Thorian greeted the new day with a sense of anticipation. His conversation with Hamur the previous night had sparked a hopeful curiosity about the alchemist's progress. However, before seeking an update from Hamur, Thorian had another, equally important meeting to attend to.

Mindful of his previous oversight, Thorian had taken the precaution of washing his clothes before retiring to bed, leaving them out to dry overnight. Although slightly damp in the morning chill, this was a minor inconvenience easily remedied by his magical prowess. Standing a meter away, he deftly conjured a small fireball, its gentle warmth drying and warming his robe in mere minutes.

As he passed through the living room, Thorian noticed Harald, still engulfed in sleep. Seeing no need to disturb his partner's rest, he allowed Harald a few more hours of tranquility while he attended to his own matters.

Stepping out of the house, Thorian set off towards the Altar, veering off into a secluded spot en route. After a few moments of waiting in this hidden enclave, a figure materialized beside him.

"Alacritas," Thorian greeted, turning to face the silver-clad assassin. "Your report has been eagerly awaited. What news do you bring from Locksley?"

Without delay, Alacritas commenced his briefing. "My lord, Locksley's state is surprisingly stable," he began. "Though the city bears the scars of ruin, its people have sought sanctuary within the inner walled sector, fortifying their defenses effectively. Notably, the outer walls appear more robust than on our previous visit."

Internally, Thorian nodded. The Fortress system at work, no doubt, he thought. A logical development, but reassuring nonetheless.

Thorian's gaze lingered thoughtfully on Alacritas as he inquired, "You mentioned the walls being repaired. Did you spot any significant watchtowers, akin to those we have here?"

Alacritas, momentarily puzzled, replied with a hint of uncertainty, "My lord, I observed no such structures. Apart from the usual unmanned guard posts, there was nothing particularly remarkable."

Thorian silently digested this information. So, they haven't fully mastered the system, he deduced. This should simplify our infiltration.

He motioned for Alacritas to proceed. "Anything else of note?"

Alacritas responded with a respectful bow, "Indeed, my lord. In the outer plaza, there were several major constructions. Among them, a building reminiscent of our village hall, the various guilds, and a new establishment they refer to as 'the shop.'"

"The shop, you say?" Thorian's interest was piqued, his smile reflecting his intrigue.

"Yes, my lord. It appears to be a place where humans acquire provisions," Alacritas elaborated. "The knights oversee its operations, and it has significantly stabilized their food supply. Previously, they relied heavily on a merchant named Jasmine for sustenance. Though still dependent on her, the shop has reduced this reliance."

Thorian's thoughts drifted to Jasmine, envisioning her with her warm, caramel-hued skin. It's been some time since our paths crossed' he mused.

Nodding in understanding, Thorian then queried, "And the outer city? Have they managed to rid it of the monsters?"

Alacritas waited attentively, ready to continue his detailed report.

"No, my lord, they have not," Alacritas replied, shaking his head. "Monsters still ravage that area. Yet, the humans have begun a counteroffensive, gradually reclaiming parts of the city."

Thorian absorbed this update, then posed another question. "And the lord of these people? What are his actions?"

Alacritas's voice carried a tinge of respect. "His behavior is erratic yet impressive, my lord. Since our arrival in Locksley, he has been relentlessly battling monsters. According to what I've overheard, this has been his routine since before our visit. He seems on the verge of a class advancement. Judging by his and the military's current pace, they might rid the city of monsters within three to four days."

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Thorian's lips curved into a smile at this news. As expected of you, William. But beware, for among your ranks lurk demons not so easily vanquished by mere leveling up.

The fleeting image of a woman in green disrupted his thoughts, wiping the smile from his face. His tone cooled as he turned to Alacritas, "What of the whore, that so-called 'Green Lady'?"

Alacritas hesitated briefly before responding, "I… I regret to inform you, my lord, that we have neither seen nor heard anything regarding her."

Thorian's brow furrowed in response. "Peculiar. Given her demonstrated power, she could have easily dominated the city, particularly during the knights' struggle with the monsters."

Alacritas nodded, his expression mirroring Thorian's confusion. "Indeed, her actions are puzzling. It's possible her objectives are directed elsewhere."

Thorian, lost in contemplation, echoed softly, "Elsewhere." His mind raced with possibilities. She could be outside the city, seeking something to bolster her schemes. Or perhaps I've misjudged her intentions. She might prefer a more covert approach.

Realizing he was spiraling into a web of theories, Thorian cleared his throat and dismissed Alacritas with praise, "Your report has been invaluable, Alacatris. Continue your surveillance today and update me tomorrow."

"As you command, my lord," Alacritas replied, bowing before vanishing in a swift blur.

Left to his thoughts, Thorian pondered the situation in Locksley. The city's condition, as reported by Alacritas, aligned largely with his expectations, though slightly worse, likely influenced by the enigmatic lady in green. Her motives and obscure strategies were a puzzle to him. Someone capable of conquering the Soul Reaver quest should possess immense power, enough to dominate in these early stages of the apocalypse. Yet her restraint only deepened the mystery.

Shaking off these musings, Thorian resolved not to dwell on the unknown. With limited information at his disposal, any conclusion would be speculative at best. The task of uncovering more fell to his assassins in Locksley. His focus must remain on enhancing his and his village's power, ensuring they stood unassailable against any threat.

With this resolve, Thorian made his way to the Village Hall, almost mechanically.

Upon his arrival, Melina greeted him with a smile, gesturing towards a stack of parchments on her desk. "Your quests are prepared, my lord," she said. "Would you like to review and accept them?"

"Yes, Melina," Thorian replied with a subdued smile. "And a cup of tea would be welcome."

Melina, perceptive of Thorian's unusual demeanor, simply nodded, "Right away, my lord." She efficiently stamped the quests and retreated to the backroom.

Returning shortly, she carried a tray with a cup of tea and an assortment of sweets. "Would you like some sweets with your tea, my lord?"

Thorian offered a wry smile, then shook his head. "Just the tea, thank you. I have somewhere I need to be."

Understanding his haste, Melina handed him the cup, and Thorian promptly exited the hall. He was bound for a place he hadn't visited in some days, a visit he deemed necessary now.

Approaching the Assassin's Guild, Thorian entered a nearby house. He moved past the deserted living room and into the bedroom, where he found Nox, his oldest ally in this new world, in a state as harrowing as when he last saw him.

Nox lay before him, his body grotesquely torn apart and charred, sustained only by the mystical power of Whisperwind. Thorian observed the blood flowing rhythmically with Nox's heartbeat, visible through the shadowy links connecting his severed arteries. The sight was a constant, painful reminder of the fragility and cruelty of their reality.

With a heavy sigh, Thorian settled onto the ground, taking a slow sip from his tea, his thoughts as dark and complex as the scene before him.

Thorian gazed at the broken form of Nox, his voice tinged with sorrow. "You know, Nox, you've been absent from so much. Lying there, even your subordinates have surpassed you in level," he said, a pained chuckle escaping him before being stifled by a sip of tea.

"We've been through countless adventures without you. Ventus, Forlune, Aqua, and the rest of us have faced formidable foes beyond your imagination. Just recently, we vanquished a giant lightning wolf, followed by a creature that wielded both ice and fire."

As Thorian recounted their recent exploits, his smile was tinged with melancholy. He narrated every victory and setback to the unconscious Nox, pausing for a sip of tea after each tale.

"So, as I've said, you've missed quite a lot," Thorian's voice softened, nearly breaking. "But don't worry, I made you a promise when we first met. I vowed that if you followed me, you'd achieve power beyond your wildest dreams. That dream isn't over yet; there's still so much to do, so many places to explore. A whole world awaits us. So, I promise you again: you will see that world by my side. And I never break my promises."

Finishing his tea, Thorian's demeanor shifted dramatically. His voice turned icy, his eyes ablaze with vengeful resolve. "As for the one who did this to you, she will experience the same excruciating agony. And in this world, there is no one who can save her from what's coming."