Chapter 126: The Abandoned House
The clearing outside Reinhart stretched wide, a barren expanse under a sky heavy with bleak, gray clouds. The air felt damp and cold, the kind of chill that sank into the bones and carried with it an unspoken warning. Dry grass rustled in the restless wind, its whispers weaving through the scattered trees, creating an ominous symphony that seemed to mirror the tension building among the assembled group.
At the forefront stood Burt, his dark Enforcement uniform crisp and unyielding against the rugged terrain. He was the picture of authority, his posture rigid and his sharp gaze sweeping over the seven Enforcement Officers standing before him. Their formation was disciplined, their stances firm, each of them with a hand hovering near the hilt of their short swords. The faint glint of their uniform badges caught what little light filtered through the overcast sky, reflecting their shared determination and the weight of the task ahead.
Burt’s eyes lingered momentarily on Jenny, one of the seven. She had once been a victim—an officer Abel would remember from the abduction incident with the two Brothers. But now, she wore the Enforcement uniform, standing alongside the others with a sense of purpose. Her face was serious, her gaze steady as she awaited orders.
“Jenny,” Burt said, his voice low and commanding. “Do we have confirmation? Are the Mendez Brothers at the location?”
Jenny straightened, her tone respectful yet firm. “Yes, sir. The scouts sent by the office have confirmed their presence. We have the green light to proceed.”
Burt nodded curtly, turning his attention to Stewart, a slim, dark-skinned officer with sharp eyes and a prominent jawline. Burt’s tone shifted, carrying a tinge of irritation. “Stewart, did we send Abel the information? The time, the location—everything?”
Stewart nodded confidently. “Yes, sir. He has everything he needs.”
Burt’s jaw tightened as a low growl of frustration escaped him. His irritation at Abel’s tardiness was obvious, a simmering anger just beneath the surface. He muttered under his breath, loud enough for the officers nearby to catch snippets. “Already meddling in the Enforcement Office’s business... Now he doesn’t even respect my time? Hmph.”
He began to pace, his movements sharp and restless, like a caged predator waiting for its moment to strike. The dry grass crunched faintly beneath his boots as he strode back and forth, his fists clenching at his sides. His eyes darted repeatedly toward the edge of the forest, the darkened tree line looming like a silent spectator. Every so often, he glanced toward it as though daring someone to emerge, his anticipation mixing with his frustration.
The officers exchanged fleeting glances, their own nerves building under the weight of the silence and the charged atmosphere. Burt’s frustration wasn’t just his own—it hung over the group like the heavy clouds above, a reflection of the tension that permeated the clearing.
From the treeline, Abel appeared, moving with deliberate ease. His black robe and his lowered hood gave him a detached, almost spectral appearance. Behind him, Lena followed silently, her hood pulled even lower hiding her face. Her presence added a layer of tension as the Enforcement officers exchanged wary glances. They didn’t trust outsiders, and bringing someone extra—especially a hooded figure—was cause for suspicion.
Burt’s eyes narrowed as Abel approached. “You’re late,” he snapped, his tone sharp. “We’re on a tight schedule, and this isn’t a walk in the park.”
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Abel inclined his head. “Apologies. We’re here now.”
Burt’s gaze shifted to Lena. “And this... guest? The mayor vouches for her, but I don’t.” His voice dropped an octave. “She steps out of line, she’s your responsibility.”
“Understood,” Abel replied coolly. Lena remained silent but alert, noting Burt’s piercing scrutiny.
Burt turned sharply toward his team. “This operation is simple—find the target, secure any goods, and neutralize any threats. No heroics.” His voice hardened as he addressed the group. “Keep your bells ready for backup. Draw your swords if necessary.”
A collective nod rippled through the officers. The metallic sound of buckles and belts shifting under their dark coats broke the uneasy quiet.
With a curt signal, Burt led the team into the woods. The forest swallowed them with an eerie stillness, its towering trees looming like silent sentinels. The wind whispered through the branches, sending cold shivers down the officers’ spines.
Abel walked at the rear, his steps measured, eyes scanning the dense foliage. He recalled the task details: a rogue smuggler distributing magical contraband from a decrepit shack deep in the woods. His reach extended into nearby villages, putting innocent lives at risk. Abel’s mind was sharp, calculating every possible scenario as the mission began.
Ahead, the Enforcement officers moved in tight formation, hyper-aware of the unnatural quiet. Every step felt heavier, their boots crunching against fallen leaves and brittle twigs. The air seemed to thicken with each passing moment, as if the forest itself was holding its breath.
Lena stayed close to Abel, her senses heightened.
The forest clearing opened up to reveal a decrepit two-story house, its walls scarred by time and weather. Shattered windows, sagging beams, and creeping ivy gave it an eerie presence, like a forgotten relic left to rot. The air was thick with tension as Burt signaled the team to advance quietly.
With practiced precision, the Enforcement officers unsheathed their short swords, the metallic hiss blending with the rustling wind. Burt stepped forward, rolling up his sleeve to reveal a worn leather bracer embedded with a faintly glowing blue gem. The artifact hummed softly, resonating with dormant power.
Abel’s eyes narrowed in intrigue—this was the magical artifact Burt had kept secret until now. Abel almost wanted to laugh at Burts hypocrisy but knew that he was a man with the best of Reinhart at heart, his decisions in his mind were valid due to the past, but the reality and present of Reinhart were intertwined with magic.
The officers exchanged knowing glances, emboldened by the artifact's activation. Burt shot a sharp glance toward Abel, silently daring him to intervene, then refocused on the mission.
He advanced swiftly, raising his bracer-clad arm. With a fierce punch, a pulse of shimmering blue energy erupted from the artifact, crashing into the front door and blowing it inward with a deafening BANG!
Before the dust could settle, a bell rang sharply from the side of the house. One of the officers pointed toward a shattered window where a figure had just leaped through, landing gracefully despite the rough ground. The figure straightened, pulling down his hood to reveal a bald head and a dangling earring set with a glowing green gem. His eyes burned with defiance.
“You don’t know who you’re messing with!” he hissed, voice dripping with malice. “The Mendez Brothers won’t let this slide.”
Two more men climbed out of the broken window, their appearances equally menacing. One wore a yellow gem earring, the other a sinister pink-stoned piece, these jewelry pieces were the only interesting part of their bland clothing. They spread out, forming a loose but threatening formation.
Burt’s expression tightened as he adjusted his stance, the bracer sparking with new intensity. His officers, though visibly tense, held their ground with hardened resolve, their loyalty to Burt shining through despite the magical odds stacked against them.
“You’re out of your depth,” the green-gemmed man sneered, energy crackling faintly around his earring.
Burt didn’t flinch. "Stand down now, or this will end badly—for you."
Abel remained still, observing with keen interest. He needed to see how capable Burt and his team truly were against foes wielding magical artifacts. He knew this would be a test—not just for them, but for his growing understanding of the town's magical undercurrents.
The clearing fell silent, charged with anticipation, as both sides prepared for the inevitable clash.