"I'm so bored," Rhyver muttered, expressing his frustration. Sitting on a chair with his legs propped on the table, papers and documents were scattered everywhere. "Why? Why?! Why did that bastard Othid assign me this?" He gestured angrily at the mess of paperwork. "I can't sit here and deal with all this, I’m a werewolf!"

As Rhyver ranted, a knock sounded at the door. "Come in!" he shouted, his irritation clear. The door creaked open, and a tall, slim, elderly goblin stepped in. Dressed in a black suit, the goblin greeted him warmly, "Ah, General Rhyver, it’s a pleasure to have you here. I am Gorl, the mayor of Slavara."

Rhyver sized him up before responding, "It’s a pleasure for me too, Gorl." Rising from his chair, his towering frame loomed over the goblin, separated by the cluttered table. "Tell me, Gorl, is there anything else I can do besides this?" he asked, motioning toward the documents.

"Unfortunately, no, General," Gorl replied, walking toward the window. "Your troops are handling the heavy work, guarding the city, ensuring the safe transport of slaves. The Royal Patrol manages city security, and the rest of the tasks, including cleaning, are done by our workers." He turned back to Rhyver, then moved toward the door. "If you need anything, my office is just down the hall to the left." With that, Gorl exited the room.

Rhyver sighed in frustration, muttering to himself, "I'm so jealous. Why Valena and Kafka? Why not me? I want to fight, not sit here doing nothing! This isn't in my nature." Rising, he strode to the window, gazing out over the city of Slavara.

~~~

Kajin walked alongside Ruya through a small forest, his eyes scanning the surroundings while Ruya played with Cracknut. Suddenly, an arrow flew toward Kajin. Sensing the attack, Kajin extended his arm, catching the arrow mid-flight and snapping it in half.

He looked toward the direction it had come from. "What a terrible shot," he remarked dryly.

Ruya immediately drew his bow, scanning for the attacker. Kajin raised a hand to stop him. "Wait," he instructed, stepping toward the trees.

"I’ve got your back," Ruya replied, keeping his bow ready and following Kajin with his eyes.

Kajin approached cautiously, his gaze hardening. As he reached the source of the arrow, he pushed aside a bush and froze. Before him stood a trembling little boy, aiming a bow directly at Kajin. Slowly, Kajin raised his hands. "Hey... You can put the bow down. I won’t hurt you," he said softly.

The boy hesitated but began to lower his bow.

"Hey, Kajin! Everything alright over there?" Ruya called out loudly, shattering the tense silence. Startled, the boy raised his bow again.

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Kajin groaned in frustration, muttering, "Goddamn it, Ruya!" He knelt, speaking calmly to the boy. "Please, we mean you no harm..."

Just as the boy began to relax, Ruya emerged behind Kajin. "Oh? What’s a little human boy like you doing out here alone?" Ruya asked casually, taking a step forward.

Panic-stricken, the boy fired his arrow. Kajin reacted instantly, slipping behind the boy and lightly tapping his back, causing him to lose consciousness. He caught the boy as he fell.

Ruya approached, holding the fired arrow. "So, what’s his name?" he asked, grinning.

Annoyed, Kajin snapped, "How the hell am I supposed to know that? And could you not scare him next time? You saw he was terrified." He lifted the boy into his arms and glared at Ruya.

"Well," Ruya said with a nervous laugh, "I was just trying to be friendly." Kajin rolled his eyes.

"What do we do with him now?" Asked Ruya.

"We’ll need to figure out how he ended up here," Kajin replied.

Ruya nodded but suddenly asked, "Where’s Cracknut?"

Before Kajin could do anything, a booming laugh echoed through the forest. "Well, well, well! Look who we have here!"

A massive Minotaur emerged from the trees, clad in armor and wielding a gigantic double-sided battle axe. Behind him stood numerous soldiers.

"The Royal Patrol..." Kajin whispered.

Ruya swallowed hard, cold sweat beading on his face.

The Minotaur laughed again. "Kajin! I never expected to find you here. What a gift from the gods!" He stepped forward. "I am Zardo, commander of the 10th division of the Royal Patrol."

Zardo’s gaze shifted to the boy on Kajin’s back, and his smile turned sinister. "I was chasing that little slave. He escaped his owner and caused quite the stir. There’s a hefty reward for bringing him back. And now, I’ve also found the kingdom’s most wanted slave!" His laughter boomed through the forest.

Kajin clenched his teeth and turned to Ruya. "When I give the signal, run."

Ruya nodded, his face pale.

Zardo continued, "The last time I saw you were at that auction house. It was pretty hilarious to watch, don't you think?" Zardo chuckled before continuing "Now how about you lend your friends to me like you did with that girl... If we agree on this you might be able to see the outside world for one more day."

Lowering his head, Kajin stayed silent. After a moment, Zardo sneered. "Already thinking it over? If I were you, I’d take instantly."

Kajin’s quiet turned to a soft chuckle, which grew louder and louder. His mocking laughter echoed through the forest, leaving everyone stunned.

As Kajin’s laughter subsided, he tossed the boy to Ruya. "Change of plans, Ruya."

Ruya caught the boy, stunned but managing a shaky response. "Y-Yeah... Got it." Without hesitation, he leapt into the trees, moving swiftly.

Kajin smirked at Zardo. "You’re quite the comedian, bull. I haven’t laughed that hard in ages." His arms ignited with his white flames, stunning the soldiers.

Zardo's eyes widened in disbelief. "Light magic? Impossible!"

Kajin stepped forward. "What’s wrong? Scared?"

Sweat poured down Zardo’s face. "If I stay here, I’ll die," he thought, panicking. Turning to his soldiers, he barked, "Follow the one with the boy!"

The soldiers obeyed, rushing after Ruya.

Kajin smirked. "You just sent them to their deaths," he said.

Zardo glared. "And why’s that?"

"Because the one who ran away is a master archer," Kajin replied, stepping closer.

Fear rooted Zardo in place as Kajin appeared directly in front of him. "You know what I hate most?" Kajin asked, his voice cold.

"W-What?" Zardo stammered.

Kajin’s eyes burned with fury. "Those who hurt the only person I loved."

In a flash, Kajin’s fist connected with Zardo’s face, releasing an explosive force that sent the Minotaur crashing into a massive rock. The impact triggered a thunderous explosion.