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Condemned To Death
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Tap Tap Tap
A shadowy figure moved silently from alley to alley, ensuring no one noticed his presence. He paused at the corner of an alley, his eyes fixed on a distant building. After a moment, he raised his hand in a subtle gesture. Two more figures emerged from the shadows, mimicking his careful movements, staying unseen as they joined him at the alley's edge.
"What now?"
One of them, Seren, asked with a tense expression.
Javier, standing beside him, scanned the area, alert for any signs of unwanted attention. Theo remained silent, his gaze locked on the entrance of a tall medieval-style building with two guards standing outside as they did a simple checkup of the people entering the building. It was 7 am and rush hour was starting with people streaming in and out of the building increasing by the minute.
After a few minutes of observation, Theo whispered, "Those two!"
Seren and Javier followed his gaze to the Backdoor Collective’s tailoring building, where they saw two men carrying briefcases entering the store. Theo handed them photos of the men and explained, "Those are our targets. They're suspected of smuggling large amounts of relics and being in contact with the Backdoor Collective’s Lexarchs. Our objective is to capture them in one fell swoop once they exit the building."
"Why wait? We could just go in and grab them," Javier suggested with a crazed expression.
Theo shot him a stern look. "No, we don’t know how many Lexarchs are inside. If we get caught, the whole mission is blown, and we’re as good as dead if we get stuck fighting all of them."
Javier scoffed. "What difference does it make? We were going to kill them all anyway. We will still be in danger regardless"
"Javier, please. Ronan put me in charge for a reason. I don’t want to take unnecessary risks. Just this once, follow my lead, okay?" Theo insisted sincerely.
Javier clicked his tongue and reluctantly backed down after seeing Theo ask him.
"Team Theo, what’s your status?" A squeaky voice suddenly came from Theo’s pocket. Theo reached into his pocket and pulled out a small creature resembling a hamster, with a blank expression and a button protruding from its belly.
Theo pressed the button, and the chatterbeast emitted a soft sound.
Plick Pluck
"This is Theo speaking. We’re at the location and have eyes on our targets," Theo reported, his gaze never leaving the tailoring store.
…
"Good. Keep watch and capture the targets, dead or alive," Ronan spoke through the chatterbeast as he stood atop a spire on a distant building, surveying the scene below.
Plick Pluck
"Team Oliver, Team Matilda, report your status," Ronan continued, pressing the button on the chatterbeast.
…
In a luxurious restaurant a few miles away, Oliver, Zane, and Jace sat at a table, blending in with the other patrons. Zane sipped his juice, completely at ease in his chair, while Jace, more tense, kept a close eye on one of the waitresses, scrutinizing her every move.
Plick Pluck
"Oliver speaking. We have eyes on the honeytrap. Silverflash has yet to arrive on scene" Oliver murmured into the chatterbeast, his voice low as he continued to observe the waitress.
…
Drip Drip Drip
In a dark, damp sewer tunnel, the only sound was water dripping from the ceiling. Wyatt sat cross-legged on the floor with a frown on his face, his hands raised and eyes closed in concentration. Above him, a small, glowing red bubble floated that was slowly expanding.
A few meters away, Matilda and Kieran stood guard on either side of the tunnel. Kieran still had the same lifeless eyes with his mouth and nose covered with a cloth as he stood eerily still.
Plick Pluck
"This is Matilda speaking. We’ve started setting up the Lullaby. No issues so far. Over," Matilda reported.
…
Ronan listened to the chatterbeast with a calm expression as a cool breeze brushed his face.
Plick Pluck
"Team Matilda, finish setting up the Lullaby and wait for further orders. Team Oliver, report back when Silverflash arrives. Do not engage unless necessary," Ronan ordered in a stern voice.
"...Roger that," the chatterbeast responded.
…
Theo’s eyes remained locked on the tailoring store, his every sense on high alert. Then he suddenly felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Seren, concern etched on his face. "What is it? Did something happen?" Theo asked in a low voice.
Seren hesitated before speaking. "Do you have a plan to discreetly take them out? Killing a Lexarch without causing a commotion won’t be easy."
Theo frowned. He knew it would not be easy taking out 2 Lexarchs without making a sound.
"I’ve got an idea. It’s risky, but it could be our best shot at taking them down before they even realize what’s happening." Seren said to Theo. He then leaned in and whispered the idea into Theo’s ear. As Seren spoke, Theo’s eyes widened slightly, surprise mingling with uncertainty.
When Seren finished, Theo instantly shook his head as he said, “No way, Seren. We can’t involve an innocent person in this. It’s too dangerous, and if something goes wrong—"
"I know it’s dangerous, but listen. This has the highest chance of success. If we don’t act fast, they’ll fight back, and things could get ugly from there. We need that edge." Seren cut him off as he insisted, his tone serious.
Theo looked at Seren with a deep, contemplative gaze, weighing the risks. After a long pause, he finally relented with a sigh. "I don’t like it. If something happens to the bystander then we will convicted by the Ravens regardless of our status. But... if you’re sure this is the only way, then fine. But make sure not to screw this up." Theo emphasized the last part.
Seren nodded, a small, satisfied smile playing on his lips. “I’ll go find someone to bribe.”
Seren then left. Minutes ticked by, and then, finally after 20 minutes, the two targets emerged from the store. Theo signaled to Javier, who was watching from a different alley. Javier solemnly nodded back at him.
…
"You know," one of them, a tall man with a sharp jawline who just came out of the store said, "I heard they’re cracking down hard on smuggling operations in the East. Makes you wonder how long this whole thing will last."
His companion, shorter and stockier, chuckled while holding a briefcase. "As long as the profits keep rolling in, there will always be someone willing to take the risk. Besides, those crackdowns are all talk. The officials are just as deep in it as we are."
The taller man smirked. "True. But I wouldn’t mind getting out before things get too hot. Maybe retire somewhere quiet, where no one knows my name."
Bam!
Before the other could respond, a sudden impact interrupted their conversation. "Kyah!" A girl’s cry rang out as she tumbled to the ground from colliding with the tall man.
The man was startled as he looked down at the girl who wore a torn skirt, her hands clutching a lamp with a flickering candle. "Are you alright?" he asked, bending down slightly. Her soft groans of pain stirred something in him, and he noted the terrified expression on her face.
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"Your ugly mug probably scared her." His companion playfully taunted.
The tall man ignored the jibe, gently helping the girl to her feet. "Are you hurt?" he asked, his tone unexpectedly gentle.
The girl’s eyes welled up with tears, her voice trembling as she clung to his arm. "Please… help me," she pleaded, her desperation palpable.
Both men exchanged a surprised glance, caught off guard by her sudden vulnerability. "What’s wrong?" the tall man asked.
"There’s… there’s a stalker," she whispered, her voice breaking. “He’s been following me, and I don’t know what to do. I’m so scared..."
The men were taken aback a little as they looked into each other’s eyes. Then both of them simultaneously nodded. "Where is he?" one of them asked.
She pointed behind her, eyes wide with fear. They followed her gaze and spotted a figure standing at the end of the alley, watching them with an intense, unsettling stare.
The tall man smiled reassuringly at the girl. "Stay close to us. We’ll take care of this."
The men, now fully alert, began to move toward the figure. The girl stayed close behind them, her fearful expression deepening with every step. As they approached, the figure slipped around a corner, disappearing from sight.
Without hesitation, the men pursued after the figure with the girl trailing behind them with the lamp in hand, her breath quickening as the tension thickened in the air.
The men rounded the corner of the alley as well and their eyes locked onto a lone figure standing with its back turned to them. The figure turned, revealing fiery red hair and an unsettling expression on its face.
The tall man started, "Hey there, buddy. What do you think you’re doing, lurking around here?"
Theo, the figure, forced a laugh, trying to sound casual. "Just admiring the view. Didn’t think I’d get an audience."
"Admiring? Back off, or you’ll regret it." one of the men warned.
Theo raised an eyebrow, his voice dripping with mockery. “Regret? You think you can intimidate me, you wannabe heroes? I’m just here trying to have a little fun.” He mimicked Zane’s confident tone the best he could, though deep down, he cringed at the act.
The second man sneered. “We’re not just wannabe heroes. You’re making a mistake if you think we’ll let you walk away scot-free.”
Theo’s grin widened. “Oh? I’ve handled tougher guys than you.” He pointed to the girl cowering behind them. “That girl? She’s just a rabbit, and I’m the wolf.”
Inside, Theo was dying of embarrassment, but he forced himself to stay in character. He relaxed his posture. “Why don’t you just hand her over, and we can all walk away?”
The men exchanged glances and laughed before refusing his offer. Theo’s smile faded, replaced by a frown. “I don’t like sharing my things, but I’ll make an exception this time and let you two have a little fun as well. Refuse, and I’ll have to get a little rough.”
Theo activated his relic as sparks began to dance in his hand, crackling like firecrackers. The men’s smirks gradually vanished, replaced by alarm. They had just realized their opponent was a Lexarch and not a normal person.
Theo took a step forward, his face twisting into a crazed expression. “So, are you up for it?!”
But then, a slow smile spread across the tall man’s face. “This might’ve worked on someone else. But...” His gaze shifted to the terrified girl beside him.
“AH!” The girl shrieked as the man grabbed her hand, yanking her in front of him. He gripped the back of her neck with one hand and his other hand positioned at the back of her head glowed with a blue light.
“You’re still too green!” he shouted. His partner chuckled, understanding exactly what was about to happen.
The tall man sneered, taunting Theo. “You really think using a girl to lower my guard would work on me? That pathetic act isn’t fooling anyone.”
Theo’s confidence shattered as he realized they hadn't fallen for his ruse. Cold sweat trickled down his back. The girl began to sob, her voice trembling as she pleaded, “Please, I didn’t want to do this! They forced me, I swear! Just let me go, I’m begging you!”
“Shut up, you stupid whore!” the tall man barked, his voice cutting through her cries.
The short man stepped forward, his tone menacing. “Boy, just tell us who’s backing you, and it doesn’t have to get ugly. If this girl dies, the most likely suspect will be you and Ravens don’t take kindly to killing on their territory”
Theo tried to play it cool, though his voice wavered. “I don’t care about the girl. You can have her.”
The man sneered. "Seems like you don’t understand your situation. Fine. Let’s see if you really don’t care. Kill her on three." he said, looking at the tall man. An evil grin spread across his face as he began to count. “One!”
Theo’s body trembled slightly as he realized the man wasn’t joking.
“Two!”
“Wait! I’ll tell you anything else but that!” Theo blurted, trying to stall.
“Too late. Thre—”
Before he could finish, Theo surged forward with sudden determination at the two men. “Haha! This crazy guy!” the man laughed when he saw his threat had worked with Theo rushing him. He instantly activated his relic and produced a golden whip in his hand.
“Javier, now!” Theo yelled.
"Huh?" Confusion played on the man's face when Theo shouted, realizing he might have a companion with him. The man looked around warily trying to find his partner.
From atop the surrounding buildings in the alleyway, Javier leaped down and into the fray, landing behind the man with the whip.
Spectral Blade relic!
A spectral blade materialized in Javier’s hand, and he slashed at the shorter man with vicious precision.
"UGH!"
The tall man’s eyes widened as he heard his companion scream, turning just in time to see him collapsing with his eyes rolled back in his head.
“Damn it!” the tall man cursed. Theo appeared before him, swinging his arm with fierce resolve. But before the blow could land, the man activated his relic.
Vortex Whirl relic!
The man’s speed surged as a whirlwind erupted from his feet. He snatched the girl and narrowly dodged Theo’s strike. A split second later, the air exploded where the man had been standing, engulfed in a ball of fire.
“Shit!” Theo cursed as the man slipped away, stopping a few meters away with the girl still in his grasp. Sweat beaded on the man’s forehead as he looked at the distant figures of both Theo and Javier with his fallen friend’s body on the ground.
“Now you’ve done it, you shits!” He shouted with fury in his voice.
“Damn it, where’s that Seren?!” Javier yelled as he frantically looked around, hoping Seren would pop out of somewhere.
“Watch how I kill this girl and you will have a murder case on your hands!” The man shouted.
Theo and Javier’s hearts gripped at the man’s words as the blue light from his hand grew brighter, the relic’s power intensifying. The girl sobbed, her voice quivering as she cried out, “No, please! Don’t kill me! I was forced into this, I didn’t have a choice!”
Moon Blade—!
Before the attack could be unleashed, the fearful girl threw the lantern she had been holding up into the air. Then instantly, a blinding golden light erupted forth as a laser shot out of the candle, heading straight for the man.
“Wha—” The man’s words were cut short as the laser easily pierced through his skull, exiting the other side. Sizzling sounds came as boiling blood gushed out the man’s head. His grip on the girl’s neck slackened, and he collapsed backward onto the cold stone floor.
Thud
The lantern which the girl had thrown up fell, cracking as the candle inside flickered and died. The girl turned around to face the fallen man with no trace of her earlier terrified look but only a cold expression on her face. The air around her then warped and twisted as her appearance shifted from a frightened girl to a young boy with long white hair and cold, crimson eyes.
Theo and Javier stood frozen, shock etched on their faces as they watched Seren casually stand next to the fallen man's body. Seren then turned to them, scratching his head with a sheepish grin. "Hehe, did I do well?" he asked with a dumb look on his face.
Both Theo and Javier stared at Seren, disbelief evident in their eyes. It took Theo a full twenty seconds to break the silence. "You… I thought you were going to bribe a girl to play the part, not become the bait yourself! And why didn’t you tell us your plan beforehand?"
Seren laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I figured it was too risky to bring someone else into this. And if I told you about my plan, you wouldn’t have reacted the way you did. It had to look real."
Javier, still stupefied, asked, "Then how did you disguise yourself so perfectly as that girl? And if you could do this, why didn’t you just kill both of them instantly with that laser when they weren’t looking?"
Seren shrugged, "I’ve got a relic that lets me turn into someone else. As for the laser, well… it’s complicated. There are certain conditions that need to be met. It’s not something I can just use whenever I want." Seren wasn’t about to reveal the true mechanics behind his relic. Sharing such secrets was a risk he couldn’t afford, especially if he valued his life. In truth, the scarce light in the streets of Glowhaven meant Seren had to carry a lantern with him to activate his Luminar crystal relic for the full effect, otherwise it would take too long for him to concentrate enough light to create the laser.
Javier still felt uneasy and a bit weirded out as he recalled how Seren had flawlessly mimicked a girl’s voice and acted like an innocent bystander. Seren, noticing Javier’s discomfort, quickly changed the subject. "Let’s just focus on finding those keys. We don’t have much time."
Theo and Javier snapped out of their daze and quickly began searching the fallen man’s body. After a bit of rummaging, they retrieved a cracked sphere—a small artifact that, when activated, emitted a dim light from the cracks. Theo straightened up, his voice serious. "Relics dropped by the fallen men will go to whoever killed them."
Seren knelt beside the fallen man with a hole in his forehead and picked up two relics that had materialized. One resembled a blue half-crescent moon, while the other was a transparent orb with a miniature tornado spinning inside. After pocketing the relics, they cleaned up the scene, erasing any trace of the encounter.
With all that out of the way, the three of them now stood silently as they just looked at each other’s faces. After a while, Seren finally broke the tension. "So, who’s going to disguise as them?"
Theo and Javier exchanged a look before smirking at Seren. Seeing their expressions, Seren sighed, already knowing what was coming.
…
On the stone pavement, Seren walked as he was dressed in one of the fallen men’s clothes. His refraction concept was also active, allowing him to perfectly mimic the appearance of one of the men. Javier, similarly dressed in the other man’s uniform, walked beside him with purposeful strides and a briefcase in hand.
Theo, in contrast, wore torn and rugged clothes, playing the part of a slave as he followed behind Seren and Javier. The three of them moved cautiously with their eyes fixed on the imposing building looming ahead.
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Condemned To Death
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