Jaxith remained ensnared in a trance-like state, haunted by the surreal visions that had materialized before his eyes. Were they mere phantasms of a fevered mind, or fragments of a forgotten past? Bewildered, he found himself grappling with the enigma.
The throbbing headache gradually subsided, his respiration returned to a normal rhythm, yet perspiration drenched his brow. Though physical discomfort waned, a profound mental turmoil persisted. The fear from losing Irene, coupled with the arduous battle against the manticore and the aggressive usage of the negative abyss, had pushed his mind to its limits. The enigmatic demoness, whose influence had seeped into his consciousness, exacerbated his distress.
Jaxith, a man of reason and fortitude, found himself teetering on the precipice of madness. The fear of reliving those harrowing experiences, the dread of confronting what he had buried long time ago, consumed him. If the demoness could so subtly manipulate his mind without even appearing, what other sinister powers did she wield? What terrifying secrets did she harbor?
Even as the immediate crisis passed, a lingering sense of unease gnawed at Jaxith. A nagging suspicion that crucial details had eluded his notice persisted, urging him to delve deeper into the mysteries that surrounded him.
Regaining his composure, Jaxith regarded the shattered mirror. A measured knock on the bathroom’s door interrupted his introspection. He opened the door to find Officer Ronald standing on the threshold.
“I heard the sound of breaking glass while I was waiting,” Officer Ronald remarked, his gaze fixed on Jaxith.
Jaxith met his gaze with a façade of tranquility, though his mind was far from at ease. He had allowed his focus to slip, a lapse in vigilance that had nearly proven costly. The ease with which Ronald had entered the room without detection was a stark reminder of his vulnerability. He shouldn’t allow something like that to happen again.
“Nothing significant,” Jaxith replied, his tone carefully modulated. “A clumsy accident, that’s all.”
Officer Ronald’s scrutiny intensified, his skepticism palpable. Jaxith knew the truth was far from convincing, yet he pressed on, determined to maintain the illusion of control.
“Judging by your appearance, you’ve clearly dealt with that creature. So, if you’ll indulge me, what transpired to leave you in this state? And incidentally, I’ve been apprised of the recent events, and given your character, reckless abandon is not your modus operandi. You could have easily taken a life out there.” Officer Ronald’s tone was inquisitive, yet tinged with a subtle undercurrent of concern.
Jaxith remained impassive, his gaze fixed on the officer. His silence was a stark contrast to the storm brewing within his eyes. Ronald, a seasoned observer, understood the unspoken message.
“She wasn’t exaggerating when she described your discretion. In any case, it’s none of my concern,” Ronald remarked, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
Jaxith’s response was swift and direct. “Precisely. It’s none of your concern, Officer.” His tone was assertive, bordering on defiant. Ronald was taken aback by the sudden aggression, but he merely raised an eyebrow in acknowledgment.
“I believe it’s time to resume our business. Time to meet with the mayor. I suspect you’re more eager to conclude this matter than I am. I’ll be waiting outside. And she’s waiting too,” Officer Ronald declared, turning on his heel and heading towards the door. He paused, allowing the door to swing open before exiting, leaving it ajar.
Jaxith drew a deep breath, his chest rising and falling. He emerged from the room to find Irene leaning against the wall, arms crossed, her gaze averted.
“This time, we’ll meet the mayor upstairs in his private office. He’s expecting you.” Ronald’s voice cut through the silence, as he turned and began ascending the nearby staircase.
Irene, without a backward glance, followed the officer, her indifference palpable. Jaxith watched her retreating figure, a sigh escaping his lips. He turned his attention to the window, his gaze drawn to the setting sun. The day had flown by, a mere blink of an eye. As they began their ascent, he stole another glance at Irene, she clearly doesn’t want to talk.
“Hey, listen,” Jaxith said, trying to catch Irene’s attention.
“Save it, Jaxith. No need for any talk,” Irene replied, not looking at him as she continued following Officer Ronald.
“You don’t understand what happened there,” Jaxith said calmly.
“On the contrary, I understand everything perfectly. It was for my safety, right?” Irene retorted, turning to face Jaxith with an annoyed expression.
“Of course it was, but not in the way you think,” Jaxith explained, pausing in his steps.
“Then what?” Irene demanded.
“You won’t understand,” Jaxith replied.
“See, that’s the problem. You don’t even want to explain what happened there,” Irene said angrily. “You ruined one of the safest moments for me in the last couple of days. But here we are again at the same point. And you should know something: I’m not apologizing about what I said in the garden. Because the way you’re acting, you’ll die without anyone caring.”
Jaxith was surprised by her harsh words. It seemed he was losing his grip on her. He needed to regain her trust soon, or things would only get harder. He pondered a solution for a moment.
“You know what? It’s my fault standing here and talking about the same thing again,” Irene said angrily, turning to leave.
Jaxith moved swiftly, grabbing her shoulder and turning her towards him. But when he looked into her eyes, he saw the same terrifying, bloody face he’d seen many times before.
“LEAVE ME, YOU MURDERER!” Irene screamed, her voice filled with terror. Jaxith instinctively reached for the hilt of his sword, pushing her away.
“What are you doing now?” Irene asked, fear evident in her voice as she stepped back. She was completely normal, as if she hadn’t just stormed off and accused him of murdering, nothing of that happened, it’s like the last thing she said was that she wasn’t going to apologize. Her fear was genuine, as he had just pushed her away and reached for his sword after her harsh words.
Jaxith was visibly shaken. These hallucinations were taking a toll on him, blurring the lines between reality and delusion.
“Irene, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that. It’s just—” he began to explain.
“I didn’t know a simple word would make you angry enough to kill me,” Irene interrupted, her fear growing. She couldn’t understand his reaction.
“No, that’s not what happened,” Jaxith insisted.
“It’s done, Jaxith. Just do your thing and take me home. But keep your distance away from me. As it looks like trusting you may be the greatest mistake I’ve done,” Irene said, worry etched on her face as she moved back towards the door. Officer Ronald stood beside it, his gaze fixed on Jaxith with a strange intensity. Jaxith, meanwhile, was struggling to differentiate between reality and the illusions that were consuming him.
Jaxith shook his head vigorously, attempting to regain control of his senses.
“It has been an eternity since I’ve confronted these living nightmares. What has triggered their sudden return?” he pondered, a growing sense of unease creeping over him. He knew he had to calm himself and focus on the task at hand: completing the mission with the mayor and then resolving the issues with Irene.
Jaxith stepped forward, leading the way into the room where the mayor was waiting for them. Eight soldiers, armed and vigilant, surrounded the mayor, who sat dejectedly in a chair before a small table. Two additional chairs, one for Jaxith and one for Irene, were positioned on the opposite side of the table.
Jaxith moved with deliberate calm, followed closely by Irene. They reached their respective seats and settled down.
“I suppose you don’t have the head to prove that you’ve slain it,” the mayor scoffed.
“I incinerated the corpse immediately after dispatching the manticore,” Jaxith replied calmly. “There was something… unnatural about it, a strange illness or something of the sort. Burning the body seemed the most prudent course of action.”
“Well, you’re fortunate that we have proof of your deed. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have believed your tale. You know the rules better than most, hunter,” the mayor remarked.
“And what is this proof, pray tell?” Jaxith inquired.
“One of our trusted divine casters conducted a rapid scan of the forest an hour ago. He detected that the same aura that was present before the creature’s demise has completely vanished, indicating its eradication. Given your account of the events, it seems you were the one responsible. Incidentally, he also noted that the creature’s aura was quite peculiar and potent. I recall you mentioning the odd liquid in the bottle. Now you claim it was afflicted with some sort of illness, necessitating its incineration. Should we be concerned about this anomaly?” the mayor inquired.
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“No, I don’t believe there’s cause for alarm. It was certainly unusual, perhaps even aberrant, but ultimately harmless,” Jaxith replied confidently, though his words were a fabrication. He couldn’t divulge the truth about the demoness just yet. He needed to understand her connection to Irene before potentially jeopardizing her safety. After all, that was the primary reason for his mission.
“I see. Well done, then. You certainly deserve the praise. That creature would have caused us immense trouble. It could have easily disrupted our trade, which would have been catastrophic for a town in kingdom Vidin, especially one like Orstone,” the mayor declared, his pride in his town palpable.
Jaxith nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze drifting towards Irene. She sat quietly, her arms crossed, her eyes fixed on a point to the right. She seemed distant, avoiding their gaze.
“I believe it’s time to settle your payment, as we agreed,” the mayor stated, reaching into a bag at his side and tossing a sack of coins onto the table. The coins clinked together with a satisfying sound.
Jaxith hefted the sack, tossing it lightly in his hands to gauge its weight. It felt suspiciously light. Fifty Plistura coins should have weighed considerably more. A look of suspicion crossed his face as he scrutinized the mayor.
“What? Don’t blame me. I’m paying you from the town’s treasury. Fifty Plistura coins is an exorbitant sum. Thirty is a more reasonable offer,” the mayor retorted, his arrogance growing. Jaxith’s gaze hardened, his patience wearing thin as the mayor started getting on his nerves again.
“Your silence speaks volumes, hunter. It’s a wise choice, especially considering your recent actions. You should know that I have zero tolerance for any misconduct towards my mansion staff or my personal guards, who also happen to be the town’s guards. However, you should be grateful that I’m not resorting to legal punishment. So, be content with this arrangement,” the mayor declared, a smug smile playing on his lips. He relished the power dynamic, exploiting Jaxith’s recent missteps.
Jaxith, though irritated by the mayor’s arrogance, remained composed. He thought of his current state, marked by strange visions and uncontrollable impulses, which was not the result of the negative abyss by the way. He had nearly harmed an innocent dog, two maids, and even Irene. To prevent further harm, he needed to maintain his composure until the effects subsided. With a look of disgust, he pocketed the sack of coins, silently conveying his dissatisfaction and defiance.
“Excellent. You’ve made a wise decision, as usual. Now, we can officially declare your mission complete, hunter. You are free to depart,” the mayor stated.
Irene observed Jaxith with a curious gaze. His calm demeanor was unusual, even for him. She was accustomed to his quiet nature, but his recent behavior, particularly his submissive attitude towards the mayor, was perplexing. Just today in the morning, the mayor wasn’t even able to deal with Jaxith’s cunning, she can easily tell that something bad is going on with him. She chose to remain silent, however, as it wasn’t her place to interfere. Moreover, she was still fuming from his earlier actions. She turned her gaze away, her mind preoccupied with her own thoughts.
Jaxith leaned back in his chair, preparing to leave. He stood up, followed by Irene and the mayor.
“By the way, watch your coin sack carefully. You’re aiding a thief, after all. It’s hard to trust a demon, even a hybrid. But a hybrid and a thief? That’s madness, man!” the mayor guffawed, his laughter echoing through the room. Even some of the soldiers chuckled, though Officer Ronald remained silent. He had spoken with Jaxith earlier and was unsure if mocking him and Irene was the wisest course of action. Irene, however, was far from amused. Her fists clenched as she glared at the mayor, his arrogance reaching new heights. She resisted the urge to retaliate, knowing that escalating the situation would only lead to further complications. She took a quick glance at Jaxith, expecting him to maintain his stoic demeanor. But what happened next was unexpected, a departure from his usual composed self.
Instantly, Jaxith reacted with blistering speed. He hurled the table aside, sending it crashing into a soldier and careening into the wall. With a surge of primal fury, he lunged at the startled mayor, pinning him against the wall with a vice-like grip on his neck. Terror seized the mayor as he struggled for breath, his eyes wide with fear. The soldiers, though initially taken aback by Jaxith’s sudden aggression, began to draw their swords. Yet, none dared to intervene, their fear of the man who had slain the monstrous manticore and the scarlet giant in less than 24 hours overriding their instincts.
“SOLDIERS, SHEATHE YOUR WEAPONS! IMMEDIATELY!” Officer Ronald bellowed, his voice cutting through the tension. His men, hesitant but obeying, lowered their blades. Irene, too, was stunned by Jaxith’s outburst, her eyes wide with disbelief.
“What has gotten into him? He wasn’t like this just a few days ago, not even this morning. Something must have happened to him in the forest, and it’s still affecting him,” Irene mused, her face pale with fear and confusion.
“Didn’t I warn you not to provoke me, Holstone? I’ve tolerated your insolence for far too long. But this is the last time you’ll ever insult her," Jaxith growled, his grip tightening on the mayor’s neck. The mayor’s eyes bulged, his breathing ragged.
“Put him down, Jaxith. I’ve ordered my men to stand down. I don’t want anyone else to get hurt. I know that I’ll lose men if I decided to attack you and things will get bloody, but you can’t take on everyone in the mansion alone. In a matter of moments, every soldier will flood this room and the surrounding area. It’s best not to harm the mayor if you value your life,” Officer Ronald warned, his voice laced with urgency. Irene’s gaze darted around the room, searching for a solution. It seemed Jaxith was oblivious to their pleas.
“You maniac! You’ll kill me!” the mayor gasped, his face turning an alarming shade of blue. The situation had spiraled out of control. Jaxith, his eyes bloodshot, stared at the mayor with a terrifying intensity. However, his perception of reality was distorted. The world was bathed in a crimson hue, and a strange, pulsating noise filled his ears, drowning out all other sounds. Suddenly, a familiar voice pierced through the cacophony.
“Jaxith, what are you doing?” A soft, feminine voice called out. Startled, Jaxith recoiled, releasing the mayor who slumped to the floor, gasping for air. A mysterious woman, perhaps in her mid-thirties, with piercing black eyes and long, raven hair, stood before him. She was clad in a flowing blue dress, her gaze fixed on Jaxith with a strange intensity.
“We thought you were a good boy, Jax. Why? You’ve destroyed everything. You’re a murderer, Jaxith. You know that,” the woman hissed, her voice laced with icy disdain.
“You’re not real!” Jaxith exclaimed, his voice sharp and his eyes wide with disbelief. The room fell silent, every gaze fixed upon him. He was conversing with the wall, an absurd spectacle that defied logic. He was talking to no one!
Officer Ronald’s gloved left hand shimmered with a chilling blue aura as a nascent fireball materialized above his shoulder, poised to unleash its destructive force. His right hand, steady and deliberate, sought the hilt of his sword, a silent threat. His glowing left hand, raised and aimed at Jaxith, radiated an ominous energy.
Irene, a spectator to this surreal scene, felt a surge of fear for Jaxith. His brash defense of her, despite his erratic behavior, ignited a protective instinct within her. Though their acquaintance was fleeting, a strange bond had formed, a connection rooted in an inexplicable concern for his well-being. She couldn’t allow him to perish, a victim of Ronald’s impending spell.
Distance separated her from both men, but her resolve remained unwavering. Her gaze swept across the room, settling upon a large vase close to her right side. A glimmer of hope ignited within her, a desperate plan forming in her mind.
“Jaxith, come now,” Officer Ronald urged, his voice laced with a hint of desperation. “Retreat, and we can pretend this never happened. I have no desire to harm someone like you. Whatever transpired in that forest, it doesn't negate your inherent goodness. Don’t let this moment define you. Think rationally.” His words hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the lethal intent in his eyes, his stance poised for an attack should Jaxith make another aggressive move. The mayor, a figure of authority reduced to a trembling wreck, slowly rose from the corner, his legs still weak from the ordeal.
“Of course, I’m not real to you,” the striking woman retorted, her voice dripping with disdain. “You simply refuse to acknowledge the monster within. All you need to do is embrace it, unleash the beast that lurks beneath the surface. You are the very embodiment of darkness.”
“No, I see through your deception,” Jaxith growled, his anger palpable.
“Do you, then?” the woman taunted, her demeanor shifting dramatically. In a horrifying instant, her form contorted, morphing into the grotesque visage of Irene, a nightmarish figure straight from Jaxith’s darkest dreams.
“MURDERER!” she shrieked, her voice a chilling whisper, her face inches from his.
“GET OUT OF MY HEAD!” Jaxith roared, his voice a thunderous command. With a swift motion, he unsheathed his sword, its blade glinting menacingly in the dim light. The mayor, a picture of terror, watched helplessly as Jaxith’s fury intensified. Officer Ronald, ever vigilant, reacted swiftly, cast the fireball and hurled it towards Jaxith. Yet, before the fiery projectile could reach its target, a vase shattered above Jaxith’s head. The shards rained down, momentarily disorienting him. The fireball, now off course, struck the wall with a deafening crash, leaving a charred mark on the once pristine surface.
Jaxith shook his head, snapping out of the trance that had once again ensnared him. His gaze fell upon the wall, scarred by the fiery assault, a stark reminder of the damage he would have been conflicted with. Then, his eyes shifted to the opposite side, where Irene stood, her trembling grip tight on the neck of a shattered vase. Fear, palpable in her trembling form, was etched across her features. Yet, her gaze, unwavering and resolute, met his own. She was afraid, undeniably so, but she she’s not a coward, her courage, a beacon in the storm, surpassed that of any other. She was the lone soul daring to approach him in his volatile state, driven by a complex mix of anger and an inexplicable fear of losing him. The moment she witnessed Officer Ronald’s fireball aimed at him, she acted without hesitation, her instincts overpowering her trepidation.
“You can have anything you desire, double or even triple the agreed price. Just spare my life. I beg your forgiveness for insulting her. Oh, gods, what have I done to deserve this?” The mayor’s voice, laced with terror, trembled as he spoke. Tears welled in his eyes, and it appeared as though he had soiled himself! Jaxith’s face, contorted with rage and his eyes ablaze with a crimson hue, was a terrifying sight to behold. As he glanced at the sword in his right hand, he was astounded by the depths of his hallucinatory state. Yet, it was Irene who had pulled him back from the precipice. He turned to her, his gaze filled with gratitude. As he took a step towards her, she recoiled, her fear palpable. Understanding her apprehension, he sheathed his sword and extended his left hand, palm outward, in a gesture of reassurance.
“I am well now,” Jaxith assured her, his voice steady and calm.
“How am I to believe you? You’ve lied to me before,” Irene replied, her voice tinged with fear. Seizing the opportunity, the mayor began to crawl away from Jaxith towards the soldiers.
“I may not be entirely well, but for the moment, I am stable. And to make amends, I believe you deserve the truth,” Jaxith said calmly. The crowd remained uneasy, their hearts still pounding from the recent chaos. Officer Ronald, though relieved that his fireball had missed its mark, was far from complacent. He had no desire to kill Jaxith, but the situation had forced his hand.
“Really? So you admit that you’re not well?” Irene asked, her relief evident.
“Indeed, I do. But once we get out of here, I shall reveal the truth. After all, you have just saved my life, young girl,” Jaxith said, a warm smile gracing his lips. He knew he had to regain her trust, no matter the cost. Even if it meant deviating from his usual bold demeanor and adopting a softer, more conciliatory approach.
Irene’s face broke into a relieved smile. She had done it. She had not only helped him but had also forced him to admit his vulnerability. Jaxith, in turn, was astonished by her courage. She had shown everyone present that this hybrid was far braver and kinder than all of them combined. He felt a surge of pride as he witnessed her unwavering resolve. While she might be hotheaded, foolish, and reckless at times, she had proven her bravery and kindness once again. Even in the face of fear, she had acted selflessly. This marked a significant improvement in her character, a stark contrast to her behavior during the encounter with the assassin. Perhaps that traumatic experience had served as a catalyst for her growth.