“Hey, if Miller’s busy, then no need to disturb him now. I can wait until after the rush,” Irene said, looking at Jaxith.

“No way! If you’re hungry, then I won’t leave you hungry,” Miller said, overhearing her as he passed by, surprising Irene.

“Thank you, Miller. I really appreciate your help,” Irene said politely.

“You’re welcome. I’m starting to like you, by the way. Just give me a minute while I prepare something for you. Do you want something, Jaxith?” Miller asked.

“No, Miller, thank you for the help. I don’t know how I’ll repay your kindness,” Jaxith said.

“No need for that talk, Jaxith. I’m the one repaying you. Saving my daughter’s life is priceless,” Miller said, smiling.

On the other side of the inn, John and Edward settled into their seats while their two guards vigilantly scanned the surroundings for any hint of danger. Miller, noticing their arrival, approached to take their orders.

“Gentlemen, welcome to our quaint village. What can I offer you?” Miller inquired courteously.

“Bring Mr. John and myself your finest red wine,” Edward stated imperiously.

“As you wish,” Miller replied before glancing at the guards.

“We’ll take beer,” one of them grunted.

“Coming right up, gentlemen. And please excuse the commotion; it’s the peak of the rush,” Miller apologized politely as he returned to his counter. John, however, was eyeing Jaxith and Irene with a palpable suspicion.

“Sorry, Irene, I’ll serve these gentlemen quickly and then be right back to you,” Miller said while preparing their drinks.

“Don’t trouble yourself,” Jaxith retorted sarcastically, glaring at Miller. “If you don’t want to give her food, then go ahead. She can sleep hungry.”

“Jax here thinks he’s a comedian, but even Senka could deliver a funnier jest,” Irene quipped.

“Are you neighing jokes with horses now?” Jaxith retorted with a smirk, eliciting a chuckle from Miller.

“JAXITH!” Irene pouted, but a moment later, she burst into laughter.

“Actually, that’s not half bad,” Irene conceded with a warm smile. Unbeknownst to them, Irene’s call of Jaxith’s name reached John’s ears, and he stared in disbelief.

Shortly thereafter, Miller arrived with their drinks.

“Here are your beverages, gentlemen,” Miller announced, placing the drinks on the table.

“Anything else I can get for you gentlemen?” Miller inquired politely. John, however, remained completely oblivious to him, his gaze riveted on Irene and Jaxith.

“Good. Now, to the crucial matter. Based on this information, I believe our challenge won’t be finding her. Our believers are ubiquitous; wherever she goes, we’ll find her. Our true adversary is him,” John recalled Blamore’s ominous words regarding Jaxith. The same dark blue coat, the black sword sheathed at his back, the crimson eyes, and the long, silver hair and beard… Jaxith, the monster hunter, the very individual Blamore had cautioned them against. He vividly remembered the horrors he’d witnessed through the scarlet giant’s eyes, courtesy of Blamore’s sorcery.

“John!” Edward exclaimed, his voice laced with concern. It seemed he had been trying to get his attention for some time, but John had been lost in thought. Miller was already returning to the counter.

“Is something wrong, John? Would you prefer we return?” Edward inquired.

“Actually, no. Coming here was an inspired decision, Edward. We’ve just discovered what we sought,” John declared, his gaze fixed on Jaxith and Irene.

“What do you mean?” Edward asked, following John’s line of sight.

“Hold on! Are you implying that this is the hybrid we’ve been hunting?” Edward gasped in astonishment. John offered a solemn nod.

“It appears our strategy requires… adjustments,” John stated, his expression hardening as he stared intently at Jaxith and Irene.

Late at night, the carriage rattled along the road back to the warehouse where John and his men were now quartered.

“I believe informing Mr. Alphonse is the prudent course of action, John,” Edward suggested. John, however, was lost in contemplation, gazing out the window at the passing landscape.

“I’ve considered it, and no, it’s not the right move,” John stated resolutely.

“Why not? I’m certain Mr. Alphonse and Lord Blamore will know the most effective way to proceed,” Edward said anxiously.

“I understand, but we’re pressed for time,” John countered.

“But it would be safer,” Edward persisted.

“We’re still uncertain of their motives, why they’re even here. This Jaxith is a wild card, an unforeseen complication, completely unpredictable. We need to act swiftly, or they’ll slip through our fingers again,” John explained.

“We can’t act rashly with such a sensitive matter, John,” Edward cautioned, his brow furrowed with worry.

“I know,” John conceded, “but I can’t let this opportunity pass. It’s also a chance to demonstrate my capabilities to my father.” Edward gave him a look of concern.

“John, I know your father has high expectations of you, but that doesn’t give you license to act recklessly to prove yourself. You could jeopardize everything and ultimately be consumed by regret,” Edward warned.

“I have a plan, Edward, but I need you to trust me, as you always have. You have more faith in me than even my own father,” John said, a hint of melancholy in his voice as he looked at Edward. Edward returned his gaze carefully before closing his eyes briefly.

“Alright, John, I trust you. But you’d better have a damn good plan,” Edward said.

“Thank you, Edward. You have no idea how much that means to me,” John replied, pausing to marshal his thoughts.

“Now listen carefully,” John began, “I need you to dispatch a crow to Father. I don’t want to keep them in the dark. Send it tomorrow night, giving us time to prepare everything.”

“What exactly do you want me to relay?” Edward inquired.

“Tell them we’ve located the hybrid here in Ebonmere, and that I am going to isolate her from the hunter and bring her in. If they believe we only just discovered her location tomorrow, it buys me valuable time to enact my plan, and I’ll have already set it in motion,” John explained, a spark of excitement in his eyes.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

“So, you’re starting now, then?” Edward surmised.

“Precisely. Hopefully, by the time they send someone—like Father, or even Lord Blamore himself—I’ll have the girl secured and the hunter neutralized,” John declared.

“I’m uneasy about this, John, especially with the presence of this hunter. Mr. Alphonse’s words painted him as a dangerous man,” Edward expressed, his voice laced with apprehension.

“Trust me,” John reassured him, though his tone lacked conviction. “I just need some information, and I’ll handle this flawlessly.”

“What’s the plan, John?” Edward pressed.

“I have several ideas, each one tailored for a specific scenario,” John replied enthusiastically.

“So, which one is the best?” Edward asked.

“Each one will work perfectly, but only if I apply it to the correct circumstances. In other words, I need reconnaissance first. Based on that information, I’ll select the optimal approach," John explained. Edward regarded him with unconcealed worry, but remained silent.

“Come now, it’s a calculated risk, one from which we’ll all reap the rewards,” John asserted. Edward sighed, a mixture of resignation and concern etched on his face.

“Alright, John,” he conceded, “I’ve already committed to helping you. Sometimes I confess I don’t comprehend your reasoning, but I know you’re an intelligent man, you always have been," Edward said with genuine affection. John offered a fleeting smile before his expression clouded with melancholy once more.

“I wish my father shared your opinion,” John murmured, his gaze drifting out the window.

“John, your father doesn’t harbor animosity towards you. He truly loves you. Perhaps he doesn’t fully understand you yet, but with time, he will,” Edward reassured him.

“I can’t channel dark energy, Edward,” John confessed, his voice laced with frustration. “I can’t even conjure the simplest dark spells. Sometimes I think he’s right about me.”

“Don’t despair,” Edward encouraged. “Even I, at my age, can barely cast rudimentary divine spells, let alone dark ones. You don’t need to be a powerful dark caster to prove your worth. You’ll discover your own path, John, forge your own destiny. I’m certain Mr. Alphonse will be proud of you in the end. I suspect he already is, deep down, but he’s simply pushing you to excel. Perhaps I’m not a father myself, but I’ve been close enough to discern his intentions.” Edward spoke with heartfelt sincerity, and John looked at him with renewed hope.

“Do you truly believe that, Edward?” John asked.

“I do,” Edward affirmed. “And as for you, I know you’ll succeed. Now, tell me what you need to execute your plans. Time is of the essence.” Edward clapped John on the back, a gesture of encouragement. John smiled warmly.

“Thank you, Edward. You’ve always been a true mentor to me,” John said gratefully. Edward simply nodded, a silent acknowledgment of their bond.

“Alright, here’s the plan,” John began, his voice buzzing with barely contained energy. “I need intel. What are they doing here in Ebonmere? Is this village the hunter’s home? We need to discreetly inquire. If not, then we must ascertain their precise purpose here. Where are they lodging? That innkeeper, the one who served us drinks—the way they were laughing together suggested a pre-existing familiarity. We need background on him. The villagers must know something, but exercise caution. Do not alert the innkeeper. If he’s truly allied with them and senses we’re nosing around, he’ll tip off the hunter. The hunter will then relocate with her if he suspects someone is investigating. He already knows the girl is being pursued; he might even turn the tables and come after us. This requires a delicate touch, Edward, or the entire operation will implode.” John finished, his enthusiasm palpable. Edward could see the sheer determination driving him.

“Very well,” Edward replied. “I’ll see what I can uncover.”

“Select our most capable men for this task—preferably only two—and we need to move swiftly,” John emphasized.

“I understand, John,” Edward affirmed. Just then, the carriage arrived at the warehouse. Edward and John alighted, and two guards approached.

“Escort Mr. John to our private quarters and ensure he’s served a proper meal,” Edward instructed with an air of authority.

“Immediately, Mr. Edward,” one of the guards responded.

“You can retire for now, John. I’ll handle things from here. By tomorrow afternoon at the latest, you’ll have ample information,” Edward assured him.

“Very well, Edward. Be careful,” John cautioned before entering the expansive warehouse with another guard.

“You there, come here,” Edward called to one of the guards who stepped forward. He was a powerfully built man, a veritable brute.

“Yes, Mr. Edward,” the guard responded respectfully.

“You’re the head of our traveling guards, correct?” Edward confirmed.

“Indeed, Mr. Edward,” the guard affirmed.

“Excellent,” Edward continued. “Tomorrow, at dawn, we’ll both depart and return to the village on a matter of some importance.”

“As you wish, but I believe it would be safer for you to remain here. I can inquire about whatever you require,” the guard suggested politely.

“No,” Edward countered. “I can’t delegate this. It’s too delicate. Just leave the questioning to me. Your sole responsibility is to provide protection.”

“Whatever you deem best, Mr. Edward,” the guard acquiesced.

“Very well. You’re dismissed,” Edward said, and the guard turned to leave.

“I sincerely hope you know what you’re doing, John,” Edward mused to himself, gazing out a distant window in the warehouse.

In the pre-dawn hours, within the opulent throne room of Vidin, King Walt occupied his regal seat. The massive doors swung inward, admitting Adam, who strode purposefully into the chamber. A smile graced the king's lips as he beheld Adam, who offered a respectful genuflection upon reaching the throne.

“Your Majesty,” Adam intoned, his voice carrying the weight of deference.

“Welcome back, Adam,” King Walt responded. “Did your endeavors bear fruit? You may rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Adam replied, straightening.

“I suspect this hybrid is the quarry of a relentless pursuer. Every member of the thieves’ guild to which she belonged has been slain by the same assassin, an individual seemingly fixated upon her demise. I have discovered their remains.” A shadow of concern crossed King Walt’s features.

“Are you certain she is being hunted? Perhaps some malcontent merely sought the guild’s eradication,” he suggested.

“Had I known their lair, I would not have risked confronting such a formidable assassin,” Adam countered. “I could simply have delivered them to the authorities.”

“Your logic is sound, Adam,” King Walt conceded, “but it remains circumstantial. We require confirmation from the hybrid herself.”

“Indeed, Your Majesty,” Adam affirmed. “I have diligently pursued every available thread of information. I’ve made some headway with the hunter who aided her. It appears his encounter with the hybrid was no mere chance. He confided in a villager that he sensed someone being in an impending danger in Orstone. It strains credulity to believe he fortuitously stumbled upon the hybrid’s plight at that precise moment. Furthermore, he conceals crucial details of his past. His origins remain shrouded in mystery; he consistently evades any discourse regarding his life prior to settling there. They are certain he is not a Vidinian, as his accent betrayed his foreign origins upon his arrival.” Adam delivered this information with grave seriousness.

“Hmm,” King Walt mused. “How long has he resided in Vidin?”

“Approximately seven years, Your Majesty,” Adam replied.

“You seem particularly interested in him, Adam,” King Walt observed.

“I am, Your Majesty. The manner in which the demon was slain, and the type of blade employed, are hardly the tools of a common beast hunter. There is more to this individual than meets the eye. I strongly suspect he holds the key to locating the hybrid. I have several leads I intend to pursue. I pray they will illuminate this perplexing situation.”

“Proceed as you deem necessary, Adam,” King Walt instructed, “but be swift. Time is a luxury we do not possess. I am even plagued by the fear that she may not be the individual we seek, and that we are squandering precious moments.”

“Your Majesty, with respect, I believe she is the one,” Adam countered. “The resemblances are too numerous to dismiss as mere coincidence, and not solely in countenance or physique. There is another matter that troubles me, a detail which compels me to locate her before any other.”

“And what is this detail, Adam?” King Walt inquired.

“I suspect the Cragmoore zealots are orchestrating these attacks,” Adam declared. The pronouncement struck King Walt like a physical blow, leaving him momentarily speechless.

“You are allowing your imagination to run rampant, Adam,” he finally responded, his tone grave. “There is no conceivable way they could know about this girl. Grand Priest Zathar confided in only the council of high priests, myself, and you. I shared this information solely with the minister and his assistant. Do not allow such unfounded conjectures to cloud your judgment.”

“I understand that it appears improbable, Your Majesty,” Adam conceded, “but prudence dictates caution. The sheer magnitude of dark energy involved, coupled with the nature of the demon sealed within the black stone – a sealing performed not by a novice dark caster – raises troubling questions. What if, by some means, they have learned of her existence? What if they mistakenly believe her to be the cursed crimson child from the myths?” Adam’s words hung heavy in the air, forcing King Walt into deep contemplation. There was a chilling logic to his assertions.

“Even if this is merely a remote possibility,” Adam continued, “we cannot afford to disregard it. If it proves true, they will not relent until she is under their sway, a sacrifice offered for naught. And then, we will lose our future sovereign.” King Walt fixed Adam with a penetrating gaze.

“Perhaps you are correct,” he admitted. “We cannot ignore any potential threat. I shall investigate this matter personally. You, meanwhile, should pursue your leads. I desire this girl secured with all possible haste.”

“As you command, Your Majesty,” Adam responded respectfully. “May I be excused?”

“You may depart,” King Walt affirmed. Adam offered a curt nod before turning and exiting the throne room.