Sezor paced back and forth in his study, his teeth gnashing together as a familiar wave of anger flooded his body. All he wanted was to scream and pound his fist against the desk, but he knew better. He was already in a terrible mood, and destroying his prized valuables would push him over the edge. Wood exported from Neushia was both rare and expensive, and he had already lost a significant amount of money from his most recent blunder.

"Darlan... Is Jericho truly dead?"

Sitting on a stool was a lean man in his early thirties; Sporting slick hair and a thick goatee, Darlan picked away at his ears with a bored expression. Sezor noticed how he'd not look him in the eye, even as he spoke in a dry, dismissive tone.

"Well, I'm not really sure since everything there's been burned to the ground. But, since you and I heard no word from that crazy fiend, it's safe to say he kicked the bucket. Can't say I'm surprised. That man was bound to die eventually."

That damn brat must be responsible somehow, Sezor thought. The last time he chatted with Jericho, that Demi-human kid was right beside him. It was already appalling enough that the brat infiltrated his post, but to be responsible for Jericho's death as well? Who else could have killed him but him?

No, he shouldn't rush to conclusions. It was just terrible luck that their operation coincided with the Explorer Guild exam. Never had those meddlesome folks held an exam so far from Valis, especially at a hellhole such as the Wasteful Wetlands. From what he gathered, a few high ranking sorcerers were physically at the location, including Selena. Given that the outpost burned down, it must've been her that felled Jericho. And if she was there alongside that Demi-human, there was a high chance the brat told her about him and Scourge!

Sezor clenched his hand into a fist and roared, slamming his desk hard with enough strength that one of his lanterns fell and shattered, spilling glass all over the carpet.

Everything he's built so far was crumbling ever since the incident at Valiedge. One of his sorcerers was killed by that brat's friend, the air Elemental Sorcerers were captured by that damn royal knight, and now his ties with Scourge have been revealed! Each problem that had arisen all had a common theme - that Demi-human child, and it was becoming more and more apparent that the best way of rectifying things was by eliminating the problem entirely. He had to clean this mess up before Leader finds out...

Sezor's worries came to fruition when a hum came from the desk. Next to a stack of papers, an orb sat and emanated a quiet ringing noise. His blood ran cold, and it took all he could not to panic and react. He wasn't expecting anyone else to contact him today. Receiving a call with no forewarning meant only one thing...

Darlan lifted an eyebrow as Sezor reluctantly stepped toward the communication tool, making sure his movements weren't stiff or ungraceful; an act to maintain professionalism and not seem like a frightened child in the dark. Showing weakness at a time like this will surely get his head rolled.

Tapping on the tool, Sezor found himself face to face with a man flaunting greying hair and pearl-rimmed spectacles. The man's leathery face appeared rigid, mirroring his cold, lifeless eyes. It was as if he regarded Sezor as nothing more than unworthy scum, not even fit to touch the ground he tread upon. In that moment, Sezor couldn't shake the overwhelming sense that he was in deep trouble. A single lie would surely spell his doom.

"Sezor," the man asked. "Do you know why I'm contacting you without prior warning?"

Sezor gulped, hiding his shaking hand from view. "This is regarding the incident at the Wasteful Wetlands?"

"Ah, it seems there is indeed a trace of intelligence lurking in that head of yours. Making the choice to collaborate with the dark sorcerer without informing Scourge was quite audacious. What possessed your foolish mind to take such a risk and potentially alert Johan to Scourge's presence? Was it a misguided thirst for glory that clouded your judgment? Or perhaps it was greed?"

"...I was given sil in exchange for my services, Leader."

A dry laugh echoed through the room, causing Sezor's already dried mouth to become parched. Sezor hated how smug the man sounded. There was not an ounce of respect in his voice, only seeing Sezor as nothing more than a disposable pawn at his beck and call. For the most part it was true, and Leader was given the right to see others in that view because he stood at the top of Scourge.

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Powerful and rich, that man, and he absolutely loathed that he possessed both. He only accepted the dark sorcerer's offer because it would take him one step closer to lessening the chasm that stood before them. To control others with authority and strength, not needing wealth to do so.

The opposite of Sezor.

Leader narrowed his eyes, and Sezor mentally cursed himself for revealing his emotions. "It's likely that the Explorer Guild and the Imperial Court are aware of Scourge because of your blunder. That Demi-human still lives given that you haven't informed Vizien of his status as of yet. I have good news for you, Sezor, a chance to rectify your misdeeds. There's been a breach in one of the underground tunnels, connected to the city's catacombs. One of the entrances has been undone by a member of your faction."

Sezor glanced back at Darlan, who shook his head in response. "It must be the Demi-human. No one of my faction has alerted me of using the tunnels."

"By allowing a single weasel to slip through your grasp, you have inadvertently enabled him to uncover more of our secrets. A child has not only caught a glimpse of your face but also bears our symbol, thus being aware of our presence and that of others. Do you comprehend the gravity of what I am attempting to convey, Sezor?"

Thunder boomed in the distance, and a flash of stark white lightning illuminated the rattling window. Alongside the rush of fierce winds came torrential rain, pelting against the roof with tremendous strength. His blood froze in his veins the same way that wind chilled his spine. Sezor nodded furiously and bowed.

"I will not let you down," he said through a tightened jaw. That man was practically ordering him to go down into the catacombs in person! Sezor was no fool and knew what sort of creatures would be lingering underground if the brat tipped off the security system. What kind of man, an unblessed at that, would dare dive in alone?! But then again, with this disaster falling on his hands, any form of punishment will pale in comparison to whatever the Leader had in store if he failed. Either he succeeded in his mission, or face dire consequences.

"Dumb as you are, you still have some use to us. I am not some heartless fiend that plucks the pedals off a blooming flower when it can still yield fruit. Look inside the left drawer, Sezor, as I have granted you a gift that you have been seeking."

Sezor, confused by Leader's cryptic words, yanked the drawer open. At first, all he found was paper, ink, and a pair of dice and cards that he'd sometimes play with whenever he got the itch to gamble. But tucked away in the corner was an amulet he had no recollection of owning.

The chain was brownish gray—the same hue as dirt—and the centerpiece was oval, the size of a thumb; a stone pillar design lay in the middle. When Sezor grabbed it by the chain, a surge of power coursed through his body, but it was only for a moment. His palms tingled as he stared hard at the amulet.

"What is this?" Sezor asked.

"An invocation amulet. It enables the bearer to summon an earth spirit that will fight your battles. You can only summon them once, however, so use it wisely."

Sezor's face contorted into a frown as he expressed his concerns, "So, there's actually a spirit inside this thing? I can't help but worry about what might happen once it's released. I heard spirits tend to have a hostile reaction when confined."

"Do not worry about that. The spirit will obediently follow those who summon it so long as you possess the amulet. Let go or destroy it, and you may find yourself in immediate danger. But let that not be a concern."

Leader averted his gaze for a moment, whispering as if conversing with another in the room. He nodded and then glanced at Sezor. "It is time for you to depart, Sezor. Prove to me you are still valuable to Scourge. If the results are to my liking, I might even give you a reward much more enticing than what the dark sorcerer has promised."

With a wave of his hand, the connection to Leader ended. Sezor let out a groan, slowly massaging his throbbing forehead. Talking to Leader was always nerve-wracking, especially when he was on thin ice. Sezor felt like there was a target hanging on his neck; he couldn't stay put and do nothing or else he'd be skinned alive.

"Darlan, gather as many in Valis as you can. We'll be heading for the Catacombs through one of the tunnels."

"Are we really going through all this trouble for a child?" Darlan remarked, rising to his feet. "One would think we were on a hunt for a well-known noble."

"Whether it's a kid, a dog, or even a damn flea, it doesn't matter," Sezor snapped. "It's my head that'll be rolling if I screw this up. Just do what I say and get the hell out of here before I get the urge to cut you in two!"

Darlan shrugged his shoulders and walked out of the door, muttering a curse or two that Sezor pretended not to hear. Now all alone, he rubbed his fingers along the amulet's cool exterior. The faint scent of soil tickled the hairs in his nostrils. Anger and frustration still filled his body, but that was somewhat alleviated by the gift in his hands. An amulet capable of summoning a spirit was no joke, and for one to follow the bearer's commands without consequence was unheard of to him. Only Conjuration sorcerers were blessed to handle such beings, and Sezor was no sorcerer.

"What a truly unfortunate day," he murmured. "I don't have a choice in this matter."

Without wasting any time changing his attire, Sezor quickly put on the amulet and opened another cabinet. From it, he retrieved a velvet container and opened it, revealing a collection of vibrant rocks, each radiating a gentle glow as they lay on the cushioned fabric. Methodically, he placed each rock into his Scourge ring and discarded the container. Then, he hurriedly made his way to the closest closet and swiftly grabbed a short sword, still sheathed, before dashing off towards the tunnels, icy rain pelting his body with every stride.