Walking to their room, the Vindicators were pleasantly surprised to find that La Dolce Vita was well-kept and clean. When the trio entered their room, they expected to find only two beds. Elliot braced himself to sleep on the sofa, but to his surprise, there were three beds, one for each of them.

"I was expecting to sleep on the sofa tonight, but this room is spacious with three beds," Elliot said, visibly relieved.

Noah nodded his approval, his skepticism about the inn dissipating. "It's so weird, man. Such a nice inn but no one around," he said, still puzzled by the inn's emptiness. He pondered briefly, thinking perhaps the service might degrade with more guests.

Elliot and Cyrus, too tired to think too much, took their respective showers. An hour later, they emerged from their room to find Ji-Eun standing outside, startling the guys.

"What are you doing here?" Elliot exclaimed, shocked to see someone standing outside like a ghost.

"I'm frightened alone in my room. Cyrus, will you accompany me tonight?" Ji-Eun pleaded, her eyes wide with feigned fear.

Cyrus didn't trust that Ji-Eun was genuinely scared but couldn't avoid her request. "Elliot, how about you take Ji-Eun's room, and Ji-Eun, Noah, and I can share one room," Cyrus suggested.

"Woah, I get my own room!" Elliot said, happy with the arrangement. Ji-Eun, however, was not pleased.

"But Cyrus, the two of us can share and Noah can share with Elliot. That would be fair," Ji-Eun insisted.

"The decision is final. I'll help you move your belongings to our room. Elliot and Noah, you can go down for dinner first," Cyrus said, brushing off Ji-Eun's request.

"Thanks, Cyrus, you are the sweetest!" Ji-Eun said, albeit disappointed.

Noah and Elliot, as Cyrus requested, went down for dinner. As they walked down the stairs back to the lobby, an unpleasant sight greeted them. Instead of a welcoming dinner, they saw a commotion. Five nasty-looking men, armed with penknives, surrounded Maria.

"Go away! Our family has already paid off our debts. We don't owe you anything!" Maria shouted, fiercely swinging a toothbrush at the intruders.

"You may have paid the basic sum, but the interest is a different matter. You owe us a total of 200% of the principal after adding the interest," one of the men retorted.

"You could make more money by coming with us. We can help you earn more with your pretty face," another man sneered.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/33/Maria_swinging_her_toothbrush.png]

"We don't have that kind of money, and you lied about being legal moneylenders. You're scammers," Maria shouted, still swinging her toothbrush to keep them at bay.

"What's going on?" Elliot asked.

"Seems like a moneylending situation based on their conversation," Noah replied. "And why is she using a toothbrush as a weapon?!"

Amused, Noah added, "There are so many weapons in the kitchen, yet she chose a toothbrush!"

"She seems to be in trouble," Elliot noted. "We need to help her, but my cordless vacuum cleaner is still in the room."

"Argh, here goes nothing!" Noah said, pulling out his blue yo-yo from his pocket and spinning it up and down, ready for action.

"Haha, a toothbrush? You're making us laugh!" one of the men mocked. "We're going to catch you and make you work for us to pay off the debt."

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a3/Ricochet_Strike.png]

As they prepared to attack Maria, something bounced around the room, hitting multiple surfaces before striking the five men from unexpected angles. Noah had used his Ricochet Strike, skillfully hitting them with his yo-yo.

"How dare you!" one of the intruders growled, noticing Noah.

"Hey, pick on someone your own size!" Noah teased, his playful grin unwavering.

"The boy wants to play hero! Let's teach him a lesson," another intruder sneered.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/21/Whirlwind_Tangle.png]

Noah, ever playful and creative, responded, "Let's see how you handle this!" He used his Whirlwind Tangle, spinning the yo-yo rapidly to create a gust of wind that disoriented the men. The sudden force caused them to stumble, their balance disrupted.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/c0/String_Snare.png]

"You think that's cool? Check this out!" Noah called, as he unleashed his String Snare, manipulating the yo-yo string to entangle two of the men. They struggled, unable to free themselves from the tightly wound strings.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a3/Ricochet_Strike.png]

"Not bad for a yo-yo, huh?" Noah quipped, before executing his Ricochet Strike again, bouncing the yo-yo off the walls to hit another man squarely in the face.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/29/Vortex_Pull.png]

The remaining men, furious and desperate, charged at Noah. "Time for a little surprise," Noah said, his voice tinged with excitement. He performed his Vortex Pull, spinning the yo-yo in a circular motion to create a small vortex that pulled objects towards it, destabilizing the attackers' footing.

"You're really getting on my nerves, kid!" one of the intruders yelled, trying to regain his balance.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/77/Decoy_Dance.png]

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"Good! That means it's working!" Noah replied with a laugh. He then used his Decoy Dance, moving in a series of flashy, deceptive motions that confused the attackers, making it hard for them to predict his next move.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/9f/Sonic_Boom_Snap.png]

With one final move, Noah used his Sonic Boom Snap, snapping the yo-yo with such speed that it created a small sonic boom, temporarily stunning the men.

"We're out of here!" one of the intruders shouted, realizing they were outmatched. The group of men scrambled out of the inn, chased away by Noah's impressive skills. "We'll be back again, you little brat!" one of them yelled as they retreated, their threats echoing in the now quiet inn.

"Wow, that was amazing, Noah!" Elliot exclaimed, watching as the men fled.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/4/49/Maria_De_Luca_Profile.png]

"I am so sorry for getting you involved," Maria said apologetically, her eyes downcast. "I haven't finished preparing dinner for you all. I'm sorry."

"Hey, calm down," Elliot said gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You want to tell us what's going on?" Noah added, his curiosity piqued.

Just then, Cyrus and Ji-Eun came down the stairs. "Hey, Cyrus, something happened just now," Elliot called out. He quickly recounted the incident, describing how Noah had bravely chased away the five intruders.

"You guys know, we won't be here to protect the girl forever, right?" Cyrus said, his voice serious. "What will happen to Maria if we're not around?"

Elliot and Noah exchanged guilty looks, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Let's hear what the girl has to say before we decide our next action," Cyrus suggested.

The Vindicators gathered around Maria, sitting in a circle as they prepared to listen to her story. Dinner could wait; they needed to understand what was truly happening here.

Maria took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting both fear and determination, and began to explain the situation. As she spoke, a vivid flashback unfolded, painting a picture of a time when La Dolce Vita was a lively and bustling inn. People flocked there for the authentic Italian food, with the Pizza Quattro Formaggi being a must-order, and the Penne Alla Bolognese so delicious it was to die for.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/5d/Isabetta_when_she_is_still_healthy.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/0/0d/Maria_in_a_calm_and_sad_pose.png]

The inn was owned by the De Luca family, consisting of Maria's parents, Lorenzo and Sofia De Luca, and their two daughters, Isabetta and Maria. The family of four was happy and content, despite not being wealthy. The inn was their pride and joy, keeping them busy and bringing them joy. Lorenzo was the chef, known for his culinary skills, while Sofia took care of the reception, served as a waitress, and managed the café's cashier duties. Though their lives were busy, the simplicity of their routines kept them happy.

Maria often helped out at the inn when she wasn't in school, learning the ropes of both cooking and serving. She cherished these moments, feeling a deep connection to her family's legacy.

"Dad, two pans of Pizza Quattro Formaggi!" Maria called out, placing an order with her father.

"Okay, coming up!" Lorenzo replied cheerfully, his hands deftly working the dough. Sofia watched them with a smile, enjoying the warm interaction between her husband and daughter.

Life was busy but beautiful. The inn was always filled with the aroma of freshly baked pizzas and the sound of laughter and conversation.

However, one fateful day their happiness was shattered. A strange, unknown illness befell Isabetta, the De Luca family's precious baby girl. The sickness left her bedridden, her once vibrant energy now confined to the stillness of her bed.

"What can we do to save my baby girl?" Sofia sobbed, clutching Lorenzo's arm for support. Her eyes were filled with desperation, searching her husband's face for answers.

Lorenzo, too, was at a loss. Maria stood there, helpless and heartbroken, unable to do anything to ease her sister's suffering or her parents' anguish. The De Lucas spent their life savings on the best doctors, hoping to restore Isabetta's health. They tried every treatment, every remedy, but nothing worked. Their savings dwindled, and with it, their hope.

As the bills piled up and their stress mounted, the couple began to quarrel.

"We should have tried another doctor!" Sofia cried one evening, her voice trembling with frustration.

"Do you think I haven't thought of that?" Lorenzo snapped back, his own pain manifesting as anger. "We're doing everything we can!"

"Everything isn't enough!" Sofia retorted, tears streaming down her face. "We're losing her, Lorenzo!"

Maria watched these exchanges with a heavy heart, feeling more helpless than ever. The once lively and bustling inn started to lose customers as Lorenzo's dedication waned. He began to pick up bad habits, gambling and smoking, his heart no longer in his work. Meanwhile, Sofia spent most of her time caring for Isabetta, constantly searching for any possibility of a cure.

One day, while out running errands, Sofia overheard a conversation that filled her with a glimmer of hope.

"You know, I was nearly paralyzed after getting hit by a car, but the church was able to bless and heal me," said one of the church's believers.

"I was at cancer's last stage, but after going to the church, I am fully cured," another person chimed in.

These words spread like wildfire in Sofia's mind. Though the Charismatic Order of the Sacred Light had been in the city for quite a while, Sofia had never been heavily into religion. But now, seeing a sliver of hope for Isabetta, the church drew her in.

She learned that the church's miracle healing sessions were in high demand. To get a session, one needed to donate a large sum of money or reach a certain threshold of donations to be entered into a draw for the chance at a miracle healing. Lacking the necessary funds, Sofia volunteered at the church, offering to clean, usher, and help in any way she could for months. But her volunteer work was deemed insufficient.

"Please, I just want a session for my daughter. She really needs it," Sofia pleaded with one of the priests.

"I'm sorry, but the church adheres to strict rules regarding contributions," the priest replied, his tone unyielding.

Desperate, Sofia turned to a moneylender, unaware that they were illegal loan sharks. She borrowed a significant amount to donate to the Charismatic Order of the Sacred Light, hoping to secure a miracle healing for Isabetta. Her hopes hinged on this precarious gamble, a mother's love driving her to the edge of reason in a bid to save her child.

When Lorenzo found out about Sofia's dealings with the moneylender, he confronted her, anger and fear clashing in his eyes. "Sofia, what have you done?" he yelled, pacing the kitchen. "You borrowed money from those criminals? Without even telling me?"

Sofia, exhausted and tearful, tried to explain. "Lorenzo, I had no choice! Isabetta needs help, and the church... they promised miracles!"

"The church is a fraud!" Lorenzo shouted, his frustration boiling over. "They prey on desperate people like us. And now you've put us in debt to these loan sharks? How could you?"

"I was desperate!" Sofia cried, her voice breaking. "I couldn't just stand by and watch our daughter suffer. I thought... I hoped it would work."

The stress and despair took a heavy toll on Sofia, leading her into a deep depression. One tragic day, overwhelmed by her hopelessness, she ended her life, leaving behind her husband and two daughters.

After Sofia's death, Lorenzo was heartbroken. "I'm sorry, dear," he sobbed, holding her lifeless hand. "I'm so sorry for everything." But it was too late.

Lorenzo tried to carry on for the sake of his daughters, but the inn's business remained stagnant, and customers were scarce. The loan sharks began to harass them, demanding repayment.

"Your wife borrowed money from us," one of the men snarled. "You need to return it, or else."

"My wife is dead," Lorenzo pleaded, his voice trembling. "Please, give us a chance. We will repay the debt." His only thought was to protect his daughters.

Maria, only sixteen, tried to help more around the inn. She quit school to take on her mother's role, caring for Isabetta and managing the inn. Despite her young age, she was incredibly responsible, doing her best to keep the family afloat.

Lorenzo, being thrifty, managed to save some money to repay the debt, unaware of the extortionate interest rates. "You know this is only the basic amount," the moneylender sneered. "You still need to pay the interest."

"You can sell your inn," another man suggested. "Maybe then you'll finish paying the debt."

Lorenzo vehemently opposed selling the inn. It held the happy memories of his wife and was the livelihood of his family. He wanted to bestow the inn to his daughters, ensuring they had a future.

Distraught and unsure of how to handle the mounting debt, Lorenzo left the meeting with the loan sharks in a daze. As he crossed the road, his mind clouded with worry, he didn't see the oncoming car. The accident was sudden and fatal, leaving Maria and Isabetta orphans.

Maria, her heart heavy with grief, vowed to keep the inn running in memory of her parents. Despite the overwhelming challenges, she remained determined to protect her sister and preserve their family legacy. The Vindicators listened to her story, their resolve hardening.