I couldn't help but facepalm. Was Caius really joking in a situation such as this?

I gave Caius a stern look. "This is not the time for jokes," I said, my voice filled with worry. "Who could have done this? Why would someone break into your place and tie you up?"

Caius rubbed his wrists, looking a little sheepish. "Sorry, I couldn't resist," he said, his voice muffled from being gagged. "I was just getting back from an evening walk when I heard a noise inside. I came in to investigate, and before I knew it, someone attacked me from behind and tied me up. I didn’t get a good look at their faces either.”

I helped Caius to his feet, and we both looked around the house. The place was a mess, with broken glass, scattered papers, and overturned furniture. It looked like whoever broke in was searching for something, but what they were after was unclear.

“Nothing looks to be missing, why would they break in and leave without taking anything at all? It just seems odd,” Caius exclaimed.

“Maybe they didn’t find what they were looking for?” That would make sense if they were looking for me or the brooch in my possession, but I can’t confirm it. If they didn’t get what they came for, they would likely be back soon enough. I should move as soon as I can.

Caius sighed with his hands behind his head looking across the messy hallway. “Maybe I’m just being paranoid. A regular break-in isn’t out of the ordinary around these parts of town.” He looked up at my pondering face, “Why don’t we just clean up for now, it’s getting late.”

I nodded and started to help clean up the mess made up of glass, papers and overthrown furniture. I should tell Darius about this tomorrow, it could be linked to whoever he was trying to hide me from the day I joined the Huntsmen.

As we worked to clean up, I couldn't help but feel uneasy. I had a feeling that this break-in was not just a coincidence, especially with everything that had been happening lately. I made a mental note to be more cautious and keep my guard up.

Once we finished cleaning up, having dinner and making sure the doors were properly locked, we both retired to our respective rooms. I lay in bed, trying to piece together the events of the day. I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was happening, something much greater than it seemed.

The next morning, I woke up early, feeling restless. I got dressed in my black suit with the sash and headed via carriage to the Den to talk to Darius about the break-in.

As I arrived at the Den, I noticed that Jean wasn't in his usual spot. Fleur was at the meeting table, poring over some documents with a serious expression on her face. I approached her, and she looked up, acknowledging my presence. Before I could ask if Darius was in, she spoke up.

"Elias, there's been a last-minute mission," Fleur said without wasting any time. "You're coming with me and we're leaving right away."

I was taken aback by the suddenness of it all. "What mission? What's going on?" I asked, trying to wrap my head around the situation.

“I’ll explain on the way,” she said as she grabbed her things and walked past me to the door. “Go get your uniform on and meet me outside. I’ve already got a carriage ready for us.”

I quickly nodded, although confused. I rushed to put on my Huntsmen uniform—the black suit, gloves and shin-high boots. I then joined Fleur outside where the carriage was waiting, the horses impatiently pawing at the ground.

Where were Darius, Lucas, and Jean? Were they on their own missions? I mean, Lucas was probably just late but the others are usually there before me. This made things annoying, I wouldn’t be able to let Darius know about last night until later.

As Fleur and I settled into the carriage, I couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency. Fleur was focused, her eyes scanning the surroundings as we made our way past the outskirts of Leode. I couldn't help but wonder what kind of mission we were embarking on and why it was so urgent.

As the carriage rattled along the cobblestone streets, Fleur finally filled me in on the details of the mission. "We've received a direct request from one of the churches," she explained. "They suspect that someone has been stealing materials to create a false artifact, and we need to find out who is behind it and apprehend them."

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I nodded, taking in the foreign information. "Do we know anything else? Like where they are, or what they’re making?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Fleur glanced at me, her expression serious. "Not much," she replied. "The church didn't provide many details, but they believe it could be used for nefarious purposes if it falls into the wrong hands. Our job is to find out who is behind this theft and stop them before it's too late."

I nodded again, my mind racing with questions. Why were the churches involved in this even with the Anti-Arcanist Law in place? What could a false artifact mean? It was clearly dangerous that was a given. What materials were being stolen, and how were they being used? I realized that I had a lot to learn about this world. I had been thrown into what seemed to be the deep end and I was honestly overjoyed by it.

We continued our journey southwest towards the large town of Fallholt, near the capital. The carriage ride was long, and we passed through various landscapes, from bustling towns to quiet countryside. I took in the scenery, the details of the setting, the way the sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

After a while, Fleur broke the silence. "Elias, I know this is a lot to take in," she said, her eyes on the road ahead. "But I trust your skills, and I believe you're the right person for this mission."

I looked at her, feeling a sense of responsibility wash over me. "I won't let you down," I said, my voice steady. Darius has said the same thing to me before, what kind of expectations did they have for someone they only just met? It was as if they already knew me.

As we drew closer and closer to our destination, the scenery became more classy and well-kept. Many of the buildings were much grander than the ones in Leode, and the architecture was more refined. We weren't even in the capital yet and it was already this high class, I wonder how much better it could get.

The carriage comes to a stop a few blocks out from the bustling area of Fallholt, in the area where none of the buildings were towing sky high. Both Fleur and I get out of the carriage making sure to pay the travel fee.

We walked towards the Fallholt church, which was situated more at the edge of the town. The structure was old and made of grey stones with vines climbing up the walls. It looked like it had been there for centuries, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at its presence. Fleur walked with purpose towards the entrance, and I followed closely behind.

As we entered, I was hit with the smell of incense and the sound of prayers being whispered. The inside of the church was dimly lit with candles lining the walls and various stained glass windows. It was quiet as expected, the sounds of our footsteps echoing on the stone floor as we walked the nave past the rows of seats.

Up at the altar stood a man reciting a prayer in an incomprehensible tongue. Although his stature wasn’t imposing, his presence and aura most certainly was. As we drew closer, he looked up from his whisperings and took notice of us.

"Welcome, my children, Fleur," he said, motioning for us to follow him. "I’ve been expecting you."

He took notice of me and then glanced back at Fleur. “I’m afraid you won’t be able to have a confessional with him here.

Fleur looked over at me. “Eli, you’ll have to wait outside for a short while. Father would like to talk to me in private.

I nodded, feeling a bit uneasy about being left outside. "Sure, I'll wait outside," I said, trying to sound nonchalant although slightly disappointed. Once I get more training and work my way up, I might be able to sit in on things like this. It’s probably since I only just joined.

As Fleur followed Father August towards a side room, similar to a confessional booth. I made my way back towards the church entrance and stepped outside. I leaned against the wall and tried to blend in with my surroundings, keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity.

As the heavy door closed behind me, I took a moment to look around. The church was situated at the edge of town, with a few houses nearby and a small marketplace in the distance. Similar to back in Leode but much nicer here. The buildings here were grander than those in Leode, with intricate carvings and painted shutters. The people walking by seemed to be dressed in their finest clothing, with expensive-looking fabrics and jewellery.

Everything was very high-class and well-kempt. It was more my style honestly. If I hadn’t already started this new life back in Leode, would have packed my nonexistent bags and rushed over to this part of the country already.

I tried to push the slight homesick feeling aside and focus back on the task at hand. What if we were being set up? What if this was a trap?

As I waited, I noticed a figure approaching from the corner of my eye. I tensed, ready for anything. But as the figure drew closer, he looked like a local with his expensive-looking black church robes on.

"Good day, young man," he greeted me, his voice warm. "Are you new in town?"

I nodded, trying to appear calm. "Yes, I am," I replied. "Just passing through."

The old man nodded, his eyes scanning me up and down. "You seem like a good lad," he said, smiling. "But be careful around here. There are some dangerous people around these parts."

I felt a chill run down my spine. Was he referring to the mission? Was there something else going on in this town? Or was he just joking with me and was just paranoid?

Before I could ask any more questions, the door to the church opened, and Fleur stepped out. Her expression was grave, and I knew that something was wrong.

"Elias, we need to talk," she said, motioning for me to follow her. "Things just got a lot more complicated."