Chapter 5 - The Price Of Loyalty

Mary and Yumiko raced after Lukas through the lively streets of Braint. The sound of clinking glasses and polite chatter filled the air as they dodged past a packed crowd at a high-end corner restaurant. Lukas pushed through without hesitation, causing startled patrons to leap out of his way. One man nearly spilled his wine, shouting curses as Lukas disappeared into the night.

“Lukas!” Mary’s voice rang out above the din, but the man didn’t turn back. She cursed under her breath, her frustration mounting. Her pace faltered as her heel snapped off, sending her stumbling forward.

“Oh, lovely!” Mary groaned, scooping up the broken shoe. “I am going to kill him now!”

Yumiko skidded to a halt beside her, concern etched on her face. “Are you alright?”

Mary shook her head and waved a dismissive hand. “My heel broke! Well, at least you’re wearing sensible shoes. Go after him, Yumiko. Don’t wait for me.”

Yumiko hesitated, glancing down the street where Lukas had vanished. “I don’t even know where he’s going—”

“Trust me,” Mary interrupted, smoothing her dress with a resigned sigh. “It’s the colosseum. He’s using the muscle part of his brain right now. Just go catch him before he does something stupid, and make sure he doesn’t kill anyone—the guild is in charge of that place, so causing trouble there will be a lot worse than you think. You go on ahead. I’ll meet you both there.”

Yumiko nodded reluctantly. With a deep breath, she summoned a small stream of wind around herself, the magic coiling at her feet and lifting her forward like a gust caught in a sail. The crowd that had grumbled at Lukas now parted in a mix of awe and alarm as Yumiko leaped effortlessly over their heads, her wind magic propelling her gracefully.

A smattering of applause broke out as she landed smoothly on the other side. Some onlookers even cheered, mistaking her pursuit for some kind of theatrical display.

Mary rolled her eyes and muttered to herself, “Gods, I hate the people here. Simple-minded fools.”

Meanwhile, Yumiko sprinted through the labyrinth of alleyways, her eyes scanning every corner for a glimpse of Lukas. The nightly glow of Braint’s lamps illuminated the streets in a hazy golden hue, but the narrow paths and towering buildings cast long, confusing shadows. Her heart raced with the effort of running and the mounting fear that she had lost him.

She slowed momentarily, glancing around to regain her bearings. With no sign of Lukas and no clear direction, Yumiko’s gaze landed on a tall building nearby. Without hesitation, she darted toward it, grabbing hold of the gutter and scaling it with practiced ease.

As she pulled herself onto the rooftop, the view of Braint unfolded before her like a living map. The contrast between the city’s rich and poor districts was even starker from above. In the distance, the colosseum loomed like a giant sentinel in the heart of the city, its massive arches glowing faintly under the moonlight.

Fixing her sights on the structure, Yumiko took a running start and leaped to the next rooftop, her wind magic softening each landing. The thrill of the chase pushed her forward, each jump bringing her closer.

At last, she reached the buildings surrounding the colosseum. From her vantage point atop a nearby apartment, she scanned the bustling area below. The noise of the poorer district—haggling vendors, clanging pots, and rowdy laughter.

Yumiko’s eyes darted across the streets, searching for Lukas amidst the chaos.

“Where are you?” she whispered to herself, determination tightening her jaw as she prepared to jump down and continue the chase.

Soon, Yumiko spotted a group of a dozen men below, dressed in uniforms that marked them as colosseum security. They sprinted toward the main entrance, their armor clinking in rhythm with their hurried steps.

“Hurry! Someone’s causing a disturbance at the front!” one of them shouted, his voice echoing through the streets.

Yumiko’s heart pounded as she quickly slid down the side of the building, her movements smooth and precise. Landing lightly on her feet, she broke into a sprint, following the guards.

When she rounded the corner, she saw Lukas standing amidst a semicircle of armed men. His black tuxedo made him stand out sharply against their silver armor, which bore the insignia of the guild prominently on their chestplates. Lukas stood defiantly, his fists clenched at his sides.

In front of him, a man wielding a halberd stepped forward. His stance was commanding, his voice firm as he barked orders.

“For the last time, leave! The colosseum is closed until the next event!” the guard bellowed.

Lukas didn’t flinch. “And I told you, release the wolf you captured!”

The guard let out an exasperated sigh, his patience clearly wearing thin. “We’re getting nowhere with this,” he muttered, glancing skyward as though searching for divine intervention. “I don’t know anything about a wolf.”

Lukas’s voice rose, sharp with anger. “Then I demand to speak to Gordon Kenwick!”

The guard sneered. “Ha! You and everyone else. Listen, I’m done with this. Leave now, or my men will remove you.” He said, pounding the butt end of his halberd on the cobblestone streets, the guards itching closer to Lukas with their weapons drawn.

Before the tension could escalate further, Yumiko darted in, placing herself between Lukas and the guard. She turned to face Lukas, her hands gently pressing against his chest as she tried to create space between him and the guards.

“Lukas!” she called firmly, her voice edged with concern. “What are you doing?”

His eyes burned with fury as he gestured toward the colosseum gates. “You know they’ve captured Snow!” he snapped. “I’m going in there and getting her back—by force, if I have to!”

“You don’t mean that. Calm down,” Yumiko urged, her voice steady but soothing. She kept her hands on him, trying to ground him. “We’ll find another way. Barging in won’t solve anything.”

The guard, watching the exchange, smirked. “Listen to your girlfriend, pal, and leave before this gets ugly.”

Lukas’s glare sharpened, his voice cutting like steel. “She’s not my girlfriend, and I’m not leaving.”

Yumiko shot the guard a quick glance, her tone now measured and diplomatic. “Please,” she said. “Is there any way we can speak to Mr. Kenwick? Even if it’s just to schedule a meeting?”

The guard sighed heavily, his expression softening slightly as he looked at her. “Listen, lady, I like you better than your hotheaded boyfriend here. But the answer’s still no. Mr. Kenwick’s a busy man. He’s out of town most of the time, handling business deals. He doesn’t see just anyone.”

Before Yumiko could respond, Lukas stepped forward, his voice a dangerous growl. “Then I’ll tear that place apart until I get what I want.”

“Lukas, stop!” Yumiko grabbed his arm, holding him back as he strained forward. “You’re going to make things worse!”

The guards tightened their grip on their weapons, the tension in the air thick enough to cut. Yumiko’s grip on Lukas didn’t waver, her voice still pleading.

“Please, don’t do this. We’ll find another way to help Snow. But not like this.”

The guard slammed the base of his halberd against the ground again with a resounding clang. “Then you will be declaring yourself an enemy of the United Republic. This colosseum is managed by the Guild, and by attacking it, you are attacking the nation itself. Choose your words and actions wisely, boy.”

Yumiko forced a nervous laugh, still holding onto him. “We don’t want that, do we, Lukas?” she said, her voice strained but trying to stay calm.

Lukas didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he nudged Yumiko gently out of his path, his eyes locked on the guard. “If a nation won’t listen to its people, then I will do as I see fit,” he said in an icy, measured tone.

The guard narrowed his eyes, his grip on the halberd tightening as he adjusted his stance, readying for an attack.

Before the tension could snap, the sound of horses’ hooves clattered against the stone street. Everyone turned to see a sleek white carriage approaching at a steady pace. The horses slowed to a stop as the carriage pulled up to the group.

The door swung open, and Mary stepped out gracefully, followed by a sharply dressed young man with brown hair—Luchs.

Mary took one look at the standoff and let out a dramatic sigh, folding her arms. “I knew your muscle brain would land you in trouble,” she said, raising an eyebrow at Lukas. She turned to Yumiko and flashed a quick, reassuring smile. “Looks like I arrived just in time to prevent this mess from escalating. Mr. Richie-Rich here was kind enough to give me a ride.”

“Luchs,” the man corrected in the background, his voice dry but polite.

Yumiko exhaled in relief, visibly relaxing. “Thank the heavens! Lukas has been very insistent on starting something.”

Lukas turned to her, his expression resolute. “I won’t start anything—if they release Snow.”

Luchs let out a theatrical sigh and patted Lukas on the back. “Lukas, my dear friend, you are such a handful. But that’s precisely why I like you—you’re endlessly entertaining.” He turned his attention to the guard, his demeanor shifting to one of effortless authority. “Now, where is Mr. Kenwick?”

The guard straightened immediately, his posture stiff as a board. “Mr. Wilfried, sir! It’s an honor to—”

“Spare me the pleasantries,” Luchs interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. “Just answer the question so we can all go home early, hmm?”

The guard nodded quickly, his tone clipped. “Yes, sir. Mr. Kenwick left town on urgent business last week. We haven’t seen him since, and we don’t know when he’ll return… It could be soon due to the event, but no one’s heard a whole lot from him.”

Luchs tilted his head thoughtfully. “Is there any chance I can set up a meeting with him? It would save us all from the... complications my friend here might cause.” He gestured lightly toward Lukas, who was glaring at the guard.

The guard hesitated, clearly uneasy. “I... don’t know. The problem is, we have no way to contact him directly… Only men under his direct command have that authority, and we haven’t seen them since a few nights ago.”

Lukas took a step forward, his patience gone. “Then we do it the hard way!” he growled. He shoved Luchs aside, ignoring the man’s startled exclamation.

The guard reacted immediately, raising his halberd and bringing it down in one swift motion. But before it could strike, Lukas caught the shaft of the weapon in his hands. The guard’s eyes widened in shock as he struggled against Lukas’s grip.

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“How... how are you doing that?” the guard stammered, trying to wrench the halberd free.

Lukas’s grip tightened, his expression dark and unyielding. “I told you,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “I’m not leaving without Snow.”

The other guards drew their weapons, the metallic ring of steel echoing through the tense night air. Luchs glanced around nervously, his polished composure slipping for a moment. “My... this is escalating faster than I thought,” he muttered under his breath.

Mary stormed forward, her bare feet stomping on the cobblestones. Her eyes were locked on Lukas, her frustration palpable. “Are you actively trying to make this the worst night of my life?” she snapped, her voice a mix of exasperation and fury.

Just as she reached out to grab Lukas by the arm, a deep, commanding voice cut through the chaos. “What is all this about?”

All eyes turned to the source of the voice. A man with a thick, well-groomed beard and long auburn hair strode confidently toward the group. His polished leather boots thudded against the ground with purpose, and the guards immediately stood at attention. His dark coat, lined with fine silver embroidery, swayed with each step. He stopped in front of Luchs, his piercing green eyes narrowing slightly.

“Luchs? What are you doing here? And what, pray tell, is going on?”

Luchs straightened, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly as he offered a polite bow. “Mr. Kenwick, a pleasure as always. I see you’ve returned just in time.”

Kenwick raised a skeptical brow. “Yes... I’ve come to inspect this wolf my men recently captured. I’m told it’s quite the specimen.”

“That ‘specimen’ is my friend!” Lukas’s voice cut through the air, raw and unyielding. He surged forward, but Mary caught him by the shoulder, holding him back with surprising strength.

Kenwick’s gaze shifted to Lukas, his expression cold and unimpressed. He folded his arms, his broad frame exuding authority. “Your friend, is it? And yet, from what I gather, this creature was found in the northern forests. Hardly sounds like it belongs to you.”

“They took her from her home!” Lukas shot back, his voice trembling with fury.

Kenwick shrugged, his expression indifferent. “If that’s the case, it seems the beast doesn’t belong to anyone. Certainly not you.”

Lukas clenched his fists, ready to lunge again, but Mary grabbed him with both hands this time, her voice low and sharp. “Would you stop! You’re about to start a war with the Guild, and I am not cleaning up after you if you do.”

“They took my friend, Mary!” Lukas shouted, his voice cracking. “And you want me to just stand here and do nothing?”

Yumiko stepped forward, bowing deeply. Her voice was calm but firm, an anchor in the storm. “Please, Mr. Kenwick. Surely there’s some kind of deal we can make. Anything.”

Kenwick’s eyes flicked to Yumiko, and for a brief moment, his expression softened. Then he shook his head, his tone resolute. “I don’t make deals with people I don’t know. And besides, I’ve been searching for a beast like this for ages. It’s perfect for drawing in a larger audience to the arena. Letting it go would be bad business.”

“Not to mention,” he added, his voice hardening, “as far as I’ve been told, the creature killed three of my men. By the law of this nation, any monster that kills humans is to be put down. I see no reason to make an exception.”

“You bastard!” Lukas roared, thrashing against Mary’s hold. Two guards moved in, grabbing his arms to restrain him further.

Luchs stepped forward, his demeanor as smooth as ever. Placing a hand lightly on Lukas’ shoulder, he spoke with the measured tone of a negotiator. “Relax, Lukas. Let me handle this.”

Lukas stopped struggling, his chest rising and falling as he tried to rein in his rage. He glared at Luchs but didn’t pull away.

“Look,” Luchs continued, his voice low and even. “You can’t fight the Guild, Lukas. Not here, not now. If you try, you’ll make yourself a wanted man. And even if you manage to get out of here alive, they’ll hunt you—and Snow—down. You’ll lose everything. Let me see if I can work something out. Business is my specialty, after all.”

Luchs turned back to Kenwick, a confident smile on his face. “Surely there’s a solution here that benefits everyone. Don’t you trust me, Lukas?”

Lukas’s jaw tightened, his glare unwavering. But after a moment, he let out a reluctant growl and nodded, “Fine,” he muttered through gritted teeth, finally easing his stance.

Mary let out an audible sigh of relief, the tension in her shoulders relaxing as Lukas stepped back. “Finally,” she murmured, though her voice carried more exhaustion than victory.

Luchs gave a small nod, his expression unusually serious. He turned to Kenwick, gesturing subtly toward a quieter area. “Let’s discuss this in private,” he said evenly. Without waiting for a response, he began walking, Kenwick following close behind.

Mary crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. “What’s he up to? Why does he need to talk to him alone?”

Yumiko glanced around at the ring of guards, their weapons still in hand and their eyes watchful. “Maybe because of all the... company?” she suggested, her voice tinged with unease.

Lukas, still staring in the direction Luchs had gone, spoke firmly. “I trust him.”

The group fell silent, the tension thick as they waited. Minutes passed, each one stretching longer than the last. Finally, Luchs returned, his usually pristine appearance marred by a hint of frustration. He rubbed the back of his neck, his expression weary.

“Well,” he started, exhaling heavily. “Kenwick has agreed to release your friend... but there’s a catch.”

Lukas immediately stepped forward, his eyes burning with a desperate, hopeful intensity. “What catch?” he demanded.

Luchs hesitated, glancing at the others before clearing his throat awkwardly. “You’ll have to participate in the arena... and win. But,” he added quickly, raising a hand to stall any protests, “all the fighter slots are already filled. Kenwick says he’ll make an exception if you can draw a larger crowd. That’s his condition.”

Mary raised an eyebrow, suspicion etched across her face. “What’s his plan? How does he think Lukas will draw a crowd?”

“Name it,” Lukas said flatly, his unwavering tone leaving no room for argument.

Luchs sighed, his usual confidence faltering. “You’ll have to fight wearing Gelod armor.”

The air seemed to grow colder at those words. Mary’s eyes widened in shock, and her voice rose sharply. “Gelod armor? Absolutely not! That’s suicide—deal’s off.”

Yumiko tilted her head, confusion flickering across her face. “What’s Gelod armor?”

Mary turned to Yumiko, her expression a mixture of worry and frustration. “It’s a kind of armor that drains the user’s strength, stamina, even their mana, to amplify their power. But it’s a death sentence. The longer you wear it, the more it destroys your body. A few minutes is the absolute limit before it starts shutting you down. And even then, it takes weeks just to recover from those few minutes.”

Luchs nodded grimly, his tone uncharacteristically serious. “Exactly. It’s not really armor—it’s a device meant to break people. The Guild uses it to punish prisoners condemned to death, sending them into the arena as a final spectacle. Most who wear it can barely fight, and even if they win, they’re left damaged… permanently” He hesitated, his gaze dropping for a moment. “Muscle fibers tear, nerves are destroyed... I’ve heard stories of people who survived the arena but were never able to walk again.”

Yumiko’s face paled as she turned to Lukas, her voice trembling with urgency. “You can’t do that! It’s too dangerous. There has to be another way!”

Lukas’s gaze remained steady, his resolve unshaken despite Yumiko’s pleading. His silence was as heavy as the weight of the decision before him.

Mary turned to Luchs, her expression firm. “Tell your friend we’ll pay him handsomely. Surely, he can be persuaded.”

Luchs let out a low chuckle and shook his head. “My dear, do you have any idea how much the colosseum earns from one event? We’re talking about fifty thousand people, each paying an average of thirty silvers. And that’s not even counting food sales, merchandise, and, of course, the betting pools. It’s a small empire.”

Yumiko’s eyes widened, her jaw nearly dropping. “All of that from just one event?”

Mary’s lips pressed into a thin line. “It doesn’t matter how much it makes. If Lukas wears that armor, he’ll die. We’re not letting it come to that.”

Before anyone could respond, Kenwick rejoined the group, his expression smug as he looked them over. “That’s my final and only offer,” he declared, folding his arms. “The arena’s roster is full, otherwise. Either your boy gives my crowd something unforgettable, or you can sit in the stands and watch your furry friend face her fate.”

“Deal,” Lukas said without hesitation, his tone calm but cutting.

Mary spun toward him, her face alight with anger. “Don’t be so foolish!” she snapped.

Lukas met her glare with one of his own, his voice rising. “If I can’t take her by force, then I’ll win her by force! What other choice do I have? Should I start a war with them instead?”

Mary hesitated, her frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. She turned to Kenwick, her voice pleading now. “There has to be another way—something else you’ll accept.”

Kenwick’s smirk faded, replaced by a steely gaze. “There isn’t,” he said coldly. “That wolf isn’t his by right. If he wants it back, he’ll have to earn it. I’m already being generous by offering him the chance.”

Mary clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms. Kenwick embodied everything she hated about Braint—greed, exploitation, and cruelty wrapped in a veneer of civility.

Kenwick pulled a silver pocket watch from his coat and checked the time. “I’ll give you until tomorrow to make your decision. If your boy’s man enough to step into my arena, I’ll make sure the crowd knows to look for him.” He snapped the watch shut with an air of finality. “Good evening.” With that, he turned and strode away, his steps measured and deliberate.

“Bite me!” Lukas shouted after him, his voice echoing through the air.

Luchs stepped up and placed a hand on Lukas’s shoulder, laughing nervously. “Let’s not yell at the richest man in Braint, please.”

Lukas shrugged him off with an angry shove. “I’m going,” he muttered, his tone sharp and absolute. He didn’t wait for a response, turning on his heel and storming away.

Yumiko watched him go, her chest tightening as she felt the weight of his anger. It wasn’t just the raw fury radiating from him—it was the pain underneath. “Just when I thought he was starting to open up... this happens. And now he’s slipping away again,” she murmured, her voice heavy with disappointment.

Luchs crossed his arms and stood beside Yumiko, his gaze following Lukas. “He’s quite the powder keg, isn’t he?”

Yumiko nodded slightly, her eyes fixed on Lukas’s retreating figure. “Yeah... and one day, it’s going to explode… Sooner than later.”

Mary watched Luchs from the corner of her eye, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. The man looked almost content, his expression betraying a flicker of amusement. Her brow furrowed as she shot him a sharp glance. “You seem awfully pleased with yourself, considering your friend just signed up for what could very well be his death.”

Luchs turned to her, raising his brows in surprise. “Oh, my dear Mary,” he began, his tone defensive but light, “if I appear to be enjoying myself, let me clarify. I won’t deny that this situation is... well, fascinating in its own chaotic way. Lukas has a way of throwing himself into the storm, and I respect that about him. But I assure you, I’m not laughing at his predicament. I’m merely observing the man I know being true to himself.”

Mary didn’t look convinced, but before she could respond, Luchs placed a hand on his breast pocket, his eyes lighting up as if remembering something important. “Speaking of storms, in all the commotion, I completely forgot to deliver something to him. I suppose I’ll be seeing him later to hand it off… Oh well.”

Yumiko, who had been quietly listening, tilted her head and regarded him curiously. “What is it?” she asked, her voice gentle but probing.

Luchs wagged his finger with a sly smile. “Ah, my dear, business between parties stays between those parties. I wouldn’t dream of spoiling a surprise.” His tone carried a teasing lilt as he turned and began strolling toward his carriage. “Now then, would either of you lovely ladies care for a ride home?”

Mary shook her head, her expression distant. “Our place is just a short walk from here,” she said curtly, glancing away.

Luchs paused, nodding once with a flourish. “Very well, as you wish. Farewell for now.”

Both Mary and Yumiko stood in silence, watching as Luchs climbed into the carriage. His calm, almost carefree demeanor was a stark contrast to the heavy tension that clung to the night like an unwelcome fog. The driver snapped the reins, and the carriage rattled away into the darkness, its wheels creaking faintly as it disappeared from sight.

Yumiko’s gaze lingered on the receding carriage, her thoughts swirling with unease. “What do you think he meant by ‘his item’?” she murmured, breaking the silence with a voice that carried both curiosity and worry.

Mary let out a heavy sigh, running her fingers through her hair as though trying to knead away the frustration building behind her temples. “Who knows?” she replied, her tone laced with irritation. “With men from Braint, it could be anything. But right now, we’ve got bigger problems to deal with... like trying to stop that idiot from getting himself killed.”

Without waiting for a response, Mary turned and began walking barefoot toward the hotel, the cool cobblestones pressing against her feet.

Yumiko hesitated, her eyes flicking to Mary’s determined stride. “Where are you going?” she asked, quickening her pace to catch up.

Mary glanced over her shoulder, her expression set in a mix of annoyance and resolve. “I’m going to talk some sense into that fool before it’s too late. Knowing Lukas, he’s probably already back at the hotel, packing up for tomorrow like this is just another job.” She waved a hand, motioning for Yumiko to follow. “Come on. A cute thing like you shouldn’t be wandering around Braint alone at night.”

Yumiko quickened her step, falling in beside Mary. “I hope he listens to us…” she said softly, her voice tinged with doubt. “I have a bad feeling about that armor.”

Mary didn’t respond immediately, her lips pressed into a tight line. Finally, she muttered under her breath, “You’re not the only one.”

The two women walked side by side through the shadowy streets of Braint, the faint hum of distant taverns and the occasional clatter of hooves breaking the quiet. Overhead, the moon hung low, its pale light illuminating their path as they made their way back to the hotel.