The fat man, his face contorted in a cruel smile, said, "Ray, this mission is very important. If there's a mistake, all our heads will be flying, including your sister's. So make sure that noble brat stays in the city or else..."

The fat man laughed, his eyes glinting with malice. "We've done so much work today. Let's enjoy ourselves with the girls."

So with that , while laughing the three men disappeared into the dark alley.

Ray scanned his surroundings and after seeing that was no one was present , he shouted aggressively , someday I will kill you three in the worst way possible, count your days.

Ray after calming down thought that , he couldn't let his sister suffer. But how could he betray Vedik and his family?

After being treated nicely by the family the thought of betraying them filled him with guilt and anger.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, his presence as silent as a ghost. It was Edgar.

He had followed Ray to know his motive of approaching Vedik.

From the moment Edgar met Ray , he knew Ray was suspicious but he had to approve that their acting was first class.

He slowly appeared from the shadows and seeing him Ray was flabbergasted.

Before Ray could even move a finger ,

"Don't try to escape or fight," Edgar commanded, his voice low and menacing. "If I wanted to kill you, you and those three men wouldn't even be alive now."

Ray felt a chill run down his spine. He knew Edgar was telling the truth. From the time he first met Edgar he felt like a ant standing in front of a tiger.

"Killing you is like killing an ant for me," Edgar continued, his voice cold and calculating.

Ray listening to Edgar lost all hope , his face reddened with anger and despair.

Tears started forming in his eyes .

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"I know that," Ray choked out. "I also know what I did was wrong, but what can I even do? They have my little sister."

Edgar replied " from my experience I know you are telling the truth that's why you are even alive right now"

So " I will help you in getting your sister back , But in return, I need information about your boss and their hideout."

Ray hesitated, his mind racing. He knew he had no choice. "The gang is known as the Red Eagle," he replied, his voice barely a whisper. "I don't know much about them, but there's a tavern named Rose and their base is underground."

They also run a orphanage where they keep the children hostages.

As you can see this place is not suitable for children to live , so having no choice , many willingly admit their children and siblings to the orphanage. At least they can eat and sleep."

"The same happened with me, I admitted my little sister to the orphanage so at least she didn't have to live in the alley."

In return we have to give them money and sometimes complete some missions.

"This time I was tasked to befriend Vedik and keep your family here" , Ray finished.

Edgar nodded. "Okay, and tell me about the boss."

Ray replied, "Nobody has ever seen the boss, but it is said that he has lived for over 100 years and is connected to noble families. So nobody touches the Red Eagle gang, and even the guards are afraid of them."

Edgar laughed, his eyes filled with amusement. "That old fool never learns, does he?" He thought then his face grew serious. "Okay, boy, try to gather more information about the gang and the boss."

Ray nodded, his determination renewed. Just as Edgar was about to leave, Ray asked, "Does Vedik know?"

To which Edgar replied "I don't know, but I think he doesn't know for the time being."

Ray felt a pang of guilt. "Can you say sorry to him for deceiving him?" he asked.

Edgar shook his head. "No, you have to ask for forgiveness yourself," before vanishing into the shadows.

Ray watched Edgar disappear, his heart heavy with guilt. He knew he had betrayed Vedik, but he had no choice. He had to protect his sister.

But now he can save his sister and can say sorry to him later.

So , with a determined look, Ray vanished into the valleys to collect information.

Meanwhile, Edgar ran across the city at a speed that was invisible to the naked eye. He was gathering information about the Red Eagle gang, their hideout, and any other relevant details.

Strangely, he came to know that there were an uneven number of mercenaries present in the city, and he also spotted a number of elves who were using transformation magic to appear as humans.

Back At The Tavern

Edgar returned to the tavern and knocked at the door.

"Come in " William whispered.

In the room Jasmin and William were sitting with a serious expression.

Edgar sat on a wooden chair and started explaining the whole story he has gathered from Ray .

Jasmin nodded with a mysterious smile and asked, "Anything else?"

To which Edgar replied, "I also saw the long-eared fools disguised as humans and there are an uneven number of mercenaries in the city."

"That old fool's greed will surely lead to his downfall," Jasmin said.

"And what about Ray?" William asked.

"I've told him to gather more information about the Red Eagle gang and their boss, who is most likely an elf," Edgar replied.

"But why did they want us to stay here? Are they stupid?" William asked.

Edgar laughed. "I don't know what goes inside their heads, but let's see what happens."

Edgar laughed and said I don't know what goes inside their head but let's see what happens.

Jasmin asked , "Should we tell Vedik about the current situation."

William hesitated. "Let's wait. We can tell him anytime , for now let him enjoy".

Jasmin than said , " Mr. Edgar, can you see to it?"

Edgar nodded and then vanished from the room. While Jasmin and William laid on the bed, Jasmin held William's hand tightly.

"Will we be okay?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.

William squeezed her hand. "I won't let anything happen to our family. And with Uncle Edgar here, we're even safer."