A woman, adorned in a simple red tunic, hurriedly navigated her way to the village's clinic. Nearly stumbling a few times. Worry staining her visage.

Upon arriving there, a gathering had already formed, flocking the clinic's entrance mercilessly. Their murmurs filled the air as they sneaked peeks beyond the weathered wooden door.

One of the villagers spotted the woman. "Sharon! Come quick, the watchers have arrived!" The man exclaimed.

Sharon's heart galloped as she pushed through the crowd, stepping foot inside the dim room.

There sat Samael and Ajax, their steel armor marred with blood from their previous clash. The scent of iron filling the room.

Ajax silently lurked in the far corner of the hut while Samael was taking treatment from the village doctor.

Fortunately, they both came out relatively unharmed. Although Samael did sustain a few minor injuries, he'll be fine with some adequate rest.

They arrived in the village not too long ago, surprising some of the inhabitants as they barged in, caked in the guts of their enemy.

After some clarification, they eventually managed to enter without further discord. They were immediately taken to the village doctor to check for injuries, even when they profusely refused.

"How are you holding up?" Ajax asked.

"I'm fine, just a shallow nick in my cheek, although my left forearm guard is ripped to shreds after taking the attack of the enemy," Samael replied, his arm laid forward as the village doctor wrapped them in layers of bandages.

"Good, don't be dismayed; they've served their purpose well," Ajax said.

"By the way, Ajax, what was—" Samael's words were cut short as a woman clad in a red tunic barged inside.

The village doctor sprung up. "Sharon? What are you doing here? I'm currently treating our guests!" He said.

"Please guide her out," the doctor said, beckoning two men to escort Sharon away.

"No! I need to know—unhand me!" She bellowed, flailing under the grasp of the villagers.

"It's okay," Ajax's voice reverberated.

Sharon ripped her arms away, inching closer to Ajax. "Did you see my son? He's a boy around the age of your companion. He has brown hair similar to mine and wears a green wristband. Please! Did you see him!?" She asked frantically.

Ajax tried to console the woman. "Calm down, maam—"

"HOW CAN I CALM DOWN?! MY BOY IS OUT THERE! ALONE! I—" Tears burst out of her eyes, meandering down her cheeks.

"No, please, not my son. He's all I have!" Her sobs resonated within the room, leaving trails of hushed echoes.

Samael's gaze couldn't meet the woman's; he knew the feeling of losing someone you love. He knows the horrors it can bring and the sleepless nights it can induce.

"My son! Have you seen him?!" she asked once more.

Ajax slowly wagged his head.

The woman fell to her knees, her hand tightly grasping a wooden horse.

"That's enough, Sharon; come on, you're hurting yourself." The doctor beckoned for the men to escort the woman away before turning to Ajax and Samael. "We'll leave the investigation of these disappearances to you, sir, watchers," he said before leaving the room.

Silence prevailed once more, fueling the suffocating atmosphere seizing the room.

"Ajax, how are we sure that what we encountered wasn't the culprit for these disappearances?" Samael asked, shattering the chilling silence.

"That's because they're not. What we fought is called Kunilor, a humanoid monster that specializes in speed and stealth. They often camouflage deep in the forest and are smart enough to stay away from human settlements," Ajax explained.

"It's already odd enough that we met not only one but a whole group of them on our way here. Even stranger is that they're so hostile that they'll willingly attack us," he continued.

Samael fell deep into contemplation. If what Ajax said is true, then what could've caused these monsters to travel so far from their habitat? Unless...

Samael shot a glance at Ajax. "These abominations..."

"Yes, someone or something... forced them to leave their burrows," Ajax confirmed his suspicions.

***

Samael and Ajax sat around a wooden table, with varieties of food laid before them to eat. The village elder insisted on treating them with courtesy, seeing their willingness to help. Apparently, the rewards for this quest weren't all that great compared to most. This made Samael look at Ajax in a different light.

Samael absentmindedly gazed at his food, his eyes lost deep in thoughts.

"You should eat; we need to recover our strength as fast as we can," Ajax said, breaking Samael from his stupor.

Samael smiled wryly. He lost his appetite after witnessing the mother kneel before them, begging them to tell her if they'd found his little boy.

"Samael, don't let the emotions get ahead of you. As watchers, we need to be on our best when fighting abominations; don't let the death of one affect you too much," Ajax warned.

Samael couldn't even refute the man. He understands that as watchers, death is their partner, and dealing with death was never easy.

"I understand," Samael replied as he took bites from his steaming hot bread.

For a while, they ate in silence, bathing in the peace it offered.

"Let's lay out what we know," Ajax said, luring Samael's attention to him.

Samael took out the parchment paper containing the details of their quest, delicately laying it on the wooden desk.

"The quest addresses the sudden disappearances of cattle in the village, followed by three individuals, namely: a farmer, a kid, and a watcher," Ajax stated.

"The receptionist also mentioned that these odd disappearances occurred quite recently as well," Ajax followed.

"Could our encounter back in the forest really have a connection to these missing cases?" Samael inquired.

"The evidence we hold is insufficient, but as I've said, Kunilor's often, if not all the time, avoid humans like a plague. They're also highly territorial and would stay in one place most of their lives," Ajax answered.

Ajax fell silent, lost deep in his own thoughts. Samael's gaze remained fixed on the parchment paper, lost deep in contemplation as well.

A resounding sigh escaped Samael's lips. In the end, he couldn't figure anything out. The facts and evidence they hold, as Ajax said, are still insufficient. The odd monster behavior could very well be caused by other factors and may never have been connected in their case in the first place.

"There's no point trying to form a clear hypothesis based on splintered facts; for now, rest. Tomorrow we'll move," Ajax instructed before storming off.

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Samael sat in silence for a while, thoughts wreaking havoc in his mind. But fatigue eventually caught up to him, and his snores soon filled the wooden hut.

The golden glow of the sun soon loomed on the horizon, bathing the room in its radiant embrace and, at the same time, signaling the start of another day.

Samael stepped out of his room, the wind wafting through his hair. Ajax sat around the familiar wooden table, a blood-soaked rag nesting in his palm.

It seemed even Ajax hated filth. Well, good for them, seeing how the villagers gave them looks of disgust. Who likes blood to begin with?

Noticing him, Ajax shifted his gaze ahead, slowly sheathing his blade back into its scabbard.

"Eat up, and we'll start our investigation as soon as possible," Ajax said.

Samael nodded, swiftly gulping down the food prepared for him. Afterwards, he did a round of maintenance, carefully inspecting his gear and weapons as taught by Ajax.

Samael took out Crimson Raven, a frown etching lines on his face.

To think those abominations would damage Crimson Raven this much A sigh escaped his lips.

His axe wasn't faring that well after his battle. The abomination left deep gashes on its steel surface, but he should still be able to use it if he takes good enough care.

Setting his axe aside, Ajax's voice echoed in the room. "Are you done?" he asked.

"Yes," Samael briefly answered.

Ajax had carefully thought out the course of action they'd take, with the first step being interrogations.

They went around the village, asking people and gathering more details regarding the sudden disappearances. Ajax proposed they split to cover more ground effectively.

"Did I notice anything? Hmm... Not really no, all I know is that old man Verun just went and vanished in the dead of the night along with Sharon's poor boy," a man around his thirties answered.

So the farmer's name is Verun "Sir, do you happen to know if Verun has any relatives in this village?" he asked.

"Old man Verun's family... I don't think he has any family left, but I did hear he's taking care of a girl. As to who? That I'm not sure," the man replied.

Samael gave his thanks before leaving. He asked around and found out that the girl the old man Verun was taking care of was named Ella.

Samael approached a small wooden house close to an animal barn. He knocked three times before the sounds of footsteps whispered in his ears.

A click resounded in the air as the brown oak door flung open, revealing a girl around her teens wearing simple peasant clothes.

Her complexion was pale, with dark circles marring her eyes. She shifted her gaze down, her brows furrowed as she glanced at Samael.

"A kid...? How can I help you?" She asked, her tone barely audible.

"I'm from the watcher guild, and I'm here to ask a few questions," Samael answered.

"You're a watcher? Oh, I see. Unfortunately, sister Ella can't play with you right now; go with the other kids and ask them instead," she replied.

Samael lodged his shoes in between the wooden doors. "I'm not here to play, maam; I'm Samael from the watchers." He withdrew his pendant for Ella to see. "My mentor is currently gathering information, so he's not here at the moment," Samael explained.

Ella hurriedly lowered her stance. "I'm sorry for my insolence!" She apologized.

"It's okay; I'm just doing my job," Samael replied.

"Uh, please come in," the girl beckoned, enlarging the gap on the door.

He was offered drinks and snacks, but Samael refused. He came here for business, and business he shall do.

"Miss Ella, you're old man Verun's daughter, am I correct?" Samael asked in clarification.

"Yes, you can say that," Ella answered.

"Can you tell me more about old man Verun?" Samael requested.

Ella fell deep into her thoughts. "Verun was a kind man; he took me in when I was a kid. Ever since then, he's considered me his daughter and has taken great care of me. He said his children have all left him and gone off to pursue their ambitions," Ella said.

"Does everyone think so as well?" Samael asked.

"I believe yes, Verun was kind to everyone. He would offer them some of his harvest every year and join the village festivities often," she replied.

"Can you tell me more regarding his sudden disappearance?" Samael asked.

Silence befell the room, the atmosphere taking a turn for the worst.

"I-I don't know what happened. I was sleeping when Verun was kidnapped," she answered, tears welling in the corner of her eyes.

Samael halted before asking once more. "Did you notice anything at all? It's okay even if you're unsure."

Ella wiped the tears staining her cheeks. "I t-think I heard him muttering to himself about how we've lost some cattle," she said.

So he's one of the people who lost some animals? Samael thought.

"Does he usually take night strolls on the farm?" Samael asked.

"N-No, I don't think so," Ella answered.

Could old man Verun brought it upon himself to guard the cattle? Samael wondered.

"Is there anything else?" Samael asked one last time.

"No, not that I know of," Ella replied.

Samael rose to his feet. "Thanks, Miss Ella, for answering some of my queries," Samael said.

"No, I should be the one thanking you for extending a helping hand," she said.

Samael was escorted out of the house by Ella. After that, he took off back to his cabin, where Ajax stood in waiting.

"So how did it go?" Ajax asked.

"Apparently, the name of the farmer that went missing is Verun; he has an animal farm and is taking care of a girl named Ella. Based on her testimony, Verun vanished when she was asleep; this was backed by the words of another villager, stating that Verun vanished in the midst of the night along with Sharon's kid. Ella mentioned that she heard Verun mention that they've lost cattle." Samael stated the fruits of his labor.

"I suspect old man Verun was out guarding his cattle when he vanished," Samael proposed.

Ajax gave a brief nod. "As you've said, I also got the same response from the other villagers that Verun and Sharon's kid vanished at the same time in the peak of the night. No one saw what happened seeing that most of them were already asleep," Ajax confirmed his findings.

"Ella also mentioned that Verun was liked by everyone and would often attend the festivities," Samael added.

"Then that lessens the possibility of murder," Ajax said.

"Did you get anything else, Ajax?" Samael asked.

"I went off and asked the folks if there were any visitors. Aside from the watcher that went to investigate, they had no recollection of anyone entering or leaving," Ajax replied.

"The fact that a watcher went missing whilst investigating is already concerning. That just strengthens the fact that this is probably not connected to a heinous murder. No one in this village can take out a full-bloom Emerald-ranked watcher," Ajax deduced.

Samael and Ajax fell silent once more. If a monster did take out the watcher investigating this case...

Samael felt a shiver run down his spine. Ajax himself was a diamond-rank watcher, just above the emerald tier. If the watcher that was killed was that strong, then just how much stronger is the abomination that killed the person in question?

"Come," Ajax beckoned, breaking Samael from his stupor.

"Where to?" he asked, his brows arching upward.

"To the village elder," Ajax answered.

After making their way to the elders house, they were greeted with a wide smile and open arms.

"Ah, Ajax, come inside; make yourselves at home," he said as he leaned on his oak cane, its smooth surface intricately designed.

Noticing Samael's gaze, he said "Quite beautiful, isn't it? This was made by the best craftsman in the village, anyways. Come."

Sitting down, he asked "So, what brought you here?" he asked.

"We came to ask a few questions," Ajax said.

"Oh my, where's my manners? My name is Eric, the village elder. Do you want anything to drink? Snacks perhaps?" Eric asked.

"No, but thank you for the offer," Ajax politely declined.

Huh Samael's brows furrowed.

"So, ask your questions, and I will happily accommodate you," Eric said.

"Regarding the disappearances, do you remember when the watcher before us arrived?" Ajax asked.

"Hmm... Oh! That fellow. He arrived here about two or three months ago, tall man he was, quite young as well," the village elder answered.

"Elaborate," Ajax said.

"Why yes, of course. Originally, the watcher that came here wasn't here with a quest in mind. He was simply stopping by as he was injured in a recent mission," the elder said.

Ajax halted the man. "When did the disappearances begin?" he asked.

The elder fell deep into contemplation. "I believe it was around two months ago," he answered.

"Can you retell how it began?" Ajax asked.

"Well... two months ago, we lost a few cattle in one night. We dismissed it thinking it was done by forest mutts. However, the next month, the same thing occurred, except the amount of cattle that went missing doubled," Eric narrated.

"We grew a little suspicious, thinking that someone might be stealing our cattle, but we didn't voice our concerns then. Until a week later, dozens more of our cattle went missing, forcing us to put a notice on the watchers," Eric resumed.

"However, the watcher that was staying with us took the quest without a second thought. He said he owed us and wanted to solve the disappearances himself, so we allowed him to."

"Unfortunately, his investigation was fruitless because the next week after that, another batch of our newly bought animals had gone missing once more! That was about two weeks ago," Eric recalled.

"Then?" Samael asked.

"Then the watcher got suspicious. I even remember our conversation before he went missing. He said to me: It is odd how your cattle have gone missing without any one of us noticing at all. I'm afraid there might be a supernatural force acting behind the curtains. Yes, that's what he said," Eric said.

"And as you could've guessed, he went missing along with Verun and Sharon's son Tori about a week ago," Eric answered.

"It all connects," Ajax said.

"It took us a week to get here after the watchers guild reported the disappearances of the three individuals in question," Ajax stated.

"Last question: do you happen to know of any disturbances in the forest south of the village?" Ajax asked.

Eric shifted his gaze to his tea cup, taking a sip before replying. "I'm afraid I don't know anything about what you're talking about." The aroma of his freshly brewed tea permeated the room. It was quite relaxing.

"I see. Well, thanks for your cooperation; we'll be leaving now," Ajax said before he rose to his feet.

Samael gave a brief nod, following close to Ajax as he stormed off the cabin.

"Ajax... Isn't the village elder too enthusiastic knowing that three people vanished from his village?" Samael couldn't help but question.

"He was lying," Ajax said.

Samael's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"He was truthful when he narrated the events before the disappearances, but when he answered my question regarding the disturbances south of the village, he shifted his gaze and averted his eyes away," Ajax answered.

"But is that enough to deduce he lied to us?" Samael inquired. He didn't want to accuse an innocent person and possibly ruin their life.

"His shadow told me enough. The moment I fired my last question, his shadow shook a little, signaling that he was nervous when answering me," Ajax said.

I didn't see anything; maybe it's because of his affinity? Samael wondered.

"For now, we'll investigate the forest south of here; maybe we'll uncover what is really causing all this mess," Ajax said, his gaze peering far into the depths of those towering trees.

Samael's grip tightened. Things were slowly coming to light. He just wishes they'd see through it.