Axion opened the door of the bathroom and the coast seemed clear. It was all so luxurious and rich looking… Gold plated furniture alongside the warmth and coziness appearance and feeling.
He moved through that hallway, going to the door beside that one and opening it quietly but Ragnar wasn't there.
His inner thoughts cursed as he went back and started to look for the Totem. In the distance, he heard voices and laughter. Of the family no doubt.
Axion approached it to eavesdrop. A male and female voice exchanged words.
"So, tell me Uremiah, where is Raven?" she asked the man as the other voices began quieter to listen
"Away. He's constantly clearing rifts as there are more and more of them." Uremiah replied joyfully "But he's an exceptionally powerful shikari."
Another male, having the voice of a teenager yet the money of 4 banks combined added "And of the A+ rank lost nation? How is that panning out?"
Even the King was interested and added "Yes.. I haven't heard the latest intel about that. How is it panning out?"
"Well…" Uremiah took a brief break between words "They're mustering up all the A+ ranks they can find but as for now, it is still lost. The monsters from that rift, as stated were… Precarious.."
"I understand. The loss of Genziolane has been kept quiet to the public for dozens of years." The King said, gaining the attention of all there
Axion had no clue what they were talking about and wondered about that lost nation, even thinking to himself about this Raven and if he's that high of a rank, the max rank then he must be outstandingly strong.
He moved through the upper floor, taking lefts, rights and unable to find his friend. He stumbled up on a guard in front of him that was positioned and knew that he had to pass.
'Can't help but feel sorry for that guy.'
Getting up behind him, he slammed the guy's head into the wall and choked him out until he was unconscious.
Axion carefully lowered the unconscious guard to the floor, ensuring there wasn't too much noise. He took a step back, glancing both ways down the hallway. Still no signs of movement, no sounds of alarm. Good.
He pressed forward, moving silently through the corridor, his steps light against the polished floor.
He had searched several rooms already, but none held what he was looking for. No Totem. No sign of Ragnar.
His frustration grew, but he kept himself steady. Rushing would only lead to mistakes.
He opened another door and slipped inside.
A study—lined with bookshelves and a large desk.
He quickly searched through drawers and cabinets, but they were empty aside from scattered papers and useless documents. Nothing of value. Nothing that could help him.
'Nothing. Again.'
Axion exhaled sharply through his nose and moved on.
The second floor was quiet, only the faintest murmurs drifting up from below. He didn't like how exposed he felt up here, moving from room to room with no progress.
He needed to wrap this up soon and leave regardless.
Another hallway. Another guard standing watch.
Axion approached swiftly, his movements precise.
Before the man could react, he struck, knocking him out with a quick blow. He caught the body before it hit the ground, dragging it out of sight before continuing his search.
Room after room, empty or filled with meaningless trinkets. No sign of the Totem. No valuables worth taking. Just more wasted time.
'This was a mistake. I shouldn't have accepted to go. Dammit, where is this fool…'
He turned a corner, pausing to listen. Still nothing.
He was running out of places to check. If he stayed any longer, his chances of getting caught would rise significantly. He needed to make a decision.
Keep searching or head out before he gets caught.
As he moved down the hallway, something caught his eye - a door slightly ajar.
He hesitated before stepping inside.
This room was different. The air was thick with an odd scent, not quite unpleasant, but enough to make him cautious
. A large table sat in the center, littered with documents and maps. Unlike the other rooms he had searched, this one looked like it had been used recently.
He scanned the papers, most of them detailing supply routes, names, and dates. None of it made sense to him.
But one thing stood out - a sketch of an unfamiliar emblem, hastily drawn in ink.
He frowned, tracing a finger over the symbol. It wasn't related to the royal family that he knew of.
Something else was going on here.
A faint sound made him freeze.
Footsteps approaching, slow and measured.
Axion quickly moved to the corner of the room, pressing himself into the shadows.
The door creaked open further, and he could hear breathing.
A figure stood at the threshold, unmoving, as if sensing something was off. Axion held his breath, forcing his heartbeat to slow.
The person lingered for a moment, then, seemingly satisfied, they turned and walked away, their steps fading into the distance.
He exhaled slowly. That had been too close.
Taking one last glance at the papers, he committed the symbol to memory before slipping back into the hallway. He needed to leave. Now.
As he moved toward the exit, the low murmur of voices reached him again, clearer this time. He recognized one of them—the same nobleman who had spoken about Raven earlier.
They were still discussing matters far beyond his knowledge, but one phrase stood out to him:
"…the preparations must be completed soon. We can't risk another failure."
Axion clenched his jaw. He didn't know what they were planning, but he knew one thing - it wasn't good.
He had overstayed his welcome. There was nothing left for him here. Bekker had to have been bs'ing about it. No valuables. Just more unanswered questions.
As he made his way back toward the path he had come, he kept his movements careful, retracing his steps with precision. No disturbances, no last-minute risks.
But just as he neared towards the bathroom he entered through, passing by the knocked out guard, he crouched beside him, checking his breathing.
It was good, steady. The reason for checking was blood from his head.
He didn't want to kill anyone.
As Axion stood up, he saw a girl on his left. It was the Princess.