As Vesper made his way from the chaos of the Zogus encounter toward the reporting headquarters, the tension in his shoulders hadn't faded. The debris, the whispers, the stares—all of it clung to him like ash after a fire.
As he stepped into the main facility, the fluorescent lights flickered faintly above. Just inside the hall, he spotted Reva, waiting with her arms crossed, a thin look of concern veiled beneath her otherwise neutral expression.
"You did well," she said as soon as he approached. "A Zogus that size could've caused a city-level threat down the line. Killing it? I'd say it counts as today's task completed."
Her tone was calm—too calm, almost like she was trying to console him, pat him on the back.
Vesper's face twitched with irritation. "This shitty job has no wins," he muttered coldly, brushing past her. "Even your dumb brain knows that."
Reva rolled her eyes with an exaggerated sigh. "Okay, okay, grumpy. No need to spit acid." Then she leaned back against the wall and added, "Chief's waiting for you. Meeting hall. Good luck."
With that, she walked away, mumbling something under her breath that Vesper didn't care enough to catch.
The Meeting Hall
Inside, Chief Reed Rims sat at the head of the long, dimly lit chamber. A half-finished glass of amber liquor rested in his hand, the other gesturing lazily as if waiting for Vesper to begin.
Vesper stood straight. "Mission completed. Primary target neutralized. Additional threat—Zogus—engaged and eliminated."
Reed scoffed. "Excuses, el-dritch. Just excuses."
The word el-dritch rang in Vesper's ears like a blade drawn too fast. His jaw tightened, but he kept his expression blank, forcing the burn of humiliation down deep where it couldn't be seen.
Reed stood and circled the room slowly. "You mercs think brute instinct justifies chaos. You forget that this empire is hanging by a thread." He poured another drink, taking a slow sip. "King Ares is bedridden. The throne's silent. Borders are heating up. Spies are slithering in every district. Inflation's a damn fire we can't put out. And don't get me started on food riots."
He paused, narrowing his eyes at Vesper.
"And what are we left with? Cleaners. To do the work no one else has the stomach for. To kill before crimes are committed."
Vesper didn't respond. He couldn't. Because deep down, some part of him agreed—and hated that he did.
The Chief's voice dropped to a low, grave tone. "This isn't just politics, Vance. This is your mess too. Whether you want to admit it or not."
Vesper gave a curt nod and turned to leave.
The Letter
Back in his small, dimly lit room, Vesper tossed his jacket on the chair and froze. Something was off.
On his desk, a folded envelope rested neatly.
No seal. No name. No mark of origin.
He opened it slowly.
Inside, a single line:
"Semi-Rhudaur Bar. 9:55 PM."
No further instructions. No signature. But the unease crawling down Vesper's spine told him exactly who it might be from.
He hesitated. He had every reason not to go. And yet… his legs moved anyway.
The Semi-Rhudaur Bar
The place was exactly as he remembered—filthy, loud, and stinking of spilled liquor and bloodstains not yet dry. The Semi-Rhudaur was infamous in the underworld, a watering hole for criminals, mercenaries, and lost souls. A second home for those without one.
The bartender gave Vesper a single glance and pointed downstairs without a word.
Below, in a quiet, dim chamber lit by flickering wall sconces, a robed figure sat alone, dressed entirely in black. Even his face was veiled under the hood.
Vesper approached cautiously, stopping beside him.
"How are things in the palace, these days?" he asked, his tone casual—forced.
The figure lowered his hood.
Prince Sidis Regalthorn.
The eldest son of King Ares, heir to the throne, and perhaps the only person Vesper truly trusted.
His violet eyes sparkled with an unnatural light, his black hair streaked with delicate white strands like frost.
In response, Sidis gave a small, knowing smile. "My father is alive, Vesper. And I prefer just 'Prince Sidis.'"
Vesper offered a subtle bow. "As you wish, Prince Sidis."
The prince leaned back slightly, relaxing as the tension broke.
"So," he said with a faint smile, "how's life in the cleaner facility, friend?"
Vesper gave a half-shrug, voice dry. "Just another day in paradise."