Elenya touched the map, her finger nodding toward a location labeled Mining Site 14B. Her gaze narrowed as she examined the surrounding regions—Redhill's border, its twisting streets, and the City Lord's manor above it all like a crown.
"If someone nefarious acquires those crystals," she said, "they can cause actual harm.
Her eyes shifted to Asthia, who had her ankle bound, and then to Reth, whose arm bled through a tattered bandage.
Elenya observed him for a second. He seemed peaceful, but he was obviously hurting. Nevertheless, something about him seemed… off. She couldn't put her finger on it.
"You're fortunate," she added. "If that creature down in the sewer had been any healthier, you wouldn't be standing there."
Asthia didn't even blink. She tightened her grip on the glowing disc on the table. "Luck had nothing to do with it," she said. "Reth handled it. Barely."
Reth let out a weak laugh, leaning back with a wince. "Barely's generous. I was one hit away from becoming monster lunch."
Elenya's mouth curled, not a smile. "Well, you're still alive. That's something. But this—" she swept a hand over the room, the map, the chaos—"this isn't just one monster. Mana crystals don't appear in arbitrary mines. Someone strong is working here.
Reth scowled, recalling the message he had seen: Corrupted Intent. The words rang in his head—stronger than reason, colder than hatred. He curled and flexed his fingers, still sensing that peculiar throb in his skin.
"That creature was born of corrupted mana, wasn't it?" he asked. "You really believe they're utilizing the crystals to create more of them?"
Elenya eyed him skeptically. "Good idea. Yeah. Too much corrupted mana distorts everything—people, animals, even plants. If people are mining it irresponsibly… either they're dumb, or they're doing it intentionally."
Asthia moved closer. "Or they're making those beasts into weapons. Redhill's leaders don't care who they harm."
Elenya's fingers paused on the map. "You think the City Lord's involved?"
Asthia nodded. "Until we learn more, we have to assume everyone is. That piece of paper we discovered stated 'No. 6.' That ain't a name—it's a rank. There's organization behind this."
Elenya leaned back, thoughtful. "The seal on that note—the three-headed serpent. It's not Virex. I've seen it before. It's from a cult the Empire wiped out years ago. Called themselves the Freedom Church. They wanted to destroy the Godspires and 'free' whatever's outside the walls."
Reth's jaw tightened. He remembered Asthia telling him about rebels like that—mad cultists who thought the Empire was trapping them, and died trying to escape.
"You think they're back?" he asked.
"Possibly," Elenya replied. "Or someone's acting in their name. Either way, this doesn't come cheap. Mining, monsters—someone with a lot of money and backing is behind this. And they're not subtle."
Asthia touched the disc again. Its light faded.
"We identify this 'No. 6.' That meeting is our only clue. We go in, we observe, and we don't get caught."
Elenya snorted in a dry laugh. "Sure. One little issue. You two are wanted. Reth's likely on every bounty list in Redhill. And your hair isn't exactly low-key, Princess."
Asthia's eyes sparkled. "We have a plan."
Reth arched an eyebrow. "Still haven't shared with me what it is."
"I'm not going to," she replied with a subtle smirk. "You'll see tonight. Trust me—it's perfect."
Asthia paid her no mind and rose, wincing from her ankle.
She addressed Reth, her voice stern once more. "Rest. You'll not do me any good if you faint half-way."
He nodded, sensing the heaviness in his arms. "You too. That ankle of yours does not look good."
She did not protest. She sat down instead, eyes half-lidded but awake, observing the lantern dance like it would be revealing secrets to her.
[System Notification: Mission Update – Uncover the Crystal Conspiracy]
Progress: Mana crystal deposit found. Mana Abomination slain. Potential Cult of Freedom connection discovered.
Future Objective: Sneak into the City Lord's mansion. And learn more.
Reward: 60 EXP, Threat Perception Lv. 3, +4% Loyalty with Commander Asthia
Failure: Redhill guards take Reth prisoner. Bounty becomes 75,000 crowns.
Reth glanced at the system message, then at Asthia. Her face remained serene, but her hand remained close to her sword, prepared for anything.
"You ready for this?" he asked, voice husky.
She looked into his eyes. "Are you?"
He smiled through the pain. "Always."
The fire spat softly as things calmed down. Asthia leaned over to Elenya and whispered something in her ear.
Reth couldn't quite catch what she was saying, but Elenya nodded curtly and stood up. She slipped out of the room.
Reth looked at Asthia, an eyebrow rising. "What was that about?"
Asthia didn't respond. She just leaned back, stroking the bandage on her ankle. The glowing disk on the table was dimming now, sending soft light across the walls.
A few minutes later, Elenya returned, bringing a small cloth pouch. She handed it to Asthia like it was nothing.
Asthia opened it and peeked inside. "Hey. do you know how to use this stuff?" she asked softly.
Elenya smiled. "A little. My academy roommate was addicted to it. She'd always pull me into assisting her prior to exams or dates. I learned a few tricks."
She gazed at Asthia and arched an eyebrow. "You don't?"
Asthia shot her an expression. "Have you ever seen me dress like this?
Elenya gave a quick laugh. "Right. You're like me. Naturally beautiful." She elbowed Asthia in the side.
Asthia rolled her eyes but smiled.
Reth was observing the two of them, obviously confused. "Okay, seriously. What are you two discussing?"
"Sit up straight," Asthia instructed.
He scowled. "Why?"
Elenya began to pull things out of the bag—small brushes, powders, some sort of waxed stick. "Because you're on every bounty board in Redhill, and we need you to not look like you for once."
Reth gazed. "Is that. makeup?!!"