The morning was all business.

  Kael no longer looked relaxed. The rest was over — focus had returned to his eyes.

  — We’re going to gather information about the monsters at the guild, — he said. — And to the blacksmith.

  Elf nodded.

  — The blade needs to be strengthened. If the raid is really happening, the old gear won’t do.

  Nika adjusted her bag.

  — And rumors. I need to speak with the cartographer.

  Rin was lying on the bed, hands behind her head.

  — You’re so boring.

  — Stay, — Kael said calmly. — And no nonsense.

  Rin smiled faintly.

  — Of course.

  The door closed.

  Mika looked at her.

  Silence lasted exactly three minutes.

  — Shall we go? — Rin asked.

  Mika hesitated for a second.

  — Just for a walk?

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  — Just for a walk.

  The City

  The day was bright. People bustled, shops were open, the guards lazily patrolled the streets.

  Rin walked calmly, telling her stories to Mika.

  Mika listened intently.

  — Let’s go there, — Mika said.

  — Rin was curious about that place too.

  They turned onto the craftsmen’s street.

  And at that moment, everything became too quiet.

  The noise seemed to fade away.

  Mika felt it first.

  — Rin…

  From different sides, people emerged.

  One. Two. Three.

  Eight.

  All in plain dark masks. No symbols. No colors.

  Professional. Silent.

  Rin stepped back.

  — This isn’t small-time…

  A ninth appeared from behind.

  A sharp strike hit her arm — the knife knocked aside.

  Mika screamed, but the sound was cut off — a cloth pressed against her face.

  — Quickly, — someone said shortly.

  Rin tried to break free.

  Too coordinated. It worked perfectly.

  They didn’t hit. They didn’t panic.

  They just worked.

  Within a few seconds, the street was normal again.

  As if nothing had happened.

  Meanwhile

  At the guild.

  — The Eastern Ruins are confirmed, — the old man said at the table. — But it’s strange that one person is gathering people so actively.

  Kael looked up.

  — Who?

  — They don’t reveal a name. Just call him “Lame.”

  They say he’s the main rival to the big boss.

  Elf frowned.

  Nika quietly said,

  — Someone is accelerating events.

  After the guild, they went to the blacksmith.

  And only by evening did they return to the tavern.

  The door opened.

  Silence.

  Too proper.

  The table untouched.

  The room empty.

  On the table — a folded sheet.

  Kael approached slowly.

  Unfolded it.

  “Come alone.

  Old warehouses at the Black Dock.

  If you bring anyone — they will die.

  The boss wants you.

  Don’t be late.”

  No signature.

  Elf swore.

  — This is already a higher level.

  Nika felt a chill in her chest.

  — They weren’t taken by small-timers.

  Kael folded the note.

  His face became empty.

  Not angry.

  Empty.

  — Masks? — he asked.

  — Looks like it, — Elf replied. — Professionals.

  — Then this is the so-called “boss.”

  A heavy silence hung.

  — You’re not going alone, — Nika said firmly.

  Kael looked at her.

  — They think they control me.

  He put the note on the table.

  — I’ll go alone.

  — It’s a trap, — Elf said.

  — Of course.

  He checked his sword. New balance. Slight improvement from the blacksmith.

  — But if he wants to use me…

  let him try to hold me first.

  Nika stepped closer.

  — We’ll be nearby.

  Kael nodded.

  — But he must be sure I’m alone.

  He headed for the door.

  Outside, dusk was falling.

  The Black Dock was far from the center.

  Old warehouses. Little light. Few witnesses.

  And somewhere there —

  Rin and Mika.

  Alive, or not.

  And what exactly does the boss want?