[center][h2]Seraph Academy ---> Radiant Cathedral[/h2] [h3]Western Gate[/h3][/center] [center]~~~ [@Rune_Alchemist] ~~~[/center] [quote=Seleth Thenri][color=0076a3]"I know the rumors well. That I'm unpleasant. A, shall we say, bitch, to put nicely. I've been accused of bullying and being far too headstrong in a number of aspects. So let me ask you...when faced with such rumors, what am I going to do? Lay down and cry? Cower and flee?"[/color][/quote] Nur smiled weakly. "[color=olivedrab]...No. You're not that kind of person, are you Seleth?[/color]" [quote=Seleth Thenri][color=0076a3]"I'm heading to the Cathedral, if you wish to come. We can talk more there, and if you wish I can try soothing your worries with some prayers, perhaps?"[/color][/quote] The girl was silent for a moment. "[color=olivedrab]...Yeah. I'd like that.[/color]" ------ With the timid Nur behind you, you make it back to the Radiant Cathedral. The sacred grounds were your home, free from the worries and problems that apparently plague Seraph Academy. However, that was no longer the case when you see in the shrine of Aylama two young men. [url=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/04/52/b6/0452b607d33b75e5ecd1fd0462524707.png]One of them was blonde of hair, his attire a mixture of white armor and blue fabrics. His eyes were blue but his fierce, impatient expression made it look like he was better suited for more fiery colors.[/url] [url=https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/katawashoujo/images/c/c8/Kenji.png/revision/latest?cb=20131211034312]The other boy was bespectacled and had short, scruffy hair. His clothes were a shade of green but the scarf around his neck were of red and yellow colors. Unlike his companion, he was reserved and had a neutral, uninterested face.[/url] "[color=cornflowerblue]We've been expecting you, Nur.[/color]" The one with glasses adjusted his spectacles. "[color=cornflowerblue]And I see you brought a friend.[/color]" Nur, meanwhile, was completely confused. "[color=olivedrab]What? Expecting me? Who are you and how did you know I was coming here?[/color]" "[color=brown]Don't be stupid, Nur. You know who I am. We're the dredges of the Academy.[/color]" You, yourself, knew who the blonde one was. He was Orne, infamous for his short temper and frequent starter of brawls. He was kicked out of Seraph Academy a long time ago but he was still allowed to participate in the annual tournaments. "[color=brown]But glasses here is named Zeen. A wannabe mage who can only do cheap tricks.[/color]" Ignoring Orne's insults, it was Zeen's turn to talk. "[color=cornflowerblue]Nur. We are looking for you in behalf of Varjan. We were... told that you were headed here.[/color]" His bespectacled gaze then turned to you. "[color=cornflowerblue]Although, we were not told that you had company. Who is the Elf, Nur?[/color]" "[color=brown]Her name's Seleth. Infamous like me but somehow still in the Academy.[/color]" Orne spat. "[color=brown]But she's not the type to make friends. So the question is, how'd she find Nur? She find kinship with the poor girl?[/color]" The presence of the two men in the Cathedral was foreboding. But surprisingly, so was Nur's. Could it be just a feeling? [center][h3]Outside The Academy Infirmary[/h3][/center] [center]~~~ [@AzureKnight] (LIS) ~~~[/center] "[color=darksalmon]Lisia?[/color]" A familiar voice called you out from your stupor. It was Mira, the Eastern mage. It had been quite a while since you two last met, the tournament really taking up much of your time and likely hers as well. "[color=darksalmon]I heard what happened. You were beaten by Seleth.[/color]" Mira unintentionally rubbed that fact to your face. Still, the girl was sympathetic. "[color=darksalmon]Are you alright? How are you feeling?[/color]" She asked in concern. "[color=darksalmon]Hey, don't be afraid to let out around me, Lisia. I'm a friend, after all.[/color]" Mira gave a sincere smile. "[color=darksalmon]Where are you heading right now? Wanna grab a quick snack or drink first? It could cheer you up.[/color]" You felt that Mira pitied you. Considered you fragile, treating you carefully. Perhaps she needed correction? [center][h2]Unknown[/h2][/center] [center]~~~ [@AzureKnight] (HIS) ~~~[/center] [quote=Hisana][color=9e005d]"Now tell me dear, does this masked man look [b]anything[/b] like my beloved Enishi?"[/color][/quote] Annabelle sighed. "[color=magenta]No. But they both have blue-ish colors so Keith, in his stupid mind, probably made the connection.[/color]" "[color=magenta]Keith's a wild card in a very literal sense. I should've seen this coming.[/color]" The mastermind gritted her teeth. "[color=magenta]...That's it. We're cutting our losses and pulling out. I don't know what Keith'll blurt in prison but I'm not taking any chances. We're ceasing our operations and leaving Zauberheim before we get caught.[/color]" She declared. "[color=magenta]But![/color]" Annabelle added. "[color=magenta]I have a final mission for you, Hisana, before we part ways.[/color]" She leaned closer to you. "[color=magenta]You see, I am not keen on just letting a... spanner in the works get away just like that. So, I want you to kill him. I want you to kill Keith. Kill him before you leave Zauberheim.[/color]" The mastermind gave you her last order. "[color=magenta]As for moi, we had an order from some boy earlier. He ordered a ton of stuff so it'd be a waste to let go of all that gold. We'll be sticking around for one more day before we haul ass.[/color]" [center][h2]Southern Gate Town ---> Luminous Citadel[/h2][/center] [center]~~~ [@Frozen0Titan] (KAZ & TIB), [@CitrusArms], [@AzureKnight] (ENI) ~~~[/center] [u]Lumina[/u] inspected Juan's corpse along with the injured boy. Unfortunately, the nobleman was beyond saving. "[color=dodgerblue]He's dead. We can't do anything for him now.[/color]" [quote=Enishi][color=00aeef]"Knight of Razelia, forgive me. We couldn't save that nobleman for questioning. But your assistance is greatly appreciated."[/color][/quote] The knight sighed. "[color=lightyellow]...Just doing my job. Also, thanks for saving my butt back there. That girl sure was something, huh? It looked like you knew her.[/color]" He referred to Hisana. "[color=lightyellow]Anyway, I'm not a knight. Just a guardsman. I quit the Arcknights a long time ago.[/color]" Soon, the city guards arrived and wrapped up the situation. All those involved were escorted to the Luminous Citadel for debriefing. [center]~~~ [@ZAVAZggg] ~~~[/center] [quote=Rimlian]"Tell me...why did you attack me in the first place? I didn't do anything to you. And I clearly wasn't with the people you were after."[/quote] "[color=9e0b0f]I thought you were someone else, man![/color]" Keith happily replied. "[color=9e0b0f]I was protecting that guy...[/color]" He motioned to the man who had cards embedded on his neck and head. "[color=9e0b0f]...and I had to be careful for anyone who might get the jump on us. Thus, the mistaken preemptive strike on you.[/color]" From his tone, you knew he was not at all sorry for what he did. "[color=9e0b0f]But so much for protecting that guy though. But it's not gonna matter. None of it will.[/color]" You could almost see a smile behind his helmet. Moments after, the city guard arrived and cleared the scene. All those involved were escorted to the Luminous Citadel for debriefing, including you. ------ [center]~~~ [@Frozen0Titan] (KAZ & TIB), [@CitrusArms], [@AzureKnight] (ENI), [@ZAVAZggg] ~~~[/center] In the Luminous Citadel, everyone was assembled before Athos, the Court Mage of the royal family. "[color=darkslateblue]Everyone, the operation did not go as smoothly as intended. We had an unfortunate casualty on our hands. That being Sir Juan de la Cruz, even if he is a suspected accomplice. An innocent bystander was also dragged into this mess.[/color]" He motioned a hand towards [u]Rimlian[/u]. "[color=darkslateblue]Fortunately, it is not all grim news for we have apprehended at least one individual who knows much about the criminal ring.[/color]" He said, referring to Keith. "[color=darkslateblue]He is proving to be quite cooperative. So cooperative, in fact, that we suspect he is misleading us. But if they are true, I believe we can take the whole drug operation down soon.[/color]" "[color=darkslateblue]Sir Enishi, the captured criminal Keith has revealed that he knows about your target Hisana and where she will likely head next.[/color]" Athos addressed [u]Enishi[/u]. "[color=darkslateblue]He says that if she does not leave Zauberheim, she will likely be trying to kill him. Keith, I mean. We can dispatch some aid to you if you wish.[/color]" "[color=darkslateblue]Oh, before I forget. About Keith, we've actually struck a deal with him. In exchange for information, we've agreed to grant him amnesty.[/color]" Athos revealed. "[color=darkslateblue]I know it appears we've made an unwise mistake but he has presented an opportunity to conclude our investigation in our favor. Also, Keith was very adamant about his desire to leave Zauberheim and Razelia altogether. Thus, we believe he will not be causing anymore trouble.[/color]" The Court Mage was unnerved as he spoke. "[color=darkslateblue]But, Keith is still in custody and he will not be released until we're completely done with him.[/color]" Athos added. "[color=darkslateblue]If you wish to see him for any final words or questions, you may do so.[/color]" The Court Mage then addressed [u]Rimlian[/u]. "[color=darkslateblue]Sir, we are very sorry that you have been dragged into our investigation. We apologize for ruining your business here in Zauberheim[/color]" He bowed. "[color=darkslateblue]That said, you handled yourself well out there. May we know who you are, sir?[/color]"