0025.

In the tense silence, Mayor Yi Nang panted nervously, while Su Jin stayed cool as a cucumber, as if this were just another day. With seven foes against one, the Mayor didn't know if he should stay calm or freak out. The seven figures moved like hungry wolves, circling R1. Then, without warning, one of them charged at R1.

R1 didn't flinch. He moved with a blur of black, his hand flashing out. A single, silver glint in the dim light – the assassin's blade deflected with a clang. The assassin stumbled back, momentarily disoriented. It was a simple movement, devoid of wasted energy, yet it spoke volumes of R1's calculative precision.

However, R1 superior skill didn't deter the others, the remaining assassins attacked in a flurry of dark blades. R1 turned into a whirlwind of silver slashes, his movements a silent dance of defense. He dodged, swayed, and blocked with an otherworldly grace, the silver shine of his weapon against their dark blades.

Seeing their attacks having no effect, not even eliciting an accelerated breath from the red-glowing-eyed intruder, they silently agreed on something. With a single thought, all of their blades lit up as if coated by a glowing blue vapor.

"I need them alive, R1," Su Jin suddenly declared, shocking and enraging the shadowy attackers. They all lunged at once, hands raised high, ready to strike, when Su Jin smiled. "Idiots!" he remarked.

R1's mind calculated at a high rate of precision, time seemingly standing still for him. In that brief moment, he swung his sword in a single wide arc. A loud metallic hum echoed as the attack passed.

With a loud crash, all seven of them fell to the ground, their hands severed from their bodies. However, none of them made a sound, not even a squeak, just ragged breathing slowing down due to blood loss.

Su Jin lost his composure. "Dammit! I asked you to keep them alive, now they're bleeding out." He looked at R1, a flicker of annoyance in his gaze. "We need answers, not corpses."

R1 stayed emotionless, not replying or moving. Su Jin came forward and removed the mask.

*SWISH*

A sharp dart shot pass his cheek without hurting or touching him.

*CRACK*

Something cracked under their jaws as they turned into lump instantaneously.

"That's great, mute, vocal cord less assassins." Su Jin laughed at this unfortunate turn of events, though there was a hint of frustration in his voice.

"I am sorry R1 for scolding you, you did your best." Su Jin turned and gave his sincere apology. R1 stayed motionless as his face hidden under his dark hat.

"Who were they? I have no knowledge of people using the underground jail as their hideout," Mayor Yi Nang interjected, his voice filled with concern and confusion.

Su Jin sighed, his laughter fading as he pondered the question. "I'm not sure," he admitted, his brow furrowed with thought. "But whoever they are, they're not amateurs. They knew exactly what they were doing and who they were targeting."

The Mayor's expression darkened at Su Jin's words. "Do you think they were after you?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Su Jin considered the possibility for a moment before shaking his head. "No, I don't think so. They seemed more interested in preventing us from uncovering whatever secrets lie within this underground jail," he replied, his tone grave.

Mayor Yi Nang nodded in understanding, though worry still clouded his features. "What do we do now?" he asked, glancing around the dimly lit chamber.

Su Jin's gaze hardened with determination. "We press on," he declared, his voice firm. "We need to find out who sent these assassins and why. And we need to do it before they strike again."

"But why are we here anyway? What are you looking for here?" Mayor finally gathered his courage to ask the real question.

A moment of silence passed, and Mayor Yi Nang wondered if he had made a mistake by asking this question, did he provoke Su Jin. Finally, Su Jin spoke, his voice tinged with mystery. "We," he began, then paused, carefully selecting his words. "Or rather, I am here searching for one of my... let's call them Curiosity."

Mayor Yi Nang furrowed his brow. "Curiosity? You risked both our lives for a Curiosity?"

Su Jin smiled enigmatically. "Perhaps it's more than just an Curiosity, Mayor. But for now, let's just say it's of great importance." He turned away, his gaze shifting back towards the passage leading deeper into the darkness. "We still have a long way to go."

Su Jin took the initiative and knelt beside the first assassin, ignoring the Mayor's questions for now. He needed information, and these unfortunate souls might still hold the key. With practiced ease, he began searching their pockets, his movements efficient and devoid of hesitation. R1 remained a silent sentinel, his red eyes flickering in the dim light, ever watchful.

"Empty," Su Jin muttered, frustration lacing his voice. He moved on to the next one, his search proving equally fruitless. Their clothes were devoid of any identification or clues. Just as dejection began to cloud his features, his fingers brushed against a hidden compartment in the final assassin's clothing. Hope flickered in his eyes.

He extracted a small, tightly rolled scroll, its edges singed as if by fire. With careful hands, he unfurled it, revealing a single, cryptic symbol etched onto the aged parchment. It was an emblem Su Jin recognized – the mark of the Crimson Lotus, a notorious underground organization rumored to dabble in dark and forbidden arts.

A cold dread settled in his stomach. The Crimson Lotus was a dangerous entity, their motives shrouded in secrecy. Their involvement in this situation added a layer of complexity he hadn't anticipated. He glanced at R1, silently conveying the new development.

"The Crimson Lotus," Su Jin muttered, his voice low and grim. "They're behind this."

The Mayor, who had been cautiously observing Su Jin's actions, finally spoke up, his voice a mere whisper. "Crimson Lotus? They… they say they deal in dark arts. Are you sure, Su Jin? Are we in over our heads?"

Su Jin didn't answer immediately. He stared at the symbol, his mind racing. The presence of the Crimson Lotus added a whole new dimension to their situation. Were they simply guarding the secrets of the jail, or were they actively involved in something far more sinister? He couldn't shake the feeling that they were on the verge of something much bigger than they had initially bargained for.