The Ravager

Leonel took a deep breath, adjusting his worn hood as he kept his eyes lowered. Despite his attempts to blend in with the bustling crowd, his tall stature made him stand out to observant eyes.

He glanced at his companions a few meters away, noting that they were also attempting to blend in seamlessly. Their mission required discretion and avoiding any unnecessary attention.

The street was teeming with various creatures. Some were running, others flying, and a few rode in sophisticated carriages. The air was thick with smoke, and the cacophony of noises threatened to overwhelm Leonel's senses. Vendors on the sidewalks clamored for attention, shouting to attract potential buyers for their wares.

Elders lay on the side of the street, contrasting with children who played and ran about, some of whom seemed to be escaping from captors. There were beggars extending their hands and women offering their bodies for Galleons, but Leonel paid them no mind.

The area was grimy, with a pervasive stench in every corner. Though many creatures glanced their way, Leonel remained focused on the mission at hand, following the orders of their King with utmost secrecy.

Leonel's mind raced as he navigated through the chaotic streets, his focus solely on finding the Ravager. He yearned to return to Lancaster Castle and confer with the Queen. He needed updates on her training progress and hoped for news of Rivalz's safe return.

It had been a month since Rivalz vanished, and each passing day heightened Leonel's anxiety. Memories of Rivalz's condition before his disappearance haunted him. Louise had described a body riddled with wounds and shattered bones. Yet, Rivalz had still clung to life, providing a sliver of hope that he remained alive somewhere. Leonel prayed that Rivalz hadn't encountered any hostile creatures in the unknown dimension.

To maintain their cover, Leonel and his companions pretended to peruse herbal remedies displayed along the street, blending in seamlessly with the crowd of travelers. As they neared the Mystic Inn, Leonel swiftly led the way inside.

Despite its modest size compared to Albus Hotspot, the Mystic Inn exuded elegance. Intricate details adorned its interior, with sculptures and architectural designs showcasing skilled craftsmanship. The walls were constructed from unusual stones that gleamed under the light, likely infused with Lumin Gems for added allure and magic.

As Leonel and his companions ventured deeper into the Mystic Inn, they marveled at the craftsmanship and opulence of the building. Those familiar with the use of Lumin Gems would easily recognize the reason for its specific inclusion in the construction. These gems were highly prized for their versatility, durability, and fireproof nature. It was unusual to find such precious materials used in a modest establishment like this one, especially in the heart of Twilight Nook in Primotheus Capital.

Inside the inn's lobby, Leonel led the way with one of his fellow knights trailing behind. He knew the rest of his team would follow suit shortly. The interior of the inn exuded a cozy charm, with numerous staircases and staff members in uniform bustling about. Leonel steered left and approached a door adorned with vases, feigning interest in their designs as he made his way to the far end where another wooden door awaited.

Upon opening it, they were greeted by a room filled with paintings, reminiscent of what an Elven informant had described as a source of information. Positioned prominently in the center was a statue depicting a massive snake biting into a unicorn. As one of Leonel's knights joined them, he approached the statue and ran his fingers over the snake's teeth before pushing them inside its mouth. The large circle surrounding the statue began to rumble, signaling its descent along with them into a hidden chamber.

Leonel was aware that his companions were following suit. Although they were a group of six, they had to split up into three pairs to avoid drawing attention. He checked the concealed blade hidden within his cloak, feeling the cold touch of the poison-laced dagger before carefully concealing it again.

In Quailsham, poisons were prohibitively expensive, making them rare and challenging to acquire. However, since becoming a knight in the Fire Fae Kingdom, Leonel had access to the funds needed to procure such items. With Rivalz, Liam, and the old man as his family, Leonel had grown up with a strong bond. Unfortunately, the old man had passed away due to illness, and Rivalz was also a knight now, leaving Leonel with no one to support or spend his money on except for missions like this one.

A bittersweet smile crossed Leonel's face as he reminisced about their childhood struggles. They had faced hunger and hardship, barely scraping by with odd jobs just to survive. Back then, they had dreamed of having enough Galleons to buy clothes and other luxuries. Now that he had the means to fulfill those dreams, Leonel found himself lacking the desire to pursue them.

Leonel's heart weighed heavy with the realization that his dreams of comfort and luxury were now meaningless without his family. Liam was the only family he had left, and even that bond felt strained under the weight of their losses. The luxury of having Galleons meant nothing without Rivalz and the old man by his side.

Despite trying to maintain composure and focus on their mission, Leonel couldn't help but mourn the loss of Rivalz deeply. Rivalz had been more than just a friend. He had been a mentor, a guide, and a father figure. Leonel's determination to find Amelia and seek justice for Rivalz was fueled by his grief and the need to make those responsible pay for their actions.

He knew that Liam was also grieving in his own way, even if he didn't show it openly. Rivalz had been a brother to Liam, a trusted comrade whose loss left a void that couldn't be easily filled. Their shared sorrow bound them together, even as they navigated the complexities of their current mission.

And then they discovered that there was still a possibility that Rivalz was alive. Louise mentioned the chance that she might have transported Rivalz to the auction in her attempt to save him. Although Louise wasn't certain if Rivalz had survived, Leonel still hoped he had. After dealing with the Ravager, he planned to track down that elusive auction and save Rivalz, no matter what it took.

Once the rumbling and ground movement ceased, they found themselves in another room. A long passage stretched before them, illuminated only by small candles that seemed to float on their own. Leonel recognized these as magical candles, adding to the mysterious ambiance. As they reached the end of the passage, a massive door stood before them. Opening it revealed a sight that furrowed Leonel's brow in concern.

As per the Elven's information, this was where they could find the Ravager. Leonel cautiously entered the new chamber with one of his knights, but they halted abruptly upon seeing the scene unfolding before them.

The chamber was elevated, providing a clear view of a large circular area below. Surrounding this space were numerous seats descending into the open area, all enclosed by an energy field. Leonel and his companion took in the spectacle, bracing themselves for whatever awaited them in this ominous setting.

"Nethertheater..." Leonel mused to himself.

He had never expected that the famed gladiator fights of Quailsham took place beneath the Mystic Inn. Creatures of all kinds surrounded them, creating a diverse and chaotic atmosphere. Faes, Elvens, Wyverns, Metamorphs, Werebeasts, Witches, and countless other beings from various origins mingled in the space. On the other side of where they stood, a menacing array of Ravagers, Goblins, Trolls, Gremlins, and Leprechauns filled the area. Most striking were the Metamorphs, some resembling animals like Antelopes, Cheetahs, Beavers, and Giraffes. Among them, a group with feet resembling elephants stood nearby, alongside another group whose skin resembled hyenas.

The entire arena resounded with screams and shouts as the ground split open in the middle, revealing a male Ravager of considerable age. His imposing physique was matched by long, spiraling black horns that glinted under the lights. Scars adorned his body, a testament to his numerous battles and extensive combat experience. Leonel couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation and apprehension as the fight was about to begin.

On the opposite side of the Nethertheater, the ground opened, and a majestic Wyvern emerged. Its red scales extended from its hands up to its arms, accentuating its muscular and powerful physique. The energy it exuded was palpable, commanding attention from all present.

As the thunderous shouts reverberated throughout the arena, a warhorn sounded, signaling the beginning of the battle. Spectators eagerly placed their bets, their excitement and cheers filling the air. Some leaped in joy or raised their hands as the competition unfolded and advantages became apparent.

Leonel felt a sense of urgency to conclude their mission swiftly. The sooner they finished here, the sooner he could implore Louise to use her unique abilities to locate and retrieve Rivalz.

Meeting his companions' gaze, Leonel understood the unspoken urgency. They couldn't afford to linger, even though the temptation to stay and watch was strong. Their mission demanded swift action, and they couldn't waste any more time amidst this chaotic spectacle.

With a quick glance at his companions, Leonel conveyed through a shake of his head that they couldn't stay long, despite their desire to observe. Their mission was paramount, and they needed to press forward without delay.

Navigating through the crowd of spectators, Leonel maneuvered himself to the other side where another door awaited. He knew his fellow knights were discreetly following him in disguise, although their presence was masked amidst the throng. Despite the multitude of creatures present, they had to remain cautious and hidden to avoid unnecessary complications. It was exhausting to maintain this vigilance for an extended period, but they knew it was necessary to evade any obstacles that could impede their progress.

Leonel understood the desire of his companions to stay and watch. After all, they were at the renowned Nethertheater, the most famous indoor arena in Quailsham. However, time was of the essence, and they couldn't afford any distractions.

Despite being the youngest among King Ludwig's knights, Leonel held a high position due to his early start in training and battles. Through dedication and hard work, he gradually climbed the ranks, earning respect and authority among his peers. As their commander, his orders were followed with utmost respect and obedience.

Upon entering the new chamber through the door, they left behind the bustling Nethertheater. The atmosphere in the chamber was equally intense, filled with the sounds of cheers and screams from the crowd.

Leonel's eyes narrowed as he took in the vastness of the place, realizing the magnitude of the area beneath the Mystic Inn. He had initially thought the inn was relatively small, so the expansive space below came as a surprise.

Leonel couldn't help but consider two possibilities as they descended into the vast underground chamber beneath the Mystic Inn. Either they had unwittingly entered a teleportation spell that transported them to another territory, or there existed an underground illegal community within Primotheus Capital, unknown to the city's Ministers and Council.

The chaos of the underground racing track only added to Leonel's irritation. He grimaced as the screams and shouts from nearby spectators assaulted his ears. The upper deck had transformed into a wide racing track, complete with high tracks, numerous obstacles, and hidden traps in every corner to challenge the racers.

As Leonel observed the contestants, he noted the blade skates they wore and the intense competition as they raced towards the finish line. They skillfully navigated the track, avoiding traps and engaging in combat to eliminate their rivals.

The unique weapons used in the race caught Leonel's attention, sparking his curiosity about where such items could be acquired. He saw potential value in these weapons for their mission, fueling his determination to investigate further.

Leonel's focus sharpened as he observed the players and examined the unique weapons being used in the race. However, his attention shifted abruptly when he noticed a woman standing at the far end of the area. Despite the chaotic mix of creatures around her, her striking pink hair made her stand out like a beacon. Although her face was beautiful, Leonel's gaze was drawn to the strange tattoos adorning her hands, something he had never seen before.

Without hesitation, Leonel signaled to his companions to follow him discreetly. The intense race had escalated into a violent battle, resulting in casualties along the way. Amidst the screams and chaos, Leonel pushed through the lively crowd, keeping his eyes fixed on the female Witch who was engrossed in conversation with an old Elven figure sporting a long white beard.

Once near the woman, Leonel adjusted his hood and made sure to conceal his presence. Despite the darkness of the place offering some cover, he remained cautious, knowing he couldn't risk being identified. He strained to listen to their conversation amidst the loud shouts of the spectators. In moments like these, he wished he possessed the heightened senses of a Werebeast, particularly enhanced hearing.

Leonel winced and pressed his ears as the crowd erupted in both joy and sadness, exchanging Galleons in raised hands as the match concluded and the winner was announced.

Reflecting for a moment, Leonel reconsidered his desire to be a Werebeast. Even now, his ears were almost overwhelmed. He couldn't imagine coping with tenfold more sensory input.

As the woman departed, engaged in conversation with someone else, Leonel sighed. Following them now would be too risky, as he had already been close behind them and might easily be noticed if he continued to tail them.

Despite the risks, Leonel was determined to follow them. He kept a careful distance to avoid suspicion, aware that his companions were also shadowing him discreetly.

The memory of the Witch's face was vivid in Leonel's mind. She was the Ravager's ally, the one who had orchestrated the explosion that nearly killed him. Any slip-up that revealed his identity could jeopardize their mission, so Leonel moved with utmost caution, weighing every decision.

Engaging in a direct confrontation with the Witch was tempting, but it was also incredibly risky. They couldn't afford to take chances, especially not knowing if she was alone or had allies hidden nearby. If they were to confront her, it would have to be a silent and swift elimination to prevent any information from reaching Lord Supremo.

The Witch and the man she had been conversing with entered through a door. Leonel surveyed the area and noticed that no one else followed them inside, prompting him to focus his attention on the door. He took a few moments to assess the situation, noting that while he couldn't detect any magical traps, there was a sense of a large gathering of creatures beyond.

With caution, Leonel and his companions made their way into the room, moving stealthily and remaining alert for any signs of danger. They readied their weapons and abilities, ensuring they were prepared in case they encountered a trap or an ambush.

As they entered, the tension that had filled Leonel dissipated slightly, revealing a room filled with a diverse array of creatures engaged in various forms of gambling.

The room was expansive, filled with numerous tables surrounded by gamblers. Despite the lively atmosphere, it was relatively quieter compared to the previous games. Galleons exchanged hands freely, adding to the ambiance of risk and excitement. Occasional fistfights broke out, swiftly quelled by vigilant guards.

Leonel refrained from directly following the woman. Instead, he delegated the task to one of his subordinates to avoid arousing suspicion. He maintained a discreet distance, ensuring he wasn't too close but also not too far from her presence.

Turning his attention to a table where Wyverns were engaged in a card game, Leonel observed quietly. He positioned himself strategically, a few tables away from the woman, close enough to monitor her but far enough to avoid detection. Despite his efforts, he couldn't hear her conversations. However, something caught his eye.

As the woman conversed with the Elven, a female Metamorph joined their table, engaging in discussion with the Witch. This development heightened Leonel's concern. The Witch held crucial information about the Ravager's whereabouts, making it imperative for Leonel to gather intelligence from her.

With each passing minute and the continued absence of actionable information, Leonel's patience wore thin. The cacophony of the players' screams only added to his frustration. They couldn't afford to passively wait. They needed to take proactive measures and gather crucial insights swiftly.

Leonel was on the verge of joining his companions to discuss his plan for cornering the Witch when a young boy collided with him from the side.

"Your following is too obvious," the boy whispered to Leonel.

Leonel narrowed his eyes at the boy's remark. Despite his small frame and dirt-covered appearance, the boy's words held a surprising level of insight. As Leonel contemplated how the boy managed to trespass into this place, he was about to dismiss him and leave the matter to the guards.

However, the boy spoke up again, warning Leonel, "You'll be noticed if you continue what you're doing."

Feeling a mix of irritation and curiosity, Leonel leaned down to face the boy more closely. "What do you know?" he asked, trying to sound firm and authoritative.

The boy simply smiled back. "You don't seem to belong here," he observed calmly.

Leonel's face filled with annoyance. After scanning their surroundings, he firmly grabbed the boy's left hand and guided him into a shadowy corner of the chamber, near a potted plant, away from the bustling activity of the players and employees.

To Leonel's surprise, the boy didn't resist or make a sound as he was led away, maintaining an eerie silence that avoided drawing attention. This behavior only heightened Leonel's suspicion.

Once they were out of sight, Leonel turned to face the boy, with his disguised knights strategically positioned around them.

One of the knights, a smaller figure, approached Leonel and whispered, "Is there a problem, commander?" They then turned their attention to the expressionless boy.

With a tight jaw, Leonel focused on the boy and demanded, "Who are you? What do you know?" 

Despite the dirt on the boy's face, there was no sign of fear or emotion in his eyes. "It's not important who I am. What matters is that others are noticing you're following the Witch with rose-colored hair and the old Elven," the boy remarked calmly.

Leonel's companion reacted swiftly, drawing a hidden blade and aiming it at the boy. However, the boy dodged effortlessly, demonstrating agility beyond his apparent age. The sword merely sliced through the air.

The boy grinned mischievously. "You're not from around here, are you? Killing anyone inside the Aegis Bastion is strictly forbidden. It would be reported to Lord Supremo..."

Leonel nodded silently, fully aware of the rules. Killing within the Aegis Bastion would not only alert the authorities but also complicate matters legally. They needed solid evidence and justifiable reasons if they were to take action against the Witch. Their plan was to confront her outside the Bastion where they could act without such restrictions.

Leonel asked once again, his impatience evident in his voice, "Who are you?"

The boy replied simply, "Jil."

Leone's knight gripped the boy's collar, expecting fear or at least apprehension, but the boy remained calm and composed.

"Are you with them?" Leonel's voice carried a hint of accusation.

The boy responded calmly, "We could talk peacefully if you let go of me."

The knight's jaw clenched as his grip tightened. "And why should I do that?" he questioned sharply.

Leonel glanced at one of his companions who had drawn near.

Jil continued, "Because I can help you, in exchange for Galleons."

The knight hesitated, not releasing his hold on the boy. Their silent standoff stretched on, both staring into each other's eyes.

Eventually, Leonel's comrade handed the boy over to him. Lowering himself to the boy's eye level, Leonel locked gazes with him, noting the darkness in his eyes akin to an abyss.

The boy quickly stated, "Five silvers for the information you want to know."

The knight handling the Galleons hesitantly took out five coins from his pocket without a word.

The boy seemed suspicious. "No screaming? Will you not curse me because I'm just a little kid? Are any of you not suspicious that I might actually be one of their allies?"

Leonel sighed deeply. "You're too young to be with them. Even if you are their companion, we're certain your only motive for teaming up with them is for the Galleons. If we offer you more, you'll provide what we need."

The boy smirked confidently. "You're surprisingly clever for creatures not native to Primotheus Capital. Your physique indicates knights, not spies. Your methods of espionage are too obvious. You're clearly following the Witch."

Leonel's knights exchanged uneasy glances. The boy's words hit home with a harsh truth. They weren't trained as spies. They primarily engaged in combat and direct confrontation, preferring to solve issues through force rather than subtlety.

Clearing his throat, the boy continued, "You're tracking the Ravager with red and gold eyes, aren't you?"