Renovation and sudden attack

Helen and Lusav departed after spending a few moments admiring the night sky together, enveloped in the cold embrace of the evening, yet warmed by their shared emotions.

The following day, Lusav embarked on a new endeavor, undertaking the task of interior design for a recently acquired building. Under Helen's guidance, Lusav was entrusted with the creation of several small rooms within the structure.

To bring their vision to life, Lusav promptly reached out to a skilled building renovation contractor. After careful deliberation, the contractor estimated that the extensive renovations required would take a minimum of one to two months to complete. In addition to the requested rooms, Helen also made a specific request for a hidden tunnel to be constructed beneath the building, along with a concealed platform near the rooftop, suitable for covert purposes.

Helen further instructed that the building should incorporate a central office space, serving as the main hub, along with several smaller cottage rooms. Of particular importance, the main office room needed to be connected to a secret chamber, enabling discreet monitoring of conversations occurring within the primary area.

Lusav meticulously presented the comprehensive plan to the contractor, ensuring that every detail was accounted for. Displaying utmost dedication, Lusav made daily visits to the renovation site, personally overseeing the progress to guarantee the realization of Helen's unique vision.

The Duke and his team of subjugators ventured deeper into the ominous forest, but the number of malevolent beasts lurking within its depths multiplied at an alarming rate. Keeping pace with the relentless onslaught proved increasingly arduous. Fortunately, Brake, the sole individual proficient in manipulating flames, possessed the power to vanquish the most formidable of these evil creatures.

One fateful night, after successfully eliminating three such beasts, the Duke and his weary team sought respite within their humble tents. Cognizant of the need for silence to avoid attracting further attention from the nocturnal predators, they kindled a modest fire to cook a simple meal comprising vegetables and dried meat. Seated within his tent, the Duke perused several important documents when an abrupt and piercing scream pierced the tranquil night.

Startled, the Duke swiftly rose from his chair and hastened to the entrance of his tent, where Mr. Paul awaited, bearing sustenance for his lord. The Duke's countenance, creased with concern, furrowed his brow as he posed his inquiries in an icy tone, "What transpired? Why did someone scream? Is anyone injured? And why did they scream with such reckless abandon, potentially attracting the attention of the very beasts we seek to avoid?"

Paul, sensing the Duke's anger, replied promptly, "I shall investigate immediately, my Lord."

"No," the Duke retorted, his voice devoid of warmth. "I shall venture forth and ascertain the truth for myself. Accompany me." With those words, the Duke donned his regal garb and sword before setting off in the direction of the distressing cries.

As Duke Brakinson arrived at the scene, he encountered a gathering of knights. Paul queried them about the identity and cause of the initial scream, yet none could provide an answer. Suddenly, another cry pierced the night air, emanating from an opposing direction. Reacting swiftly, the Duke ordered Paul and a select few knights to investigate. However, Brake cautioned Paul not to stray beyond a distance of 120 meters, suspecting a trap devised to divide and conquer their subjugation team. Paul, accompanied by the knights, embarked on their mission, adhering to Brake's warning.

Upon reaching the prescribed distance, Paul commanded the knights to retreat alongside him. Their search yielded no sign of the origin of the scream. Anxiety gripped their hearts as they rushed back to the Duke's side. The ground trembled beneath their feet, a foreboding indication that they were in imminent peril. A horde of beasts drew near, their approach heralded by the seismic disturbance. Paul hastened towards the Duke, anxiety etched upon his features, and relayed, "My Lord, it appears your suspicions were well-founded. This was indeed a trap. Had we exceeded the 120-meter limit, we would have been isolated from the rest of the team."

The Duke's voice turned frigid as he replied, "A traitor lurks among us, or there exists an individual who orchestrated these events and now lies in wait nearby."

Paul pledged, "I shall swiftly uncover the truth, sir."

Paul possessed the rare and remarkable gift of earth elementalism, granting him an unparalleled connection with the plant kingdom. His attunement to nature surpassed that of ordinary individuals, allowing him to comprehend the unspoken language of plants. Though he lacked the ability to engage in direct communication with these sentient beings, he possessed an uncanny ability to decipher their silent desires and intentions.

Regrettably, the cover of night shrouded the forest in darkness, rendering it impossible for Paul to engage in dialogue with the vegetation that surrounded them. Nonetheless, Paul remained resolute in his conviction that come the following morning, aided by the plants' guidance, he would uncover the identity of the sinister presence responsible for their current plight.

However, it was crucial to note that the knowledge of Paul's extraordinary abilities as an earth elemantalist was a closely guarded secret, known only to his brother and the Duke. The magnitude of his gift held within it the potential to alter the course of their perilous journey.