Chapter 11: A Desperate Escape

August lay on the cold cavern floor, his breathing shallow, his body drenched in blood. His once-imposing presence was reduced to a fragile, wounded shell.

Adrian knelt beside him, hands shaking as he tried to stop the bleeding with a torn piece of his sweater. His mind raced—he had to do something, but the wound was too deep. He wasn't a healer. He wasn't even a fighter.

Then he felt it—someone behind him.

A girl.

She wore a crimson cloak, the hood casting a shadow over her face. A satchel rested on her back, its contents unknown. She eyed August's condition, and without hesitation, she rushed to his side.

"What happened?" she asked urgently.

"We, uh… we were attacked," Adrian stammered, still trying to keep pressure on August's wound.

The girl knelt down, quickly rummaging through her bag. Moments later, she pulled out a set of bandages.

"These will slow the bleeding, but it's not enough. We need to get him to a healer."

Adrian exhaled sharply. "I know a place."

With a grunt, he lifted August onto his back. The older warrior was heavy, his limp weight making it a struggle, but Adrian refused to let go.

Step by step, he carried August out of the cavern, the girl following close behind.

Their destination—the Pleasure Hall.

The moment they arrived, the women inside rushed to them, their eyes widening in alarm at August's condition. Within seconds, they had taken him from Adrian's arms, carrying him inside.

Adrian stood frozen, his breath ragged.

Then came the words that shattered him.

"His injuries are severe. He might not make it."

His legs nearly gave out beneath him.

Adrian stumbled outside, collapsing onto a bench. He buried his face in his hands, his mind spiraling.

'If only I were stronger. If only I were faster. I couldn't even protect him… No wonder he left. I'm useless.'

Beside him, the girl in the red cloak sat down.

"He's important to you, isn't he?" she asked softly.

Adrian exhaled a shaky breath. "I guess."

Meanwhile… far from the Pleasure Hall, King emerged from the cavern, his blade still stained with August's blood.

Gil waited for him outside, arms crossed. "Well?"

King didn't waste time. "August Magnus is on the island."

Gil's expression darkened. "August Magnus. Another relic from New Pegasus… but what's he doing here in Prosperum?"

"I don't know, and I don't care," King said coldly. "He's not leaving. Signal for reinforcements."

Gil placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Relax. Even if we call for backup, they won't arrive in time. Our best bet is to inform Sir Gallant and work with him to capture August Magnus."

King exhaled sharply but nodded. "Fine. But August wasn't alone—there was a kid with him."

Gil raised an eyebrow. "A kid?"

"He called August Magnus his friend."

Gil let out a laugh. "A friend? Does he even know who he's dealing with? But he's just a kid—why are you so concerned?"

King's jaw tightened. "Because that kid moved so fast… I couldn't track him."

Gil's amusement faded.

King—one of the fastest in his class—had been outpaced. That was no small feat.

"A prodigy?" Gil mused.

King's eyes narrowed. "Maybe. But from the look of it, he doesn't have a custom Trinket. He's just starting."

Gil smirked. "No matter. With me by your side, we'll take down both August Magnus and that kid."

King remained silent, his usual stoic expression returning.

Two hours later the heavy wooden door of the Pleasure Hall creaked open.

One of the succubi approached Adrian, her expression softer than before. "He's out of danger."

Relief crashed over Adrian like a tidal wave.

Erica Web, the mistress of the Pleasure Hall, invited Adrian and the girl in the red cloak into her chambers.

The room was filled with luxurious pillows, thick incense curling in the air as Erica took a slow drag from her ornate pipe. The scent of exotic herbs lingered.

Smoke billowed above them as she exhaled, her sharp gaze locking onto Adrian.

"I'll be blunt, kid. I don't buy your story. No cavern beast could hurt August Magnus. So tell me—what really happened?"

Adrian hesitated before answering. "He fought someone in the caverns. I don't know who he was, but he had a grudge against August."

Erica clicked her tongue. "A soldier from the World Federation, then. He must've been strong to injure August like that."

Adrian shook his head. "Not exactly. August made the ground shake, and that threw the guy off balance. But in the process, the guy still managed to stab him."

Erica sighed, rubbing her temple. "That showoff… No matter. You two need to leave. If that guy was with the World Federation, they'll be hunting both of you."

Adrian's hands curled into fists. His breath quickened.

"You're afraid of the World Federation?" Erica asked.

Adrian swallowed hard. "No. Something worse… My mother."

Erica arched a brow. "Well, I have a boat you can—"

"We can't leave." Adrian's voice was firm. "We came here to find the man who can make my Trinket. And I know August won't leave without it."

Erica studied him for a long moment. His determination… it reminded her of someone. Someone equally stubborn.

She sighed. "Fine. Then why don't you tell us where Bernard is?"

She turned her gaze toward the girl.

Adrian blinked. "Her? Why her?"

Erica smirked. "Why don't you take off that cloak, Emily Vester?"

The girl hesitated, then slowly pulled back her hood.

Adrian's breath caught in his throat.

Her brown hair cascaded over her shoulders, her amber eyes glimmering under the dim candlelight. Her petite frame and beautifully tanned complexion only added to her striking presence.

He could only manage a stunned whisper. "She's Emily Vester?"

Emily clasped her hands together, looking down. "I'm sorry I didn't reveal myself sooner… It's just—I'm finding it difficult to trust people right now."

Adrian furrowed his brows. "Why?"

Emily's expression darkened.

"Because Bernard was taken… by the monarch of Prosperum—Sir Gallant."