《The Cry Of Evil》


 Chapter 1: Shadows Over Ironhart

    The first rays of dawn slipped through the heavy curtains of the royal chamber, casting a pale light over Princess Elena Ironhart¡¯s pale face. She had been awake for hours, her restless mind refusing the solace of sleep. The quiet hum of the city waking up below did little to ease the unease knotting her stomach.


    A soft knock came at the door, followed by the gentle voice of her maid. ¡°Your Highness, are you awake?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m awake,¡± Elena replied, her voice steady but tired.


    The door creaked open, and the maid entered, her steps light on the stone floor. She curtsied deeply before speaking. ¡°The king wishes to see you before you depart, Your Highness.¡±


    Elena nodded, brushing a hand through her dark-purple hair. ¡°I¡¯ll meet him shortly. Thank you.¡±


    As the maid left, Elena rose from her bed and moved to the tall window. Her room offered a commanding view of the capital, Ironhart, gleaming in the morning light. Streets teemed with life as merchants set up their stalls, children laughed and chased one another, and workers bustled about their day.


    It should have been a comforting sight, but Elena couldn¡¯t shake the dread that lingered in her chest.


    Too many had died in recent weeks. Reports of bodies torn apart by beasts¡ªand more disturbingly, people vanishing without a trace¡ªhad spread fear across the kingdom. Even the capital, with its imposing walls and vigilant guards, was not untouched.


    Elena closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The weight of the crown was not hers yet, but its shadow already loomed over her.


    Moments later, she stepped out of the palace gates. A gleaming carriage awaited her, its polished wood and intricate engravings a testament to the kingdom¡¯s wealth and power. Standing beside it was Theo Blackthorne, a tall, imposing figure in polished armor. He bowed deeply as she approached.


    ¡°Your Highness,¡± Theo greeted her formally. ¡°I trust you¡¯re well this morning?¡±


    Elena gave him a small, polite smile. ¡°As well as one can be, Theo.¡±


    Theo studied her for a moment, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°I¡¯m honored to accompany you on this journey, but I was wondering¡ªwhere is that idiot? She¡¯s late again.¡±


    Elena chuckled softly. ¡°I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll make her entrance any moment now.¡±


    Right on cue, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the stone path. A figure dashed toward them, waving her arms and shouting, ¡°Elene! Wait!¡±


    Elena turned just in time to see Mika Goldhart skid to a halt in front of her, out of breath but grinning from ear to ear.


    ¡°Sorry! Sorry! I overslept!¡± Mika gasped, her honey-colored hair bouncing as she straightened herself. ¡°I was just so excited about this trip that I couldn¡¯t sleep! We¡¯re going to have so much fun!¡± Her eyes sparkled with childlike enthusiasm.


    Theo crossed his arms, his expression stern as he addressed Mika. ¡°You can¡¯t keep us waiting, Mika. The princess¡¯s health isn¡¯t good, and punctuality is the least you can manage. Frankly, you shouldn¡¯t even be here¡ªyou should be dealing with your family¡¯s business affairs. Isn¡¯t robbing the poor what you Goldharts do best?¡±


    Mika¡¯s eyes flared with mock offense, a smirk tugging at her lips. ¡°Look who¡¯s talking,¡± she shot back. ¡°Someone who ran away from his first day of training. Don¡¯t throw stones from your glass mansion, Blacky.¡±


    The tension between them grew thick, but before it could escalate, Elena stepped between them, raising a hand. ¡°That¡¯s enough, both of you. Sit in the wagon¡ªwe have a long journey ahead, and I¡¯d rather we start it in peace.¡±


    Grumbling under his breath, Theo moved to the wagon, his boots crunching against the gravel. Mika followed with a cheerful shrug, clearly unbothered by his irritation.


    As the wagon started rolling, Mika leaned toward Elena, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. ¡°So, where are we headed, anyway?¡±


    ¡°To Nemore,¡± Elena replied. ¡°It¡¯s a small town in Westfall.¡±


    Mika tilted her head, frowning. ¡°Nemore? What kind of name is that? I¡¯ve never heard of it before. And why are we even going there?¡±


    Elena¡¯s expression grew serious. ¡°We need help. The peace of the kingdom is threatened by these anomalies, and Nemore might hold answers.¡±


    Mika waved a dismissive hand. ¡°Oh, come on, Elene. These are just rumors! You shouldn¡¯t¡ª¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re not rumors,¡± Theo cut in, his tone sharp and unwavering.


    Both Mika and Elena turned to him, surprise etched on their faces. Theo¡¯s jaw tightened as he continued, his voice lower now. ¡°Five hundred soldiers were sent to the Forest of Dar to investigate strange reports. Not one of them returned. A search party was sent the next day, and all they found were corpses¡ªripped to shreds, with marks from animals no one has ever seen before. And that¡¯s not all. There¡¯s a drug circulating in the markets¡ªsomething new. We¡¯re still testing it to figure out its composition and effects, but it¡¯ll take time.¡±


    Mika blinked, her usual levity replaced with unease. ¡°Why don¡¯t I know about this?¡±


    Theo¡¯s gaze darkened. ¡°The soldiers and search party were sent by direct order of the king.¡±


    Elena frowned, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Even I didn¡¯t know about this¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a brutal sight and grim news,¡± Theo said. ¡°The kind of thing we¡¯re trying to keep from spreading panic. As nobles, it¡¯s our responsibility to protect the kingdom¡¯s honor and peace. Not that we can expect much from the Redwicks or the Shahs.¡±


    Elena¡¯s lips tightened at the mention of the other noble families, but Mika quickly leaned closer to her, a reassuring grin on her face. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Elene. The king is just worried about you. And besides, this guy¡ª¡± she jabbed her thumb toward Theo ¡°¡ªis too much of a coward to let anything bad happen to us.¡±


    Theo¡¯s brow twitched, his irritation flaring again. ¡°Watch your mouth. Address the princess with respect¡ªher name is Elena, not Elene.¡±


    Elena smiled softly. ¡°It¡¯s fine, Theo. I don¡¯t mind.¡±


    Mika smirked, leaning back in her seat. ¡°See, Blacky? That¡¯s how friends talk to each other. Not that you¡¯d know anything about having friends.¡±


    Theo¡¯s glare could have melted steel, but Elena let out a small laugh, easing the tension once again. ¡°Let¡¯s focus on the journey, shall we? We¡¯ll need all our strength when we arrive.¡±


    The wagon came to a gentle stop, its wheels creaking against the dirt path as the royal guards opened the door for the princess. Mika stretched her arms dramatically, letting out an exaggerated groan. ¡°Finally! I thought I¡¯d die of boredom sitting in there.¡±


    Theo shot her an unimpressed glance before turning to Elena. ¡°Princess, where are we headed from here?¡±


    Elena reached into her sleeve, retrieving a small, folded piece of paper. Carefully opening it, she revealed a strange symbol drawn on its surface: a gear-shaped circle with two horn-like arcs emerging from the center, curling around its edges. She held it up for Theo and Mika to see.


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.¡°We need to find something that resembles this,¡± Elena said, her tone measured.


    Nemore greeted them with its natural beauty as they stepped into the small town. Situated in the heart of Westfall, it boasted sprawling grassy fields, colorful flowerbeds, and a breathtaking cliffside that overlooked the glittering sea. The golden light of the setting sun only enhanced the town''s picturesque charm. The cheerful laughter of children echoed through the streets, blending with the gentle hum of merchants chatting and villagers going about their day.


    Elena approached an elderly man sitting by a fountain in the town square, his kind face weathered with age. ¡°Excuse me,¡± she said politely, holding up the paper. ¡°Have you seen anything like this symbol before?¡±


    The old man adjusted his spectacles, peering closely at the drawing. ¡°Ah, yes. If it¡¯s this symbol you¡¯re searching for, you should head to Fall Cliff. There¡¯s something near the edge that bears a mark just like this.¡±


    Elena smiled warmly and gave a slight bow. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Returning to Theo, Mika, and the royal guards, Elena relayed the information. ¡°We¡¯re heading to Fall Cliff. Gather everyone.¡±


    As they walked toward the cliffside, Mika marveled at the scenery, her eyes wide with wonder. ¡°I¡¯ll admit, this place is beautiful and all,¡± she said, ¡°but I don¡¯t see why we¡¯d find anything important here. Maybe they¡¯re hiding some secret weapon stash. Oh! What if it¡¯s a whole artillery? Or¡ª¡± she grinned mischievously¡ª¡°maybe I¡¯ll get a shiny new spear.¡±


    Theo rolled his eyes. ¡°Keep quiet, you idiot. If there were weapons here, the king would¡¯ve sent soldiers, not us. And why would anyone hide weapons in a peaceful place like this?¡±


    ¡°Well, we¡¯ll find out soon enough,¡± Elena said calmly, her gaze fixed ahead.


    The path led them to the edge of the cliff, where the view opened up into a breathtaking panorama of the sea below. The sunlight danced across the waves, painting the horizon in warm hues of gold and orange. The serene beauty momentarily silenced even Mika.


    ¡°Hey! Over there!¡± Mika suddenly exclaimed, pointing toward a small house near the cliff.


    They all turned to see an old, weathered structure, just big enough for one person to live in. A rusty rod stood beside the house, a tattered black flag swaying in the gentle breeze. The flag bore the same symbol as the one on Elena¡¯s paper¡ªthe gear-shaped circle with horn-like arcs.


    Theo stepped forward. ¡°Princess, let me check inside first.¡±


    Before Elena could respond, Mika brushed past him, grinning. ¡°Not without me. And don¡¯t you dare steal any spears, Blacky.¡±


    Elena chuckled softly, watching them bicker as they entered the house. Standing outside, she allowed herself a moment to take in the scenery, the cool sea breeze brushing against her face.


    Then, she felt it¡ªa presence behind her. Her heart raced as she quickly turned around, a sharp gasp escaping her lips.


    The sudden gust of wind sent the tall grass swaying, and the sunlight dimmed as the sun dipped lower. Everything took on a yellowish hue, casting an eerie glow over the scene.


    Theo and Mika rushed out of the house, their weapons drawn. ¡°Princess!¡± Theo called, his voice firm with concern.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡± Mika asked, her gaze darting toward the royal guards who had also tensed.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Elena said, her voice steady but her eyes fixed on something¡ªor someone¡ªstanding a few paces away.


    It was a child. A boy, no older than ten, with long, unkempt black hair and a frame so round that his shirt strained to contain him. He stood silently, his dark eyes locked onto Elena¡¯s.


    ¡°Princess!¡± a voice called out from behind.


    They all turned to see an elderly man approaching in a hurried shuffle, his face lit with recognition. ¡°I greet the princess of Claymere!¡± he said, bowing deeply.


    Mika, still on edge, narrowed her eyes. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    The man straightened slowly, his voice polite and calm. ¡°Pardon me for startling you, and for not introducing myself sooner. I am Arsh Nemore the Third, the chief of this village.¡±


    Mika raised an eyebrow. ¡°Wait, Nemore? Isn¡¯t that the name of this place?¡±


    Arsh nodded, a faint smile on his lips. ¡°Indeed. This town was named after my ancestor, the first Arsh Nemore.¡±


    Elena stepped forward, her tone gracious. ¡°There¡¯s no need to apologize, Chief Arsh. It¡¯s an honor to meet you.¡±


    Arsh bowed again. ¡°The honor is mine, Your Highness. I apologize for being late¡ªI came as quickly as I could when I heard of your arrival. These old bones, however, are not as swift as they once were.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Elena reassured him.


    The chief¡¯s eyes flickered to the flag by the house. ¡°May I ask what it is you seek here, Your Highness? Perhaps I can be of assistance.¡±


    Mika crossed her arms, nodding toward the flag. ¡°We¡¯re looking for this symbol.¡±


    Arsh¡¯s expression changed, his polite demeanor taking on a subtle edge of intrigue. ¡°Ah¡­ I see. So, you¡¯ve come to meet the Nomade?¡±


    ¡°The Nomade?¡± Elena repeated.


    Arsh explained, ¡°For generations, a family of wanderers¡ªthe Nomades¡ªhas upheld a strange tradition. They leave a child here, old enough to manage daily tasks, in this house. The child lives here in solitude until adulthood, when they leave and eventually return with their own child. The villagers provide them with food and clothing. It¡¯s said that, long ago, the Nomades did something of great importance for our ancestors. It¡¯s even recorded in our family logs, though the exact details are lost to time.¡±


    Mika snorted. ¡°That might explain why this kid looks like he¡¯s been eating for three.¡±


    Arsh frowned. ¡°Please, milady, be respectful. We owe this family much, though we no longer remember why.¡±


    Mika scratched her head. ¡°Right, sorry. I was joking.¡±


    Theo smirked. ¡°She¡¯s an idiot by nature. Don¡¯t mind her.¡±


    Ignoring their banter, Theo asked, ¡°Is there anyone who might know more about this symbol? Someone from the Nomade family?¡±


    Arsh shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m afraid not. I¡¯ve never met any of their elders. This is the third child I¡¯ve seen, but their families always come and go without interacting with us.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s strange,¡± Mika muttered.


    She approached the boy, who was now arranging items on a dusty shelf inside the house. ¡°Hey, kid! I¡¯m Mika Goldhart. What¡¯s your name?¡±


    The boy didn¡¯t respond, continuing to sort through the shelf. Mika tried to lift him playfully but failed. ¡°What do you eat, bricks?¡± she grumbled.


    Arsh sighed. ¡°He¡¯s never spoken a word in the two years he¡¯s been here. Neither did his predecessors.¡±


    Intrigued, Elena knelt beside the boy, holding up the paper. ¡°Do you recognize this?¡±


    The boy stared at the paper intently before tilting his head. Elena mimicked the gesture, smiling gently. Suddenly, he grabbed her hand.


    Startled, Elena gasped. Theo and Mika immediately drew their weapons, but the boy turned his gaze to Theo, his dark eyes glinting with an unspoken threat.


    ¡°Stand down,¡± Elena ordered. ¡°I¡¯m fine. He just startled me.¡±


    The boy refused to let go of her hand despite her gentle attempts to pull away. Frustrated but calm, Elena stood. ¡°It seems he¡¯s coming with us.¡±


    Arsh offered them the village guest house for the night, but Elena shook her head. ¡°We can¡¯t stay too long. We¡¯ll return to the capital. If he wishes to leave later, someone can escort him back.¡±


    Arsh nodded. ¡°As you wish, Princess.¡±


    As they boarded the cart, Mika grumbled, ¡°No weapons, no answers... and now we¡¯ve got a kid to take care of.¡±


    Theo smirked. ¡°You¡¯re saying that, but you¡¯re the one staring at his cheeks like they¡¯re treasure.¡±


    Mika pouted. ¡°They¡¯re squishy! What¡¯s wrong with that?¡±


    The cart rolled away as the sun dipped below the horizon, the sea glistening in the fading light. Their journey back to Ironhart had just taken a strange and unexpected turn.

 Chapter 2: Hierarchy

    It¡¯s finally here¡ªthe first day at the Royal Academy. I¡¯ve dreamt about this moment for years, and now, as I stand at the grand gates, I can barely keep my excitement in check. My hard work, those endless nights of studying after part-time shifts, and my mother¡¯s quiet prayers have all led me to this moment. The Royal Academy¡ªa place where the finest minds of the kingdom gather, where nobles walk the halls with grace and dignity, and where I, Calvin, a commoner, have earned a spot.


    I take a deep breath and step through the gates. The air feels different here¡ªcrisp, almost heavy with importance. My heart pounds as I look around, taking in the grandeur of the academy. The buildings tower above, their intricate designs speaking of centuries of history and prestige. I feel so small in comparison, but I remind myself¡ªI earned my place here. I deserve to be here.


    A booming voice interrupts my thoughts. An announcement calls us to the main hall. I follow the stream of students, my excitement bubbling over again. I can¡¯t wait to meet my classmates, to learn alongside them, and maybe, just maybe, make some friends. I find a seat near the back¡ªempty, like my social circle¡ªbut that¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll work my way up.


    The chatter around me is fascinating. Names I¡¯ve only read about in history books are being tossed around casually. "Will Miss Saphier give the opening speech?" one student whispers. Another responds, "No way, she¡¯s too busy. She barely shows up here." Miss Saphier... Even her name carries an air of mystery. I wonder what it¡¯s like to meet someone of such importance.


    The speech begins. It¡¯s not Miss Saphier, but a teacher whose voice carries authority. He talks about nobility, about the academy¡¯s prestige, about how we¡ªthe future leaders of the kingdom¡ªwill shape its destiny. My chest swells with pride. Me, a commoner, sitting here among the elite, hearing these words. It feels surreal.


    After the speech, we¡¯re free to explore. I wander the halls, taking in the sights. The academy is vast, more than I imagined. As I walk toward my classroom, someone steps in front of me. He¡¯s tall, with an air of arrogance that practically oozes from his very being. "Hi," he says, his voice smooth but sharp, "which noble family are you from?"


    I hesitate. "I¡¯m not from a noble family," I reply, my voice steady despite the unease creeping in.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    He blinks, then smirks. Before I can process what¡¯s happening, his hand swings. The slap is loud, sharp, and stings like fire. My cheek burns as I stagger, shock freezing me in place. My mind races¡ªwhat just happened? Why did he hit me?


    "Move out of my way, commoner," he sneers. His words are like venom, each one piercing deeper than the slap itself. Around us, the other students stop and stare. Their eyes aren¡¯t kind. They¡¯re cold, judgmental, as if I¡¯ve committed some unspeakable crime by merely existing here. I feel like an insect under a magnifying glass, ready to be squashed.


    Before I can react, a voice cuts through the tension. "What¡¯s going on here?" It¡¯s firm, commanding, and everyone turns to see her¡ªMika Goldhart. Her armor glints in the light, and her presence alone is enough to scatter the crowd.


    Eliath Redwick¡ªso that¡¯s the name of my attacker¡ªturns to her, his arrogance fading slightly. "Nothing," he says, waving it off. "Just moving him out of my way."


    "Then stop making a scene," she snaps. "Go to your classes or explore. Don¡¯t loiter."


    He mutters something under his breath and looks at me with disdain. "Be careful next time," he says before walking off.


    I¡¯m still frozen, my cheek throbbing, when Mika approaches me. Panic sets in¡ªwhat if she¡¯s going to hit me too? I blurt out, "I¡¯m sorry! It wasn¡¯t my fault! He just slapped me out of nowhere!" My words tumble over each other as I brace for the worst.


    To my surprise, she doesn¡¯t raise a hand. Instead, she says, "It¡¯s okay. I know." Her tone is calm, almost... understanding? "You¡¯re a scholarship student, right?"


    "Yes," I reply, still unsure of what¡¯s happening.


    "Then you should be careful," she warns, her voice firm. "The nobles aren¡¯t as noble as you think. Don¡¯t be naive." She turns to leave, her words sinking in like a cold truth.


    Before I can stop myself, I call out, "You¡¯re a good person, Miss Mika. A noble one."


    She pauses, glances back, and shrugs. "Maybe I am." Then she¡¯s gone, leaving me alone with my thoughts.


    The rest of the day passes in a blur. As I walk to the dorms, the pain in my cheek is a constant reminder of my place here. I touch it lightly, wincing. "Aww," I mutter to myself. "Well, I¡¯ll have to hang on. If enduring this is the price of the scholarship, so be it. It¡¯s just three years. I¡¯ll get through this somehow."


    Three years. That¡¯s all it is. Three years of enduring the looks, the whispers, the slaps. I¡¯ve come too far to give up now. For my mother, for my father¡¯s memory, for my future¡ªI¡¯ll survive.

 Chapter 3: A chance

    The past month at the Royal Academy had been grueling for Calvin. Despite his best efforts to fit in, he remained an outcast. His days were filled with relentless studying, swordsmanship training, and enduring the cruelty of his peers. The bullying never stopped¡ªwhispers behind his back, cold stares, deliberate shoves, and worse. Bruised and battered, Calvin persevered. He refused to let their torment crush his spirit. And though no one spoke to him or sat with him during meals, he kept his focus, determined to prove himself. By sheer grit and intelligence, Calvin had secured a spot among the academy¡¯s top-ranking students.


    Today was no different. Calvin sat quietly in the back of the classroom, taking notes as the professor lectured. He¡¯d grown used to being ignored. But then, the classroom door swung open with a dramatic flourish, and every head turned.


    ¡°Pardon my intrusion,¡± a deep, commanding voice said.


    Calvin looked up to see none other than Professor Kawran standing at the doorway. The murmurs began instantly. It wasn¡¯t every day that the famed swordsman, known for his countless battles and unmatched skills, graced the classroom. Tall and broad-shouldered, Kawran cut an imposing figure. His long cloak flowed behind him, and his sheathed sword hung at his side. Scars on his hands and neck were visible proof of his warrior¡¯s life. His presence demanded respect.


    ¡°Listen up,¡± Kawran began, his voice carrying over the whispers. ¡°We¡¯re organizing a surveillance mission to Shengla, a city in the Westfall district. If any of you wish to gain practical experience and develop your skills, you are welcome to join. This is a rare opportunity to work alongside me, so make your decision wisely.¡±


    The room erupted in excitement. A mission with Professor Kawran was a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Students buzzed with enthusiasm, and Calvin felt a spark of hope. This was his chance¡ªa chance to prove himself beyond the academy walls. Without hesitation, he filled out the form and submitted it, joining the growing list of eager participants.


    The next morning, just as dawn broke, the group set out. The journey to Shengla was long but uneventful. Calvin kept to himself, as always, but he listened carefully to Kawran¡¯s conversations with the other students. When they finally arrived in Shengla, they climbed out of the carts and took in the bustling city. Shengla¡¯s streets were alive with merchants, travelers, and townsfolk, but an undercurrent of unease hung in the air.


    Calvin walked up to Kawran. ¡°Sir, may I ask what we¡¯re looking for?¡±


    Kawran¡¯s sharp eyes turned to him. ¡°Ah, well, young man, strange disappearances have been happening here recently. We¡¯re here to investigate.¡±


    ¡°Then shouldn¡¯t we start by asking at the local guild?¡± Calvin suggested.


    Kawran raised an eyebrow, then nodded. ¡°A good idea. Let¡¯s head to the guild.¡±


    The local guild, located at the city center, was a large, bustling building. As they entered, they were greeted by Nina, a representative of the guild. She was polite but visibly worried.


    ¡°Professor Kawran,¡± she said after hearing his questions, ¡°yes, the disappearances have been happening quite often. Many of our guild members have gone missing, including Mr. Kasai, one of our strongest members. He disappeared a week ago.¡±If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Can you provide us with his house location?¡± Kawran asked.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Nina replied. ¡°His house is on Sixth Street, near the main market.¡±


    With their next destination set, the group thanked Nina and made their way to Kasai¡¯s home.


    Calvin knocked on the door. There was no answer. He knocked again, harder this time, but the silence persisted.


    ¡°I think there¡¯s no one home,¡± Calvin said hesitantly.


    Kawran stepped forward, his expression grim. ¡°There¡¯s someone inside. I can feel it. Open the door by force. Someone may be in danger.¡±


    Calvin hesitated but obeyed, breaking the door open. Inside, the house was dim and eerily quiet. In one corner, a woman sat huddled, her arms wrapped around her knees. Calvin approached her cautiously.


    ¡°Miss, are you okay?¡± he asked gently.


    The woman lifted her head, and her eyes widened in panic. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± she screamed and began thrashing violently.


    ¡°Please, calm down!¡± Calvin pleaded, keeping his distance. Her neck and arms were covered in bruises, signs of a brutal struggle.


    Before she could hurt herself further, Kawran stepped forward in a blur of motion and struck her neck lightly, rendering her unconscious. ¡°Calvin, call Nina and a doctor immediately,¡± he ordered.


    Calvin nodded and rushed out. Soon, Nina arrived with a doctor, who bandaged the woman¡¯s injuries and administered a sedative.


    ¡°She¡¯ll be fine with rest,¡± the doctor assured them before leaving.


    Nina¡¯s face was pale. ¡°That¡¯s Kasai¡¯s wife,¡± she said. ¡°They were married six months ago. She used to visit the guild often to see him.¡±


    When the woman regained consciousness, she looked at Nina and burst into tears. Nina held her gently, calming her down.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for attacking earlier,¡± the woman said shakily.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Calvin assured her. ¡°You were scared.¡±


    Kawran stepped forward. ¡°What happened to you, and where is your husband?¡± he asked.


    The woman wiped her tears and began her story. ¡°It started a week ago. My husband injured his foot¡ªjust a small wound¡ªbut it made him sad because he had an important quest in the Wastelands. The day of the quest, his foot was miraculously healed. He was so happy and went with his team. They returned three days later, but...¡± Her voice faltered. ¡°It wasn¡¯t him.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Calvin asked, leaning forward.


    ¡°He looked the same, but he didn¡¯t act like himself. Kasai always came straight home after a quest, but that day, he stayed at an inn. When I went to see him, he wouldn¡¯t open the door at first. When he did, his eyes were red, and he looked... wrong. He wouldn¡¯t eat, and no medicine worked. Then, this morning, he got violent. He hit me and left. I don¡¯t know where he is.¡±


    Nina¡¯s face hardened. ¡°Kasai would never hurt anyone. He was kind, beloved by everyone at the guild.¡±


    Kawran frowned. ¡°Nina, are there any potions or ointments that heal injuries that quickly?¡±


    ¡°There are ointments, but nothing that works instantly,¡± she replied.


    Kawran¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°A drug that heals injuries and induces violent behavior... This is troubling.¡± He glanced at Calvin and Nina. ¡°We¡¯ll need to investigate this further.¡±


    Calvin nodded, his heart pounding. Whatever was happening in Shengla, it was far more dangerous than he had anticipated.