His breathing is slow and steady. His expression is peaceful but the air around him feels dense, as if there was a weight pressing down onto it. Even though his expression is soft, one would think twice before stepping close. Yes! This man is sleeping peacefully. As he is deep inside his slumber a figure comes into view inside of his room. The figure inches closer and closer, until they stand over him while he lays on his bed.

  “Vice-captain, wake up. We need to go!”

  It’s a young woman, she looks to be around twenty. She has brown hair with a pixie cut, and big brown eyes. She is also quite tall. He stirs awake, clutching his covers while still half asleep.

  “No~ Ten more minutes.”

  The man says while nuzzling into the covers. He is on a shorter side, about hundred-seventy centimeters. He has short, spiky black hair and lazy blue eyes. Without his shirt on you can see that his body is well trained and built.

  “Sigh… Stop sulking and wake up. We are on a mission.”

  He opens his eyes softly, his expression still cloudy from his sleep.

  “Nora, you know you shouldn’t just barge into a guy’s room, right?”

  Nora’s eyes squint, and her nose wrinkles slightly.

  “Well, if the Vice-captain would follow the schedule according to the plan, I wouldn't need to do this!”

  The man smiles softly, his eyes fluttering close.

  “Yes yes, I’m sorry. Let’s eat and depart right away.”

  Nora walks out of the room and closes the door. He changes into his clothes while basking in the morning sunlight coming through the window. The clothes look ordinary, even though a keen eye can see that he is well equipped. He walks out of his room and down the stairs to a restaurant that is inside the Inn.

  “You’re finally done. You always take forever to get ready, Vice-captain.”

  He sits across from Nora. His expression is soft and carefree.

  “We are here under a disguise, so stop using my title.”

  “Oh… yes, I forgot. But I still don’t understand why we are sneaking around the country like some thieves.”

  “Well, you can’t exactly have someone like me going on an excursion publicly.”

  The waitress comes over.

  “That’s what I’m saying.”

  After ordering, he turns back to Nora.

  “You already know why we’re here. We are searching for talents that the Fiend Company could hire.”

  Nora places her chin onto her hand.

  “If that was the case we could just put on a notice, there isn’t a single reason why someone of your caliber should be here. How about you finally tell me the real reason?”

  With a smile, he stirs his coffee slowly.

  “You will find out eventually.”

  “Tsk… so annoying.”

  The waitress brings them their meals. They start to eat, preparing for their departure.

  “So, what’s our next destination?”

  Nora studies her notes while eating slowly.

  “Did you hear what is happening around Dahl?”

  One of the guests that is staying in the inn asks some other men.

  “Not really, I just heard there was a commotion because of something.”

  “Yeah, that’s all I heard as well.”

  “My father-in-law lives there, and he visited us yesterday. He told us that a dark mage is running rampant in the woods there.”

  “Wait… are you serious?”

  “Yes! He said that he already ransacked a couple of villages. There are some people missing as well.”

  “What? Are they doing nothing to stop him?!”

  “Apparently, all the big shots from the guild are out of the missions. But he said that they sent someone.”

  As the Vice-captain is eavesdropping on their conversation, a smirk appears on his face.

  “I guess we are going to Dahl.”

  “Oh, that small city. Why there?”

  “Hmm? Just a gut feeling.”

  Nora’s eyes narrow slightly.

  “Do you always have to be this vague?”

  “It’s more exciting this way, isn’t it?”

  Nora exhales sharply while rubbing her temples

  “Bothersome is a more appropriate description.”

  With a chuckle, the vice-captain stands up, leaving a couple of coins on the table to pay for their meals. Both of them walk out of the inn. They are in a small village that’s built along the travel road. Walking up to their horses, both of them prepare for their journey. After they are done setting up everything, they hop on and start to slowly gallop away.

  “Dahl should be this way right?”

  Nora pulls out a map and studies it briefly before putting it away.

  “Yes, it should take us about three-quarters of a day.”

  As they continue down the road, the man snaps his head towards the woods on the left side. Nora picks up on this right away.

  “What’s happening?”

  His gaze continues to linger on the treeline.

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  “It seems like we have a company.”

  Shortly after, four men walk out of the forest and block off the road. They are armed. Nora and the Vice-captain stop their horses. Nora’s brows furrow, her knuckles going white as she instinctively grips the hilt of her sword.

  “Well well, I wasn’t expecting this type of company so early in the morning.”

  The vice-captain says, his voice calm and his expression peaceful.

  “Keke, you seem quite chatty for someone who’s about to be robbed.”

  “It’s just how I am. I prefer to be positive if possible.”

  The leader of the group looks at him and grins darkly, noticing his equipment.

  “Listen, I like you quite a bit. So how about you leave your horse and stuff here, and continue on your way? If you do, we won't kill you.”

  His eyes lock on Nora. A dark glint appears in his eyes.

  “And that woman also. I don't like short hair, but that face will do.”

  Nora bares her teeth as she stares sharply at the leader of the bandits, her hand gripping the handle of her sword tightly. She starts to pull out her sword, but the vice-captain gently places his palm on the sword’s hilt. He climbs down from his horse and takes a couple of steps towards the bandits.

  “I’m afraid that won't be possible.”

  His expression is carefree this whole time. It almost seems like he’s smiling.

  “That’s a shame. Kill him.”

  There are three men. First in line is a tall, bald man, who seems confident thanks to his stature. The man on the right has long hair and a scar across his eye while the last one has a missing left arm. The three bandits start to run towards him, their cheap swords already unsheathed, seeing him just standing there calmly, hands hanging at his sides. The bald bandit is in the striking range, swinging his sword down onto the vice-captain’s head. But the vice-captain just follows the trajectory of the sword with his eyes while straightening his fingers and flattening his palm. With one sweep of his hand the sword is pushed to his left side. Then he pulls his arm back and uses his fingertips to stab the bald man into the solar plexus. The bald man drops onto his knees, unable to breathe. Before his knees even hit the ground, the vice-captain dashes towards two bandits behind him, moving swiftly. Closing the distance fast he goes for the bandit with the scar. The bandit swings at him horizontally, but the vice-captain just drops low and kicks the bandit’s leg, shattering his knee and making him fall. The scarred man yells loudly. The armless bandit that was on the left gets close, trying to strike him. But the vice-captain just rolls to his right, dodging the sword strike. His hands touch the ground, pushing him into the air. It almost looks like the vice-captain is floating, before his feet touch the ground while casually popping his neck. The armless man charges at him, and tries to stab his chest. The vice-captain slips under the bandit’s sword and grabs his wrist and shirt’s collar, before flipping him over his shoulder, making him hit the dirt and knocking the wind out of him. With one hard pull of the bandit's arm there is an audible pop, a dislocated shoulder, leaving the man yelping in pain. Nine seconds, that's all it took for an unarmed man to dispose of three armed opponents. As the vice-captain starts to walk towards their leader, the bandit with the broken knee tries to get up. With one sharp step he gets close and kicks him in the chin, knocking him out. The bandit leader stands there motionless. His gaze freezes on him, his teeth are clenched to stop them from clattering, looking at the man he tried to rob. The man who defeated his subordinates without even using his sword, and the worst thing? His face is still calm and carefree, almost unbothered. Not even a drop of sweat appears. He makes a decision, he books it. The vice-captain is standing there, observing the bandit leader running away.

  “Sigh. If you decide to do something…”

  His feet start to hit the ground.

  “... then be a man and finish it!”

  He kicks his legs from underneath him, then grabs the bandit leader’s head and smashes it into the ground.

  “Was it necessary to do it unarmed?”

  Nora’s voice has a cold and stern quality to it.

  “I’m not a swordsman, but a fighter that uses a sword. Plus, there was no need.”

  The Vice-captain shrugs while dusting his shoulders.

  “Still, you shouldn’t take unnecessary risks. What will I do with you?”

  The last sentence is spoken quieter, almost as if she was talking to herself.

  “Okay, that should do it. Now as to what to do with them.”

  “We should bring them to Dahl with us and hand them over to the authorities.”

  “Eh? But that’s annoying…”

  Nora slowly gallops close to the vice-captain, still on her horse.

  “Then what do you suggest? Kill them?”

  His head turns softly to avoid her gaze.

  “Well, I mean…”

  “You can’t be serious! We need to hand them over for questioning so that they can pay for all of their crimes!”

  His shoulders slump slightly.

  “Okay okay, I got it.”

  He sighs and looks at them while clapping his hands together.

  “Gents, it's time to rise and shine. You are coming with us.”

  Further down south, inside a darkening forest.

  His breath is steady, but his face looks tense. Trees that tower everything around are casting long shadows in the morning light. The dread can be sensed even while sleeping.

  “Mr. Gabe, it’s time to wake up.”

  Feeling a slight nudge on his shoulder and a soft voice speaking, his eyes slowly open. Vesta is kneeling beside him.

  “I finished my turn. Should I keep the watch longer and let you sleep?”

  Gabe rubs his heavy lidded eyes and sits.

  “No, it’s okay. Let’s pack the camp and continue our search.”

  “Alright. I will wake Varuna up.”

  Vesta goes to Varuna as Gabe stands, stretching a bit as his body feels stiff after sleeping on hard soil.

  “Varuna, wake up. It’s time to continue the mission.”

  “Mmm… just a bit more.”

  Varuna mumbles almost to himself. Gabe walks close, standing over Varuna, his voice quiet and almost soft.

  “If it will help you wake up I can kick your ribs a bit.”

  Varuna shoots up, eyes wide from the threat.

  “Isn’t… that a bit too much?”

  “Well, you’re awake now so I won't do anything.”

  “So you would do it if I wasn’t…”

  Varuna blinks slowly and rubs the back of his neck.

  “Quit festering and get up. Let's pack the camp, eat, and then we will go.”

  Gabe starts to pack his tent with Varuna as Vesta starts to prepare the breakfast. The sun is slowly rising higher, but the forest doesn’t seem to get any brighter. The morning mist blocks not only their sight, but also the light.

  “The food is ready.”

  Vesta’s voice is lively despite the heavy feeling surrounding them. After packing everything, Gabe and Varuna sit down as Vesta gives them one bowl each. As Gabe eats, his eyes light up a bit, his brows raise up slightly. Vesta notices his reaction, and she blushes slightly.

  “Is the food to your liking?”

  “Yeah, it’s good.”

  “I’m glad to hear that.”

  After one last bite, Gabe looks at the twins.

  “Listen here. The plan we decided on yesterday still stands, but it isn’t our main plan.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Varuna speaks with a mouth full of food.

  “If we can ambush him, or get him from behind, that's what we’ll do.”

  “Makes sense.”

  “I’m serious. If you can paralyze him, knock him out or cut his limbs, do it. And if the capture won't be possible, don't hesitate to kill.”

  The roughness of Gabe’s voice makes Vesta shiver a bit. Varuna gazes upwards, his forehead wrinkled.

  “Remember, it’s the part of the job you’ve chosen.”

  The short warm moment dissipates into the thick mist.

  “Let’s clean up quickly and move.”

  “...Okay.”

  They clean up, pack everything and start walking west, following the tracks. The forest is still dark, still silent despite the sun being high up in the sky. Just like yesterday. No, it’s even more ominous than yesterday. The air feels heavier, the smell of the forest is almost… foul. After a couple of miles Gabe’s ears twitch, his eyes get sharper as he starts to observe the forest around them. He unsheathes his sword.

  “Get ready. No more useless talking.”

  Vesta and Varuna pull out their wands as they walk alongside Gabe, falling just slightly behind. Vesta is looking ahead. She barely notices an object flying towards her head.

  “Eh…?”

  Gabe slashes at the object and it falls to the ground. Her breathing gets heavier, eyes glued to the broken arrow lying on the forest floor. After staring at the projectile briefly, Varuna looks up, his jaw tight and eyes wide as he grips his wand tightly.

  “He knows about us. Get ready, they will come soon.”

  “They? I thought he was alone!”

  Varuna’s breath is shallow and shaky.

  “Did you forget already?”

  Dozens of figures appear inside of the mist, closing in. Gabe raises his sword, getting into a stance.

  “He is a Necromancer.”