"Eyes front and keep moving. No funny business."

The official said that same line again and again for the past few minutes. I'm starting to think he just likes his own voice.

I pay no heed to his words and just kept moving forward with my limbs chained to each other. Curse this, I can't believe mere chains can be this much of a hindrance to my movements. My meals are little and only twice a day. I barely have enough energy to pick myself up, let alone supporting the weights of this accursed chains.

The gallows has been my home for the past five years. And the last time I have saw light is right before my sentence. I have almost forgot how the world looks like. Greenery is still a sight for sore eyes as I remember. Though, the sky itself is too bright for me who has spent the past five years and every second of it basked in darkness.

I was cast in the darkness for so many years and I have no visitors nor even a client who would give so much as a trivial glance at me. This leads me to wonder, why now? For who would they brought me out of the shadows for. Clients are usually shown the merchandise instead of the merchandise being shown to the clients.

Passing a courtyard from the gallows which I called home for five years, I entered into a large mansion which seems to be the auction house.

I can feel the disgust coming from the four guards around me. These chains also suppress my magic in addition to hindering my movements, so I can't appraise them. Unlike the four guards, the official walking in front of me is wearing a snob's smile all the while. Nevertheless, their opinion are of little to no value to me.

They are all relatively short compare to me since I'm quite a tall person. I am practically towering over them. I'm six and a half feet. The official is the shortest among us and it is obvious to everyone that he's quite conscious about it.

After a short walk through a luxurious hallway with multitude of doors, we arrived in front of a twin doors twice my height adorned with gold embellishment. If nothing has changed much and remained the same around here like I remembered five years ago, this is must be the reception hall for the essential clients.

Someone from top wishes to purchase me? Must be for some underhanded work.

The short official with balding hair and a goatee beard that hid his weak chin cleared his throat before shoving open the gate. There was no need for him to shove the gate open as I can feel magic coming from the doors. He probably did it to emphasize his authority but the result might have place in an otherwise light.

Inside the reception hall filled with quite a number of people, I only recognized three. The person in an all white bespoke three piece suit wearing a bowler hat and holding a cane with a ruby on top is Lord Roland Atlas, a Duke and a wealthy merchant. He was here when I was made a prisoner five years ago. He was the one who bought my gears that were stripped off of me. He aged a lot for just five years. He hair has even started graying but his thick hiatus beard is well-trimmed just like how I remember.

Standing across from Atlas is a person in a semi formal knight attire with light armor. He is the warden and also the proprietor, Yoven Valerius. From the look of his armor and the sword by his waist, I say he has been quite successful with this line of business. The line of business may be approved by the royals but I don't doubt he still deals in even shadier business. That is what his character is saying to me.

Standing with a straight back and an unwavering stance is a woman with glasses. She is dressed in a very formal black blouse along with a long skirt. She is the secretary of Yoven, Grinda is her name if I'm not mistaken. Her dark brown hair is still tied into a single braid just like the last time I saw her. She doesn't look like she has aged a bit. Impressive.

And the other six persons in this room are all knights, I presumed. Their attires varied but the emblem each of them carried told me enough. One of the knights is a girl of short stature. She's hiding her whole figure under a white cloak with only her nose and mouth visible under the shadow of her hood. Just from her lower portion of her face, I can tell she is a girl of great beauty. She's even wearing white silk gloves that precisely shaped her frail soft hands, which kinda defeats the purpose of concealing her hands if that is the purpose. However, she is by no mean vulnerable. I can sense a great deal of Mana from her. She must be at least a B rank Mage-class.

There are these two of the knights who are dressed the most similar to your usual knight. Since they have helmet that covers their face and armors that doesn't discriminate their figures base on their gender. Because they have yet to utter a single word, I can't tell if the two are male or female which only enhance the mystery that surrounds them. These two may look like normal knights but my impression of them isn't outshone by the previous girl.

The next person is a young man with black hair and black eyes. His armor is the lightest among the six of them. His weapons of choice are twin daggers, a short sword, and a longbow. He has a scarf wrapped around his neck which covers the lower part of his face. He seems to be most wary person out of the six judging from how his eyes are darting at every corners of the room.

The one standing in the middle of everyone is this room is a tall person donning a plain silver mask. Like the two knights, I can't discern her gender but I think it's most likely a girl. Accompanying her mask is a black scarf and a hood that completely shelter her head. Couldn't she just wear a full-head helmet then? My first impression of her is that she stands out the most in the room because everything about her spells contrast. And for some reasons and even though I couldn't see her face due to her mask, she feels familiar.

Her hands are the only bare part of her body. Her skin is pale and smooth without scars but I don't doubt her experience in battle. Out of everyone in the room, she exudes the most dangerous aura. Unlike her peers, she wears white silk robes of eastern design which is completely contrast her standing as a Knight. The contrast is only further enhance by the long cut of the robes. Under those gaudy garments of hers is a set of light armor. A weird sense of fashion but I have been in the dark for five years. Perhaps this is the current rage? She has a simple bastard sword holstered by her side which is quite simple as oppose to her peers' weapons. Her amber eyes that have leaked through the only two holes of the plain mask have yet to leave me ever since I entered the room.

Beside her is another young woman who is wearing similar gaudy-type dress while looking frolic at me. Her out-of-place appearance and presence doesn't seem to bother anyone in the room.

But it bothers me. I can tell she is no human. I have ample amount of experience in my days as a silver-rank adventurer. Her entire body is not corporeal, that's for sure. I gave her my utmost attention since she seems the most suspicious.

"Victor Erinthus." The silver mask said. It sounded like she's declaring that my name instead of asking for my name. Huh? What's that? Maybe it's me being delusional from my five years of solitude imprisonment but I could have swore that her eyes glowed for a second.

Regardless, I offered no response.

Noticing my obnoxious silent, the official standing in front hit me in the guts. "You insolent! Speak when spoken to." he demanded but I ignored him. His strength is even below of a D-rank. I barely felt it tickle.

"Now now, there's no need for such violence." The Duke stops the official's fist with just two finger. "I believe your work here is done, no?" he asked.

The official reluctantly withdrew his fist. "Yes."

"Good. Now, run along." Atlas said, treating him like a dog. "Take these hounds with you too."

The official looked appalled but he said nothing and simply complied. He left the room along with the four guards that accompanied us. Judging from the light sway by the guards, I say they were offended too but being professionals they didn't show it.

"Now, do you remember me, Victor?" Atlas asked.

I nod.

"What about the other two?" he gestured at Grinda and Yoven in which I also nodded. "You got quite the memory there."

"I have no contact with anyone else for the last five years. And you three were the last persons I have contact with before being plunged into the shadows for five good years."

"Ooh?" The young woman in city dress made a sound if she has found a beautiful jewel. "He knows his words. Not bad, not bad." She was even clapping lightly.

"Nyx."

"Sorry." The woman named Nyx went silent when the silver mask with amber eyes reprimanded her with just a single utter of her name.

"What do you think, Xatara?" asked the Duke.

"Is Commander Ae'myun, Lord Atlas." The rogue-like knight stepped up and rebuked Atlas. "The slip up is forgiven because you're a Duke, Lord Atlas."

"Ohoho~?" The young woman clasped her hand on her lips while making such sounds. She seems to be enjoying the situation.

Before Atlas could response, the silver mask named Xatara Ae'myun cut in. "Stand down, Damien."

"Of course. Apologies, Commander." He immediately complied and stepped back.

The silver mask with amber eyes is a Knight Commander apparently and her name is Xatara Ae'myun. Is she from a continent far away? She's got quite the power not only in her ability but her voice as well.

For some reasons, the warden and the secretary remain silent during the exchange even though they have the most power in this place among everyone present.

"Selaine?"

The girl in white hood responded to the commander's call. So the Arch Mage girl's name is Selaine. "Yes, Commander?"

"Is he what the whispers in the winds said he is?"

Even if her eyes are hindered by the hood, I can tell she is staring intently at me. Her back is even arched and bent slightly towards me. "Yes." She said after staring at me for awhile. She must have appraised me or something similar. "This is unbelievable." Exclaims followed her surprise.

Nines be damned, my race is now exposed. I thought I would pass as an ox-kin beastman but I was too optimistic. My race is nearing extinction and we are sought out by many under the pretense of protecting us.

"So, this person is indeed a Dragon-kin." The commander's voice sounded regretful. Why?

Atlas scoffed. "O sweet child, appraisal is unnecessary. I can tell just from a glance, can't you?"

In an instance, I felt all four of the knights directed an extreme murderous intent towards Roland Atlas. The person in question himself doesn't seem the least bothered by it.

Ignoring the reactions he received from the commander's acquaintances, Atlas continues "Just from the rumors, this person has dark skin, a pair of horns, golden orange eyes, such height, brawny figure, I can already guess his race. Now I'm here in person -- the aura he exudes -- whew! I don't need a pair of [Truth-seeking Eyes] to affirm the legitimacy of the rumors."

"H...how...."

It wasn't just Selaine but everyone in the room is astonished by Atlas' statement. Only Nyx, the girl in gaudy dress is looking at the Duke with interested eyes as like a maiden in love

"How did you know?" asked the commander. I guess the context here is about the [Truth-Seeking Eyes] of the girl named Selaine?

"Information is my trait, knowledge is my power." Atlas replied with a smile.

I take back what I said. The most dangerous person in this room isn't the Commander but Roland Atlas. It seems he's not all bluff and he's also isn't just all brains. The official just now was a combatant but a merchant like him stopped his fist easily and effortlessly with just few fingers. This person is not to be trifle with.

"Forgive me." Atlas said. "I might have gotten a bit over my head there but rest assure, I will still keep my end of the bargain."

End of his bargain? What is he talking about? And what the hell is going here exactly? I'm still in the dark here.

"We'll see." The commander said and moved her line of sight to me. "Victor Erinthus?"

"Yes...."

"Answer these questions with a simple yes or no, clear?"

"Crystal." I couldn't tell before but now that she's only a feet way from me, I can tell the robes she's wearing isn't corporeal. It is actually some sort of magic armor. Is it a spell from a unique Arcane Art?

I feel like she grinned when she heard my answer. "Now, I've heard of your familiarity with Magic and Demonic Beasts, especially Mimics. Is that true?"

My blood boiled when I heard the word, "Mimics." I have unconsciously let out my aura which shook almost everyone in the room except for the commander and Atlas.

"Yes."

I can feel my magic coming back to me despite the accursed chains.

"Have you truly ever slain a Mimic?"

"Yes."

"Like the whispers in the wind, you slain a lot, is that true?"

"Yes."

"Was it easy?"

There was slight pause before I answer "No. Never."

"Do you absolutely despise them?"

"Yes." The chains that bound me is cracking.

"Have they wronged you?"

"Yes."

This time, I definitely heard a low chuckle from behind the mask. "They took everything away from you, didn't they?"

"Yes."

"They destroyed your childhood orphanage, didn't they?"

"Y...yes..." How does she know about this? I haven't told about anyone about it, not even the gaol's interrogators.

"Was the caretaker named Lily?"

"Y...yes." She even knows her name, the name of the sweet old lady who took care of me and the other children. "Who are you?"

"I am Xatara Ae'myun. That's my name now but I have a different name back then. Back at that orphanage, they call me Amber."

The commander said and removed her mask and hood, revealing a face covered with scars underneath. Even without the mask, I still can't discern whether she's actually a male or a female. Her short black hair isn't helping the least but judging from her voice, she's most likely a she. Although her features have greatly changed, there is absolutely no mistake about who I think she is. Her sharp eyes that could kill with a glare that also holds a degree of tenderness, it's all too familiar.

"Amber....?" I mused.

I was a kid more than ten years of age when a new girl came in. She has soft and silky black hair. Her hair was long back then. Her eyes are amber which is quite rare, which is why we started calling her Amber.

"You.... the Amber that always sneaked in sweets from the nearby town for the younger children?"

"Yes. It's me. You have grown a lot, Armstrong."

Armstrong.... The kids back at the orphanage called me that because I was the strongest among all the kids. My dragonic features back then wasn't apparent as I have yet to mature.

"Why now?"

"No real reason. I only realized it was you recently. It was you, right? The one who burned a whole village to the ground."

I scoffed. "They were all Mimics, the whole village of them. Even the children. They lured in unsuspecting wanderers and travelling merchants. The worst part is, they don't revert back to their original form when they die."

"Then how did you know they were Mimics?"

"I heard them talking when I was staying there during one of my hunts. Some of them were involved with the orphanage incident. The monster rampage was incited by them. I only delivered swift justice and here I am, five years in solitary confinement. Did you come to free me for old time's sake?"

"No."

"No?"

She then make a motion at the Duke I follow her gesture. She seems to be indicating that Atlas is the one responsible for my release.

"It is part of an agreement that I can't disclose. The funds to secure your release are prepared by me." said Atlas.

So he's the one paying it but the ownership goes to Amber. What is he playing at?

"Make no mistake. While I do cherish our times together when we were just children, I didn't free you for old time's sake. I need your ability and experience. I have heard that you're nearing the rank of A." Amber said and presented me an amulet. The insignia on the amulet is of a great sword with a pair of wings.

I humbly received it with my hands.

"Eh!? When did he....?" The warden stuttered at his words when he only realized it now that the chains are long broken by me. Although, everyone but the secretary and the warden ignored this fact.

"What is this?" I asked.

"An independent unit of the Nine's Templar Knights, Night Hunters. We specialize in hunting monsters down. I am now the Commander of this unit and I'm looking for an assistance in my command."

"Me?"

"You." Amber nodded with affirmation at my question. "You always do have a great sense of leadership. All the kids listened to you. And I know your character. There is no one else I trust more to give this position to."

"They listen to me.... Those were a long time ago, Amber...."

"So was their death but did you let it go? I didn't."

Same as always, the sharp eyes and tongue, Amber. The only one who dares to argue with the older children.

"Fine. I'll join. As long as I get to kill some Mimic or monsters."

"Then a final question."

"And that is?"

"If I told you to kill a superficially innocent child who might be a Mimic, would you do it without question?"

"No."

"Why not? If you know so much about Mimics, you should know the danger they pose if left alone."

"You have mistaken my answer, Commander Ae'myun."

She looks at me with a face that says contemplating. "In what way?"

"My Arcane Art, a legacy type, [True Dragon's Blood]. I can discern the true identity of every individual. This was actually how I was able to affirm that the villagers are all Mimics."

"Aye.... You should have kept quiet about that...." I heard the Duke mutters in a low voice.

Why? I don't see a problem with that since I'm already sold, no?

"T...true dragon....?" I heard the warden stuttered on my revelations.

"Ara ara~" The city dress girl placed her hand on her lips like she just heard some interesting gossip. She even got near me while looking at me with gleaming eyes. Who is this girl really?

"Well, what do you know? A true dragon. Why isn't this a nice surprise?" said Atlas. Seems like he's feigning that he only knew about my true identity now.

"Is this true?"

"Yes, Commander. Victor Erinthus speaks the truth." Selaine said.

"Pardon me." The warden cut in between us. "If he is indeed a true dragon, I'm afraid the original agreed upon price wouldn't suffice."

I see why Atlas said something like that. He know the warden's character. What a greedy Modred's Hound.

"What?" Amber sent a glare at the warden.

"Isn't this a bit unethical?" asked Atlas. "To increase the price right before a transaction."

"Don't talk to me about ethics now, especially you of all people, Roland." The warden managed to say even when he was clearly daunted by Atlas' demeanor.

"Oh?"

"Forgive me, Lord Atlas." Amber apologized. "I wasn't made aware of this." Her hands went to her sword.

"Lady, I am a Valerius. One word from me, who knows what will become of you." Despite his shaky voice, his words carried some threat in it.

"We'll see about that."

"It's alright, it's alright." Atlas repeated his words in a low and cold voice which intimidated almost everyone in the room.

"Come on, Roland. Don't be like this. You of all people should know this. It's nothing personal, just business." said the warden.

"Is it now?"

The negotiation was at a stalemate until Atlas reluctantly give up and agree to the now higher price. The businessman smile on Atlas didn't waver once during the negotiations.

A document was signed on the spot which is then handed to the secretary.

"Damien."

"Yes, Commander?" The young man with the scarf responded.

"Take Victor here to the carriages first. I have something to discuss with Lord Atlas."

"Of course, Commander." The Knights bowed and led me out of the room. Before the door closes right behind me, I could hear the faint voice of Roland Atlas greeting me, "Good hunting."

It was only after I arrived at the carriage that I noticed the girl in gaudy dress has stayed behind with Amber. Who is that girl anyway?

*This part is in a 3rd person POV.

"You changed a lot since the last time we met, Vira." said Roland while wearing an obscure smile with a slight hint of admiration.

"So I've been told, for the nth time." Xatara replied curtly with no traces of amusement can be seen on her deadpan expression.

"Xatara Ae'myun. It's oddly specific, isn't it? Is this a declaration of challenge towards someone?"

"It's a personal choice." Vira Ninehearts, who is now Xatara Ae'myun answered briefly.

"You hated your former name?"

"Vira Ninehearts.... That was a name given not by a family but a stranger. I never really consider it my true name."

"Is that so....? Well, I never took you for one to be concern so much with the vogue." Roland asked while appraising the young commander's choice of wardrobe.

"I have a certain important partner of mine to thank for." She answered, glancing at Nyx who is standing like a lamp beside them.

Following Xatara's line of sight, Roland found himself slightly bewitched by the charm of the young woman in city dress. "Why, hello there. You have captivated my heart ever since I saw you, who might you be?"

Lifting up her dress by an inch, curling her feet slightly backwards, she bowed like an elegant highborn lady. "Please to meet you, Lord Atlas. My name is Runyx. I'm Vira's personal attendant." She then extends her hand.

It wasn't a slip-up on Runyx's part and Xatara knows well. She merely rolled her eyes in response instead of offering reprimanding words.

Roland was no stranger to court etiquette, of course. He took her hand and softly placed his lips. When he lifted his head up, a roguish smile forms on his face. "Are you now?" It was obvious to the two that Roland is not convinced with Runyx's introduction.

"What are you really?" In a totally blunt manner, the Duke asked.

"Eh?" Runyx made a sound that broke her highborn atmosphere.

Before another question is pushed to the dumbfounded Runyx, Xatara stepped in between them. "She's my attendant, in a way."

"Moved on from the Elven girl?"

"I have not." Xatara immediately replies while staring daggers at the Duke.

"My apologies, then. Still, won't you tell me who this pretty lady is?"

"Ehehe~ Pretty lady." Runyx giggled while fumbling her fingers like a young maiden.

"Roland, I can't tell you anything further, even if you're my benefactor. I'm sorry." Xatara bowed to emphasize the sincerity in her words.

"No hard feelings, I understand. Discretion is also a trait of mine after all."

Xatara raised her head. "Thanks for your understanding."

Catching a glimpse of a shine around Xatara's chest area, Roland pointed his cane at the ring she wore as a necklace around her neck. "Am I invited?"

Xatara looked stupefied for a moment but she caught on immediately when she traced where the cane is pointed at. "This?" She brought up the ring to her eye level. "It's nothing. It's not recent if that's what you want to know." She said and tucked it back under her garments.

Roland raised an eyebrow. "I see. Well, before we move on...." he turned his gaze to Runyx. "Would you give us the room, if you don't mind please?"

Xatara sighed, not out of vexation but of a burden. "She can stay. She needs to know."

"Ara~!" exclaimed Runyx. Her eyes are beaming at Xatara. She jumped at Xatara to embrace her but is stopped at an arm's length by Xatara, literally.

"But be quiet. And never spoke of this to anyone."

"Yes, milady~!"

"Milady, huh...." Roland uttered in a voice low enough to not be caught by other ears.

"H...how is she?" Xatara asked.

Gone was the businessman smile of Roland, it was replaced with a regrettable expression. "She's doing fine, like always. She's none the wiser about the truth. She has yet to awaken her peculiar trait."

"Good."

"You know, if you're that worry about her, just go and see her."

"I can't." Xatara said with a tone filled with remorse. She then shook her head. "Not now."

"It has been a month. She misses you."

"Of course she does. It's only natural."

"She has been asking me for you. I'm running out of things to tell her, Vira. I don't feel good lying to a child like that."

"Just assure her like always, Roland. If the circumstances permit, I'll come and see her. "

Now, it was Roland's turn to sigh. "If you say so. Then it truly can't be helped. Well, that's all I have to say."

"Seems so." Xatara said, gave a bow, Runyx followed with a blunder, and the two walked to the door. Xatara stopped before the door. "Roland?"

"Hmm?"

"Thanks for everything."

"Your appreciation is unneeded. It's nothing personal after all, it's just business."

"Business?"

"A future investment. Imagine all the favors I have curried from you, a Templar Knight Commander. It will surely helps a lot in my future endeavors."

"I see." With her usual monotonous expression, she replied so. She bowed slight once more before leaving the room.

After another sigh from Roland, he called out "Shadow."

The space closed in and broke apart into pieces of glass-like fragments, revealing a skull-face figure clad in shadows as its garments.

In Roland's vision which was augmented by a maximum level [Appraisal], two sets of texts appeared beside the skull-face figure named Shadow as he emerged. The first one the mysterious individual's name and race, Shadow and Wraith, respectively. The second texts is the spell that Shadow used to conceal himself, [Presence Detachment].

"Elder Dusk." The wraith greeted, without any gestures of sorts.

"As you heard it, Shadow. It is done."

"His Excellence is please." said the Wraith with a voice that is befitting or his race, cold and sinister.

"What news you brought?"

"The heroes have been summoned."

"Within the right period of time. As expected of the oracle."

"But there's only eight of them. Four from the Empire and another four from the Holy State of Avalon."

"The oracle said there are Nine heroes. What about the ninth?"

"The summoning of our champion will be within a fortnight."

"No. What the Covenant is doing is not summoning but reincarnation. The oracle spoke of nine heroes summoned. It's not like the oracle to be wrong."

"In the wise words of His Excellence, there's always a first time."

"That it maybe...." Although Roland answered such, he's not buying the mistake in the oracle but he deemed it unimportant for the time being. "Since you're here personally and risking to be noticed by the great Vira Ninehearts, I assume the Grandmaster has some important message for me?"

Shadow nodded. "His Excellence has a message for all Elders."

"All. Huh...." Roland mused. "Alright, hit me."

"The shepherd has awaken."

Finally, Roland thought in his mind.

"Find the lost sheep before the shepherd does."

"Understood."

Having done its duty, the Wraith began to retreat but it was stopped by Roland.

"Do me a favor, would you?"

"If it's within the acceptable conditions, of course, Elder Dusk."

"Yoven Valerius. His misdeeds from the first moon all the way to the fourth. Relay these to the rivaling families of House Valerius."

"The compensation?"

"Tell them it's on the house."

"Understood."

"And also, if they could garner back every single dime I have sunk into any assets of Yoven Valerius, tell them I have a bonus piece of information for the competent and fortunate one."

The Wraith nodded and disappears into his shadow.

[Shadow Walk], Dusk's appraisal told him.

With all his business concluded in this prison-slave auction house, he left the reception hall and the lights doused themselves when the last person in the hall left.

Grasping tightly to the pendant he wore around his neck, he spoke to his own heart

"You did it. He's here. Now, let's hope the boy manages to get out without invoking it. All in a hard day's work, Hyx."