I

"Take off the chain!" Nazeir ordered the warden.

"I can't do that without the permission of a higher rank," the warden glared back at the investigator. "He's a sorcerer! A friend of the demons!"

"No, he's not a sorcerer! I know him," Nazeir was boiling with anger.

"What, you work with the sorcerers too?" the warden becomes wary.

"He's not a sorcerer! Set him free."

"Who are you to order me?"

"Open the chain, warden. The old man doesn't deserve to be treated like this," said Adrian, ordering the man.

"Good soldiers follow orders," replied the warden.

"No, good soldiers not only follow orders, but they can also make the right decisions," the noble rebuked.

"Do I look as if I had a choice?" the warden opened his arm.

"You idiot-" Nazeir growled and pushed the warden against the wall. "Give me the key," threatened the inquisitor.

"Or what? You're just a traveller. Clashing with me, the servant of the kingdom."

Nazeir looked at Adrian.

"Look for it. The key must be somewhere."

Adrian started rummaging through the warden's armour, looking for the key. Adrian searched carefully, but he found nothing. The noble instead ran out of the room, running to find the keys in the prison.

"Where are you going?"

"Just wait! I’ll get the key!" said Adrian as he ran away.

"If my soldiers find you pinning me to the wall. You will die," threatened the warden.

"We'll see about that, warden," said Nazeir defiantly.

The old man tilted his head, watching the two men insult each other. He laughed and caught their attention.

"Just heat up the chain, Nazeir."

"Can't do that. Especially with these people here."

"We both need to get out of here. And I'm not leaving with the crystal."

Nazeir didn't really expect that.

"So, you're the one holding the crystal?"

"You know about that?" he asked in surprise.

"I'm here because of it. That thing is full of magic, too dangerous for us to mine."

"Wait, wait. How do you know that this is in the mines?"

The room became tenser as the old man spoke.

"What are you talking about!?" The warden was confused.

"Shut up!" shouted both of them.

"Alright, Nazeir. You're right, sorcerers are up to something. This green crystal is a source of magic. It's easy to mine. But old records say that they used this crystal for something bigger. It's just a theory by first-generation scientists, but that may well be true."

Then Adrian ran with a handful of keys in his hand. He started trying to open the lock, trying each lock one by one. The old man asked the nobleman for help to speed up his movement, and the chains were now open. He could hear a loud clang as the chain fell and hit the floor.

The old man moved his wrist, which had been unchained. The three of them exited the small cell, leaving the warden inside.

"What are you doing now!?" the warden realised they had locked him in a cell. "I'll remember you for this, you bastards!"

From there, the three of them left as the warden screamed for help from inside the cell. The warden tried to break down the steel door, trying to slam it open. The two of them walked after the old man. Through the door and down the hall, they found a large storage room. Full of weapons and confiscated items.

"Find the crystal. It must be here," said the old man.

"What does it look like?" asks Adrian.

"Well, a crystal. Also, it's green."

The three of them split up and looked for the crystal in a room full of cobwebs and dust. A few minutes passed, and Adrian found something.

"I think I found it!" the man shouted. "It's bright and green. I dare not touch this."

"Keep the crystal with this cloth," said the old man while carrying a piece of cloth. Adrian immediately wrapped the crystal. "Good, now we have to go."

"We can't go out with you in just pants," said the inquisitor.

The three of them looked at a box full of old armour.

The old man got ready in his armour and they left the room with no suspicion. They rode their own respective horses. Adrian bribed a 'good' soldier to give the old man a horse. The three of them left the castle and re-joined the guards waiting for them outside.

They drove for several kilometres before stopping at a crossroads. The guards watched the perimeter from a few metres away from the three men.

"Thank you. I would never have gotten out of there because of you," the inquisitor said.

"I must say, this is quite a thrill. Bastards deserve such punishment. Now, we can rest for a bit now."

"Yes, we need to part ways here. But," Nazeir opened a letter and a small pen to write on. "I want you to send something to Robert," Nazeir wrote a letter and handed it to the Nobleman.

"Do I look like a servant doing the work for you?" he's angered.

"And I thought we had a good relationship here."

"I guess so, but... I want an answer first."

Nazeir looked at the old man.

"We just released a prisoner from his cell! I don't even know who you are," he said as he looked up at the old man. "What if other nobles bother to dig into what we just did? I could be in serious trouble. Even my family's dignity will be tarnished."

Nazeir looked at the old man, then fell on his face as the old man passed the inquisitor to confront the noble.

"My name is Tabot. I am a third-generation scientist."

"A scientist? Like a doctor?"

"Have you heard of the history of the fall of the empire?"

"Of course, I know."

"Then you know who the scientist is?"

The noble's eyes widened when he caught what Tabot had just said. He nodded knowingly.

"But it's been hundreds of years since the fall of the empire! And you're the third generation?"

"Some people grow old in different ways. Just like our friends here," Tabot looked back at the inquisitor.

"You two scientists?"

"While I am a scientist, Nazeir is an inquisitor. A gifted soldier. This one is really talented. And of course, I saw the therapy and the mutation. I was the one who gave the gift," the old man looked at Adrian trying to digest the information.

Nazeir approached the surprised noble.

"I hope you can keep this information secret. I can trust you... right?"

Mr. Adrian nodded in agreement.

"Y-of course, masters. I'll keep my mouth shut. And if there's anything I can do for you-"

"That's enough, Lord Adrian. You've helped us and kept it a secret. You've helped," interrupted Tabot.

Adrian nodded.

"So, about the letter," Nazeir waited for the noble to hold it.

"I will give it to Marshal Robert immediately."

The nobleman waved and turned his horse. He went on horseback towards his bodyguard.

"Lord Adrian! shouted Nazeir. The man turned and looked at the inquisitor. "Thank you."

He bowed before continuing his journey.

II

The two men rode their horses on the road to Nazaire. They could see an open field with flowers. Nazaire was nearby. The sun was almost setting; the sky was dark blue.

"I forgot to ask; how did you get there?"

"Prison Camp? I'm with one of the Brindorian army groups. A group of sorcerer hunters crossed the eastern mountain to enter the northern realm. I couldn't help myself, I had to go with them because there was a rumour about a mine. Green crystal mine," he said as he raised the crystal wrapped in cloth.

"Why don't you just send Jurko? He can handle the heat of battle."

"He's not a scientist. Maybe he's like you. But dealing with demons and demens, when you're more into the blood of humans and sorcerer."

"Tell me, what did you find there?"

"I was with one of the army groups in the raid. Army group of five, we raided the local mines, and I did some excavations there. I found there were about five giant mines to the north. Three of them had stopped mining when they felt the tremors underground. They thought the 'gods' gave them a sign. All the workers stopped working, left with only two active mines," he chuckled. "Can't lie. I laughed when I heard that the 'gods' gave them the sign. Ritualism couldn't bring those people to the technological advancements that we have."

"So how did you become a P.O.W.?"

"We came back from the north by boat. The storm came. We landed deep in the West Batunn area. Then they caught us."

The two of them could see the sun was disappearing in the sky of the Nazaire region. "Night is here. Want to explain what you were doing in East Batunn?"

"What about it?"

"I just wanted to talk. Besides, there's blood on your armour. I hope Tara doesn't have to clean it up."

"Attacked by some kind of demon. Sharp fangs, hollow back. Also fast. Could be pontianak"

"A demon? I thought you weren't interested in that kind of stuff."

"I really didn't like it. That old man lied to me, saying it was a robber's campsite. Little hut on the hill. Can't believe the old man made a fool of me."

"Appearances can be deceiving. Always know who you're talking to too."

In the distance, a small inn was lit with lamps. Nazeir stares at the inn.

"Want to come along?"

"Not today," Tabot shook his head. "I'm tired. I need to rest. Unlike you, I need to sleep."

"How about I bring you a barrel of wine tomorrow? Tara seems to have some for me."

"Oh, Jurko will love it."

"See you later. I need a glass of wine or a bottle."

"Make sure to come tomorrow morning, Nazeir. We have a lot to discuss."

Nazeir gave a thumbs up, and they parted ways.

Nazeir finally arrived at the inn on the side of the road. The place seemed deserted. He could see a cart with horses outside the building. The inquisitor went straight to the back of the building, into the barn. He let his horse rest and went to the front door of the inn. He looked behind the door, and the place was empty.

There, there was an old man with a thick moustache sitting on a chair playing the hurdy-gurdy. He has grey hair and wears a white shirt and leather pants with boots on the table. When he saw Nazeir, he stopped playing. He stared at her for a moment before he lowered his feet.

"Tara, look who's here!" he shouted in a loud voice.

"What is it, Omar?" answer the girl in the back.

The woman walked out and saw the inquisitor standing still.

"Quiet night?" Nazeir asked the girl.

The woman had light blonde hair that was straight over her shoulders, wearing a dress and apron.

"Nice to see you again, Nazeir," she rushed over and hugged him tightly. She let go of him and the old man and patted him on the shoulder.

"Glad to see you're still alive," said Omar. "It's been a year since we haven't seen each other. How is it going? I hope they have treated you well enough."

"It can't be said that this road treats me well, Omar. But I'm fine."

"Glad to hear that. Tell me how about you have a drink. It's been a few nights since I've had a good night's sleep. I left you two to run the bar."

"You don't want to talk to me, Omar?" joked Nazeir.

"This body is old, Nazeir. I need to sleep. I miss you anyway," he joked again.

"See you later, Omar," Tara said.

"See you tomorrow," said Omar as he closed the door.

Omar left the inn, taking his hurdy-gurdy by his side. He walked away, leaving the tavern in the evening. Slowly, he disappeared into the night.

"What do you want tonight?" Tara went behind the bar counter.

"Wine, I guess. Give me what you think suits me."

"How about a beer? The wines in the cellar. I haven't brought it out yet."

"Beer it is."

The girl opened the bottle, she could hear the bottle pop as it opened. Nazeir took the drink and had a sip. While enjoying her drink, Tara kept herself busy cleaning the bar. Nazeir stared at her, uncomfortable at letting her clean the place alone. He holds her hand while cleaning the counter and pulls it away.

"Stop it, Tara. We've had a tiring day. How about we have a 'break' together?" Nazeir raised his beer.

Tara initially looked away from the beer. Finally, she stopped cleaning the counter and joined him. She took her own bottle and drank together.

"Is this inn full?"

"Travellers come. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. Many people come to rest here, especially during the winter. They can't afford to pitch a tent outside. Even though there's no snow here, it's still cold," she took a sip of beer.

Time elapsed. Tara's cheeks were turning red, and she couldn't even raise her own hand.

"Since you're here. I think you need to take a shower. The stench hurts my nose," she chuckles. "Go to the bathroom. Have a warm bath"

"Do I smell that bad, or is it just the beer?"

"Wait what-" Tara sniffed her drink. "No, not this. It's your smell, Nazeir! You smell like a rotting corpse," she patted the counter and laughed before lowering his head on the counter.

"Okay, I'm going to take a shower now."

The girl laughed as she continued to drink her own bottle until it was empty.

Nazeir went to the bathroom. He undressed and fill the bathtub with hot water. The tub was steaming, and Nazeir dipped into it. He feels the warmth and relaxation it provides. He let out a long sigh as he leaned back and dived into the water.

He lowered his head underwater when he heard a loud noise from outside the bathroom. The door was wide open. Tara stood there drunk. She was holding two bottles in his hand. She could barely stand up straight as she approached the inquisitor in the bathtub. It horrified Nazeir at the sight of the girl, drunk and unable to stand properly.

"I think you should stop drinking now."

"Would you like some?" she grinned and approached Nazeir.

Nazeir refused, but the girl insisted. Nazeir threw the drink away, and it fell on the floor. He splashed the girl with his bathwater. The girl laughed, took off her clothes, and joined the bath with the investigator. The two end up drinking together. In the middle of the bath, the girl finally fainted. Nazeir relaxed for a while before getting out of the bath, leaving the girl to fall asleep in the hot tub. He exits the tub and lifts her to the bed.

Dealing with the drunk woman, Nazeir got dressed and went outside the inn. He sits on a bench and spends the night watching the stars until the sun rises.

III

The sky turned purple with the sun on the horizon. Nazeir was cleaning his armour when Tara woke up in the bed, still not fully awake. She wiped her eyes when she found Nazeir already cleaning and fixing his own armour.

"What's the time?" she asked in a sleepy voice.

"The sun just rose."

She looked around the room in confusion before she sat up and lay down on the bed.

"Have you started packing yet?"

"Yes," replied Nazeir as he sewed the leather part of his armour.

"Can't you ... stay for the day? Relax, work will come to you eventually," Tara's voice muffled under the pillow covering her face.

As they spoke, they could hear a voice from outside the room.

"Hello? Anyone here?" the voice called.

Nazeir looked at Tara, who was still lying on the bed. He finished sewing the armour and stood up. The girl holds his hand.

"L-let it go."

Nazeir let go of her arm and went to the cupboard. He grabbed Tara's dress and threw it at the woman, who was half asleep.

"Why don't you get dressed while I find out who's outside?"

She just grumbled and covered herself under the blanket, ignoring Nazeir. The man left the room and attended to the bar. As he approached the counter, he saw a group of soldiers. Not soldiers of Uthgaard or Brindorum. The man leading the army was a middle-aged man with a greyish beard, and long hair tied back. He was big and tall, like Nazeir, but old. Seven feet tall with a pure smile, the old man greeted him.

"Jurko!" Nazeir was surprised.

"Nazeir! I heard you were in Nazaire after Tabot returned to base. I thought I'd come and get you."

The two of them approached each other and shook hands with a firm grip.

"Nice to see you again, Jurko."

"Me too," said Jurko. "Three years... three years you've been away. Is that true, three years?"

"More or less."

"Long time. Now, let's go see the Tabot. He's waiting for you at the base. While you're back, maybe you can talk to me. An endless journey must have a story no less long."

"Okay, but I have something for you," Nazeir was silent for a moment. He looked around the tavern room, looking for something. "If you can wait here for a while, I'll be back."

Nazeir left the man and returned to the bedroom. Tara, who was still in bed almost asleep, her shoulder was tapped, making her wake up startled.

"Tara? Tara!"

"Ha- hey- yeah- What's wrong?" she answered confusedly.

"Where are the wine barrels made for me?"

"It's in the basement. Far back," she answered and went back to sleep with her head on the pillow. "Number two three eight."

Nazeir left her alone and went to get his gear before heading to the basement. He opened the basement and went inside. Nazeir finds the barrels, and with the help of Jurko and the soldiers, they carried them to the wagon. All of them drove down the stone path, heading towards their base. Having to go through forests and rivers, they talk about their journey.

"How's East Batunn?"

"Never liked that. I'd rather live here than there. How about you? How about the islands?"

"A pack of Sirens. I lost three of the four boats. I don't think the greatest sailor on that island cannot handle a pack of sirens."

"They are sailors, not demon slayers. So... how much is the payment?"

"It's not a big payoff. Rather, he owes me a favour for helping him."

"Wait a minute. So, you're telling me you agreed to the contract? With the payment as...a favour?"

"Don't worry, Nazeir. Sometimes this can do us good at times."

"Three years have passed. Does he still remember your promise?"

"Sure, they remember. The Hukoleener we can trust, I guess."

"You speak as if doubting your own words, Jurko."

"No... no. I'm sure."

"I hope you're right."

The two of them stopped talking for a while and looked at the view of the dense trees on either side.

"Nazeir. Regarding East Batunn?"

"Nothing of interest. This contract, that contract. It's pretty much the same thing, kill him or find him, maybe tail him. No demens at all."

"Isn't there anything exciting for you?"

"I'm not given a chance to kill demens and demons like you. I'm only working in the espionage area if things stay like this."

"Espionage looks fun to me, Nazeir. You can monitor people from a distance, sitting in the dark shadows, waiting for the right time to pounce on prey. That's something I want to do."

"And espionage takes time and patience. It's not like the contracts of demons and demens are far more different."

"Maybe we can change jobs, Nazeir."

"Yes, this time I will look for demons and demens, and you will spy people twenty-four hours under the scorching sun and in the pouring rain."

"I don't know if I can do that, but... Let's get back to what we need to focus on. Let's talk to Tabot. He's got something for us."

They all finally reached their hiding place. A cave, hidden by the forest and rocks. They went inside. Hundreds of soldiers greeted Nazeir. Tabot stood there and waited for the two investigators to dismount. Tabot seemed desperate to talk to the two of them.

"Come in. I have something for you two."

The two investigators rushed into the small room used by the scientist. Inside, they saw a large tube that could fit a living person surrounding a circular room. It's a lab. Tabot still hasn't finished his research. They could see Tabot carrying a comprehensive book. He led him to a large round table in the centre of the room. He opened the book; it contained the research from him and his predecessors. One of them talks about green crystals. Tabot pointed to a certain page, revealing a description of the dangers of the crystal.

"Here," said Tabot, pointing to a page. "The first- and second-generation scientists described the crystals as 'extremely dangerous' because they emitted a type of disease into the air for the non-mutant. It was written here that the crystals had a green colour."

"Nothing like the one we have now, Tabot," said Nazeir.

"I know. But it's the same crystal, but what we have is a few crystals. You see, the crystals here aren't really crystals. But like metal, it can melt."

"So, this isn't a crystal?" ask Jurko. "So, one can make swords out of it?"

"There's no need to make a sword to kill someone. This thing itself is deadly. Back when the empire was still standing, there was a catastrophe when scientists tried to 'arm' the crystal. Instead, the crystal became their own death. In 250, scientists tried to make weapons more destructive than anything. During mining, they lost about ten percent of their workers to the deadly disease that crystals can do."

"Ten percent? How much is that?" asks Jurko.

"About six hundred."

"Six hundred? How?" muttered Nazeir.

"Whatever it is. We need to prevent more of these crystals from being mined."

And now, how do we do it? They might mine about tons of these," asked the old inquisitor.

"They are rare. Five kilograms of these crystals is already considered a lot."

"So, it's a tough job."

"Well, this one."

"But it's not worth my time," said Nazeir.

"What do you mean?" Jurko asked.

"Remember the last time we went north? Those people wanted us dead."

"Aren't they all? Northerners, southerners. They're all the same in the end."

"Don't do this, Nazeir. If we can prevent it, or even better... take all the crystals that are mined. We could make another breakthrough since hundreds of years," the scientist said.

"Think about it, Nazeir. Do this," begged Jurko.

Nazeir thought for a while, the two of them waited for a word to come out of his mouth.

"If you're right. But I want to think about this first. It's not that I'm afraid of death, but that I'm afraid of them being afraid of me."

"You can't be serious, Nazeir. You don't want this world to be destroyed, do you?"

"You know I don't want this world to be threatened. If you don't remember, the last time I helped this world. I nearly died in the process! I died!" Nazeir poked Jurko in the chest. "Then, you guys made me into... this!"

"Come on, Nazeir. Don't look at it like this. You are still human, just like us. But we have something special than other people. I dedicate this life to science and knowledge only. Jurko from the beginning of his life has been an inquisitor. But you? You nearly died for us? I-I didn't know who you were before. And you would die for..." Tabot validated. "Each of us has a novel experience, but you stand out," Tabot said. "We may outlive you, but we fill each other's gaps. That's why we have to help each other. That's why I helped you."

Nazeir just shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't know, Tabot. I don't know."

The old inquisitor put his hand on Nazeir's shoulder.

"Calm down Nazeir. I used to be like you, mentally," Jurko looked at Tabot. "Nazeir needs time to make up his mind."

Tabot shook his head and shrugged in disappointment. "You have until this afternoon. Don't be late."

Jurko patted Nazeir's shoulder and drew closer to him.

"Take your time, Nazeir. But hurry. We have little time." Jurko looked a little bit holding back. "Tell me, Nazeir. I know you and that is just some bull crap. Why don't you want to go north?"

"I just have a weird feeling. I feel like something big is coming."

"Do you think, I, we all don't know about this? It's all clear to me, Nazeir. Either way, we'll end up with a sorcerer's blood on our swords." Jurko took the investigator out of the room. The two of them walked into the cave while talking. "Let go of your nervousness or insecurity. Focus on other feelings."

"What feeling?"

"Hate, Nazeir. Hate. Give me back your hate."

The two of them came out of the cave and walked by a small stream that was a few steps away from the cave.

"The north or south for a long time has not recognized us, Nazeir. Those sorcerers may outnumber us. But they don't know that we still exist. Maybe you weren't around during that conflict, my predecessors were. And you know how much I hate them." They both stopped walking. Jurko faced the confused Nazeir. "Reach into the depths of your heart. Find reasons to hate them. I know you do, but you keep it back. They butchered us like dogs, backstabbed my brother, YOUR brothers. Did you know the sorcerers enslave people? What happened if we didn't strike them? You remember what happened at the border, don't you?"

Nazeir glanced at the old inquisitor. His brows furrowed, he breathed hard. Something sparked inside. His lips lowered; his hands clenched into fists. The inquisitor turned away from the old inquisitor and hit a tree hard. The tree cracked, and Jurko looked at the inquisitor with understanding.

"Tell Tabot I will go," Nazeir said to the old inquisitor.

He rushed to his horse; he mounted it, and the old inquisitor stopped Nazeir.

"You will?" he was taken aback. "Where do you want to go now?"

"Meeting an acquaintance. Maybe she can help us. I hope."

"Are you going north with us?"

"Yes and no. I'll catch up with you two."

"Then Tabot and I will camp in his family's mansion."

"Camping in a house? I like that."

Nazeir immediately kicked his horse running. Riding quickly, left Jurko alone in front of the cave hideout. The old investigator only saw Nazeir disappear into the forest.