"Are you really sure about this, Nyssa? Is your mind truly made up?" Eisha asked worriedly as she gripped my arm. I smiled and glanced at the captains conversing not far from where we stood.
"Of course. I won't hesitate on this," I replied.
"I just don't want you to get hurt. I'm your friend now, and so are the others. Captain Zeid—the only reason he might be unsure about your plan is because he's worried about you. We all are. Please think about that, Nyssa."
"You all must not know the strength I possess. I can be careful when I need to be," I said with a smile. "So there's no need to worry. I won't die, and nothing bad will happen."
---
For this mission, I was accompanied by Captain Masashi and Lieutenant Arla. They would be my escorts until we reached Artrias. According to the woman we had met earlier, the Black Trio was still stationed there—this was our chance to capture them.
Captain Masashi and the lieutenant wore ordinary kimonos, while I was dressed in simple white pants and a long-sleeved white top.
"Be careful and don't act recklessly, Nyssa," Lieutenant Arla reminded me. I smiled.
"I understand," I replied before following Captain Masashi, who held a fan covering his face.
We walked toward a small eatery. Many eyes turned toward us—likely because the aura of my two companions was hard to ignore. An older woman, around fifty, approached us.
"Young ones, it would be best if you left right after eating. We wouldn't want you to be cursed," she whispered, glancing around as if ensuring no one was listening.
Captain Masashi smirked, still hiding his nose and mouth behind his fan.
"May we know more about this curse?" he asked.
The woman looked around again before leaning slightly closer.
"I've run this eatery for a long time, and life here used to be peaceful. But everything changed when the Black Trio arrived in Artrias. They control our lives now. We're still free to live as we please, but anyone who opposes their rule is either killed or tortured. Some are drained of their energy until they lose their powers—or die. They're cruel and merciless."
She straightened up and placed a menu on our table.
"You said they rule here. Where do they live now?" Lieutenant Arla asked, picking up the menu.
The woman hesitated before sighing.
"If you want to see them, they live in the heart of Artrias—the former chief's residence," she said. "I can't say more. What would you like to eat? Feel free to choose. I'll wait here."
Captain Masashi and I exchanged glances. Lieutenant Arla simply nodded. We now knew where they were. We had to be cautious.
---
"Wait, I need to use the restroom. Stay here for now," I said, walking away.
"Miss Nyssa, you shouldn't wander alone—" Captain Masashi began, but I cut him off.
"You just want an excuse to follow me and peek, don't you? I know your type, Captain Masashi. Or maybe you'll sneak a glance at other women. Tsk, that's dangerous," I teased, making him flush before he quickly hid his face behind his fan. He laughed and shook his head.
"I'm not that kind of man. Wait, you really shouldn't—"
"Don't worry, Captain," I said before quickly slipping away.
Instead of heading to the restroom, I turned a corner and made my way toward the center of Artrias. The town wasn't large, so I'd reach it quickly.
I knew escaping from the captains was reckless. But if the enemies sensed their presence—even if they concealed their auras—they'd still be noticeable.
I gripped my phone, staring at a message I had received days ago.
They'd find me if they wanted to. But… I couldn't waste any more time. I'd leave the rest to Zeid. I trusted them—our plan wouldn't fail.
---
"What? I knew it—that woman's about to do something reckless again!" Captain Zeid snapped in frustration upon learning Nyssa was gone.
Half an hour had passed, and Nyssa still hadn't returned. Captain Masashi and Lieutenant Arla decided to check the public restroom, but there was no trace of her.
They had a bad feeling—her disappearance could ruin their plan. Yet, despite that, they still wanted to trust whatever she was thinking.
Captain Zeid's irritation was evident over the line, making Captain Masashi smirk.
"Are you really mad because she might ruin the plan, or are you just worried about her safety?"
"Shut up, Masashi. Find her and follow her. If the Black Trio gets their hands on her, we don't know what could happen. I've had a bad feeling since—" He paused and sighed.
"Understood. We'll track her down," Captain Masashi replied before ending the call. He turned to Lieutenant Arla, whose hand glowed with numbers floating in front of her.
"I've found her."
---
I leaped down and landed on the other side. No one else was around—just as I expected.
Gripping my dagger, I entered the large house. Walking through the dim hallway, I reached a hall.
The moment I stepped in, figures clad in black emerged, blades pointed at me. I raised my hands in surrender as another dark figure stepped forward. When a sliver of light hit his face, my eyes widened.
"Y-you…" I stammered.
He smirked—a grin I knew all too well.
"Yo, Nyssa," he greeted.
My heart pounded violently. I could only stare, my mind struggling to process what was happening.
"Oh? Cat got your tongue?" he asked, stepping closer. I watched as he reached out, brushing strands of hair from my face.
I swallowed hard, finally finding my voice again.
I met his gaze.
"Maxson."