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General Rook strode toward headquarters, his boots striking hard against the metal floor. Though blind, his senses told him everything he needed to know the city trembled with unrest.
"Report," he barked as he entered the command chamber.
A junior officer stepped forward, voice tight. "Sir, there's been a sudden outbreak at the Night Festival ball. The situation was chaotic, but a force wielder managed to erect a shield that's contained the infection."
"Force shield…" Rook's head tilted slightly, as though the words stirred a memory. "Details."
"The fugitives were sighted," the officer continued. "The pink-haired girl for certain. The other one… not yet. We believe he's still inside the castle." He hesitated. "And..."
"Speak," Rook snapped.
"The host was found dead in his manor. Assassinated."
For a moment, silence stretched between them. Rook lowered his head, expression unreadable. Then he straightened, every word a command. "Send a squad to the ball. Contain the infection, secure the escapees. And relay the news to Sir Reymond's spouse."
"Yes, General." The officer saluted and hurried off to carry out the orders.
Rook reached for his weapon, his movements precise and unhurried. Blind or not, he was ready to wade into the chaos himself.