Returning to Astra:
The temple hall was eerily silent, save for the soft crackle of torches lining the walls. Astra stood before the towering statue of Hirako, her gaze hard and unyielding. The goddess's serene expression felt like silent judgment, her nine tails curling protectively around the statue's base.
"Mike, what do we know?" Astra's voice was steady, masking the storm brewing beneath.
Mike adjusted his glasses, flipping through his notes. "All priestesses were slain. The doors were either opened or destroyed. Strangely, their personal belongings remained untouched—even coin pouches."
"They weren't here for money," Astra muttered, stepping over shattered benches and discarded prayer scrolls. She paused before a trail of blood leading toward the dormitory.
Mike followed closely, his brow furrowed. "There's something irregular about this. If they weren't after wealth, what was their objective?"
"They were searching for something specific," Astra said, her tone sharpening. She glanced back at the statue, its gaze unchanging. "Or someone."
Frost entered, his expression grim as he approached. "We escorted Ari home safely. She's shaken but unharmed."
Astra gave a curt nod, her focus unwavering. "Good. Did she provide any useful information?"
"Not yet. She needs time," Frost replied. He delivered a brief report about Ari before departing, leaving Astra to continue the investigation.
"Captain," one of the guards called from the second floor, his voice echoing down the ruined hall. "You'll want to see this."
Astra exchanged a glance with Mike before ascending the staircase, each step creaking beneath her boots. They arrived at a doorway where jagged stone pillars jutted upward, blocking entry to the chamber. The guard stood aside, visibly unsettled.
"Found this during the sweep," he explained. "It wasn't here before the attack. Appears someone barricaded the door… deliberately."
Mike knelt beside the formation, his fingers brushing the cold surface. "This isn't rune magic," he murmured. "It's raw—elemental, perhaps even True Magic."
Astra studied the scene in silence, her sharp gaze tracing the edges and unnatural symmetry of the pillars. "Someone wanted this door sealed," she said. "Either to contain something within or protect someone inside."
Mike nodded. "Whoever cast this possesses considerable skill—this kind of magic isn't common."
Astra turned to the guard. "Were the attackers employing magic?"
"No signs of it, Captain," he replied. "At least not on this scale. It might've been someone else entirely."
Astra's lips pressed into a thin line. "Someone else…"
She peered inside but refused to crawl through the pillars and spikes, so she dispatched the guard who had discovered the chamber.
With some difficulty, he squeezed through. "Open the curtains," Astra suggested.
"There is no window here," the guard said, indicating a single beam of light penetrating through a wall. "Only this."
The guard unintentionally touched the wall, which crumbled to reveal the window the Savior had barricaded after escaping with Ari. With the chamber now illuminated by the full moon, the guard began searching for clues. He examined the blood upon the floor, the duvet, bed, wardrobe, and chest. The only significant discovery was a bag that Astra immediately claimed.
"It's Ari's. So this is the chamber where she fought those thugs," Astra concluded, glancing at Mike, who remained fascinated by the rock pillars.
"This is a rare finding. Do you comprehend what it means?" Mike asked with enthusiasm, his eyes wide.
"I'm all ears," Astra said, crossing her arms, prepared for an extensive explanation.
"This wasn't created with mere rune magic. It must be True Magic or some long-forgotten elemental art," Mike explained, his tone hushed and reverent.
"And what's the significance of that?" Astra asked, her impatience creeping through.
"If we understand what ability or magic created this, we can identify those who wielded it. Worldwide, only a few could form pillars and spikes like these. One of them is the individual you're seeking."
Astra didn't respond. She was deep in contemplation, her mind racing with possibilities. Mike followed her as the guard struggled to exit the chamber.
As they proceeded back down the hallway, the shadows seemed to lengthen, and the temple's silence was almost deafening. Astra felt the weight of her responsibility pressing down upon her. She knew the answers they sought were within reach, but the path to uncovering them was fraught with uncertainty.
Astra's authoritative voice echoed through the hall as she summoned all the guards, instructing them to prepare for a thorough search of the basement.
She stood at the top of the basement stairs, her eyes scanning the darkness below. "Everyone, draw your weapons and remain alert. We don't know if any of those thugs are still concealed down there," she commanded, her voice firm.
The guards, their expressions resolute, drew their weapons and formed a tight formation around Astra. Mike, always prepared, stepped forward with a confident nod. "I'll provide illumination," he said. A magical light green rune with ancient symbols materialized around his wrist. "CANDLELIGHT!" he incanted, and Astra's sword glowed with brilliant white light, illuminating the staircase. Mike repeated the spell for several other guards, their weapons lighting up like torches.
"Do you have to vocalize that to make the spell function?" Astra asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No, but it adds style for us mages," Mike replied with a wry smile.
"Oh," Astra sighed, shaking her head slightly.
They began their descent into the basement, the stone steps echoing beneath their boots. The air grew colder and more oppressive as they ventured deeper, the scent of damp stone and forgotten things growing stronger. Shadows danced upon the walls, cast by the flickering light of their enchanted weapons.
As they reached the bottom, the basement opened into a vast, cavernous space. Rows of ancient wooden shelves lined the walls, filled with dusty tomes, ancient scrolls, and relics from another age. The floor was cluttered with discarded crates and broken furniture, evidence of either a hurried search or a desperate struggle.
"Keep your eyes open," Astra instructed.
The guards dispersed, carefully checking beneath every piece of furniture and behind every stack of crates. Astra moved methodically, her gaze scanning the chamber for anything unusual. The light from her sword cast long shadows, making the space seem even more ominous.
"Captain, over here!" one of the guards called out, his voice echoing through the basement.
Astra hurried to where the guard stood. He indicated a series of strange markings upon the stone floor, partially obscured by dust and debris. "These resemble the remnants of a spell circle," he said, his brow furrowed in concentration.
Mike joined them, his eyes lighting up with interest. "Indeed, these are the remnants of a powerful spell. The destabilized magic particles in the air suggest a substantial spell was cast here recently."
Astra knelt, brushing away the dust to reveal more of the intricate markings. "What kind of spell are we discussing?" she asked, her tone serious.
"Most likely a teleportation spell," Mike replied. "Given the amount of magical residue, it must have been employed to transport multiple people or objects. There are three circles, so they had at least three navigators."
Astra rose, her mind racing. "So they escaped through magic."
"Captain, there's something here!" another guard called from across the chamber.
They rushed over to find a guard standing beside an ancient wooden chest, partially hidden behind a collapsed bookshelf. The chest lay open, its contents scattered upon the floor. Astra retrieved a piece of parchment, her eyes narrowing as she read the ancient script.
"These are old ritual instructions," she said, passing the parchment to Mike.
He examined it closely. "These rituals are related to summoning and binding. On the market, they would cost a fortune. Not stealing them suggests they were searching only for something specific."
Astra's gaze swept the chamber, her frustration mounting. "There must be more. Continue searching."
The guards continued their methodical search, the basement filled with the sounds of shifting debris and murmured conversations. Suddenly, a cry echoed through the chamber.
"Captain, I found someone!" a guard yelled.
Astra and Frost rushed toward the source of the call, finding a guard comforting a blood-covered, trembling priestess hidden behind a stack of ancient crates.
"She told me to hide here, so I did. I covered myself with cassocks," the priestess said, tears streaming down her face.
"Don't dwell on it now," Frost said gently, supporting her. "You're safe."
The priestess gazed at Astra with wide, fearful eyes. "Is she safe?"
"Yes," Astra answered with a reassuring nod.
The priestess smiled weakly before losing consciousness. Frost carefully carried her to a chamber in the dormitory, his expression grim.
"We have a witness. Perhaps she'll know why they came here," Samuel said, his tone hopeful.
"Perhaps," Astra said, and the search continued for another hour.
Finally, without further success, Astra called everyone. "That's all for now. Everyone, get some rest. Dismissed."
"Aye, Captain," the guards responded in unison.
Mike lingered momentarily, his eyes still scanning the chamber. "It appears they attacked from within the city and escaped using teleportation magic."
Astra nodded, her mind still processing the details. "An organized criminal group with significant resources. There must be something of high value here, but what?"
Mike shrugged. "I don't know, but they obtained it."
Astra sighed, feeling the weight of her responsibilities. She glanced around the basement one final time before leading her team back upstairs, the mystery of the attack still unresolved in her mind.
The night air in Kar-Ah was crisp and cool as Astra made her way home. The streets were quiet, the only sound being the distant murmur of the city that never truly slept. Her thoughts were heavy with the night's events, the questions and mysteries that still demanded answers.
As she approached her home, the familiar sight of the wooden mansion brought a measure of relief. The mansion stood tall and comforting, a beacon of stability amidst the chaos of her thoughts. Moonlight cast long shadows across the carefully tended garden, highlighting the intricate carvings upon the wooden facade.
Astra opened the front door quietly, stepping into the dimly lit hallway. The warm glow of candlelight flickered from sconces upon the walls, casting gentle light over the polished wooden floors. She was greeted by Mia, the household maid, standing in the hall wearing only a nightgown, still awake despite the late hour. Mia's face showed concern as she glimpsed the fatigue etched into Astra's features.
"Miss Astra, do you need some tea or a bath?" Mia asked softly, her voice filled with empathy.
Astra managed a tired smile. "Mia, it's past midnight. Don't trouble yourself. You should rest."
Mia nodded but lingered momentarily, clearly hesitant to leave Astra alone. "If you need anything, please inform me," she said before quietly making her way to her chamber.
Astra stood momentarily in the quiet hallway, the night's events swirling through her mind. She drew a deep breath and made her way to Ari's chamber. The door was slightly ajar, and she pushed it open gently, peering inside.
Ari slept, curled beneath a thick duvet. Her breathing was steady, but her face still bore traces of recent tears. Astra's heart ached at the sight of her younger sister, so vulnerable yet so strong. She stepped inside, careful not to wake her.
She placed Ari's bag—which they had discovered at the temple—upon the small table beside the bed. The bag was a simple leather satchel, worn from use but filled with items holding sentimental value for Ari. Astra hoped it would bring her some comfort when she awakened.
Astra leaned down and kissed Ari's forehead gently. "Sleep well, little sister," she whispered.
She stood there momentarily, observing Ari's peaceful form. The chamber was cozy and warm, filled with the soft glow of a bedside lamp. Shelves lined the walls, filled with books and small trinkets Ari had collected over the years. A large window allowed moonlight to spill into the chamber, casting silvery light over everything.
Satisfied that Ari was safe, Astra quietly exited the chamber, closing the door softly behind her. She made her way to her own chamber, the day's fatigue beginning to catch up with her. Her chamber was simple yet comfortable, a place where she could find momentary peace amidst the turmoil of her duties.
She sat upon the edge of her bed, removing her boots and setting her sword within easy reach. Her mind still raced with the unanswered questions from the night, but she forced herself to draw several deep breaths, attempting to calm her thoughts.
As she lay back upon the bed, staring upward at the ceiling, the weight of her responsibilities pressed down upon her. The attack on the temple, the mysterious motives of the assailants, and her sister's safety all swirled through her mind. But for now, she allowed herself to close her eyes, letting exhaustion claim her.
"Why?" she wondered one final time before sleep overtook her. "Why attack Hirako's priestesses with such force? What were they seeking?"
With that final thought, Astra drifted into restless sleep, her dreams filled with shadows and unanswered questions.
Awakening felt like death's sweet kiss had whispered goodnight. Barely opening her eyes, Ari reached outward, her hand brushing the cold, smooth wall as she released a deep sigh. Her entire body was drenched in cold sweat, making every movement a struggle. The unbearable discomfort forced her to muster all her strength to push the clammy duvet from her body. Sheets, pillow, duvet, nightshirt, undergarments—everything was soaked and frigid.
Groaning, she struggled to sit upright, but then a gentle morning breeze drifted through her chamber, bringing with it the delicate song of a small blue phoenix perched upon the windowsill.
This rare avian, with its sky-blue feathers and a single golden plume extending from its forehead to its rump, was a mesmerizing sight. Its magnificent eyelashes fluttered as it began to hop about and sing. Despite her grumpy mood, Ari couldn't help but smile at the little creature. Finally mustering the energy, she stretched her arms properly and rose to her feet.
"Ugh… I'll have to ask Mia to change my bedding."
Ari's chamber, bathed in the soft light of dawn, was a cozy haven filled with the warm hues of polished wood and rich fabrics. Shelves lined with books and trinkets from her travels decorated the walls, and the faint scent of lavender lingered in the air. She approached the blue phoenix, bending down to observe it closely. The bird was unbothered, pausing its dance and song to study Arianna with curious, rapid head movements. It flew away only when she attempted to stroke its head with a finger. Sighing once more, Ari undressed, standing completely unclothed as she dried herself with a towel remaining from her previous bath.
She stood beside the open window, knowing there was no one to observe. The walls near her mansion were rarely patrolled, and even if they were, the tall trees in her garden provided ample concealment. The garden, lush with greenery and vibrant flowers, seemed to whisper secrets in the morning breeze. Standing before a full-length mirror framed in ornate silver, Ari grasped her well-developed breasts, lifting them to check for any missed scratches or bruises. As she examined herself, memories of the man who saved her resurfaced—his might, dexterity, speed, agility, earth magic, and the strong arm that had carried her. Feeling increasingly aroused, she abruptly halted, shaking her head.
"No. No. No. No. No. No," she muttered, slapping her face to regain composure.
From her wardrobe, she selected an attractive dress that complemented her dark-blue hair and a fresh pair of undergarments. The wardrobe, carved from dark mahogany, stood tall against the wall, its doors adorned with intricate floral designs. Donning her sandals, she seated herself before the dressing table with a smaller mirror, brushing her hair to tame the chaos upon her head. She employed another smaller brush to clean and coax her fluffy kitsune ears, and a large brush to groom her dark-blue, fox-like tail. She could spend hours engaged in this activity and never tire of it.
As she brushed, the sun began to rise, casting a golden glow across her chamber. The morning light danced upon the surfaces, bringing life to the chamber's warm colors and highlighting the intricate details of the furniture and decorations. Ari felt a sense of calm wash over her, the familiar routine helping to ground her after the turbulent events of the previous night.
Finally, Ari noticed her bag resting upon the nightstand. She retrieved it and rummaged through its contents: her purse, beef jerky wrapped in cloth, sweets, a lollipop, and other small items that could prove useful someday. Satisfied that nothing was missing, she left the bag behind.
Stepping into the hallway, she immediately became aware of an argument between Astra and Fiora. The hallway itself was an impressive sight, richly furnished and lined with tall, arched windows that admitted streams of morning light. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting ancient myths and legendary battles. Ornate sconces held flickering candles, adding warm, golden illumination to the space. The polished wooden floors reflected the light, endowing the hall with an ethereal quality.
Fiora's appearance was a blend of grace and authority, truly befitting a High Priestess. She wore a long, flowing crimson dress with intricate gold embroidery along the hems, the fabric shimmering as she moved. The dress featured elegant slits along the sides and beneath the arms, revealing tantalizing glimpses of her well-toned figure. A wide golden belt cinched her waist, its tassels of golden threads swaying gracefully with each step. Draped over her shoulders was a dark crimson cloak embroidered with celestial patterns, shielding her from unwanted gazes. Her head was adorned with an elaborate headpiece studded with precious stones, adding a divine aura to her presence. Fiora's elegant attire subtly accentuated her ample bosom and graceful figure, embodying both her divine role and her inherent nobility.
Astra was slumped over the table, clenching her teeth in frustration. Clad in her guard cuirass with a pair of iron gauntlets and boots, she exuded strength and resilience. Astra's muscular physique was a stark contrast to the more delicate and slender forms of her mother and sister. She was undeniably her father's daughter—Asurian, the renowned Captain of the City Guard, Fiora's husband, and the father of Astra, Ari, and Farah. Astra had inherited nearly everything from him: a sense of duty, a formidable physique, unmatched swordsmanship, and his fiery red hair. Asurian, known as The Crimson Devil, had left a powerful legacy, one that Astra embodied fully.
"You know what they took!" Astra slammed the table with her gauntleted fist, the impact sending a strand of her crimson hair flying, startling Ari.
"Not this tone, dear." Fiora's gaze alone brought Astra back into submission.
"I... I'm sorry, Mother." Astra's voice softened, filled with shame. "I just don't understand… I can't pursue this further…"
"I don't know what it was or how they learned of it. Do you truly believe I'd risk Ari's life and refuse to tell you the truth?" Fiora's annoyance was palpable.
"I… I know it's not your fault, but Maria must have told you something. She was like a grandmother to us, the head priestess of Hirako Temple. You've known each other for years. Didn't she confide anything in you?"
Ari, sensing the tension, joined the conversation. "She must have."
Fiora sighed, regarding her younger daughter. "There was something, back when I was expecting Farah. Maria mentioned something she acquired from a witch who visited the town. I didn't pay much attention to it; I had more pressing matters on my mind, as you can imagine."
Ari approached and seated herself beside her mother upon the couch, clasping her hand sympathetically.
"There was a saying that comes to mind now: 'If found and taken, a world conqueror will arise,' or something to that effect, whatever that signifies."
"A world conqueror?" Ari repeated, disbelief etched upon her face.
Astra sighed in frustration, dropping her head onto the table and scratching her scalp in exasperation.
"Astra, calm yourself. You'll injure yourself," Ari said, deeply worried about her sister.
Fiora rose gracefully, her expression a mixture of concern and resignation. "Do what you can, but don't push yourself too strenuously. Maria's journal might hold some answers. Examine her notes and any concealed pockets in her garments."
She paused, her gaze softening as she regarded her daughters. "I wish I could do more, but this is all I can offer presently. I apologize."
With a final, lingering glance, she turned and departed the chamber, the sound of her footsteps echoing through the silent hall.
Ari approached Astra and gently patted her head. The tension in the chamber was palpable, the air thick with unspoken concerns. The wooden beams overhead seemed to groan with the weight of their collective worries.
Out of nowhere, Farah emerged from the kitchen holding two cups of steaming tea. His arrival was like a burst of sunlight through storm clouds. Noticing that their mother was absent, he nonetheless placed a teacup where she had been seated. The delicate porcelain clinked softly against the polished oak table.
"Why do we even bother?" he exclaimed, but his eyes softened when he noticed Ari. "Hello, sister. I hope you're feeling better today."
"I'm improved now, thank you. We should worry more about Astra," she answered, her smile like a warm balm.
"Captain will be fine, don't concern yourself. You should take it easy. It would be better if you remained home. We both know how the academy can be troublesome, and it's not what you need right now." Before Ari could respond, he returned to the kitchen, the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the doorway.
"Mia, stop that! We won't prepare any more for this elderly lady," Farah's voice carried a mixture of respect and playful rebellion, his love for their mother evident despite his teasing.
"Please don't speak such things aloud," Mia replied, her voice tinged with stress as she worried about the consequences of Farah's behavior.
Astra finally rose and patted Ari's shoulder, the metal of her gauntlet cool against her sister's skin. "Rest today. I'll do as Mother suggested. If I discover anything, I'll inform you." She kissed Ari's forehead gently. Just as she was about to depart, Farah returned and, with a mischievous grin, asked, "Will you kiss me too?" Astra responded by pinching his trapezius, eliciting a yelp of pain from him and a series of apologies.
Mia emerged to investigate the commotion, drying her hands upon a cloth. She glimpsed only Astra's back as she exited, her silhouette framed by the light streaming through the open door. Ari rose and approached Farah, embracing him tightly and kissing his forehead.
"Is it better now?" she asked softly.
"I merely wanted to make her laugh. She didn't have to be that brutal," Farah replied, not truly angry at Astra. He knew her too well for that.
Mia noticed something about Ari's appearance. "Miss, your hair has grown past your shoulders. Would you like me to trim it slightly?" she asked with deep compassion and care.
Ari's dark blue hair, cascading in soft waves, framed her delicate face, contrasting with her fair complexion. Her large, expressive eyes—the same shade of blue as her hair—hinted at a depth of emotion she rarely allowed to surface. Her kitsune ears, covered in a fine layer of dark blue fur, twitched slightly as she considered Mia's question. Ari's slender figure, accentuated by the simple yet elegant dress she wore, belied the inner strength she possessed. Her fox-like tail, equally dark blue and well-groomed, swayed gently behind her, a subconscious reflection of her emotions. Despite the trials she had endured, there was an ethereal beauty about her, a quiet resilience that shone through even in moments of vulnerability.
"Perhaps later, Mia, but there is something I would like to request of you."
"I'm listening."
"I experienced cold sweats last night from everything that happened. My bedding is…"
"It's not a problem. I'll change your bedding, duvet, pillows, and every other piece of linen as well."
Ari smiled and thanked her. Farah had been observing Ari's hair the entire time. "You truly look splendid with this medium-length hair. It suits you well."
"I wonder when you'll outgrow that bowl cut," Ari laughed, ruffling his hair.
"It's quite popular currently if you haven't noticed," Farah said with a smile and confidence. "Girls adore it."
"Aren't you too young to be interested in girls?" Ari teased.
Farah laughed. "Ha ha ha, and who's saying that? You're merely two years older than me and… oh, damn, I'm sorry, Ari. I'm so, so, so sorry." Realizing his mistake, his smile vanished, and he approached his sister, grasping her hand in compassion.
Ari forced a laugh, attempting to brush off the comment. "It's acceptable, truly," she said, gazing out the window to conceal her true feelings. Deep down, the words stung, and as she kept her gaze fixed outside, a single, unnoticed tear rolled down her cheek.
"I'll be departing… before I cause more damage." Farah grabbed his bag and prepared to leave.
"I haven't packed your food yet," Mia called after him, attempting to catch him on his way out.
"I'm no longer hungry," he said, his voice trailing off as he left. A loud scream echoed through the entire first tier as he walked away, the mistake he made haunting him all the way to the academy.
When Astra departed the Rosviel mansion, she made her way toward the second tier, her mind preoccupied with the day's tasks. En route, she glimpsed Fiora in conversation with Bishop Elara Windrake. Elara, the mother of Phoenix Windrake—Ari's childhood friend—was a middle-aged woman with short blonde hair and a slender figure. Her delicate doll-like features were framed by a long, dark blue robe and bishop headgear. The long sleeves of her robe concealed her delicate hands, lending her an air of mystery. As she conversed with Fiora, she noticed Astra passing by. Their eyes met briefly, and Elara's expression softened, but Astra quickly averted her gaze toward the gate and hastened her steps.
As Astra continued toward the barracks, she passed the bustling plaza with its iconic fountain, where a cat and fox playfully sprayed water from their mouths. The nearby tavern, "The Gilded Griffin," boasted the finest ale and sausage in the entire Theocracy, its enticing aromas wafting through the air. The market square was a hive of activity, with traders hawking their wares and people from all walks of life going about their business. She encountered nuns in their simple habits, scholars engrossed in deep discussions, traders negotiating deals, mercenaries seeking their next commission, and other guards patrolling the area. Among the diverse crowd were members of other races like nekomata and likaons, adding to the vibrant tapestry of the city.
One figure stood out particularly: a colossal mercenary clad in heavy armor, his imposing presence causing people to step aside. His sheer size and the weight of his armor made him a living fortress. Another notable figure was a street witch with the appearance of a young and beautiful lady, but the air around her was tinged with an untrustworthy aura that made Astra wary. The final person to capture Astra's attention was a boy in a hood, walking purposefully down the street. As they passed shoulder to shoulder, a sudden freezing sensation shot through Astra's body, causing her to shiver. She glanced back at the boy, who continued on his way, seemingly unbothered, but there was an unmistakable aura of power surrounding him that sent a chill down her spine.
The streets of Kar-Ah were alive with movement and color, each person and place narrating a story. Astra's journey through the city was a testament to its rich diversity and the hidden depths that lay beneath its surface.
Finally reaching the stone barracks, Astra spotted Frost and Ash seated upon a bench nearby. The structure was a formidable building, its grey stone walls standing resolute and austere against the vibrant activity of the city. The barracks, with its heavy oak doors and narrow windows, exuded an air of military discipline and readiness.
They saluted their captain as she approached. "Good morning, Captain," Frost said, exhaling a puff of cigarette smoke. His rugged face was partially obscured by a cloud of smoke, and his sharp blue eyes seemed to scrutinize the world with perpetual wariness.
Ash rose, his tall, lean figure moving with a soldier's precision, and approached to shake hands with Astra. "I heard everything from Frost about what transpired yesterday. We can prepare witnesses on your command."
"We have all day for it. Remind her not to depart the city without my permission. Now, I need you to bring the body of the head priestess for examination." Astra's voice was firm, her attitude fully determined to resolve this mystery.
Frost gazed into her eyes and perceived her resolve. He sighed and crossed one leg over the other, creating a ring with the smoke from his cigarette and gazing upward at the heavens, lost in contemplation.
At that moment, Bang—a middle-aged man with grey hair—emerged from the barracks with Hector, a huge lion-like youkai. Bang's face bore a permanent expression of serene contentment, and his eyes twinkled with a mixture of wisdom and unshakeable positivity. His presence radiated calm, almost meditative energy, reminiscent of a gentle stream flowing through a peaceful meadow. His voice, soothing and steady, possessed a way of making everyone around him feel at ease, as if all the troubles in the world were merely happy little accidents waiting to be transformed into something beautiful.
"You want to examine the elderly lady?" Bang asked with a timid smile upon his face, his demeanor ever carefree and positive.
Hector, the enormous lion-like youkai, said nothing, simply passing by and seating himself beside Frost, who immediately offered him a cigarette. Hector declined with a polite shake of his head.
"I spoke with the High Priestess. She mentioned something from the past that may significantly impact the entire investigation behind the attack," Astra said, her irritation at Bang's lightheartedness barely contained.
"Mother said that? I wonder what it was," Bang mused aloud, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.
Bang, the second in command, was a seasoned guard and soldier who had spent most of his life under Asurian's command. He treated Astra with the utmost respect as Asurian's heir but ignored the usual taboos about status and titles. For Bang, everyone was equal, and he never wavered from this view.
"The body of the priestess should still be in the funeral parlor. Do you want to summon her here, or simply go there and investigate what you need to?" Bang asked, his smile fading as he focused upon the task at hand.
"I only care about what we can discover in her garments. Notes, journal, papers, items like that," Astra replied, her voice steady.
Frost drew a long drag from his cigarette. "When I escorted the surviving priestess out of the basement, I laid her in a chamber in the temple's dormitory. It happened to be the head priestess's chamber. I know this because there was a journal hidden beneath the pillow with her name inscribed upon it."
Astra turned to Frost, her eyes wide with shock. "What was written within it?"
Frost exhaled another smoke ring. "I didn't read it, but I left it upon the nightstand. If no one's disturbed it, it should still be there."
The barracks courtyard buzzed with activity, soldiers preparing for their duties, weapons clinking, and the sound of training drills echoing off the stone walls. The morning sun cast long shadows across the cobblestones, and a cool breeze carried the scent of pine from the nearby forest, mingling with the tang of metal and the earthy aroma of tobacco smoke.
Astra clapped her hands decisively. "Bang, let's examine the body. Frost, I need you to return to the temple and retrieve the journal."
Frost, unmotivated to move, barely managed to rise from the bench he was sharing with Hector. For Frost, an ideal day would involve smoking cigarettes and lying upon the grass outside Kar-Ah, observing clouds drift by. However, duty called. Hector and Ash returned to their usual duties as city guards, while Bang and Astra made their way toward the funeral parlor. Frost reluctantly set off back toward the temple.