Valen revealed his true appearance, as he took off his helmet, revealing his abnormal pale skin that was similar to Sereth's own colored skin.
"...What?... you have pale skin like my own… but yet, you possess no adherence or possession of dark magic energy… are you an undead?"
"...No, that can't be it either… you are much too human-like to be raised from a necromancer's power… and a regular resurrection leaves the skin exactly as it once was before the body has been killed… you must be one of the monsters Solmira spoke of in mythology… but yet you represent none of them…"
"That may just be true."
"...What do you wish to do with me?... I am in no position to fight against your subordinate's magic or against you… It is my loss." She said, resigning to her fate.
*
"...That's the Witch of the Withering Root?!" Deyric was bewildered, as the rest of the Marks of Purity were shocked as Valen, Valea and Sereth regrouped with the others.
"...I allowed her to communicate with the rest of her bandit faction that she was temporarily leaving the forest through the Seerblade that is within the Three Myres… that should give me some time to go to Virestone Keep without Myrewood erupting into war between the three…"
"You actually managed to capture, not kill her… I am beyond impressed, Sir Arthur." Gorran said, showing his admiration for him.
"Be at ease. My circlet of light allows me to dampen her capabilities through divine restraints that I have placed upon her skin. She will not be able to lash out."
On Sereth's skin, the vine-like sigils that formerly pulsed with dark magic energy, were replaced by runes that pulsed with golden runes that permanently restricted her use of her spells that relied on the corruption of essence, reducing her overall combat capability.
"...I wonder if there is anyone who can forcefully remove the restriction runes I can place onto individuals through my crown…"
"...It is true. I am unable to utilize my power without the consent of my master." She said, as the others saw that she was utterly defeated through her resigned expression.
"...To even have her call him master…" Fenna murmured.
Despite the runes Valen placed upon her, the Marks of Purity still felt the corrupted aura that was emanating from her presence. It allowed Valen to prove that he truly captured the Witch, despite her known appearance.
"...I can feel the aura coming from her…" Valien spoke.
"...What corruption…"
"You really have accomplished a lot of feats in this amount of time, Arthur. The Crimson Ledger will be shocked…"
"...We would have definitely been butchered and massacred…"
"...Despite her aura, I can see the appeal, but to think that her presence is enough to strike fear into their souls… she really is a witch of this world, but not of mine…"
Valen's point was proven through Valea's unshaken will, despite the corrupted aura.
"Sir… Arthur...." Thennel spoke, repeating after Gorran.
"If you take the Witch from Myrewood, won't the other two Myres take advantage of that? It could mean Virelow Hollow is caught in the crossfire between the three factions."
"There is a chance, but I have temporarily solved that problem."
"...Can I be part of your mercenary group, Sir?" Thennel said, as he began pleading.
"The famed Mireleaf wants to join a mercenary team?!" Deyric shouted.
"...That is quite the honor." Gorran nodded.
"Hm."
"I want to be able to protect the village and the one I love. Please teach me even a fragment of your unparalleled strength. I believe it now, if I didn't before, I do now."
"...Having a famous and practical apothecary on your team is surely to have a benefit, no?"
"It seems you wish to grow as a magic caster and a combatant."
Thennel nodded.
"...I admire your determination, despite your appearance. However, you have your own responsibilities as the Lead Apothecary of the Crimson Ledger, no? It will be quite the blunder to see your loyalty shift, especially in this kingdom's current state."
"Through those facts alone, I will have to decline your plea. However, I will lend my strength to protect Virelow Hollow to acknowledge and respect your request. I may need your help with that endeavor, as well as through the Crimson Ledger as I wish to grow in the ranks."
"Of course! Anything you need, I will do it." Thennel affirmed his loyalty to him, despite what Valen had said.
"...He's completely loyal… he will be a good addition to Viscera's End once I announce to the world the Eidryn Empire's presence… right now, I will wait until that day comes…"
*
By the time the Marks of Purity had returned to Virestone Keep, darkness struck over the capital city. It was midnight, with the moon's light bearing through the sky.
"Sir Arthur. We'll escort Thennel on the way to the Crimson Ledger to drop off the materials he gathered." Deyric spoke.
Valen nodded. "I will go to the Standing Army's headquarters to confirm the completion of their bounty on the Witch. I will meet you back at the Ledger."
"Thank you again, Sir. I was able to gather a lot of materials I need for my new compositions and compounds. Count on a bonus to the contract's payment." Thennel smiled as he began to ride off.
"...Looks like I will be separated from you, Sir Arthur. Let's have a date soon, okay?" Fenna said, winking and attempted to approach Valen.
"No, you don't." Gorran retorted, as she began dragging her backwards.
"See you guys later." Valien waved.
As Valen and Valea began walking with their prisoner, Sereth, the citizens within the capital city through their homes began to look upon them in both awe and fear.
Valen then looked at the sky, as clouds began to cover the beautiful moonlight, replaced by the darkness of the night.
*
"...Okay, that should be the last of it. Put the rest over there." Thennel directed the Marks of Purity within the Crimson Ledger's workshop, as they put down the boxes and barrels.
"Huh… that's strange. Where are the others?" Thennel looked around, seeing as the apothecaries within the workshop disappeared without a trace.
A door within the workshop then opened, revealing an unidentified figure.
"Welcome home, Thennel…" The feminine voice spoke out. She let out a devilish smile and chuckle, as if she was a predator that had just found her prey.
"I had known that you had gone out, but I had no idea I'd be waiting here for days on end… I was getting worried that you somehow knew I was in here…"
"I really waited for you for a really long time… I was starting to go crazy that a mere man dared to make me wait."
"...Who are you…and what are you doing here?!" Thennel exclaimed.
"Hm? You don't know her?" Deyric said, as his expression turned from surprise to stern.
"I'm simply here to kidnap you, dear Thennel… by order of the Hollow Choir."
Gorran immediately ran forward, propelling up his shield as he threw Thennel toward Deyric who ran behind him.
"...The Hollow Choir, that's the cult under Gravemarket!" Deyric spoke.
"Rejoice, we have considered you of use to us… your great talent of being able to analyze and utilize any item created by magic…"
"We will summon an undead army upon Virestone Keep, and you will help us with completing our goal for domination over this fragile nation."
"Become our tool, Thennel."
"Like hell, he will!" Deyric shouted.
She then revealed her appearance, as she took off her hood.
"...Veyra, the Smileless…"
"Please run away from here! We can't protect you for long! She has a bounty on her rated A-Rank!" Deyric yelled.
"Valien! Take Thennel away!" Fenna yelled as she aimed her bow.
"B-bu-"
"No buts, Valien! This is serious!" Deyric said, as he unsheathed his sword.
"Don't you have your big sister to find?! Go!"
"Such an emotional moment, I will enjoy ripping out each of your hearts." She laughed.
"You will not be escaping from this workshop, alive."
The entrance to the workshop was then closed by two Pale Singers from Hollow Choir, assassins that leapt from the shadows of the workshop.
"I assume you've prepared that their screams will not be heard…"
"Yes, Voice of Execution."
"...I will be sure to take my time butchering one of you… maybe the youngest of you all…" She pointed with one of her daggers toward Valien and licked her lips.
Thennel had an extremely frightened expression on his face as he realized the Marks of Purity were out of their depth.
"Sir Arthur… where are you?!"
No scream ever reached the outside of the Crimson Ledger's workshop.
*
Valen and Valea both approached the Ironhall Bastion, the Standing Army's headquarters within Virestone Keep.
The Ironhall Bastion is the central command post and garrison of Draevarr's Standing Army. Though the kingdom's military is weak compared to its neighbors, Ironhall stood as a relic of former strength — a symbol of order in a kingdom crumbling into disunity. Built into the inner ring of Virestone Keep, it overlooks both the city's barracks district and one of the main routes to the royal palace.
It is a squat, stone-wrought fortress with sloped black-tile roofs and thick defensive towers, surrounded by a curtain wall engraved with faded heraldry and flaking paint. Iron-barred gates with reinforced oak doors mark the entrance. On both flanks, rusting ballistae sit dormant on their turrets, more decorative than useful. Ironhall serves primarily as an administrative and symbolic post, as the Standing Army is meager and only fully mobilized in times of national crisis. It also functions as a logistical hub, coordinating temporary deployments of the Edged Vanguard, noble retinues, and private soldiers when a call to arms is declared. Citizens associate Ironhall more with ceremonial patrols and tax protection than active military strength.
"I come with the Witch of the Withering Root and acknowledge the completion of the bounty upon her head!"
The Standing Army infantry standing guard looked upon the three and identified the Witch. She matched the known appearance and immediately rushed out to apprehend her.
Some of the surrounding soldiers and citizens murmured about her apprehension.
"...Amazing."
"...A F-Rank merc really captured the Witch of the Withering Root? One of the Three Myres?!"
"...Even the Ashbinders are rated a C-Rank group, but the witch herself is rated A-Rank… that's insane!"
"...He's gotta be a famous mercenary undercover… There's no other way. How can you even explain that equipment?"
An officer approached, seemingly a hardened veteran.
"...For a F-Rank Mercenary, this is beyond impressive… just based on your appearance, your presence and your stance, you seem to be one who could capture the Witch. You may just be starting out in the Crimson Ledger, but I don't see one bit that you are a rookie."
"...Hm, not the reaction I was expecting… it seems his years have paid off…"
"This would be one that the Edged Vanguard would need to take in proper custody, since we do not have the manpower or strength to keep her under restraints for long."
"We just need you to fill out some paperwork inside and register that you have completed the bounty. Thank you for going to the bastion instead of the Crimson Ledger, as it would've taken much longer to process." The officer nodded.
Valen nodded, as Valea then stood out and waited.
*
"Are you Sir Arthur?"
"Hm?"
Valen and Valea were on their way to the Crimson Ledger, a few feet away from the Ironhall Bastion, as a Ledger Keeper, escorted by contracted mercenaries, had approached him.
"I am part of an investigations team formed by the Crimson Ledger after an incident regarding the Mireleaf has occurred."
"What do you need?"
"Would you be willing to accompany me to the Crimson Ledger?"
"Of course."
*
Blood was seen from the shattered cobblestones from the Ledger's workshop.
The once-bustling apothecarium of the Crimson Ledger, filled with smoke, chatter, and boiling tinctures, now stood eerily silent. Glass was strewn across the floor, crushed beneath bootprints. Shelves were torn apart, cabinets flung open, their contents spilled or scorched.
Half of the corpses still smoked, their bodies burnt and crumpled in unnatural ways. Others — young and old apothecaries — had been precisely slain, their throats or hearts pierced with unerring strikes. Not a single scream had been heard by the outside.
Mercenaries were seen within the apothecarium, slicing down some of the reanimated dead. Among them were the Marks of Purity. Valen immediately noticed due to their weaponry and attire.
He then saw as some Keepers were removing a body from above. It was Valien.
His arms were strapped above his head, suspended by iron hooks embedded in the ceiling, his feet aiming toward the cold floor. Blood ran in slow streams down his side, trailing from deep incisions that refused to clot. His hands were first: crushed fingers he once used to mend bones and seal wounds. A concoction of alchemic dust, ground from the same workshop he stood in, was forced into his wounds.
As his body was finally taken down, carved hymns of the Hollow Choir into his back with a thin, burning wire — symbols meant to disfigure faith, not just flesh.
"...Valien…"
"...I was not close to them much, but I did develop a relationship with them… with that fact, I will avenge your deaths and take upon your name…"
Valen then looked upon Deyric's undead body, now that he had been slain by a mercenary.
"...The Blade of Faith… The Hero of Faithful Light…"
"...Nothing seems to be rummaged through, so their aim was in fact Thennel. The obvious damage and the deaths of the apothecaries seem to have been collateral damage."
"It is unfortunate that the Marks of Purity perished…"
"...I thought you were a new member of their group. I believe they registered you at the Crimson Ledger before you left off on your journey."
"They did?"
"...Huh, what a surprise… he did not know me, but yet he registered me as a member?"
"...Please register me as the new leader of the Marks of Purity."
"Of course." The Keeper nodded.
"The bodies were left behind so distastefully, as if sending a message. It seems they did not care that they were found out and they were confident enough they would get away with ease… The Pale Singers of the Hollow Choir…"
"Most of our strongly rated mercenaries are already away on their own bounties and quests that have recently popped up, strangely all regarding potential Gravemarket sightings or bandit incursions…"
"That does not seem to be a coincidence. This was planned thoroughly. It will develop into a problem regarding this city, and possibly the entire Kingdom, depending on what they wish to use Thennel for."
"We agree, but we just don't have the manpower or strength to handle the Hollow Choir. The Standing Army refuses to assist us and expects us to handle our own problems."
"...That is what happens when a mercenary guild like the Crimson Ledger is independent and deemed stronger than a nation's own military might… this is very displeasing…"
"Make a request."
"Huh?"
"Isn't this a request befitting of a mercenary?"
"...Yes, it does… you did capture the Witch of the Withering Root… which also means you've fought the vast majority of the Ashbinders… you are strong, despite your rank."
"If you make the request, I may just take up the offer. The choice is yours."
"The Crimson Ledger will hire you."
"...Are you willing to pay the expense?"
"Absolutely."
"It must be befitting of the vast effort you are willing to pay into the re-emergence of your famed Apothecary, Ledger Keeper."
"...I will discuss it with the senior keepers… but I am willing to promise that we will pay handsomely for the completion of the request."
"Write me a contract and you will have your apothecary back into your arms."
"That is a vow."