The next morning, golden sunlight streamed through the window, casting soft shadows across Rudra's face. He slowly opened his eyes and stretched.
He called for room service.
Rudra: "One good breakfast, please—I'm starving."
As he ate, he reviewed his plan for the day. The top priority: gather more intel and speak with the Duke of Thornhelm.
---
Meeting the Duke
Later that morning, Rudra stood before the grand gates of the Duke's mansion.
Guard: "Yes, sir? Are you here on official business?"
Rudra: "Indeed. I'm Rudra, from Royal Army Division 7. I've come to speak with Duke Hadrian Ferrowyn regarding a sensitive matter."
Guard: nods "Very well, go right in."
Rudra was taken aback by the sheer scale of the estate.
Rudra (thinking): "This guy lives like royalty... It's bigger than our whole Division HQ. Let's see what kind of person this Duke is."
Inside, a maid led him through a polished marble hallway lined with antique paintings and towering bookshelves.
She motioned toward a study.
Maid: "Please wait here. His Grace will be with you shortly."
While waiting, Rudra scanned the room. Shelves stacked with thick tomes—military tactics, economics, and history—lined the walls. It smelled like old parchment and incense.
Moments later, the Duke entered, tall and imposing, dressed in a refined navy coat embroidered with silver thread.
Duke Hadrian: "So, you're the young man Alex sent."
Rudra: "Yes, sir. It's an honor to meet you."
Duke: "Would you care for some tea or coffee?"
Rudra: "Thank you, but I've already had a heavy breakfast."
Duke: "Very well. What have you learned so far?"
Rudra: "You're aware of my investigation?"
Duke (smirking): "Not in detail, but I know Alex wouldn't send someone without cause."
Rudra: "Then perhaps you can brief me. What's the situation?"
The Duke crossed the room and poured himself a drink.
Duke: "There's a mountain region to the south. Recently, young girls—mostly between the ages of 10 and 13—have been vanishing. Some men have also gone missing. Twenty reported cases so far."
Rudra: "Girls specifically? That's... unsettling."
Duke: "Sixty percent of the victims are female. My best guess is slave smugglers, but no group has claimed responsibility."
Rudra: "And yet, no major reports were filed until now. It feels like someone's trying to keep this buried."
Duke (sternly): "You think it could be an inside job?"
Rudra: "Let's just say I wouldn't be surprised if someone with influence was involved."
Duke (calmly): "I've had my suspicions. If I can assist in any way, you have my full support."
Rudra: "Thank you, sir. I'll reach out if needed."
---
Back at the Black Table Tavern
Later that afternoon, Rudra returned to the Black Table Tavern to meet Elandro.
Rudra: "Got anything for me?"
Elandro: "Something's off. People have been vanishing not just from the south, but from all over the city. No one's talking. It's like someone powerful is silencing the rumors."
Rudra: "Could it be the Duke?"
Elandro: "Unlikely. If he were behind it, he wouldn't have involved Division 7."
Rudra: "Good point... but the man's unreadable. It's like he's always three steps ahead."
Elandro (shrugging): "That's what makes him the Empire's top trader."
Suddenly, there was a loud knock at the door.
Elandro: "Come in."
A blood-covered man stumbled in—it was Gerran, Elandro's informant. His face was pale, and his breathing labored.
Elandro (shocked): "Gerran?! What the hell happened?"
Gerran reached inside his coat with a trembling hand, pulling out a blood-stained note. He handed it to Elandro before collapsing to the floor.
They rushed him to the local physician.
Elandro (to the doctor): "Will he live?"
Doctor: "He will. The wound was deep, and he lost a lot of blood. Someone struck him from behind. He'll be unconscious for a while."
Back in the tavern, Rudra and Elandro stared at the note.
Rudra: "What does it say?"
Elandro (reading): "It's the name of an underground fight club... Hell's Valley."
Rudra: "Sounds inviting."
Elandro: "It's not. It's a slum-area pit for outlaws. Royal soldiers aren't welcome. If they find out who you are, you're dead."
Rudra (grinning): "Guess it's time to break some bones and test out my new moves."
Elandro: "You can't go alone."
Rudra: "Then come with me."
Elandro: "I don't have a death wish, brat."
Rudra: "Don't lie. I know you're not just some ex-burglar. You've still got fire left in you."
Elandro groaned, then grabbed his coat.
Elandro: "Damn it... fine. But if we die, I'm haunting you."
The two slipped out into the twilight, heading toward Hell's Valley, unaware of the dark world they were about to enter.