Daniel glanced down at the small white sphere in his hand, rubbing its rough surface between his fingers. A fine layer of chalk-like dust clung to his skin, stark against the warmth of his flesh.
The two walked toward Arcana Town, keeping a cautious distance between them. Neither seemed willing to move any closer.
"Status," Daniel whispered, activating his ability.
——————
Name: Unknown
Type: Unknown
Description: A mixture of poisonous mushrooms, Passiano seeds, and various herbs found in the Land of Rot. Contact with the substance produces a negative effect on the user.
Warning: Inhaling the powder or allowing it to come into contact with the skin leaves behind a fine white residue that can temporarily suppress the user’s elemental powers.
——————
Daniel’s brows furrowed.
He rubbed his thumb against his fingertip, trying to wipe the powder away.
It didn’t budge.
Strange.
He glanced at his palm and cautiously summoned lightning.
*Crackle!*
A thin spark flickered across his palm before abruptly dying halfway up his arm.
Daniel’s expression tightened.
He tried again.
Nothing.
Only a faint warmth lingered beneath his skin, spreading from his palm toward his wrist like a dying ember.
It really suppresses elemental powers...
His gaze slowly shifted toward Sherlon.
The assassin seemed to notice.
Sherlon turned his head slightly, giving Daniel a brief sidelong glance. Their eyes met for a moment.
Yet unlike Daniel, Sherlon showed no sign of concern. He simply turned his gaze back toward the road and continued walking at the same steady pace.
The sound of their footsteps filled the silence.
*Step... Step... Step...*
A cool breeze swept across the open field, carrying the scent of damp earth and rain. Far ahead, the walls of Arcana Town rose against the darkening sky, their silhouettes growing clearer with every step.
Five paces.
That was the distance he maintained between himself and Sherlon.
Close enough to talk.
Far enough to react.
He forced his expression to remain calm before slipping the white sphere into his Veil’s Pouch. Then, pretending to casually brush some dirt from his clothes, he rubbed the remaining powder against his tunic.
"So..." Daniel finally broke the silence, his voice deliberately casual. "Do you have a plan?"
Sherlon glanced at him.
Daniel continued, "I mean, how exactly are we going to fight Klaus?"
He kept his eyes on the road ahead, carefully hiding the fact that he was still testing the strange powder — and, more importantly, keeping a close watch on the man walking beside him.
"I do. But first, I need to gather some information about his next move. Then we can prepare a surprise for him," Sherlon said.
"Oh, I already know what he’ll do next," Daniel replied.
Sherlon’s ears perked up, and he turned his gaze toward Daniel.
"He wants to gather a hundred more souls, which means he’ll have to kill a hundred more people," Daniel said.
Soon, they reached the stables. The entrance was already closed for the night, so they moved toward the wooden fence and followed the narrow path that led back toward the town.
"That’s great information," Sherlon said. "You’ve made things much easier. I think we can corner him."
He paused, thinking.
"You said a hundred, right? I doubt he’ll target shamans. They’d be too difficult to capture in large numbers. He’ll probably go after ordinary villagers instead. Gather them in one place and then—"
Daniel remained silent, carefully listening to every word Sherlon was saying.
"But before he can do anything, I’ll bring some backup. Then we’ll kill him before he can complete his quest," said Sherlon.
"We?" Daniel raised an eyebrow. "What kind of backup are you talking about?"
"My guild members. I’m sure they’ll help us, but I need a witness — someone who can confirm everything that happened. Maybe you could help me?" Sherlon asked.
"Why me? Can’t you do it by yourself?" Daniel asked.
"I don’t think I can convince them so easily. I’m asking you because you must have seen what Klaus was doing inside that underground hideout. It’s important that you tell them what you witnessed. That way, they might be willing to help us," Sherlon explained.
Daniel pondered his words. Just moments ago, the assassin had given him the white ball capable of suppressing his elemental powers. Yet, despite having the opportunity, Sherlon hadn’t attacked him.
"If I agree, where are we going, and when?" Daniel asked.
"The Kingdom. The Lower City," Sherlon replied. "The sooner we leave, the better."
The two continued walking toward the center of town. Lamps flickered along the streets, their warm glow spilling across the stone paths as people passed by them, heading home for the night.
Daniel’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Going with Sherlon meant trusting an assassin he had only just met. But staying behind meant losing his chance to take down Klaus, who was already preparing to collect another hundred souls.
I can’t let this chance slip away. Besides, having more people on our side is better than facing Klaus alone.
Daniel finally looked at Sherlon.
"Fine. I’ll go with you."
Sherlon glanced at him, a faint smile appearing on his face.
"Good. Then we leave as soon as possible."
...
*Rattle~ Rattle~*
Two wagons rattled along the muddy road beneath the darkening sky. Heavy clouds stretched across the horizon as a cold wind swept through the fields, carrying the scent of rain.
Daniel sat in a separate wagon, watching the Kingdom’s distant walls grow closer through the gaps in the canvas.
The moment they passed through the Kingdom’s gates, the rain finally began to pour.
*Pitter~ patter!*
Within moments, the rain grew heavier, drumming against the wagon roofs. By the time they entered the city, both of them were already half-soaked.
They hurried toward a nearby tavern to take temporary shelter.
"Great... Now we can’t even move," Daniel muttered, squeezing the water from the hem of his tunic.
"Who said we can’t?" Sherlon replied.
Daniel looked at him.
Sherlon stepped toward the door and pulled his hood over his head.
"Come on. Let’s move."
"But it’s pouring— "
"Forget the rain."
Sherlon pushed open the tavern door and stepped outside.
Rain immediately hammered against them.
Daniel stared at him for a moment.
"Seriously?"
"Come on."
Sherlon disappeared into the curtain of rain.
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