Syto and Levi continued searching the town for signs of the cultist or Hollow magic in general. Levi developed a searing migraine about an hour in – using his True Sight for too long always caused his head to pound agonizingly against his skull. He resorted to activating it for a few seconds, glancing around, then turning it off.

  As they neared the center of the town, they stumbled across a monument of some kind. It was a simple stone, plain and undecorated, with countless rows of text inscribed onto the surface. Levi took a closer look and frowned when he realized the text was all names. The engraving was slightly shaky with minute irregularities across the letters, indicating that it hadn’t been done with magic but rather painstakingly carved into the stone by hand.

  But what for? Levi scanned the surface, but didn’t see anything that revealed the purpose of the stone. After a few moments, he shrugged and moved on.

  By the time the sun began setting, casting a warm orange glow over the town, Levi still hadn’t detected any traces of Hollow magic. He glanced up at the position of the sun, then at the angles of the shadows on the ground. Running a quick mental calculation of the angles, he was able to determine the approximate time, give or take ten minutes (okay, maybe it was closer to twenty; he’d had to round the numbers to make the mental math easier).

  Next to him, Syto was kneeling down and tracing his pale slender fingers against the cobbled road. Razor-thin streams of blood, so fine it was like crimson strands of hair, flowed out from the tips of his fingers, piercing into the streets and presumably extending Syto’s senses through some magical technique.

  “We still have about 90 minutes before we’re supposed to rendezvous with the others,” Levi said, drawing the vampire’s attention. “Do you mind if I grab something to eat real quick in the meantime?” He’d munched on some ration bars he’d packed, but still wanted to get a proper meal if he could.

  “By all means, go right ahead.” Syto’s eyes were narrowed, though it wasn’t directed at Levi. He glanced downward at the blood still streaming out of his fingers before giving a disgusted shake of his head and cutting the blood flow off. The blood on the ground shimmered before disappearing into small motes of light. He stood up, neatly dusting his hands against each other. “At our current rate, I doubt we’ll find the cultist anywhere – if he’s even in the town at all.”

  “Indeed. Perhaps Qorbin and Liliya are having better luck. Then again, considering how we haven’t seen a signal from them yet, perhaps not.” Then Levi paused, his expression turning tentative. “Would you like to join me for dinner? What do you even eat?”

  Syto smiled. “Thank you for the offer, but I’ll have to decline. Human food tastes rather foul to me, I’m afraid. I typically sustain myself on monster blood. Specific monsters, naturally – the thought of drinking goblin blood isn’t exactly appealing, as I’m sure you can understand. Fortunately, we vampires only have to feed once a month or so, so it’s fine if I skip a meal or thirty.”

  Levi hummed. “I see. Any particular favorites, out of curiosity?”

  “I’m rather fond of moon rabbits, but frostcats are always a delectable treat as well.”

  “You’re a monster.”

  “Well, technically no,” Syto said. He gave him a fanged grin. “But thank you for the compliment.”

  Levi snorted. “I’ll meet up with you later.”

  They split up. Levi headed toward a nearby tavern, noting the sign overhead labeling it as the Lemonale Tavern. As he entered, he immediately noticed it was far smaller and calmer than the rowdy tavern in Farband. The people were chattering quietly amongst themselves, and off to the side a bard strummed a cheery but slower tune. Of course, a savory rich aroma still drifted through the air and patrons lined the bar, tossing back drinks while laughing with each other, but all in all it was nowhere as chaotic as the Deerstalker’s Tavern.

  Levi rather liked the atmosphere; while he always enjoyed a raucous environment, there was something nice about being in a place where he could hear himself think.

  He missed relaxing in a teahouse. He’d have to look for some places once he returned to Luxanne.

  The tavern was nearly full, though there were still some empty tables near the back. As Levi made his way over, he noticed an older man sitting at the edge of the room. He was in his late forties, perhaps even fifties, with grey hair and a beard. Though he was sitting alone, there were two full plates and drinks on the table; one in front of the man and one in front of the empty seat across from him. He must be waiting for someone.

  Levi sat down at the table next to him and was about to flag a server when the man glanced over.

  “I haven’t seen you around here before,” the man said, his aged features stern and his dark eyes revealing nothing. “Are you new to Elysia?”

  Levi nodded. “It’s my first time in this town. I’m here on an adventuring mission to clear out nearby goblin camps.” Such was the official reason Qorbin had given the gate guards earlier, anyway.

  Oddly, a complicated mix of emotions flashed across the man’s face at that, too quickly for Levi to read. His expression finally settled on a neutral one. “I see. Then, allow me to welcome you to this town, honored adventurer. Would you care to share a meal with me?” He gestured at the empty seat and plate of food across from him. “The shepherd’s pie here is delicious. It’s still hot, too.”

  Levi hesitated. “Weren’t you waiting for someone?”

  The man smiled, but it was without much humor. “No. I was not,” he said simply. “Please, have a seat.”

  After a moment, Levi accepted the offer with a nod; he wasn’t one to turn down a free meal. Maybe the man had just been waiting for a date who’d stood him up. Levi sat down across from the man, though of course he first activated his True Sight (he ignored the jolt of pain that lanced through his skull) and cast three different poison-detection spells from under the table to ensure that there was nothing lacing the food.

  When his spells returned negative and he saw nothing out of the ordinary, he grabbed the utensils laid out on the table and dug in. The golden crust broke easily under his fork, and steam rose from the pie’s fillings and curled against his face with a pleasant warmth as he began eating. As the man had said, the pie was still hot. It must’ve been served only a few minutes before Levi arrived at the tavern.

  Across from him, the man chuckled. “A paranoid one, aren’t you? At such a young age too. Careful now, you’ll strain your eyes.”

  Levi blinked, looking up at the man. “You can tell I’m using magic?”

  “I was an adventurer once.”

  Huh. Levi examined the man more closely. The man’s appearance was slightly disheveled; he didn’t look unkempt or slovenly per se, but his beard was definitely a little overgrown, suggesting he wasn’t grooming it as often as he should. However, the man wore well-tailored clothing, and beneath them Levi could see hints of well-developed muscles. Levi hadn’t noticed it earlier due to his splitting migraine. He was mostly running on pure instincts right now, and the man in front of him hadn’t set any of them off.

  Still, ‘was’ an adventurer… He must be retired, or perhaps had switched occupations.

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  “But where are my manners?” the man suddenly said. “I’m Edmund Hawke. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “Levi Ironwood, the pleasure is all mine.”

  Hawke tilted his head. “Ironwood… of House Ironwood?” Levi paused mid-bite. Did Hawke know about his reputation? Even out here? “You must be from the Institute of Ascension, then.” Levi relaxed when Hawke showed no further signs of recognition. He was probably just knowledgeable about politics. Lord Ironwood was a marquis, after all.

  Come to think of it, the Ironwood territory was located in the southern region of Luminarche, wasn’t it? Perhaps the town of Elysia lay within it, or was located nearby.

  “I am,” Levi said. “I just graduated.”

  The man looked at him for a long time, his stare seemingly piercing into Levi’s very soul. “I see,” he said, his voice quiet. “I hope you grow to become a fine adventurer.”

  Levi smiled politely. “That’s the plan, at least.”

  They fell into a silence after that, both of them enjoying their meals. Hawke was eating a stew of some kind, and once again Levi wondered why he had ordered two different meals. Oddly, while the man was sipping a glass of ale, Levi’s drink had been elderberry juice…

  Hold on…

  Levi looked at Hawke again, noting the dark circles under the older man’s eyes, the way his posture sagged slightly in place. He had a strong frame, but he sat as though he was perpetually weighed down by something. Slowly, the dots began connecting in Levi’s mind.

  Before he could decide whether or not to ask about it, however, they had already finished their meals. Hawke set down his spoon with a soft clink and drained the last of his ale, wiping his face with a handkerchief afterward. He then pulled out his money pouch and set down several silver coins. “I’ll cover it.”

  “What? No, I can pay,” Levi said, already reaching into his pockets.

  Hawke waved him off. “I insist. Consider it a token of appreciation for the company.” He paused. “I’m sure it wasn’t the fancy cuisine you must be used to, but I do hope you enjoyed the food.”

  Levi smiled. “It was delicious. Thank you.”

  And it truly was. Even though he didn’t quite enjoy the taste of food anymore, getting treated to a meal for no reason other than the goodness of someone’s heart was still enough to bring some of the flavor back, however faint.

  Hawke’s stern gaze softened. “I am glad to hear that. Have a pleasant evening.”

  With that, he stood up and left without a second glance. Levi stared after him, somewhat bemused. That had been a strange interaction, though not an unpleasant one. He’d half been expecting the other shoe to drop the entire time, but it appeared the older man really did have no ulterior motives. Then again, if Levi was correct…

  The server came over to pick up the coins and clear away the plates. After he worked, Levi lifted a hand, getting his attention.

  “Excuse me,” Levi said, “but do you happen to know anything about the man I was sitting with? Why did he order two plates of food?”

  “Oh, him?” A look of pity flashed across the server’s face. “He used to be some famous adventurer, but ever since the attack…”

  “Attack?”

  The server nodded, his expression becoming pained. “A decade ago, a dungeon break occurred near Elysia and the monsters within were immediately drawn to our presence. The town’s guards and stationed adventurers tried their best to hold them off, and for hours they did, but the monsters ultimately managed to break through the walls. Two hundred people perished before reinforcements arrived.” At this, the server’s face darkened momentarily, though it vanished so quickly Levi thought he might have imagined it. “We inscribed all the victim’s names on a stone afterward. You may have seen it at the center of the town.”

  “I did,” Levi said. He bowed his head. “My condolences.”

  “Yes, well…” The server sighed. “You asked about old Hawke? He was out on a mission when the dungeon break occurred. He came back as soon as he’d heard, but it was too late. His only daughter had died in the attack. She was only seven years old.”

  Ah. So Levi had been right after all.

  “Ever since that day, Hawke retired as an adventurer. He’d earned enough money during his missions to retire many times over, though he ended up donating most of his money away. Every night, he comes into this tavern and orders his daughter’s favorite dish. She loved this place. I was still in my teens at the time, but I remember she’d always be so excited to come here…” He trailed off. “Well, anyway. After Hawke finishes his own food, he normally gives his daughter’s meal away to the local beggars.” The server forced a grin. “I guess that was you tonight.”

  The server returned to work soon after, and Levi was left sitting at his table, an unreadable expression on his face.

  The four of them regrouped later that night. Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent that none of them had found anything.

  “We did locate and take down a criminal organization,” Liliya said. “I didn’t quite expect that to happen, but the local authorities were pleased.”

  “Locate, she says,” Qorbin snickered. “More like one of them saw her as an easy target and tried to kidnap her. Never saw a man regret his decision so quickly before.”

  “I have no idea what you mean,” Liliya said serenely. “I just restrained him with my mana threads and told him I’d cut it off if he didn’t comply with my demands. I was able to then find and dismantle the rest of his organization with the information he gave me.”

  Levi blinked. Cut it off? Cut what off? Judging by the disturbed look on Qorbin’s face… Oh dear. Levi shuddered slightly. And why was Liliya smiling so innocently?

  “Any luck with you guys?” Liliya asked.

  Levi shook his head, turning serious. “We didn’t detect anything either.”

  “Damn,” Qorbin said. “The cultist is probably waiting outside the village then.” He hesitated. “I hate to say it, but I think we’re better off camping outside the town’s boundaries tonight. We can try to set up a perimeter, but if the cultist has access to a teleportation skill, there’s a chance we won’t be able to stop him in time. I don’t want to risk us getting caught up in his attack.” He paused. “Well. Some of us, at least. I can pay for your tavern room, Syto.”

  The vampire snorted but didn’t respond.

  “Shouldn’t we evacuate Elysia then?” Liliya looked worried. “Otherwise, we’d just be using the town as bait.”

  “We are,” Qorbin said bluntly. “If the cultist shows up and sees an empty town, he might just leave. Worse, he might be inside the village already, and if we evacuate the town, he’ll escape from right under our noses and know we’re onto him. This might be the only time we’ll have an idea of where he’ll strike; we can’t squander the opportunity.”

  “But… what if we fail to prevent him from casting the spell, and Elysia falls as well?”

  “Then we bury the corpses and try our best to save the next town. And the next. And the next.” Qorbin sighed. “Being an adventurer isn’t all glory and riches like it’s portrayed in the stories. Villages will get overrun by monsters, escort clients you’re protecting will get killed, your party teammates will die in battle. It’s a harsh truth, but… such is life. All we can do as adventurers is keep moving forward and try to do better next time.”

  Liliya was silent for a moment. “I talked to the guards stationed here,” she said. “I questioned the locals. I ate their food and bought trinkets from their stalls. Is there truly no other way?”

  Qorbin shook his head. “‘Fraid not, kiddo. I don’t like it any more than you do, but… better we risk this town dying, than five towns later on. It fucking sucks for sure, but… We’re up against an agent of the Hollow with unknown powers and capabilities about to enact a summoning ritual. We can’t afford to mess up. Sometimes, you gotta sacrifice a few to ensure the lives of the many.”

  At this, Levi went deathly still, feeling his heart tighten. “There are times in our lives where we must make a choice,” he said quietly, the three of them turning to look at him. “It may not be the choice we desire, but it’s one we must make nonetheless. I agree with Qorbin.”

  Liliya hesitated, looking between the two. When she saw they weren’t going to change their minds, she then glanced at Syto.

  “Don’t look at me,” Syto said. “As long as a vampire isn’t responsible, I don’t care if some humans die.”

  “Hey,” Levi said mildly, though there was a dangerous undercurrent of threat in his voice. Syto relented, raising his hands in surrender. Levi sighed and turned to Liliya. “If there was some way I could locate or preempt the cultist, I would use it. With lack of a better option, however, this really is all we can do.”

  After several moments, Liliya finally nodded. “Very well,” she said. “I understand.”

  “Thank you. Syto, you think you can set up a perimeter around the town with your blood?” Qorbin asked. “I know I’ve seen you use that a couple of times during the war.”

  Syto nodded. “I can. It’ll alert me if anyone approaches. I can also use [Sanguine Sight] to monitor the village itself; if the cultist makes a move from within, I’ll know immediately.”

  “Excellent. I have a few tricks up my sleeves as well. Let’s see if we can catch this cultist.”

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