The Guild Master held up a letter, his face etched with worry.“It seems like bad news is still coming,” he muttered to himself.

  Joe walked with urgency, his strides quick enough that he nearly collided with someone on his way to Toney’s shop.

  “Took you some time,” Toney said with a smile as Joe entered. “It’s been a long while since you moved this fast.”

  “Walking and fighting are different. I forgot that,” Joe replied, catching his breath. “Where is he?”

  Toney closed his eyes briefly before answering. “He’s where you fought the Nyrrak.” He paused. “And the girl you fought… she’s nearby.”

  “Thanks for the information. I’ll pay you when I return.”

  “You won’t find me. Leon has called for me,” Toney replied.

  “Your abilities will get you into trouble again,” Joe muttered as he left the shop.

  Veilwood Forest stretched wide and endless. Even in all his time in Zurehn, Joe had never managed to explore it fully. Fortunately, Toney’s vision had already pinpointed the houses of Ben and Sky, nestled not too deep within the trees.

  On the way, Joe heard voices. Instinct made him duck behind a tree, suspecting Darmian and his men. But as the voices grew clearer, he recognized them—Darmian’s among them, sharp and irritating as ever.

  Joe stepped out suddenly. “Hey, you there. Seen Darmian?” he asked, pointing at one of the adventurers.

  “And where do you—” one of them began, annoyed.

  "Sorry, Joe,” another quickly interrupted, stopping his friend. “Darmian asked about you too. He should be on the far side.” He pointed the way.

  “Keep your friend safe,” Joe said, already moving on.

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  “We are truly sorry,” the man called after him, then whispered to his companion, “You’ve officially met the top two known people in Zurehn—at least in this town.”

  “Yeah. I just hope people from District 80 aren’t all dreamers,” his friend replied.

  Joe soon reached the little stream Toney had described.

  “When you see the stream, you’ve made it,” Toney had said.

  He crossed, only to hear female voices nearby.

  “I’ve gone fetching water for him!” one called.

  “It’s the little one,” Joe thought—just as she spotted him.

  “Sky!” Dakota cried, dropping her bucket and running back to the house.

  Joe dashed forward, hand outstretched, but before he could reach her, a sharp kick struck his chest. The force drove him back a few paces, boots scraping the ground, but he steadied himself, his eyes narrowing as the ache spread through his ribs.

  “Fuck…” Joe coughed, clutching his chest, gasping for air.

  “You’re in danger,” he managed, forcing himself up. “You won’t be safe until you bring me that girl.”

  “The only one in danger is you—and anyone who tries to touch her,” Sky said coldly, sliding her sword back into its sheath.

  Joe leaned on his knees, still catching his breath. “Can I sit down? That kick felt like it was served by a man.”

  “Now you want to piss me off,” Sky replied, Dakota clutching the bucket behind her.

  “Bad joke. Sorry,” Joe said, almost smirking despite himself. “If I try anything, you can cut my head off.”

  “And why would we trust you?” Sky asked.

  “Because I’m vulnerable. Using my powers in this state would kill me,” Joe admitted.

  Sky considered his words, then glanced at Dakota. “Get him a chair.”

  Dakota soon returned, dragging two bamboo chairs. Sky dropped one near Joe and kept the other for herself.

  Joe sat down gratefully. “Where’s the other one?”

  “He’s out. Won’t be back soon,” Sky answered, settling Dakota on her lap.

  “Yeah, I wanted to see him,” Joe said quietly.

  “What did you mean, ‘we will be in danger’?” Sky pressed.

  “I can’t say it out loud,” Joe replied, lowering his voice. “History reminds us—trees and walls have ears.”

  “Then keep it. But tell everyone this—whoever wants Dakota has to pass through me first,” Sky said, her eyes steady on his.

  “That’s why I’m here.” Joe leaned forward. “Do you remember the man you kicked this morning?”

  “Yes. I remember a man trying to touch me without permission.”

  “That was Darmian,” Joe said. “He’s feared on this side, respected almost as much as me. Now he’s got his eyes on you.”

  “I’m not worried. He’s just chasing wind,” Sky answered.

  “He’s nearby, searching for you now. But since I’ve warned you, it’s time I leave,” Joe said, rising.

  He paused at the door, a sudden grin tugging at his lips—one that startled Sky.

  “Is there another route out of here?” he asked.

  “I can’t escort you, but head South. You’ll find a road leading to the main gates,” she said.

  Joe nodded and left, following the southern path. By the time he reached the guilds, evening had set in—and chaos greeted him.

  “Joe! Where have you been?” the guild receptionist called.

  “What happened?” Joe asked.

  “Darmian fought Eddie. Reed stepped in, made a barrier between them.”

  “Darmian fought Eddie,” Joe echoed, his tone flat. “Where is Eddie now?”

  “Reed rushed him to Lena.”

  Joe sighed, tilting his head back to stare at the ceiling. Then he glanced down at the floor—and noticed something.

  “When did this happen?” he asked calmly.

  “In the afternoon,” she replied.

  Joe muttered under his breath, “And my legs are killing me,” as he started off toward Lena’s.

  He took a shortcut, one most people feared—an alley crawling with thieves and thugs. Joe didn’t even spare them a glance, and not one dared lift a finger.

  At Lena’s door, he knocked and stepped back, expecting her to answer. Instead, Reed opened it.

  “Come in,” Reed said, stepping aside.