Lovia approached Kuro with hesitant steps, her hands wringing together nervously. "Um... Master was creating the best weapon for you all night without sleep, and... and..."

  "Enough, Lovia." A commanding voice cut through her stammering.

  It was Rhanes, the guild master himself. His broad frame filled the doorway, but his usual confident bearing was marred by something Kuro had never seen before—shame.

  "Kuro." Rhanes struggled with the words, his jaw working as if each syllable caused him physical pain. "Something bad happened, and I'm ashamed to say this." He took a sharp breath. "The Horn—my perfected sword—it's been stolen. And it happened on my watch."

  The guild master's hands clenched into fists, trembling with barely contained rage and guilt. Words seemed to fail him entirely for a moment before he finally composed himself. "But don't worry. On my honor as a Smith Blood's guild master, I will find your sword. I promise. First, we have to inform the town chief, then—"

  "No need, senior," Kuro interjected calmly.

  "Senior?" Rhanes blinked at the unexpected honorific.

  "It's a term of respect. Yes." Kuro's expression remained unchanged. "Of course I trust you, but it will be helpful if you answer some questions. Can you bring me to where it was stolen?"

  "Yes, of course."

  Kuro, Fenric, and Rhanes made their way to the forge, leaving Lovia at the receptionist desk. The workshop still held the lingering heat of recent work, tools scattered across benches in testimony to Rhanes's sleepless night of craftsmanship.

  Upon arrival, Kuro began his investigation while Fenric started sniffing around the perimeter. The half-beast nose twitched and wrinkled as he worked.

  "It seems the window has been breached," Kuro observed, examining the frame carefully. "Outside is an alleyway—by the looks of it, people rarely use it." He straightened, his mind already working through possibilities. "As frustrating as it is, I can't blame Rhanes. It seems no sane person would try to mess with the guild, so he probably let his guard down. Or..."

  He glanced at Rhanes, studying the guild master's face for a fraction of a second before dismissing the thought. "Hmm... no. Probably not."

  Turning back to Rhanes, he asked, "Can you estimate how long it's been since the sword was stolen?"

  "Of course." Rhanes's brow furrowed in concentration. "I'm pretty sure I left the sword on the anvil at 7:10, and it's now 8:10, so... somewhere between one hour, give or take."

  "If it's only been an hour, the theft could have occurred anywhere from ten minutes to fifty minutes ago," Kuro calculated aloud. "Even if it's been fifty minutes, we can probably catch them. Fenric, any leads?"

  The half-beast's ears drooped. "Sorry, partner. Whoever stole the sword is smart—they left hellebore ashes all over the place. It numbs my scent completely. That plant won't even grow near here naturally. Somebody's been busy planning this." He shook his head apologetically. "Sorry, man."

  "Hmm..."

  "Fuck!" Fenric's frustration exploded. "It could be anyone in the village—even our own guild members. Everybody wants a piece of Mosrel Horn. It's a one-of-a-kind find. Shit, I should've expected this."

  "No more than I," Rhanes stated, his voice heavy with self-recrimination. "I should have been aware of the weight Mosrel Horn carries, especially me, who studied it extensively." A deep frown creased his weathered face, anger simmering beneath.

  While Fenric and Rhanes discussed their perceived carelessness, Kuro stood silent, his mind racing through the variables.

  Whoever it is, they knew Fenric was close to the weapon—they went to the trouble of acquiring that ash he mentioned. Someone crazy enough to go against the guild... that means they could have a grudge against the guild or me specifically. They probably made this plan with disappearing forever in mind. They won't be using the sword themselves—too easily caught. So they're probably selling it.

  Where? It's a short window to arrange a deal, so they must be bringing it somewhere themselves. Only rich bastards will and can buy such a weapon. Which means...

  "The culprit is that ugly bastard Dora," Kuro spoke suddenly, his voice cutting through the others' discussion. "And there's a high chance he's heading to the second city—Euneim."

  Fenric and Rhanes turned to stare at Kuro, seeing the sharp confidence in his eyes. They glanced at each other and nodded in unison. Neither asked for his reasoning. They simply believed him.

  "Good. Then let me make up for my mistakes." Rhanes's expression shifted from shame to determination, a fierce smile breaking across his face. "We'll catch them in no time."

  He paused, glancing back at the empty anvil where the sword had rested. "But before that, if we're tracking the sword..." His jaw tightened. "We'll need proper gear, friend."

  Back in the guild hall, Kuro watched as Rhanes disappeared through a side door leading outside.

  "Where did he go?" Kuro asked, intrigued.

  "Don't worry. I'm pretty sure he went to get his Beretta," Fenric replied.

  "What?"

  Before Fenric could elaborate, Lovia approached them, worry etched across her delicate features. "Kuro, do you have to go too?"

  "Huh? Of course. Why?"

  "Because, you might get hurt. Daro is A-rank, and you just started here. It's dangerous." Her voice grew pleading. "Don't worry—Master will take care of it. You can trust him."

  Fenric sighed. "Lovia, he's not a kid, okay? He can handle it."

  "What do you mean he's not a kid?" Lovia frowned, crossing her arms. "He literally lost all his memory. He may not be a literal child, but he is like a kid."

  Fenric struggled to counter her argument, searching for words while she stared him down with motherly concern.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  The guild hall filled with whispers around them.

  "I can't believe someone did that. Do you think it's someone from the guild?"

  "Maybe... but is it really such a bad thing it got stolen?"

  "What?"

  "I mean, the Tall Forest belongs to the kingdom, which means it belongs to us. So the Mosrel Horn rightfully belongs to us, not some dirty stranger—a fucking nobody."

  The chatter grew louder, various guild members voicing similar sentiments.

  Fenric and Lovia both looked over with flashes of anger crossing their faces. Lovia spoke quietly to Kuro, "Sorry, cute stuff. They're good guys, but they can be idiots sometimes."

  At that exact moment, an engine roared to life outside the guild with such ferocity that it made the entire town turn their heads.

  Fenric's expression transformed into a proud smug. "Let me introduce you to the beast of Bear Path—every man's dream, the one and only Goliath in this town!"

  The mechanical monster was nothing short of a masterpiece.

  Master Rhanes's monstrous iron steed rumbled with savage life, a jagged snarl of metallic teeth lining its front bumper as if the vehicle itself were a hungry predator. From its heavy doors, a thick arrangement of interlocking steam pipes curved downward, trailing along the chassis and arching over the massive rear tires like a frozen mechanical mane. Plumes of thick, dark exhaust billowed from its roof vents, signaling the raw power of the steam engine churning within its frame. Exhaust pipes jutted from both sides of the machine like a tusk.

  This rugged behemoth—part beast, part machine—was called Goliath's Beard.

  The engine's roar vibrated through the cobblestones, shaking loose pebbles from the gutters. Fenric's grin widened, caught between pride and resignation. "Guess we're not taking the slow way." He adjusted the strap of his pack and jerked his chin toward Kuro. "You ever been on one of those things before, partner?"

  Well, I've ridden in a tank before, but this still looks more awesome, Kuro thought, keeping it to himself. I wonder if he'll let me drive it.

  "You look like you want to ride the beast rather than just sit in it," Fenric observed. "Probably one day—it's the boss man's choice, though."

  "Enough. We have a criminal to kill"

  "Uhm, oh boy, I don't like the sound of that tone," Fenric muttered.

  Rhanes opened the window. "You guys coming or what?"

  Both Kuro and Fenric hopped into the Goliath—Kuro in the front passenger seat next to Rhanes, Fenric in the back. The vehicle roared to life and took off with a speed unlike anything Kuro had experienced in any vehicle before. It melted the snow beneath it instantly, making it appear as though Goliath had emerged from a cloud of steam and smoke.

  Behind them, Lovia waved, sending them off with wishes of good luck, then clasped her hands together in a quiet prayer to the gods.

  Inside Goliath's Beard, Rhanes sat on the left at the controls, while Kuro occupied the right passenger seat. Kuro found himself caught off guard by the vehicle's speed—it bypassed rough terrain with mechanical ease.

  "I've already informed the guard houses," Rhanes said over the rumble of the engine. "We'll get notified if they're spotted in any town or village. But many villages don't have rune voice or rune plates, so... let's just hope."

  "Rune voice?" Kuro murmured.

  Shit, I forgot that thing existed. Once this is over, I have to ask Fenric about it.

  A soft current of warm air traveled across Kuro's face, warming his body despite the cold weather outside. Surprised, he waved his hand through the air until he found the source—warm air was flowing from a small ventilation duct built into the dashboard.

  This world keeps amazing me.

  "What was that?" Rhanes asked, glancing over.

  "It's nothing. I'm just amazed by the interior, that's all."

  "Oh, of course! Everyone who's ridden in my Goliath feels the same." He smiled with obvious pride.

  Kuro's attention drifted to the space behind Rhanes's seat—on the left side, past where the gear shift sat, there was a compartment large enough to hold massive weapons. Inside rested a giant warhammer, its head radiating a warm, amber light even in the dim interior.

  Kuro stared, speechless at the sheer size of it.

  "Oh, that?" Rhanes noticed his gaze. "That's my trusted friend from my adventuring days. I hope I don't have to use it, but it's better to be safe." He turned his attention to the back seat. "And Fenric, why are you coming with us anyway?"

  "Uhm, why not? I'm Kuro's partner, after all."

  "Yeah, but where we're going, we can expect a fight. And you... I thought you retired from action?"

  "Yes, of course! I'm not going to fight." Fenric's smile widened. "I'm just here for emotional support. Hmhmmm."

  Kuro and Rhanes both turned to look at him with expressions like they were staring at spoiled milk.

  "Don't worry about him," Kuro said flatly. "He's here for the entertainment. Let's focus on which way they went."

  "Right," Rhanes agreed.

  As Goliath's Beard roared toward Euneim, Fenric's mind began to wander.

  It takes approximately three days to reach Euneim at normal speed. Shit, we didn't pack any food for travel. I mean, if we catch them quickly, it's okay, but what if we have to go all the way to Euneim? I can't handle being that hungry. What if I die of starvation?

  His anxious thoughts spiraled until he voiced them aloud. "Wait, boss man—what if they took the Steam Serpent to reach Euneim?"

  "No. They're traveling by road. I'm sure of it."

  "Puhh, great. Why don't you press the pedal harder? Better if we catch them sooner."

  "Of course I would, but if I push it too hard, it might break."

  "Of course, of course. Hehe."

  Steam Serpent? A Beast? Do people literally ride beasts to the second city? The thought lingered in Kuro's mind, but he didn't voice the question—it might break his focus.

  Goliath's Beard rumbled to a halt at a fork in the road. The right path led to Normain, the main town in the region. The left road led straight toward Euneim, bypassing small forests and villages. One could reach Euneim through Normain as well, but it was a longer route.

  Rhanes contemplated which way to go, his fingers drumming on the steering wheel.

  "Fenric, does your nose work now?"

  "Sorry, boss. It's still under construction."

  "Senior," Kuro spoke. "You can't tell which way they went?"

  "No, I'm not sure. Why?"

  Kuro didn't answer immediately. Instead, he said simply, "Left."

  Rhanes studied him with a curious look. "Are you sure? They could easily hide in Normain and leave without anybody noticing."

  "Yes. I'm sure." Kuro's gaze was sharp and unwavering.

  He didn't know why he was so certain. But he was.

  Rhanes nodded, turned the wheel, and took the left path, increasing speed as Goliath surged forward.

  Meanwhile, Daro and his henchman Parmad rode in a far less impressive vehicle, carrying their stolen prize—the Mosrel Horn sword. They laughed boisterously, drunk on the thrill of their achievement.

  "Fools are probably searching the entire town by now! Hehe, idiots!" Parmad cackled.

  "Haha, so easy! Kuro, you weaselly bastard—it's not like I couldn't defeat you. I'm A-rank, after all. I could squash you like an insect!" Daro's grin was vicious. "But revenge this way is so much better. All the nameless want only one thing—to get named. And I took that from you. I wonder what face he's making right now... probably crying! Hahahaha!"

  They both laughed like madmen, their vehicle bouncing over the rough road.

  Then came the sound.

  Ring... ring... ring...

  "Hm? Someone's calling." Daro pulled out his rune voice—a smooth marble that displayed a glowing name when activated. "Oh, it's Marko."

  He pressed the marble and rotated it to the left to answer. "Yes?"

  His expression changed instantly.

  "Hm... what? Are you fucking serious? I know—"

  He hung up by rotating the marble to the right.

  "Shit. Shit. Shit shit shit!"

  "Boss?" Parmad's face went pale with worry. "Is something wrong? Boss?"

  "YES, FUCKING YES! They're coming here—after us! Shit, shit!"

  "No way. How? It can't be happening!" Parmad's voice rose with panic. "My reputation... my... my..."

  He began sweating bullets, anxiety flooding through him.

  "Reputation, my foot! We have to not get caught first, you idiot!" Daro snapped.

  "It's probably that Kuro bastard's fault! But... but how?"

  "How are we going to evade the Master?" Parmad's voice cracked.

  "Can't you see I'm thinking?!" Daro bit his nails one by one, hard enough to draw blood. "Enough. We hide. They're after us because they know—because he knows—we're headed to Euneim. We take a side track, hide, let them pass, and make our next move. What do you say?"

  "I mean... we don't have any other choice. We can't fight them. Especially not the guild master."

  "Tch... yeah. Dammit."

  Daro drove off-road into a dense cluster of woods and large stones covered in snow—enough cover to hide them and their vehicle. They carefully erased their tracks and laid down decoy trails leading in a different direction before returning to their hiding spot behind the stones.

  And there they waited, hearts pounding, praying the beast called Goliath would roar right past them.