SWY 72

He had sworn to catch them and return every ounce of the humiliation, frustration, and despair he had endured today – but in the end, he failed to keep that promise. No one knew exactly when they had fled, but in the chaos of the battle, Delos had slipped away with a few of his closest aides like a rat.

“Yuel, that bastard Delos ran off like a rat.”

The woman wielding the greatsword spoke in frustration. Sharhan didn’t know who she was, but it was clear she bore her own grudge against Delos.

“As long as he’s still in this city, there’s no way he can escape my eyes.”

As Yuel spoke with confidence, the greatsword-wielding woman nodded. Just then–

“Miss, you need to evacuate. Moving corpses are coming out of the arena.”

The door to the underground arena hadn’t been properly locked, and now the corpses were forcing their way out. Smelling living flesh, they went into a frenzy, drooling as they charged forward.

“What about the survivors?”

Even in this urgent moment, the woman didn’t forget them.

“We saved as many as we could and sent them up to the surface. I’ve ordered the rest to be thoroughly checked, and anyone bitten is to be quarantined.”

“Let’s go.”

She took the lead, followed by the men who appeared to be her subordinates. Lestel, Sharhan, Yuel, and their group quickly ran up the stairs. The corpses surged together like a black wave, chasing them up.

Grooooar. Grrrraahh.

A predator’s growl echoed just behind them. They climbed two or three steps at a time, trying to move as fast as possible. Finally, when they reached the surface, those waiting quickly slammed the door shut.

The moving corpses, having missed fresh prey by mere seconds, rammed into the door like mad beasts. Each time they did, ominous thuds echoed, but the sturdy iron door didn’t budge.

Sharhan and Lestel collapsed onto the cold ballroom floor, panting. A metallic tang lingered in their mouths, and their hearts pounded so hard it almost hurt.

“Shan, are you okay?”

Lestel, having caught his breath first, checked on Sharhan.

“You? Well, you look exhausted, but not like you’re gonna die.”

Though his tone was gruff, there was concern in Sharhan’s voice. Lestel chuckled as if to say, That’s so like you. Seeing that made something swell in Sharhan’s chest – a fierce, unidentifiable emotion. He barely held back the urge to pull Lestel into a tight embrace.

“Are, are you both alright?”

If Derry, who had come out with the Red Wolves and had been anxiously pacing, hadn’t spoken up just then, Sharhan might not have been able to resist the impulse. He tore his gaze away from Lestel with difficulty and smiled at Derry.

“We’re fine.”

“Here, drink some water. Those people brought it for you.”

Derry gestured toward what appeared to be Yuel’s subordinates. Sharhan, parched beyond belief, accepted the water pouch and drank deeply before handing it to Lestel, who also drank.

“Ugh, we weren’t even underground for that long, but we reek of corpses and smoke. This was made from fabric I painstakingly salvaged and had sewn into a new outfit! Who the hell lit a fire down there? Do you have any idea how awful burning corpse stench is?”

As soon as they surfaced, Yuel began shaking off his clothes and whining. Derry flinched and turned his head to hide his face.

“What happened? And why are you here?”

Lestel, now sitting upright, asked. Yuel shrugged.

“My old man got caught by those hunters. I couldn’t just let him die, so I came to find him.”

“Your old man?”

“Well, technically, he’s my master.”

“Which one?”

Yuel was an informant, a gambling den owner, and an apothecary.

“The apothecary.”

“I heard a apothecary captured here made a paralytic drug that takes effect exactly eight hours later… Was that your master?”

“Probably.”

“Thanks to that, we nearly died in here.”

Sharhan’s voice carried a trace of resentment. Yuel laughed flippantly.

“Ahahaha, well, sorry about that, miss.”

“Your eyesight’s still bad, huh. Or maybe it’s just your tongue that’s useless as ever.”

Sharhan shot back sharply. Yuel just winked at him, and Sharhan’s brows knit in disgust.

“And you’re still as feisty as ever. Anyway, since my crazy old man nearly got you killed, I’ll charge you wholesale for saving your life.”

“Still talking about money in a time like this?”

Lestel sounded exasperated, which made Yuel puff up indignantly.

“Of course. Even if the world ends, gold and gems are eternal. So pay up, fair and square.”

“Didn’t you say you’d charge us wholesale?”

Lestel pointed out. Yuel clicked his tongue.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll charge you at cost. I keep my word. Still as picky as ever, even after all this time. But hey, I’m glad we met again. Thought we never would.”

“Where are we, anyway?”

“A mansion near the eastern wall. Built by a noble who supported Delos’s group. He set up an illegal arena underground. Then the world went to hell, and Delos killed the noble, took over the place, and made it even worse. Perverted bastard. Apparently he gathered piles of corpses down there. Real talent, that guy.”

“Yuel.”

While he was rambling, the greatsword-wielding woman approached.

“Elieas. Ah, this here is the head of the Black Pearl merchant guild. And this is from the Red Wolves. And she’s the city lord’s daughter.”

At Yuel’s introductions, Sharhan, Lestel, and Elieas exchanged greetings.

“I have something to discuss with the merchant leader, but you look exhausted. Would you mind speaking with me tomorrow instead?”

Elieas’s polite request was met with a nod from Lestel.

“Of course.”

“We’ve taken care of all the hunters on the surface. Most were underground, so it was easier than expected. Please come inside the mansion and rest. Your companions may wait in the drawing room.”

Elieas bowed slightly to Sharhan and Lestel before leaving with her subordinates.

“The city lord’s daughter?”

“After he died, she took over the city hall, gathered survivors, and has been protecting the place.”

“And you?”

“The gambling den is my home. But I’ve got questions of my own… later. First, go wash up. You stink.”

Yuel wrinkled his nose as he eyed the grimy and ragged Lestel, then stepped back like he was too filthy to approach. And truthfully, neither Lestel nor Sharhan looked much better.

“Is there water to wash with?”

“More than that. You’d be shocked how luxuriously that nutjob Delos lived. Called himself a lord and lived like one too. There are plenty of spare rooms in the mansion, so pick whichever. I’ll have them bring water.”

“Thanks.”

“It’s not free.”

“You can have as many gold coins or jewels as you want. They’re probably lying around this place anyway. Take them all if you like.”

“Well…”

Just then, Kamil entered the room.

“Sharhan, are you okay? You were gone so long, I was worried.”

“I’m fine. What about Abel, Ras, and Renel?”

“Ras isn’t doing well.”

“I’ll go.”

Sharhan jumped up.

***

Ras lay on a couch in the mansion’s drawing room, breathing heavily. He’d already been in bad shape back at the inn. The only reason he was still upright this long was sheer willpower. His cracked lips, burning body, and unfocused eyes gave off a dreadful feeling – like he might not survive.

“How is he? Can you save him?”

Lestel asked. Yuel, who had been dragged here by Lestel, furrowed his brow.

“He’s basically a corpse.”

“You always bragged that you’re just as talented apothecary as you are an informant.”

“I may be talented, but I can’t bring back the dead. I’m a apothecary, not a doctor.”

“Try. I’ll pay you in gold coins – as many as you want.”

“Elieas has a doctor. I’ll talk to her.”

“I’m counting on you.”

“About the price…”

“I know. Nothing’s ever free with you.”

“Exactly.”

Yuel scoffed, just as one of his subordinates rushed in.

“We found Master James!”

“You found that damned old man? He’s alive?”

“Yes, sir. He’s badly wounded, probably tortured, but he’s alive.”

“Even without that handsome merchant’s request, I would’ve had to grovel to Elieas anyway. She’s picky too and wouldn’t send a doctor for free. Let’s go. Oh, and get them a place to rest.”

“There are many empty rooms on the second floor. We’ve checked each one to ensure it’s safe. Please choose any and rest.”

“Thank you. Abel, Kamil, Renel – you all should rest too. Yuel said he’ll bring a doctor, so Ras will be fine.”

Sharhan’s words were met with a nod from Abel.

“We have to save him and send him back home. You did great, Sharhan. Go get some rest with the merchant leader. We’ll look after Ras. Derry, you too.”

“You need rest too, Abel. You’re not in great shape either.”

“I know, I will. But you two go first.”

Sharhan hesitated, unable to pull away, until Abel motioned insistently. Finally, with a glance at the dark circles under Lestel’s eyes, he reluctantly followed him upstairs. Derry stayed behind to care for Ras until the doctor arrived.

Too exhausted to go far, Sharhan and Lestel entered the first room they saw on the second floor. All they wanted was to collapse and sleep. They swore they’d drop onto the bed the moment they saw it.

But the moment Lestel stepped in and shut the door behind them, they turned to face each other – and without a word, they fell into each other’s arms.