The morning sun poured through the high windows of Emberhold Citadel, turning the stone floors gold. Alex woke early, too early, sprawled on the wide bed in the guest chamber they’d been given. Veyra was already up, standing on the balcony railing in her crimson dress, horns catching the light like polished obsidian.

 

He rolled out of bed, hoodie rumpled, and padded over to join her. The city below was waking too: market stalls opening, beastkin hawkers calling, the distant clang of forges.

 

“Morning,” he said, leaning on the railing beside her.

 

She smiled without turning. “You slept like the dead.”

 

“Blame the bed,” Alex yawned, covering his mouth. “We’ve been sleeping in makeshift tents for the last couple of weeks, I almost forgot the great feeling of fluff under me.”

 

Veyra laughed softly. “It was a long journey; the feeling of home was certainly welcoming and comforting.”

 

Alex still felt the heaviness of his eyelids. Then he looked out at the horizon, as if the Author lived in the neon-orange sun that rose. *So… guild registration today. You're gonna make me do this all over again?*

 

The voice came back instantly, dry as ever. *Different kingdom, different guild. Rules are similar but not too identical. Kharzad’s branch is less paranoid, more accepting. They don’t do public beatdowns or executions for entry. Just sign up, pay a small fee, and pick a quest. No demonstration required.*

 

*Alright, that seems like a walk in the park compared to last time.* Alex recollected the last sign-up.

 

*Not entirely. While you do have an active bounty on you, they know better. They trust the royal family’s judgment, especially Veyra’s. And after yesterday’s little sparring match with her dad, the rumor mill already knows you’re not here to burn the place down, just business. So, you’re welcome.* The author explained.

 

Alex rolled his eyes. *Yeah, yeah. I guess I should thank you for that.* He paused for a moment, then remembered the conversation from last night. *You’ve been giving us nothing but breadcrumbs. Are you sure you can’t do the MC a favor and give me a small spoiler of what’s to come?*

 

A pause. Longer than usual. Then, quietly, *fine. One minor spoiler, since you’re annoying me into it. The Master isn’t some distant overlord hiding in a tower. He’s closer than you think. Already inside Kharzad’s borders. Already moving pieces. This arc’s villain isn’t a faceless shadow - he’s someone who can smile at you over breakfast and still order your death by dinner.*

 

*The Master?* Alex mentally side-eyed at the name.

 

*Is that not what we’re calling him? I figured after a chapter or two of using it, it wouldn’t sound as terrible as a name.* The author replied to that criticism.

 

*This is my first, real antagonist,* Alex groaned. *I would’ve at least given it more thought than “the Master,” it sounds too generic.*

 

*Okay, what would you have called him then? Writing isn’t as easy as it looks, you know?* The author questioned.

 

Alex thought for a moment, arms crossed. *Well, this guy likes his stupid collars, his assortment of slaves, dabbles in mind fuckery, and sends bounty hunters… wait, is this a Sith Lord?*

 

The author was silent. It was clear and cut – he accidentally did make a Sith Lord. *We are not going with that!* He instantly snapped back.

 

 

*You can say whatever you want, dude, I’m totally going with Sith Lord ‘til you change that dumb name of “the Master.”* Alex grinned, savoring the rare victory.

 

*Tsk.* The author clicked his lips. *I’m going to have to ignore that completely.*

 

*Sounds like a YOU problem, dude,* Alex said, smug. He was having fun. *I’m going to continue to call him Sith Lord.*

 

The author got back on track. *Anyways, going back to what I was saying, stay sharp. Watch the nobles. Watch the guards. Trust Veyra. And for once in your life, don’t punch first - ask questions. You’ll need allies before this is over.*

 

*Got it. Thanks, Yoda.* Alex replied.

 

There was a beat of silence. Then, with the most begrudging, gravelly attempt at wisdom: *… Die young padawan, do not.*

 

Alex smirked despite himself.

 

Veyra glanced sideways. “Talking to him again?”

 

“Yeah,” Alex said, trying–and failing– to hold his laughter in. “I finally got one over on him. He thanked me with some hint and some parting advice, if I do say so myself.”

 

She noticed the grin stretch on his face. “Must’ve been one hell of a conversation if you managed to get him to say anything.”

 

“One could say I had the high ground towards the end.” A small chuckle escaped at the end.

 

*I will make sure sand gets all over you!* The author chimed in, threatening.

 

*I’ll just throw it right back – Pocket sand!* Alex barked right back.

 

Veyra blinked. “The… high ground?”

 

“Don’t think about it too hard, let’s get going.”

 

They dressed, ate a quick breakfast in the family hall (Queen Lira pressed extra bread and fruit into their hands like a worried mom), then stepped out into the corridor.

 

King Kharos and a tall, broad-shouldered general human, scarred face, silver-streaked beard, were waiting. “Alex. Veyra,” Kharos said. “Before you go to the guild, a word.” He took them to the side. “This is my general, Korrath. He has new information for you.”

 

The general stepped forward. “As King Kharos said, I am First General Korrath.” He politely introduced himself to Alex. “Bounty hunters don’t respect our borders. They’re not bound by any kingdom’s law. We can arrest them inside Kharzad when they start problems, but they’ll keep coming. Especially with your face on wanted posters from Valthar.”

 

Alex shrugged. “We’ve been kicking bounty hunter ass since the moment we left Valthar. Nothing new.”

 

“Actually, take a look at this,” the king’s general handed out what seemed like Alex’s wanted poster. “It seems like they upped your bounty.”

 

Alex looked, then his jaw dropped. What was once a bounty of 500,000 had doubled in size – 1M – the new bounty displayed. “That’s insane, what in the world-?”

 

“Seems like you’re really pissing off the wrong people.” The general lightly laughed.

 

“Valthar really hates loose ends.” The king added.

 

“Impressive,” Veyra was the only one smiling at this new revelation. “It certainly means he’s making waves all over.”

 

“Just when I thought I had a decent chance of normalcy, they just had to throw more gold on my name,” Alex groaned. *Feels like I just got 5 stars on GTA…*

 

*Oh, it’s gonna get worse from here, trust me, buddy.” The author appeared, laughing maniacally at the situation he had thrown Alex into.

 

*HA, HA, YOU’RE SO DAMN FUNNY!* He snapped back at the author. *I HOPE YOU CAN SENSE MY SARCASM BEHIND THAT PEN OF YOURS ASSHOLE!”

 

The author laughed harder.

 

*I WILL FORCE CHOKE YOU FROM THIS PAGE!* Alex internally yelled.

 

*DO IT.* The author hissed in a perfect Sidious voice, mocking Alex as he had the last word.

 

Alex clenched a fist, a vein almost popping as he stayed silent. Veyra can see him brewing up. “Are you okay?”

 

“Y-yeah…” Alex forced a breath. “Well, I guess it can’t be helped,” Alex sighed, accepting his new fate. “I’m sure my bounty going up might be tied to whatever we’re about to get ourselves into.”

 

“Agreed,” Veyra nodded. “It’s possible whoever is in the shadows is deliberately orchestrating obstacles for us. No matter, we’ve come this far, not to let us stop us.”

 

The general raised an eyebrow, then nodded once, respectfully. “Speaking of shadows, our scouts have picked up chatter. Some of these hunters aren’t just after gold. So based on what we’ve gathered, there is some truth to what Lady Veyra just said.”

 

Alex and Veyra exchanged a look.

 

“The Sith Lord.” “The Master.” Both spoke at the same time.

 

Veyra blinked. “Sith?”

 

Alex immediately backpedaled, crossing his arms behind his head. “Ignore me. Yeah, the Master is what I meant…”

 

The general squinted, trying to figure out what was going on. “R-right. We don’t know for certain. But tread carefully. Even here.”

 

Kharos laid a hand on Veyra’s shoulder. “I trust you both. But Kharzad is not immune to shadows. Come back whole.”

 

“We will,” Alex said.

 

They left the castle together, walking through the bustling streets toward the Kharzad Adventurers’ Guild; a towering building of red sandstone and blackened iron, banners of crossed flame and sword snapping overhead.

 

Unlike the grim, suspicious welcome in Valthar, the doors here swung open with a warm shout.

 

“Lady Veyra!” The Guildmaster, a burly draconoid woman with obsidian scales and a scar across one eye, strode forward, grinning widely. “The Crimson Terror herself, back from the dead. And you brought company.”

 

Veyra inclined her head. “Guildmaster Rhea. This is Alex Reyes. My partner.”

 

Rhea’s eyes flicked to Alex, then widened slightly. “The Butcher of Valthar. Word travels fast.”

 

Alex raised his hands. “I come in peace. Mostly.”

 

Rhea barked a laugh. “Peace is boring. But you’re welcome here. Veyra vouches for you, and after yesterday’s little display with His Majesty… no one’s foolish enough to challenge you, even with that 1 million bounty on your head.”

 

*Look at them shaking like leaves,* the Author quipped as nervous whispers spread through the hall. *Maybe you’re the Sith Lord?*

 

Alex muttered under his breath, “Shut up before I start force-choking you with your damn words.”

 

Rhea waved them to the counter. “Registration’s simple. Sign, pay the fee, take a badge. No tests of strength like those fools at Valthar do. We trust our own. Especially those with fancy wanted posters.”

 

The hall was full of adventurers: beastkin, elves, humans, and dwarves, but the moment Alex and Veyra stepped fully inside, conversation stuttered. Everyone knew Veyra, but for Alex, it was a different story; most of those gazes were all thrown at him. Disgust. Anger. Fear.

 

Some stared in caution. Others gripped weapons more tightly. A few whispered, “Butcher.”

 

Then one young fox-tailed archer dropped his bow with a clatter.

 

Alex snorted. Veyra’s lips twitched.

 

“Relax,” Alex called casually. “You lot are acting as if you've just seen a ghost. I’m real, very real. I don’t bite.”

 

A ripple of nervous laughter moved through the room.

 

Rhea stamped their badges with a flourish. “Done. Welcome to the Kharzad branch, Alex. Try not to scare my people too badly.”

 

Alex grinned. “No promises.”

 

They moved to the quest board; huge, wooden, covered in parchment notices. Alex scanned the listings, remembering the Author’s earlier words. *Closer than you think. Already moving pieces.*

 

He started pointing. *That one? Missing merchant caravan.*

 

*Nope.* The author popped back in.

 

*Bandit camp in the hills?*

 

*Not that one.*

 

*Wyvern nest?*

 

*Wrong one, keep looking.*

 

Alex sighed. *You’re enjoying this.*

 

*Immensely.* The author laughed.

 

Then he saw it - a modest notice near the bottom.

 

Missing Persons – Southern Border Mines

Reward: 8,000 gold

Details: Multiple reports of beastkin, humans, and elves vanishing near the old iron mines south of Kharzad. Last seen in chains. Possible slaver activity. High danger. Party recommended strength of A+ rank.

 

Alex’s hand froze on the parchment. *That one?* He thought.

 

*Yes,* the Author replied. *That one. Wow, I’m really holding your hand, aren’t I?*

 

*I did say earlier I don’t bite, but for you, I’d make an exception.* Alex remarked.

 

*No, do not bite the hand that is feeding you!*

 

Veyra leaned close, her shoulder brushing his warm breath against his ear as she read over it. “This one,” she murmured, fingers lightly tracing his wrist. “We free these people, my people. We'll end this together.”

 

Alex felt the heat rise in his chest, not from anger, but from her. “Together,” he agreed.

 

He pulled the parchment down.

 

The Guildmaster approached, arms crossed. “I see you’ve picked up the Missing Persons quest,” Rhea said. “That one’s been up there for quite a while.”

 

Alex looked at the parchment, fingertips brushing the dust it had collected. “Surprised no one’s tried to accept it. How come?”

 

Rhea hesitated before answering. “Most people who disappear end up in slavery. And unfortunately… slavery is legal in most of the world.”

 

Alex’s stomach twisted. “I see.”

 

“It’s been a growing epidemic,” Veyra added. Her hand slowly ignited, flames curling around her fingers. “People vanishing. Reappearing in chains. It’s disgusting. No one should have the right to decide who someone belongs to.”

 

Alex gently took her hand, extinguishing the fire with his touch. He held her firmly, grounding her. “It’s okay. You’re not alone in this fight anymore.”

 

The smile he gave her was so full of warmth that Veyra’s cheeks flushed.

 

Even Rhea, watching, felt heat rise to her face. “I—ugh, I wasn’t aware you two were that close.”

 

Veyra didn’t flinch. She straightened, still holding Alex’s hand. “Alex was the one who saved me when no one else could. He’s proven his strength not just against me, but against everyone who’s challenged him — even my father. It’s hard not to fall for someone who shows that kind of resolve.”

 

Alex scratched his cheek, flustered. “Is that… how you feel about me?”

 

“Yes.” Her answer was immediate.

 

Rhea smirked. “He must be something special if you’re singing his praises like that. Honestly? I’m a little jealous. A man like Alex is definitely my type.”

 

The air shifted.

 

Both women turned toward each other — not hostile, but intense, like two storms brushing edges. Mana rippled through the guild hall, subtle at first, then unmistakable. Adventurers paused mid‑conversation. A few stepped back. Someone dropped a mug.

 

Alex felt the pressure spike and stiffened. *Oh no. Oh no no no—*

 

The entire guild seemed to hold its breath.

 

Rhea was the first to break. She exhaled, straightened her coat, and forced her composure back into place. “Hmm. I guess it can’t be helped. You can have your victory, Veyra.”

 

“This victory was never yours to begin with,” Veyra replied with a smirk sharp enough to cut steel.

 

“Uh… what just happened?” Alex blinked. One moment, the air was crackling like a storm about to break, and the next it vanished as if someone had snapped their fingers.

 

Rhea cleared her throat and walked off with the stiff dignity of someone pretending she hadn’t just been in a magical staring contest. “Good luck on your quest,” she muttered, a little too quickly.

 

Veyra turned back to Alex, expression softening instantly. “Nothing now,” she said, slipping her hand into his. “Let’s get out of here.”

 

Alex didn’t argue. He wasn’t sure he could.

 

Before they left, they stopped in the market district, hoping to find any of the beastkin they’d freed from the caravan weeks ago.

 

Luck was with them.

 

Near a spice stall stood a cat-eared woman, black fur, green eyes, tail flicking nervously. She froze when she saw them, walking close to her step by step. “You…” she whispered.

 

Veyra knelt to her level. “We freed you and the others on the road. Do you remember?”

 

The woman’s eyes filled with tears. “I remember. You broke the chains, burned the caravan, killed those awful humans. You gave us our lives back.”

 

Alex crouched too. “We’re looking for information. More missing people like yourselves. Beastkin, humans, elves - taken near the southern mines. Do you know anything?”

 

She nodded quickly. “Yes… That’s… That’s where most of us came from before you saved us. Slavers operated out of the old iron mines. They take anyone they can chain; beastkin especially. They sell them south, across the border. Or worse.”

 

Veyra’s voice was steel. “How many?”

 

“Dozens. Maybe more. They move at night. Guards watch the roads. Some say… some of the Kharzad guards look the other way. Bribed. I don’t know who to trust.” Her voice began to shake, seemingly holding back tears. She lowered her voice, tail curling tight. “They have collars. Like the one that made Lady Veyra rampage. Dark magic. They make the captives… forget who they were. Some don’t even scream anymore. Just… mindless.”

 

Veyra’s flame flickered involuntarily along her fingertips. Alex’s hand found hers, steadying.

 

Alex’s jaw clenched. “You trust us, don’t you?”

 

She looked between them, then nodded. “I do. You saved my life. I am just glad I can finally repay that kindness.”

 

Veyra placed a hand on her shoulder. “We’ll find and free the rest. We’ll bring them home. And we’ll find everyone who’s involved with this evil scheme, who’ve helped make this happen.”

 

The cat-girl smiled - small, trembling, but real. “Thank you.”

 

They waved goodbye.

 

As they walked toward the southern gate, Alex looked up. *Well, this certainly feels like the right direction.*

 

*Because it is,* the Author replied. *Keep going. And perhaps I’ll reward you with something special.*

 

Alex grinned. “Something special? Is it a lightsaber? Please tell me it’s a lightsaber.”

 

*What is it with you and these damn Star Wars references!?* The author’s tone shifted, annoyed.

 

*I’m not the one who opened that door for these references, own up to it, prick.* Alex retorted right back.

 

There was a pause. Then the author came back, exhaling a deep breath. *I guess it is my fault. Fine, I’ll apologize. Happy?*

 

Alex’s grin widened. “You did not sound sincere at all.”

 

*Barking up the wrong tree for that sincerity, this is the best you’ll get out of me.* The author sighed.

 

Alex rolled his eyes. *Yeah, whatever. Now about that reward. What am I getting?*

 

*I’ll give you three options, three things from the previous life you once had. I’ll let you choose one, and maybe later in the far future, I’ll give you the rest. Think of it as a mission reward; each time you complete one, that’s part of your growth. I’ll show them to you once this is all done.*

 

*Three options, eh? Very exciting! I can’t wait!* Alex was electrified.

 

*Don’t get too excited,* the Author warned. *It’s one thing. And if you die in those mines, God forbid, I can’t revive you. No resurrection DLC.*

 

*Why am I not surprised?* Alex laughed aloud. Veyra raised an eyebrow.

 

“He’s been pretty talkative today.” Veyra smiled.

 

“He’s just telling me, us, to proceed with caution,” Alex explained.

 

She smirked. “Let’s show him what we’re made of then.”

 

They stepped out of the city gates, heading south toward the mines. Together.

 

Ready to burn the shadows down.