Mystic Dark Veil

Star gazing - warning from duke

The following day, Lusav embarked on a search for the building that Helen desired. After hours of relentless searching, he stumbled upon a structure that bore a striking resemblance to Helen's vision. The building belonged to a commoner couple who had been struggling to sell it, despite their best efforts. Lusav promptly relayed this information to Helen.

Helen, determined to acquire the property herself, decided to visit the building. On this occasion, she adorned a specially crafted black dress with pants, a tightly fitted top equipped with a belt capable of holding ten different-sized knives, and two small vials of poison. The dress had been procured from a dilapidated shop that remained forsaken by all. To complete her enigmatic appearance, Helen wore a Red Fox mask, which enhanced her allure. The mask, coupled with her dress, transformed her into a captivating figure resembling a beautiful yet menacing goddess, with blood-red eyes and cascading white-blue hair that flowed freely. With her hair tied up, she accompanied Lusav to the store.

Lusav, sporting a white fox mask, donned a dark brown assassin suit tailored exclusively for him. His ensemble included a belt designed to accommodate a sword and poison vials.

Due to their mounting debts, the commoner couple eagerly sought to sell the building at the earliest opportunity. Witnessing Helen and Lusav's formidable appearance, fear gripped the couple, causing them to tremble uncontrollably. Stuttering, they addressed the pair, "Honorable customers, we... we can sell this building to you for a mere sum of 20 gold coins." Helen responded with a reassuring smile while Lusav produced a pouch containing the stipulated amount and handed it to the couple, thus finalizing the transaction.

Helen then spoke sternly, "This amount covers the purchase of this building, and," she continued, slipping an additional five gold coins into the couple's hands, "this is to ensure your silence regarding the identity of the buyers. Should you betray this trust, you will forfeit your tongue, arms, and eyes. Do you comprehend the consequences?" The couple, trembling with fear, accepted the money and vowed to maintain their silence.

With the deal concluded, Helen and Lusav returned to their mansion. Under the cover of night, they traversed the rooftops with silent grace, their movements reminiscent of the wind. As they made their way back, Helen glanced upward and beheld the radiant full moon. She motioned for Lusav to halt, and they settled upon the rooftop, sitting side by side. Helen's sudden inquiry caught Lusav off guard, "Do you believe that the deceased become stars?"

Flustered by the unexpected question, Lusav contemplated for a few moments before responding, "I wish it were true, my lady. However, I yearn for my loved ones to be reborn and reunited with me, rather than remaining distant stars beyond my reach."

"Hmm, I understand," Helen murmured, a warm smile gracing her features as she directed her gaze skyward. "The stars tonight are truly breathtaking."

Observing Helen's captivating smile, Lusav concurred, "Indeed, they are remarkably beautiful."

Lost in the moment, Helen fixated her gaze upon the stars, while Lusav quietly observed the woman who had saved him, sitting so intimately close, both immersed in the tranquility of the night.

As Duke Carter ventured deeper into the forest, the number of malevolent beasts increased exponentially. Ogres, hyenas, mad dogs, red bulls, and numerous other vile creatures emerged from the shadows, their menacing presence permeating the air.

Among these abominations, the mad dogs stood out as particularly grotesque. These monstrous beasts resembled dogs in form but were twenty times the size of an ordinary canine. Possessing two heads and razor-sharp teeth, they exuded an aura of pure malevolence. Undeterred, Duke Carter, with his unwavering resolve, sliced through each of these wicked creatures with his mighty fire flames. The gruesome sight of blood splattering on his person failed to faze him, as he remained steadfast and resolute.

After vanquishing each of the vile creatures, Duke Carter and his companions embarked on a search for the offspring of these beasts, hoping to find some semblance of innocence amid the darkness. However, their efforts proved fruitless, for the babies of these wicked creatures had vanished without a trace. It became apparent that someone or something had clandestinely taken them, leaving no evidence in their wake. The absence of their young ones had driven the malevolent beasts to heightened aggression and ferocity.

Paul, Duke Carter's trusted confidant, broached the subject of the peculiar abductions while they found temporary respite in a hastily erected tent. "My lord," he began, his voice laced with concern, "there is something inexplicable about the abduction of these babies. Who possesses the power to stealthily take the offspring of such formidable creatures without leaving behind any traces?"

Deep in thought, Duke Carter recalled an unsettling issue that had plagued the nation—rumors of individuals dabbling in nefarious black magic. Although known to only a select few, James, a trusted ally, had managed to gather fragments of information regarding this enigmatic group. It dawned upon the Duke that the practitioners of black magic must have been involved in some sinister scheme, likely entailing the exploitation of these beast babies. In light of this revelation, Duke Carter cautioned Paul, emphasizing the gravity of the situation, and commanded him to investigate the matter diligently upon their return to the capital.

With their minds teeming with questions and the shadows of dark forces looming ever closer, Duke Carter and his companions pressed on, driven by a fervent determination to uncover the truth and put an end to the heinous plot that threatened the delicate balance of their realm.