The sky over Algora had deepened from gold to a soft plum, stars faintly beginning to pierce through the veil of dusk. The carriage trundled down the cobblestone road, its wheels groaning softly as it wound through quieter districts toward the Guild's research facility. Inside, Shin sat alone, his gloved fingers tapping against a leather-bound notebook.
A low rustle drew his gaze to the opposite bench, where a figure cloaked in dark brown sat, barely illuminated by the faint mana lamp hanging from the ceiling. The hood covered most of their face, only the edge of a sharp jaw and the glint of a single eye visible beneath.
"I've already sent word to our people on the east and south trade routes," Shin said, his voice low, calm. He flipped the notebook open, pages lined with scribbled markers, timelines, and code symbols. "You're taking the west. Monitor all merchant movements—travel permits, caravan stops, black market deals, supply shifts. If anything's moving that shouldn't be, I want to know."
The hooded figure nodded once. "Understood."
Shin closed the notebook. "I don't care how small it looks. Even one unusual crate might mean lives."
No verbal reply came this time, just a shimmer of movement. In the blink of an eye, the informant shifted positions, reaching for the carriage window. Without a sound, they opened it with practiced ease, slipped onto the roof, and disappeared in a silent dash across the carriage top.
He exhaled, then reached back into his coat and withdrew a charcoal pencil. With a practiced hand, he scribbled in his notes, logging the update, assigning identifiers to the new surveillance zone.
West Route – Agent 7A
Priority: High
Watch for trade clusters, bulk purchase patterns, redirected caravans.
By the time he closed the notebook and tucked it away, the carriage had begun to slow.
Outside the reinforced glass pane, the tall gray structure of the research facility loomed into view—half castle, half laboratory. Lamps outside the doorway glowed with pale light, casting long shadows over the stone steps.
As the carriage came to a halt, Shin stepped down and adjusted the collar of his coat.
To his surprise, a slender figure stood at the base of the steps, waiting.
Shuri.
her long silver hair tied back neatly, coat buttoned up, and a faint breeze tugging at her sleeves. Her usual nervous demeanor was replaced by a focused calm. Her gaze lifted as Shin approached.
"You're early," Shin said, brow raised. "Or… did you wait here long?"
"I came out a few minutes ago," Shuri replied, her voice quiet but certain. "I figured you would come."
Shin glanced at the empty street, then back at her. "You figured I'd bring permission? You were that confident in Vel-sama?"
Shuri nodded without hesitation. "It's an emergency. I know Vel-sama doesn't show it, but he cares. And besides…" She looked off into the evening haze. "If someone doesn't act quickly, those people may never return to who they were."
Her words hung in the air for a moment, somber and honest.
Shin sighed lightly, shifting his weight. "You're right. Permission is granted. But there are some conditions."
Shuri tilted her head.
"Bella-sama will be with you at all times. From the first step inside the infirmary until you're done. If anything goes wrong, she'll intervene."
A flicker of understanding crossed Shuri's face. "I expected that. It's fine. I don't intend to test anything dangerous without precaution."
Shin stepped aside and gestured to the carriage. "Then let's go. They're expecting us."
They both stepped inside, the doors clicking shut behind them. The carriage rolled forward once more, this time heading toward the central infirmary where the afflicted victims were being held—victims whose minds had been stripped and shattered.
The ride was quiet at first, the weight of what they were about to face settling heavily between them.
"…Do you think there's a chance to save them?" Shin asked quietly, his gaze following the blurred city lights flickering past the carriage window.
Shuri hesitated for a moment, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve. "I… I don't really know," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm quite nervous myself. The condition they're in… it's not something I've ever seen before."
Shin watched her from the corner of his eye, a slight crease forming in his brow.
Maybe I made her doubt herself… he wondered.
He leaned back slightly, softening his tone. "Don't worry," he said, his voice calm but certain. "If anyone can find the cure… it might be you. Everyone has trust in you and your work, Shuri."
Shuri looked at him, surprised by the sudden encouragement. She didn't speak, but the anxious furrow in her brow began to ease.
She gave a small, steady nod and turned her eyes forward, the uncertainty still lingering—but now, tempered by resolve.
Outside, night fell fully over Algora, cloaking its spires and alleyways in shadow.
After a few more moments later, the carriage slowed to a stop before the Guild facility. The soft clatter of hooves and wheels faded as the coachman gently brought it to a halt. The lanterns outside cast warm glows along the stone path.
Shin stepped out first, offering a hand as Shuri followed behind him. Her eyes drifted across the familiar Guild entrance.
Waiting just beyond the door was a tall woman with a poised demeanor and eyes sharp as steel. Her white uniform bore a golden insignia, marking her as one of the Guild's top medical personnel—Bella, a seasoned healer known for her unshakable resolve.
"Bella," Shin greeted with a respectful nod. "This is Shuri. She'll be examining the patient."
Bella gave a firm nod and glanced at Shuri. "I've heard of your work. I'll be with you the entire time—assisting you with your work."
Shuri managed a polite bow. "Thank you. I'll do my best."
Shin adjusted his coat and turned toward the corridor. "I have some other matters to attend to," he said. "I'll take my leave here."
Bella gestured to the hallway behind her. "Come with me. The patient you'll be working on is in this room."
With a final glance back, Shin watched as the two of them disappeared down the hallway toward the medical wing. Then, silently, he turned and made his way through the central corridor, the familiar path to Vel's office echoing with the low sound of his boots.
When he opened the door, he found Vel and Darius already inside.
"Ah, Shin," Vel called, gesturing him over without even turning fully. "Come look at this."
Darius, who was hunched over a spread of papers and maps, looked up with a tired but focused expression. "I've cracked the code."
Shin stepped forward, his sharp eyes scanning the documents as he joined them at the table.