Cain: Watch out!

The clash was immediate. Cain blocked a dagger aimed straight at his arm with his sword, but he still hadn’t fully recovered and struggled to push his opponent back. Yadiel, on the other hand, moved swiftly, dodging a blade and counterattacking with a precise kick.

Alana took a few steps back and, pulling out her flute, conjured a wave of sound that destabilized the attackers for a second.

Daiki seized that second to react. Gripping his axe tightly, he lunged at an enemy, knocking what appeared to be a rope from the man’s hands. However, as he did so, he saw something that made him freeze in surprise. Beneath the hooded robe, he glimpsed an arm covered in scars and deformed skin, as if something had consumed it from within. He shoved the man backward and retreated slightly.

Eleanor, though startled by the sudden attack, began preparing her prayers in case any of her companions were injured.

Meanwhile, they failed to notice someone else watching them from deeper within the sewers. A pair of eyes gleamed in the darkness… waiting for the right moment to act.

Yadiel, without hesitation, drew his dagger and prepared to strike one of the hooded figures, but Daiki stopped him.

The action surprised everyone, as Daiki, instead of continuing the fight, chose to speak.

Daiki: Who are you? Or better yet… what exactly are you?

The hooded figures tensed at Daiki’s intimidating tone, but before they could respond, a female voice echoed from the darkness:

???: Aren’t you the same ones from before…?

Everyone immediately went on guard. From the shadows emerged a nimble and cautious figure, stepping lightly across the damp stone. Cain’s faint light illuminated her face, revealing a young woman with unusual features: large rounded ears, grayish fur covering her skin, and bright red eyes that stood out in the gloom. Her long tail swayed restlessly.

???: You are not like the others.

Eleanor: Who are you?

The woman did not respond at once. Her gaze moved across the group, analyzing them quickly and cautiously.

Cain, frowning, realized something upon looking closer. The hooded figures were hiding not only their identities, but also their bodies. During the fight, one of their arms had been exposed, revealing hardened, deformed skin, as though it had been altered by something unnatural. Yadiel noticed as well and slowly lowered his dagger, though he did not fully sheath it.

Cain: You’re not… simple bandits, are you?

The hooded figures exchanged glances until the rat-featured woman snorted and lowered her defensive posture slightly.

???: Come with me. It’s not safe to talk here.

Daiki: How do we know this isn’t a trap?

Before the tension could rise further, Alana stepped forward with a calm smile, raising her hands in a gesture of peace.

Alana: If you wanted to kill us, you would have already tried. Besides, you don’t seem like the type who kills without reason… am I wrong?

The rat-eared girl tilted her head, studying Alana with curiosity.

???: …Smart girl. I like that. Follow me.

Some of the hooded figures seemed to relax slightly, though they still remained alert. They cleared a path behind what appeared to be their leader.

???: Fine. But I warn you—don’t try anything strange.

The group exchanged looks, hesitant to accept the proposal. But they had no other choice if they wanted answers. Carefully and with their guard up, they followed the rat-woman through the dark, flooded tunnels.

After several minutes walking through winding passages, crossing old stone structures, and avoiding a large area where dark water had pooled, they arrived at a vast underground chamber. There, beneath the dim light of lanterns and oil lamps, stood an improvised refuge.

People of all kinds were gathered there: men, women, children, and even some demi-humans, all bearing some visible deformity. Some had scaled skin, others disproportionate limbs or animal features. Some murmured nervously at the sight of the strangers, while others simply stared at them in fear.

The woman who had guided them turned to face the group.

???: Welcome to our humble and cozy home.

She said with irony as she removed her hood completely, revealing her face clearly.

Risha: I am Risha—the one who, in a way, created this place. Everyone you see here… we are survivors of a lunatic. We do not usually have visitors. That is why the boys attacked you.

Everyone was stunned, but the most affected seemed to be Cain, who felt a knot form in his stomach, and Eleanor, who had been silently observing the people around her with sadness and empathy.

Eleanor: Who did this to you…?

Risha hesitated for a few seconds before lifting her head with determination.

Risha: What you see is what it is. We escaped from madmen who saw us as toys. Each of us managed to flee however we could. It was a place where we were kept prisoner, just to be experimented on and played with. Every person you see here carries their own scars.

A heavy silence fell over the group. The tension was palpable, and the surrounding gazes were fixed on them.

Cain: I’m sorry for what happened to you…

Risha snorted with a bitter smile.

Risha: We do not need pity. We need peace. So tell me—what brings you here? You do not seem to know much about this matter, and judging by your expressions, you do not work for him.

The group exchanged glances. Alana stepped forward firmly and calmly.

Alana: We are simply looking for information about a symbol.

The rat-woman’s ears perked up sharply.

Risha: Why do you want to know about that? Some knowledge will only lead you to greater trouble.

Alana: It is not the first time we have seen it. The last time was with a group of boys who disappeared. We were shocked by how abruptly it ended. We only seek to understand it so we can prevent that tragedy from happening again.

Risha frowned, crossing her arms while her eyes carefully examined each member of the group. Her tail moved restlessly.

Risha: They disappeared, huh?

Cain stepped slightly forward, locking eyes with her.

Cain: Then you know something. As you can see, we did not come to cause trouble.

She narrowed her eyes.

Risha: Knowing and wanting to speak are two different things.

Daiki crossed his arms.

Daiki: Your weapons show you can defend yourselves. But against whatever you are facing, neither swords nor silence will be enough. We need names. Places. Something.

A groan of pain suddenly broke the silence.

The group turned toward the sound and saw a young man lying on the ground. His worn cloak revealed irregular scales covering his skin, and his arms were poorly bandaged. His breathing was heavy and his face pale.

Eleanor: He’s hurt! Let me see him.

Two hooded figures stepped between her and the injured youth, but Risha raised a hand, stopping them.

Risha: Are you a healer?

Eleanor: I… I am.

Risha studied her for a few seconds, then looked at the wounded young man before sighing.

Risha: Very well. Do not try anything strange.

Eleanor knelt beside the young man and carefully uncovered his wounds. They were deep and infected. She swallowed but remained calm.

Eleanor: I’m sorry.

She whispered as she took her sacred symbol and murmured soft words. A warm light flowed from her hands, enveloping the wounds. The young man gasped, his body trembling as the healing took effect. Slowly, his breathing steadied before he fell unconscious from exhaustion.

The inhabitants of the refuge watched in astonishment. Some whispered among themselves. The younger ones slowly approached Eleanor.

Alana noticed this and smiled faintly, seizing the moment.

Alana: We are not your enemies. We only want to understand what is happening and, if possible, help you.

Risha observed the scene for a long moment. Her tail finally stopped moving so restlessly. At last, she sighed and ran a hand over her face.

Risha: You may lower your guard. They are not dangerous. Stay calm.

The cautious and fearful stares shifted into curiosity.

Risha: Very well. Follow me. I will tell you… but you will not like what you are about to hear.

The group exchanged glances. They were finally close to the truth.

Just as they were about to follow her, Risha stopped them with a firm gesture.

Risha: The meeting chamber is small. Only three of you may enter. The rest will have to wait here.