The Hunted

A resounding click echoed through the entire Abyss Cube, shaking slightly as it docked firmly in place.

“Attention. We have arrived and docked at Black Monocle Headquarters, Kandar. If you are staying, please hold on to the issued communication device. Otherwise, please deposit them into the drop-off box located at the exit. Thank you for riding with Abyss Cube.”

Jimin stretched herself out of her finger-threading hand-holding daydream with Elian and cleared her throat.

“So I guess we're parting ways here?”

Joy gave a warm smile and finished her yoghurt.

“No. In fact, we’ll still be together for some time. You’ll be heading back with us to Spellbound’s main headquarters here in Kandar.”

Jimin tilted her head in confusion.

“What for?”

“It's the reward collection for the goblin eradication request,” Derrick said, grabbing his cube gadget, turning the sounds off. “Once we're done, we’ll head to our headquarters and stay there.”

“Yay!” Rei jumped. “Then I get to see Christine!”

“It's been long since we saw her,” Jimin nodded her head and gave a expectant smile. “I wonder if she's doing well.”

“Alright, then let's grab our things and meet up at the exit,” Joy said, standing up as she headed to clear her empty cup.

Voidborn nodded and cleared his and Jimin’s plate before leaving for his room.

“Wait for me!”

Jimin ran after him, quickly sliding each of her fingers between his, pulling his arm tight as she tugged him forward.

She turned and looked at him, a beaming grin plastered all over her face.

Back in his room, Voidborn grabbed his equipment and rechecked all his pockets, making sure everything was clipped tight.

He slid his hand into his side pouch and took out his communication device, tapping on it.

Escort mission complete. Subject has arrived in Kandar safe and sound.
Sub-objective complete. Goblin camp eradication was a success.

He pressed the sent button and looked at the monitor on the wall which was now showing the static view of the mansion in front of the Abyss Cube.

Kandar.

It was his first time here.

Perhaps he may find some answers, if any, to the questions he had.

His device buzzed.

Your arrival in Kandar is much earlier than expected. Please report the full details, in case the employer seeks clarification.

Voidborn looked at the message and frowned. Mr Kennedy had asked for something he did not usually ask for. Drafting a report was a hassle, but still, Voidborn sat down and began typing, spelling out every single detail that happened.

Minutes passed.

“Elian~”

Jimin’s beautiful voice floated from outside his room, carrying a hint of concern.

“Is everything alright? We’ve waited for quite some time and the rest are worried.”

“I’m fine,” Elian said. “I’ll be out in a bit.”

“Okay~ I’ll wait for you out here?”

“You can come in.”

The door to his room swung open instantly.

Jimin poked her head in, peering past the door. She skipped in coquettishly with her hands behind her back.

“What's taking you so long?” she asked.

“I’m just finishing this report,” Elian said.

Jimin sat beside him on the bed and looked as he typed, appreciating the way his fingers moved skillfully on the device’s keyboard.

She looked around the room, appreciating the tidiness of the bed. Blanket folded, pillows arranged neatly, bedsheets pulled tight.

A tidy man is a manly man.
Jimin thought to herself, satisfied.

She took in a deep breath and watched as Elian finished the last section, talking about how the encounter with the Threads happening after the successful goblin camp raid led to them hitching an express ride on the Black Monocle to Kandar.

He clicked sent and cracked his knuckles, sliding the communicator back into his pouch.

“Sorry for the wait. I needed to get this done.”

“It's alright,” Jimin said, ruffling his hair. “Let's go.”

Elian nodded and picked up his sword, leaving the room behind Jimin.

“Oh, while we were waiting for you, Derrick contacted the Machinist Union’s main branch,” Jimin said. “He was frowning the entire time.”

“Why?” Elian asked.

“When he hung up, he said that the riots have damaged quite a few of their affiliated hotels, and a lot of them are under repair. We will have to seek our own accomodation.”

They walked down the stairs, heading towards the exit.

“Won't that be unsafe, given that unaffiliated hotels offer virtually no protection?” Elian asked