MLTO C5, P1

This is the first Part of "MLIV:TO" 's fifth Chapter.
It was released on 03.03.2023.
== Plot ==
After their absolute defeat over the alien being known as Gaspar, Geralt and Aurelia congratulate themselves for saving the kingdom of Goznor (and the entire world) from a source of peril that nobody was able to get rid of.
Now back in the capital of Silverdale, the two of them try to relax for a while until they find the next lead that will take them to Emperor Redmark. However, the rage that came with the demise of Aurelia's brother is still there. No matter how much she tries to ignore the increasing tensions between her people, the Governor's daughter is also agitated. Therefore, their visit in the capital may turn out to be very, very short.
Forced to move somewhere else for the time being, they continue to stay vigilant for whatever threat that has yet to arise.
What are their enemies planning?
== Story ==
A week after the destruction of Gaspar, things continue to be very tense. Even though one of the main troublemakers that caused so much pain to them is gone forever, the people of this world are still angry and desperate. They continue to show mistrust toward everyone, strangers or not, and the overall mood in the settlements is not improving. 
Truth be told, they might have a point. Redmark's people are still roaming around the countryside and everyone who dared to defy them ended up being captured, hurt, or maybe even worse. Thus, many people have grown afraid of the bloodthirsty emperor, who always searches for an excuse to pummel people who have done absolutely nothing to him.
In the land of confusion and endless rage, our heroes continue to help others as best as they can. Ranging from minor tasks such as cleaning workshops and somewhat major ones that include teaching a lesson to some kind of volatile creatures that escaped the warfare and continued to cause more havoc, they have been fairly successful. The countryside became more peaceful thanks to them and the people of the settlements, despite being rather cold and cordial, are rather grateful for their help. In their own way, that is.
Continuing to use the capital of Silverdale and, more specifically, the Kaos residence within, as their HQ, the two of them found solace within the quiet, uneventful city. However, the tension and bad blood are still there, still causing anger and mistrust between friend, acquaintances and family. Thus, we arrive at the next chapter in our heroes' lives, the time when they are forced to make another fateful decision.
----The first day of Week 2 starts off like almost any other normal day. Geralt wakes up from his slumber, goes to the bathroom, polishes his sword for a short time, and then goes downstairs to see his mother.
Meanwhile, Amber has baked Geralt's favorite strawberry pie. She leaves it on the table and watches as he sits down and nervously takes large bites out of it.
"You seem to be a little worried today, dear."- She says- "Is everything okay for ya?"
Geralt sighs.
"I am not quite sure, mom."- He says- "Ever since we defeated Gaspar, I have always had this feeling of unease deep in my heart. It almost feels like we mae everything worse, not better."
Amber raises her eyebrow.
"But wasn't the alien thing the source of Goznor's problems?"- She asks- "Didn't you do something good back then?"
Geralt looks down.
"This is exactly what I keep asking myself."- He says- "Normally, I am not the type of person to ponder my own actions, even if they are done with a good reason. But this... event... made me believe that there is someone backing him up. A shadow of a man, draped in a cloak of darkness. Always on the run and, at the same time, always on the hunt."
He looks at the window to the right of him.
"I saw him in my sleep, mom. He was trying to turn my dreams into nightmares with just a single glance. He said nothing and did nothing. Just an ominous presence, out to decimate my entire world."- He says- "His heart was colder than ice. His hands were stained with blood, the blood of countless, innocent victims that he stripped of their precious lives. And that smile. That crooked smile, a grin so evil it penetrated through my very soul. I... would never forget it. Ever."
Amber shakes her head.
"You poor thing. Even in your dreams, you can never rest."- She says and smiles sadly- "But that's completely fine. As long as me, your grandpa and the rest of our little family are here for you, I'm sure that the evil one will not lay a hand on you. Of that, I am certain."
Geralt sighs.
"I just wish Kaiden were more like you... "
Amber raises her eyebrow.
"What are you implying, dear?"
Geralt looks up,
"While I was outside yesterday, I took my time to visit the hospital where Kaiden was being stationed. And then, I saw how cold he had become. He did not deign me with more than a single glance. It almost feels like he is... guilty. About something that I cannot speculate."- He says- "In his eyes, I saw an alarming amount of fear. For his family, I thought at first. But his mind, it was saying something else. He was thinking about something much more sinister."
He shakes his head.
"Even though he is still trying to be friendly toward our family, I can tell that Kai is not the same anymore. The feeling of unease is always so pervasive for him. It is almost as if some kind of a parasite is eating him on the inside."- He says- "I... have to admit. I am concerned about my brother."
Amber sighs.
"You know what? I think that I feel the same way. Every moment that I tried to spend with this poor boy, all of the wisdom I tried to teach him, they turned out to be in vain. It was futile for me to change this child."- She says- "Normally, I would say that a little bit of adventuring would change his mind. But I don't think that it will help. Not anymore."
Geralt smiles sadly.
"That sounds like a plan."- He says- "Maybe I should try to convince him sometime."
Amber nods.
"Yes, my dear."- She says- "Whatever you say."
She looks at the nearby window herself.
"Whenever you're done, feel free to go outside."- She says- "I heard that your grandfather has a mission for you."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"A mission?"- He asks- "What is happening?"
Amber shrugs.
"Oh, nothing quite serious. Just a small infestation in the sewers."- She says- "Maybe it's just a coincidence, maybe not. Either way, he'll fill you in once you get there."
Geralt nods.
"I got it."
He eats the rest of his pie, prevents himself from burping in front of his mother, and stands up. Then, he hugs her and bids her farewell, leaving with little more than his sword, his clothing and a piece of pie that Amber left behind for him.
"See you soon, my dear!"- Amber exclaims- "May the law be with you!"
Geralt smiles.
"I will be back soon, mom."- He says- "Wait for me."
Amber nods.
"I will, dear."- She responds- "I will."
Soon after going outside, Geralt is joined by Aurelia. She is carrying a small clipboard in her hands and, judging from her expression, she seems to be a little busy.
"Ah! So, you're finally awake!"- She exclaims- "How did you sleep, my dearest prince?"
Geralt sighs.
"I... had a bad night. There is too much to explain, so I will save you the most excruciating details."- He says- "Let us get to business."
Aurelia rolls her eyes.
"Oh, you're always so serious."- She says- "Cheer up! There's more to this world than just duty and laws!"
Geralt looks at her.
"Says the person who is having her own fair share of duties to take care of."
Aurelia giggles.
"Har har. Very funny, Geralt."- She says, mildly annoyed- "You know how I feel about you, right?"
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"If I am sad, you are sad too?"
Aurelia smiles.
"Precisely."
She looks down at her clipboard.
"Anyway, it seems like you're in luck. We've got a few things that need to be done."- She says- "I'm not sure if your grandpa told you about this, but there seems to be some kind of a nephar in the sewers. You know, the meaner version of the kitty cats on the surface, the one who is trained only to fight and spill blood? Well, it seems like one of those fools made it under Silverdale somehow. And, from the looks of it, he seems to be an invader."
Geralt nods.
"Let us get this over with."
As he prepares to open the trapdoor that leads to the sewers, Aurelia stops him.
"Wait!"- She exclaims- "Before we go, I have something I want to tell you!"
Geralt raises his eyebrow,
"Something else? The world keeps surprising me. And so do you."- He says- "Tell me. What do you want me to know?"
Aurelia looks down.
"I... just wanted to talk about what happened in the restaurant. You know, the one where we spent some time together."- She says- "What you said to me, it seemed to genuine. But... was it really true? Did you really want to be with me? Or did you just say it to make me feel better?"
Geralt shakes his head.
"We do not have time for this, Aurelia."- He says- "I understand that you're worried, but the world is still in danger. Every single moment that we use to delay our own actions is a chance wasted away."
He tries to go inside again, but Aurelia blocks him.
"Oh, I don't think so!"- Aurelia exclaims- "You've been living in blissful ignorance for far too long! I need to know if you truly see me as something else or not!"
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"I have always been kind to you! Always on your side, always ready to make you happy!"- He exclaims- "Was it not enough?!"
Aurelia glares at him.
"I asked you a simple question, Geralt."- She says- "Do. You. Like. Me."
Geralt sighs and strides off without another word. Typical, considering that he has changed a lot himself in the past few weeks.
"Hmph."- Aurelia mutters and crosses her hands- "Men of duty. Daddy always warned me about 'em."
Then, she smiles.
"Oh well."- She says- "Even if he doesn't, I'll make sure that he likes me. I'm not giving up on my dream anytime soon."
The duo descends into the sewers. As soon as they reach the floor, their boots are stained with dirt and grime.
"It seems like someone has been slacking from their duties."- Geralt says- "I need to have a word with your dad very soon."
Aurelia looks at him.
"You're always all about duty, aren't you?"
Geralt sighs.
"You know me well, so does this really surprise you?"- He asks- "All the time that I spent, it was to get rid of the world's problems. Someone has to get it done."
Aurelia raises her eyebrow.
"And that someone is.. you?"- She asks- "Maybe even me?"
Geralt nods.
"We make a good team, Aurelia."- He says- "Your abilities to heal and soothe the soul of a person are a nice addition to my ability to hurt our enemies in various ways."
Aurelia blushes.
"Oh, you flatter me! I'm just following you because, well, you need the presence of a female soul."- She says- "And that female has to be strong and determined. Like you!"
Geralt smiles.
"It makes me happy that you think this way."
The duo walk through the sewers, getting attacked by multitudes of giant rats that attempt to bite them with their filthy teeth. However, a stomp or two are enough to get the job done. Soon, most of the annoying vermin is left behind, squished by the two heroes.
"Ugh. That was... yuck."- Aurelia says- "Why would someone ever want to make those disgusting beasts so large. And, an even better question, who?"
Geralt looks at her.
"The creature that has seized those sewers for themselves?"
Aurelia shrugs.
"Well, that makes sense."- She says- "I think."
She looks at the path ahead, noticing some kind of a flickering light coming from just around the corner.
"I mean, why would they use giant rats to do the job?"- She asks- "There are many creatures that are far more vicious. Ogres. Snakes. Even the goblins would do a fairly good job in this situation. Why would you rely on one of the weakest creatures this world has ever known?"
Geralt shakes his head.
"Do not underestimate the villain that hides in the sewers. Those rats may be small and feeble, but they carry horrible diseases with them and can easily wipe out a whole settlement if left alone."- He says- "It is said that the most potent poison is the disease. And it seems like our 'friend' knows exactly what he is doing."
Aurelia nods.
"Very well."- She says- "Then let's end him."
The two of them walk to the left and come across two more rats. However, those specimens turn out to be far more vicious than the others. Most notably, they are larger, have sharper teeth, and their eyes are filled with endless, murderous intent. It is almost as if they carry the souls of true warriors within themselves.
One of the giant rats squeaks in alarm. It bares its teeth and tries to scare the duo away. However, the plan does not seem to work- Geralt and Aurelia are surprised, but not scared. The two of them simply draw their weapons and approach them.
"This is going to get bloody!"- Aurelia exclaims- "But not for us!"
The two rats squeak in disagreement. They lunge at their targets, easily taking Aurelia to the ground.
"Agh! He got me!"- Aurelia exclaims- "Geralt! Help!"
Geralt pushes back the other rat, runs forward and plunges his blade into Aurelia's attacker.
At first, it only seems like he made the rat angry at him. The creature turns around and tries to bite him instead. However, using his skill and determination, Geralt manages to set his sword on fire for a short time, quickly incinerating the beast and watching as it squeaks in horror and turns into a giant pile of ash.
"Now that's what I call hot!"- Aurelia exclaims- "Let's do it again!"
Geralt nods.
"As you wish."
As the second rat tries to avenge its fallen comrade, Geralt swings his sword at it. The force of the blow is strong enough to cut the beast in half, leaving both its killer and his companion horrified.
"Agh!"- Aurelia exclaims- "That was... umm... "
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"Bloody?"
Aurelia nods.
"Yes!"- She exclaims- "That's it!"
As the two of them back away from the scene, Aurelia looks down and shakes her head.
"Ugh."- She says- "I... need to take a shower after this."
Geralt nods.
"Suit yourself."- He says- "But our duty is still not over. We must keep fighting."
Aurelia sighs.
"Yes, sir."
The two of them enter the small subterrenean room and soon come face to face with the filthiest, most evil two-legged cat that they have ever seen.
"Mrr. I see that you have arrived."- The creature says and brandishes its staff- "I've been waiting for you."
Aurelia shrieks in surprise.
"Aah!"- She exclaims- "A talking, walking cat!"
Geralt ignores her and stares at the strange creature in front of them.
"Why are you here, agent of chaos?"- He asks- "What is your purpose?"
The creature chuckles.
"Mrr. You see me in the same way as your masters. And that's exactly what I want."- It says- "I am a nephar. We are descendants of those weak nephils, a bunch of friendly cat-like creatures that only wish to make peace with humankind and eat well. My kind was far too weak, so I fled from them. Left them to whatever fate awaited them. And then, I came to work with the one who soon became the emperor of a massive nation on the surface. He was the only one who saw my potential and nurtured me to use it freely. So, my first mission was to go here and bring all kinds of misfortunes to the filthy humans above. And I think that I've done a pretty good job, as the humans have yet to notice that I am here."
Aurelia raises her eyebrow.
"Says the one who is filthier than an army of stinkbugs."
The nephar clenches his fists.
"I was forced to be like this! Okay?!"- It yells- "My kind usually take care of themselves! It's just that... that I'm not like them!"
Geralt nods.
"Then prove it, humanoid warrior."- He says- "If you came all the way here, then you surely have the spirit of a warrior within you. I want to see it."
The nephar nods back.
"With pleasure, warrior of light."
The nephar raises his hands in the air and conjures a series of spells upon its unsuspecting enemies. First, it tries to freeze them in place, but the heroes are trained to resist such cowardly attempts to hinder them. Then, it tries to burn them into a crisp, but his attempts prove to be futile when Geralt pushes the creature's own attacks against its sender, severely wounding it in the process.
Annoyed by the heroes' survival, the nephar uses a magical chain to lock Aurelia in place and attempt to choke her.
"Agh! Not... good!"- Aurelia exclaims- "He's... too... strong... for... me... "
The nephar laughs.
"Hah! See?!"- It yells- "I'm much stronger than you think! You can't defeat m-- "
Suddenly, the nephar feels a sharp pain in its chest. It looks up and notices that Geralt is standing close to him. His blade has pierced its way through the creature's heart, unimpeded by the protections that were placed upon it.
The nephar tries to say something else. However, it soon collapses to the ground and dies. Whatever the creature had in mind in its final moments, it will always remain a mystery,
Soon after the creature dies, the chains that bind Aurelia disappear, allowing her to move and breathe again.
"Phew! That was a close one!"- She exclaims- "I guess that you were right, though. Whatever this creature was, it was surely much stronger than I thought."
Geralt nods.
"You should start listening to me."
Aurelia looks at him.
"But I'm trying to!"
Geralt smiles and pats her on the back.
"I know, Aurelia."- He says- "You are a good partner."
The two of them search through the papers and discover that the nephar was, indeed, sent by Emperor Redmark himself. It was meant to cause all kinds of havoc in the sewers and force the warriors above to enter the sewers, hopefully getting slain by the giant rats. The notes also mention the existence of a passage that it was going to use to perform some sort of an assassination, located right in this very room. However, they do not specify where it could be.
As Aurelia wonders what is going on, Geralt notices something odd on the nearby wall. A small, insignificant crack. When he goes to inspect it, he notices the pickaxe that was left on the floor nearby. Analyzing it for a while, he concludes that the nephar living in here was trying to mine its way through the sewers.
When he breaks the wall with the pick, a poorly hidden secret passage is revealed to him, shocking both the young hero and Aurelia.
"How did you find this?!"- Aurelia asks.
Geralt shrugs.
"Just a small stroke of luck, I guess."- He says- "Come on. Let us get moving."
The two of them make their way through the mostly crumbled passage and soon end up in a familiar room. Although Geralt is quite surprised by this, Aurelia is downright alarmed.
"Wait a minute!"- She exclaims- "This... is my father's office!"
Geralt sighs.
"It seems like the little fiend was trying to dig its way straight into the leader's nest. A cowardly move that would have granted him a fairly easy victory."- He says- "Had we arrived a little bit later, I fear that your father might have been attacked."
Aurelia glares back at the passage behind her.
"I'm not allowing anyone else to die!"- She yells- "Stand back!"
As Geralt wonders what Aurelia is trying to do, the young girl leans forward and punches the walls of the passage with her bare fists.
"Woah, Aurelia! Slow down!"- He exclaims- "Are you trying to get us killed?!"
Aurelia shakes her head.
"Just stay quiet and do as I say!"- She exclaims- "We'll be fine!"
As Aurelia continues to punch the walls, she hears a quiet rumble. In a few moments, it becomes much louder. This makes her realize that she has done enough, stepping back as a massive cave-in happens, completely sealing the tunnels and crushing a few giant rats that tried to get into the office.
"Once again, you prove that you are more than just a damsel in distress."- Geralt says- "I like the way you think."
Aurelia smiles.
"Well."- She says- "That's close enough."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"Umm."- He says- "Pardon me?"
Aurelia continues to smile innocently.
"Oh, nothing!"- She exclaims- "Just thinking aloud! Nothing related to our mission, I assure you!"
Geralt sighs.
"Alright then."- He says- "Let us go outside and inform your father about this... minor predicament."
As the two of them do so, they come face to face with Isabella- Aurelia's sister. She seems to be very angry and seeing her sister does not make her feel better.
"Hey there, Isa!"- Aurelia says- "How are you doing?"
Isabella looks at her.
"How do I look like?"
Aurelia raises her eyebrow.
"Well, you... don't look okay?"
Isabella sighs.
"I've never been okay, Aurelia."- She says to her- "Ever since I came back, I've always been worried about something in particular. Then I felt angry. I felt sad. And then, I was forced to accept it and pretend like it didn't happen. And I hate it. I really do."
She shakes her head and looks up at her.
"But I can tell that there's something you want to talk about."- She says- "What is it, sister?"
Aurelia takes a step forward.
"Well, I just wanted to let you know that me and Geralt sealed a passage that some strange kitten thing dug into Dad's office."- She says- "It was trying to get him killed, but only managed to meet its end and the hands of us. We saved our home again and we... we thought that you might need to know."
Isabella glares at her.
"Do I care?!"
Aurelia is taken aback by her sister's aggressive attitude.
"Excuse me?"
isabella continues to glare at her.
"You're trying to get away from the murder that happened last week again!"- She exclaims- "So what if some crazy cat guy tried to kill our father? He was going to deal with him soon enough! You didn't do anything special, Aurelia!"
Aurelia looks at Isabella.
"But sister!"- She exclaims- "I was just trying to... "
Isabella shakes her head.
"Spare your complaints."- She says- "I've had enough of them."
Isabella's glare turns toward Geralt.
"And you. The so-called righteous one."- She continues- "Have you ever tried to understand how your brother really felt? Have you tried to walk in his shoes and see the world with his eyes instead of yours?"
Geralt shakes his head.
"You are speaking nonsense, Isabella. Stop. You are only shaming yourself."- He says- "My relationships with the people that I love are none of your business. You are not a critic, nor my mother and father. I am being cautious toward my own brother because I am worried about him. I know that it is good to show some love, but he has always been so... so cold."
He glares back at her.
"So stop trying to put the blame on us!"- He yells- "Your brother did not die because we were too slow! He was being reckless and tried to fight Jacob instead of warning Mr. Moonglow! And do you know where fighting someone without a sense of self-control leads?! Nowhere! Because we must always be careful when we deal with those dangerous individuals! Edward forgot that, but I want you to remember it. Because we are the ones who keep his legacy alive right now!"
Isabella's eyes fill with tears.
"You don't know what it's like to lose a sibling!"
Geralt shakes his head.
"You are wrong! Very wrong!"- He yells- "When my sister, Kiki, died, I felt like my entire world fell apart. There was an emptiness growing inside of me, an unstoppable void made of eternal darkness, meant to make me think that there is no hope. But did I blame it on any of my loved ones? My father, who sacrificed his own life to keep us alive? My grandfather, who did his best to evacuate everyone before it was too late? Did I cry in a corner and become helpless and deceived? No, I certainly did not. Day after day, I kept training with my brother. We kept looking forward to dealing with the people who killed our sister. And when that day finally came, we did not back down. We acted with strength and honor. We fought for the people that we love. We pushed back those merciless tyrants into the abyss from whence they came. And we did it in the name of the one who never had the chance to stand by our side, the one whose candle burned out far too soon! So, stop telling me that I am weak and take a look at yourself! Maybe then, you will understand how it feels to be alone in this world... "
Isabella looks down.
"I... "- She mutters- "I... "
Geralt shakes his head.
"Face it, Isabella."- He says- "You are the one who needs to learn."
As the three of them continue to speak, a familiar figure approaches them. Geralt looks up and recognizes his brother- Kaiden.
"Hello, Kai."- He says- "What are you doing here?"
Kaiden sighs.
"I just... wanted to see if you're doing well."- He says- "I heard about the incident in the sewers and I wanted to help you as best as I can."
He looks at Isabella.
"Have you been going astray again, Isa?"- He asks her- "You're aware that this isn't very nice, right?"
Isabella looks down.
"I... I know, Kaiden."- She says- "I'm sorry."
Kaiden approaches Isabella and hugs her.
"It's okay. There's no need to worry."- He says- "As long as we're here, our children are perfectly safe. There is no one left to harm them."
Isabella shakes her head.
"It's not about that, Kaiden."- She says- "My brother... he's always been on my mind."
Kaiden sighs.
"I understand your concerns. Losing someone is something new for you and my advice has yet to break through your stone-cold heart."- He says- "But I know that, deep inside, there is a warm and loving woman inside of that body of yours. It might be hard to act like that again, I know it. But Geralt and his friends are doing their best to keep our world safe. There's no reason to blame him for the past, so please. Let it slide, for the sake of our common future."
Isabella's eyes fill with tears again.
"Kaiden... "
Kaiden smiles.
"Just go back home, Isa. Everything will be fine."- He says- "Forget what happened back here. Calm yourself down. It won't be long before I'm back."
Isabella nods.
"Okay."- She says- "Farewell, my love. I'll be waiting for you."
Then, she slowly scampers away as her boyfriend sadly looks on.
"A sad sight, isn't she?"- He says- "She's been like this during the whole week. The demise of Edward crushed every dream that she once had. Right now, she's only looking for trouble. Her desire for revenge is what keeps her on her feet, despite her pregnancy. I've been doing my best to help her out, but she has yet to understand that she's not alone."
Geralt nods.
"You are a good boyfriend, Kai."- He says- "I hope that I can learn a thing or two from you."
Kaiden smiles.
"It's funny, because I feel the same way."- He says- "You were the one who taught me how to be good at loving someone else, not the other way around."
He sighs.
"Anyway, that's not the reason why I came here."- He says- "I've been feeling very worried about you and I... I wanted to come here and help you out."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"Help me?"- He asks- "But you are still blind!"
Kaiden shakes his head.
"Just because I am blind doesn't mean that I'm not capable of fighting back."- He says- "Check this out."
In a few moments, he pulls out his blade and swings it at a nearby rock, breaking it with just a single hit.
"Wow."- Geralt says- "That was sharp."
Kaiden smiles.
"In the weeks since you left me here, I've been doing more than just staying cold and miserable in that hospital."- He says- "My mind is sharp and so is my body. I'm ready for battle."
Geralt looks at him.
"Are you sure that you want to endanger yourself again?"
Kaiden raises his eyebrow.
"And why would I not endanger myself?"- He asks- "Geralt. I'm doing this for you. No offense, but everyone else matters little to me. I want you to be safe and to make sure of that, I need to stand by your side."
He looks at him. Even though his eyes are not visible, Geralt can still feel his brother's judgmental gaze upon himself.
"Tell me, little bro."- He says- "Have you been thinking about leaving this place recently? Have you had the urge to go on an adventure once again?"
Geralt sighs.
"Truth be told, I never felt safe or welcome on here, no matter how much I did for those people. They still treat me like a stranger and refuse to warm up to me."- He says- "If this is the case, then maybe I should go as soon as possible."
Kaiden nods.
"Ah. And that's why I can't just let you leave alone."- He says- "The world is dangerous and you need a strong ally. Someone who isn't afraid to do the right thing."
Geralt looks at him.
"But I already have Aurelia by my side!"
Kaiden shakes his head.
"I appreciate the girl's willingness to help you, but she will not be enough."- He says- "What if Redmark decides to send a more sizable force to wipe you out? In the end, it will seem like those sectors are nothing more than a cruel joke to you. You need help and you need it now."
Geralt sighs.
"I guess that there is no point to argue with you. Not anymore."- He says- "Alright. You can join me. But if something happens to you, I am going to send you back here, even if I have to do it with force."
Kaiden smiles.
"I appreciate it."
The three of them arrive at the Kaos residence, bid farewell to their mother and grandfather, and leave the place that they called home behind. They are eager to begin their next adventure, and it seems like it is not far away.
Meanwhile, a mysterious man watches them from the shadows. Analyzing their movements, he determines how many they are and how strong they can be. Then, he flees back into the shadows before they see him again.
Then, he pulls out a small walkie talkie and starts to talk to it.
"The targets have been located, sir."- He says- "However, it seems like they've got a new friend with 'em."
A harsh buzz can be heard from it.
"Most excellent, my dear friend. Well done."- A male voice can be heard- "Do not lose track of them. Even a single blow could be grievous for our thriving community."
The man raises his eyebrow.
"But what about the other one, sir?"- He asks- "Should he be eliminated, as well?"
Even more buzzing.
"The blonde one's name is Kaiden Kaos. He's the brother of the kid, but he's not as dangerous as him."- He says- "I would advise to keep him away, but he poses no threat to me. So, do what you want to. I don't care."
The man nods.
"It will be done, sir."
Then, he descends further into the shadows until he is completely out of sight.