She stared at me like I'd lost my mind. Clearly, she was completely thrown off.
Her eyes, filled with fear and confusion, stayed locked on me. "What did you do to me? Who the hell are you?"
Her voice shook, but I stayed unfazed, a bit tired of scenes like this.
Without a word, I focused on my mental link with Number 4.
'Status report?'
But it's Number 5 who cut in with his mocking tone.
[Oh, nothing major. The two minions are dealing with some zombies. Bit of a hassle, but they're managing. Oh, and Number 4's sulking. She didn't like you sending me.]
I rolled my eyes. Of course she's sulking… Before I could reply to Number 5, Piper finally showed up.
Perfect timing.
She appeared in front of me, her gaze landing straight on the woman, still half-collapsed and stunned.
I pointed at her. "There she is. Our fugitive. Vrynna, right?"
Without waiting, vines sprouted from the ground, coiling tightly around the woman, binding her.
Piper gave me a weird look, almost shocked.
"Got something on my face or what?" I asked, a bit annoyed.
She didn't answer right away, hesitating. "No, nothing…" she said finally.
I sighed. "Mira and Griffin will be here soon. You got this?"
Piper nodded, but I sensed hesitation in her demeanor. Odd—she's usually way more relaxed. I didn't dwell on it; I had enough to deal with.
"I'll wait for you at the village exit."
I turned, ready to leave.
---
I leaned against a tree trunk, arms crossed behind my head, and closed my eyes.
A sigh escaped me. Finally, some peace after this endless day.
Time dragged on, and I almost started thinking Piper and the others ditched me. Sure, Mira and Griffin might've hit snags with the zombies, but Piper just had to bring the fugitive, right?
I sat up a bit, pulling my "pebble phone" from my pocket. Great name, huh? It was a fun idea at the time, but now I regret being so lazy. Why did I only make two of these things?
Then it hit me—Mira has the other pebble, not Piper. Awesome. I'm so disorganized.
[Checked it out, Master. Piper's still waiting in the village.]
Number 2 reported without me asking.
'What? Waiting for what? Why not join me out here?' I scratched my head, frustrated. 'Oh, right, I'm totally spaced out! The villagers…'
Man, where was my head? Oh yeah, in the clouds…
I shrugged.
Whatever, I did my part anyway.
I settled back against the tree, set on catching a quick nap.
'Number 2, wake me if something big happens, got it?'
He nodded. [As you command, Master.]
And me? I closed my eyes. I earned a little rest, didn't I?
---
I stretched against the tree trunk, eyes still half-shut, then snapped them open.
Kathleen stood right in front of me, arms crossed, unmoving. I flinched slightly, then froze.
'Number 2! Why didn't you wake me?'
[It wasn't important, Master.]
Not important?
I held back a sigh.
And as if to pile on, the imp's cheeky voice slipped into my thoughts. [See, you give him too much responsibility. We all know he's a bit short on common sense… But you love it, don't you?]
I clenched my teeth but didn't bite at the taunt. He's not wrong… but I'll never admit it.
Kathleen raised a brow, a faint smile on her lips.
"Am I that scary?" she asked softly.
I swallowed my surprise and stood quickly. "Scary? Nah, of course not! It's just… well, you're a beauty. A marvel, even, Kathleen. Your radiance caught me off guard, that's all."
She shook her head slightly, clearly amused, but her gaze turned serious. "I have to admit, I'm impressed by you and your team. What you pulled off… Vrynna always slipped through our radar, but you managed to take her down."
I raised a brow. "So, we're done?"
She nodded slowly. "The Association's pleased with your performance. They're already considering more missions for you."
I frowned, a bit irritated. "More missions, huh? I'm not dumb, Kathleen, just lazy. They know I've proven myself. I seriously doubt they need more 'proof' from me."
I held out my hand, a wry smile tugging at my lips. "So, where's that Association decree, huh? Show me I'm wrong."
Her fists clenched, clearly frustrated, but she said nothing. Of course, she couldn't do anything. Poor Kathleen. I stifled a chuckle.
I stood slowly, stretching long and leisurely.
"Now that I've done my part, they could leave me alone for a bit, no?" I said, shrugging.
"I suppose you've earned some rest," she said finally, her voice calmer. "But don't get too comfortable. I won't let you slack off for long."
I sighed, a half-smile on my face. "Yeah, yeah. We'll see."
---
Kathleen pushed the office door open roughly and shut it with a heavy thud, loud enough to catch Libel's attention. She barely looked up from her notebook, offering a smile both mocking and amused.
"Well, Ms. Ritchvald, as charming as ever, I see!" she teased. "What brings you here today with that foul mood?"
Kathleen, lips tight, didn't answer right away. She marched forward and dropped a stack of files on the desk. Then, without another word, she sat, arms crossed, her sharp gaze fixed on Libel.
"So?" Libel pressed, raising a brow. "You gonna tell me what's up, or are you just here to decorate the place?"
"You knew, didn't you?" Kathleen finally snapped.
Libel blinked. She adjusted her glasses, a sly smile forming.
"Knew what?" she replied, her voice mock-innocent.
Kathleen glared at her with a mix of reproach and exhaustion.
"Elder… You know exactly what I'm talking about. Your Magister. I'm not beating around the bush. Why didn't you tell me?"
Libel's smile widened, and she shook her head, chuckling softly.
Kathleen clenched her jaw, sitting up straighter.
Libel sighed, leaning back in her chair with a relaxed, almost exasperated air.
"Look, I told anyone who'd listen that the Magister's remarkable. That's all you need to know, right?"
Kathleen let out a deep sigh, rubbing her forehead.
"Whatever. The Association's thrilled with his performance," she admitted. "It's enough to justify his appointment. Apparently, he's convinced everyone."
Libel flashed a mischievous smile, her eyes twinkling with satisfaction.
"Well, that's news that should please the Magister. If only he knew how much he's appreciated…"
Kathleen stayed quiet for a moment, eyes down, then stood. She took a few steps toward the door but stopped abruptly and, without turning, added, "Either way, I'm not letting that slacker coast. I'll find a way to make him move, with or without your help."
Libel couldn't help but laugh again, a glint of amusement in her eyes.
"You've got my full support, Ms. Ritchvald. And honestly… good luck."