*[INT. RUSTY LANTERN BAR – NIGHT]*
*Rain patters lightly outside. MIA sits alone at the far end of the bar, hunched over a half-empty glass. Her cloak is wet, her expression sour. She's tired, frustrated, and questioning the sanity of her mission.*
*MIA (muttering):*
*"Three weeks. Three damn weeks and still nothing but shadows..."*
*The bar door creaks open. LORD MODEUS steps in, unbothered by the rain, wearing a faint amused smile. Mysteriously, her *detector* remains silent. He spots her and walks over, casual and calm.*
*MODEUS (taking a seat beside her, smirking):*
*"Fancy seeing a storm cloud with legs. Should I be worried, or buy you another round?"*
*Mia blinks, turns slowly. Recognition flashes in her eyes. Instantly, she reaches for her concealed weapon and presses it firmly to his cheek.*
*MIA (low voice):*
*"You've got five seconds before I redecorate this bar with your smug face."*
*MODEUS (mock gasp):*
*"Oh no! The terrifying girl with a nap-time schedule and murder hobbies—spare me!"*
*The bartender, barely glancing up from polishing a glass:*
*BARTENDER (flatly):*
*"Take it outside, kids. No blood on my floor. Again."*
*Some *adventurers at the back* chuckle and whistle.*
*ADVENTURER #1:*
*"Ooooh, romance brewing?"
KISSING
*ADVENTURER #2:**"I ship it. MURDER AND MYSTERY."*
*Mia glares at them, and they quickly shut up. She exhales sharply and puts the weapon down—but the tension remains. She slouches slightly, eyes heavy with stress.*
*MIA (grumbling):*
*"I'm so done with this."*
*Suddenly, she wobbles slightly, clearly tipsy. Her head dips onto the counter. Modeus raises a brow.*
*MODEUS (softly):*
*"You mortals really drink like you're trying to forget entire centuries."*
*He gently reaches out to help her upright. She instantly smacks his hand away.*
*MIA:*
*"Don't touch me, Satan's cousin."*
*She stumbles out of the bar. Modeus follows, amused. Outside, under the neon glow of bar lights and soft rain:*
*MODEUS (walking beside her):*
*"You know, for a hunter, you're very bad at catching what you chase."*
*MIA (dryly):*
*"Says the demon playing tourist. What, gonna offer me a souvenir next?"*
*MODEUS (chuckles):*
*"No. A deal. You want answers? Who I am, why your fancy toys can't sense me… I'll tell you."*
*Mia narrows her eyes.*
*MIA:*
*"What's the catch?"*
*MODEUS (smirking):*
*"Be my guide. One month. You show me your world, I show you mine—well, maybe just the interesting bits."*
*Mia looks him over. Then sighs, conflicted.*
*MIA:**"I'll think about it. Doesn't mean I trust you."*
*She turns and walks off into the misty street, disappearing among the crowd.*
*Modeus stands alone, watching her go, that ever-present smirk on his face.*
*MODEUS (softly):*
*"Oh, but trust isn't the point... the game is."*
*Fade out.*