Norus Public Library
A dark-colored car slowed and stopped in front of the Norus Public Library.
Vaelor stepped out first, adjusting his coat. He had only come to meet Serin—nothing serious, just to talk about the vague hangout Perun had mentioned earlier.
Truman remained in the driver's seat, one hand on the wheel.
"You wanted to stop at the library?" he asked casually.
Vaelor nodded. "Ah… yeah. I've got some work here. Thanks for the lift, senior. You all can head back."
Truman gave a short hum. "Alright. Take care of yourself."
From the back seat, Robert and Jackson raised a hand in a brief gesture of farewell. The engine restarted, the car easing forward—
Then another vehicle appeared.
From the opposite side of the road, a jeep swerved in roughly and stopped just behind them.
Truman frowned. "Hey—can't you see the road?"
Before he could say more, the jeep doors opened.
Three men stepped out.
They were unmistakable.
Large frames. Thick muscles stretched under dark jackets. The surface of the fabric was studded with conical metal points, catching the dull daylight. One of them—a man with a deep, scar carved across his face—walked forward slowly, his boots heavy against the pavement.
He raised a photograph.
"Do you know these people?"
Truman glanced at it briefly, his expression flat. "No. Now move your vehicle. I need to leave."
The scarred man stared at him for a long second, then clicked his tongue. Without another word, two of the men crossed the road toward the library.
Inside the Library
The library was quiet, filled with the soft rustle of pages and the faint scent of old paper.
Vaelor stood near the front desk, greeting Mrs. Alisa with a polite smile.
"Good afternoon."
Before she could reply, the doors opened loudly.
The two men entered.
Their presence disrupted the calm immediately—heavy footsteps, eyes scanning the room without restraint.
Mrs. Alisa frowned. "Please keep your voices down. This is a public library."
The man scoffed lightly.
"I'm just asking a question."
He held up the photograph again. "Have you seen this person?"
Mrs. Alisa shook her head. "No."
Vaelor glanced at the picture, then at the man. "Is that a family member? Someone missing?"
The man's eyes snapped toward Vaelor.
Cold. Hostile. Measuring.
For a moment, Vaelor felt as if he'd been weighed.
The man said nothing.
With a sharp turn, they left the library as abruptly as they had entered.
Silence slowly returned.
From between the shelves, Serin appeared, carrying a stack of books she had been organizing. She paused when she saw Vaelor.
"Oh—hello."
Vaelor smiled. "Hello."
Mrs. Alisa glanced between them. "You kids—keep it quiet."
Vaelor lowered his voice, speaking from where he stood, but the distance swallowed his words.
Serin tilted her head. "What? I can't hear you."
Vaelor hesitated, then said softly, "Let's go outside. It's better to talk there."
Kaspus Bar – Second Floor
The second floor of the Kaspus Bar was wrapped in dim light and the faint smell of alcohol and smoke.
Ricardo sat comfortably on a couch, one leg crossed over the other. His expression was relaxed—but anyone who looked closely would sense the sharpness beneath it.
Behind him stood James and Saggy, silent as shadows.
Footsteps approached.
Lukman and Perun entered, dressed neatly, their appearances controlled. Simpson followed them.
They sat across from Ricardo.
Lukman spoke first. "Which one of you is Ricardo Williams?"
Ricardo raised his hand slightly. "That would be me."
Lukman leaned back. "One of your mate said you wanted to offer a deal."
"Yes," Ricardo replied calmly. "We've started a plan."
Perun frowned slightly. "What kind of plan?"
Ricardo's smile thinned. "There's a condition. Once you hear it, you must participate."
Lukman's eyes sharpened. "And if we don't?"
The air changed.
It was subtle—but undeniable.
Something heavy pressed down on the room, as if an invisible tide had shifted. The source was clear: Ricardo and James behind him.
Lukman hesitated.
Ricardo continued, unhurried. "The plan is perfect. But we need your help. And I'll give you a reason—one you won't refuse."
Perun glanced at Lukman, then said, "Go on."
Ricardo replied simply, "There are some people you need to meet."
The door opened.
A man stepped inside.
Caeson.
The moment Lukman saw him, his body stiffened. His mind raced.
Why him? Of all people… why did he come here?
If he recognizes us—
Perun's fingers tightened unconsciously. He shifted closer, sitting on the same side as Ricardo now, as if instinctively seeking cover.
Caeson looked at them, then smiled faintly.
"Traveller types?" he said lightly. "Arthur… Raven?"
"We'd love to work together."
Lukman swallowed. "Yes."
Perun added cautiously, "But you still haven't told us about the plan."
Ricardo leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming.
"That," he said, "comes next."