I gotta hurry! There will be more. Stronger ones too. They were alerted now… We will either have to fight them or reach Vanitas without alerting and get away safely.
With a quick deep inhale, my jaw tightened as I locked my eyes towards the turn ahead. My figure blurred, bricks below flying all around.
With an audible Swoosh! I was at that spot the next second. Dirt was revealed, and lanterns vanished as darkness took over.
I couldn't even register my movement, just the intention I had to do so. But, before I could crash straight into the wall and become a meat paste, I raised my leg. It shattered instantly, burning pain spreading as I used it to jump again.
Like a rubber ball, I made my way faster than ever, my legs healing before the next impact. It all costs just 1 vitality, and if I somehow were to fuck up the jump, I could always use [Undo of shift].
I bit my lip, my face covered in tears, "Just that… This shit hurts."
Like that, I reached the last cell's heavy metal door in less than thirty seconds.
My pupils dilated as I observed the nerves of the person inside.
They were white… I could hear my heart beating against my chest. The person who was inside that cell was someone much stronger than Vanitas.
Without hesitation, I raised my arms, ready to burst towards Alya's direction as Vanitas's serious warning echoed in my ears. I needed to completely ignore such monsters.
"Now, that's awkward. I was looking forward to meeting the vampire prince."
"???" I fanatically looked around, both my arms raised. I could feel someone's breath against my ear as they spoke.
He was just beside me. But… He wasn't.
I took a deep breath, turning towards the heavy cell door with a mixed expression. He knew my identity, and what exactly even was that? He should be in those restrainers...
"Why are you so afraid? I am not your enemy, lord!" The man's deep, kind of hurt voice rang again, this time in my other ear. I wasn't nearly as creeped out as before.
"I will take my leave then," I said sharply, taking steps forward. An unknown danger and something I can't handle myself. I can't let him try something… I pulled out the card etched with the samurai figure, increasing my pace.
"Cold. So cold. You hurt my feelings, Lucien." Noticing my complete indifference, the voice beside my ear sighed, "Don't leave me behind." I paused. I didn't feel his breath on my ear any longer. Was he done with his horror movie party tricks?
"I know what you are doing… Imagine someone like me, wrecking this place to my limits… Wouldn't it be helpful?" The voice came from inside the cell.
"First of all… Who are you to be talking so familiarly with me?" My voice deepened. I didn't care if he was someone old Lucien knew. The fact was, I didn't know him, and that's what mattered. I can't waste time here.
"I am Jah! Jah, the irredeemable." My pupils dilated as his casual words settled into a tense silence.
Jah… The leader of the church forces, Saint William, personally had to catch him according to that letter. He was supposed to help kill the Vampire Queen, too.
And… irredeemable?!
"It's not worth it. I don't trust you." I said directly, continuing my walk. Honestly, his offer was pretty good; if someone like him were to intentionally cause chaos, getting out would be a walk in the park. BUT, there was neither a guarantee nor did he reveal anything about how he knew about me.
"I used to supply… cocaine across borders. To nobles and commoners alike. Non-humans and humans alike. Racism ain't my thing, hehe." He spoke again, a bit uncomfortable.
I needed to know how he knew me, so I guess he was desperate enough to share some lore.
"I know a lot about important figures such as yourself. Frieda's son… You were bound to be a good customer. Fuck the church, to be honest."
I completely froze, my lips parting as my eyes shook. Son…? I wasn't just a noble but… THE prince….
"I understand you don't trust someone with irredeemable behind his name, but I got nothing against you, dude. Why would I kill my savior for no reason?" His last line reminded me of the thought I once shared with Vanitas. It was unsettling.
I wish Alya were here to read his emotions…
"You would kill me for a reason, but." I said through a deep exhale, continuing my walk, almost at the turn, "Problem is, you can."
"If I am getting paid for it, sure."
I turned the turn. Yeah, buddy, we are done here.
"But, the problem is, I am not! So I won't even think of it. Consider that for a moment!"
"You don't need me. You will be out anyways. Saint William wants you in Veilcroft with Desen. Sue was probably going to release you if I hadn't killed him. Can I leave now?" I asked with a shrug.
Silence fell.
It was a simple test to check his word. Whether he was worth the risk or not. Will he still beg to get out with me and become an accomplice, or be safe with the church?
"I'd take that as a yes." I chuckled, activating Vanitas' speed buff. Don't worry, Alya, I will be there soon!
"No, don't leave just yet…" He smiled, "I will share all my routes to Veilcroft, and as I said before, cause chaos. If you release me now."
I froze, fully turning towards the cell with a widened jaw.
Is he scared of the church or the fight in Veilcroft? After a bit of thought, I knew that wasn't the case. He didn't look like the kind to be scared. The reason was something else…
So… If he had joined Sue, it would've been out of helplessness.
And, routes to Veilcroft… They might really come in handy if I am ready to go there someday…
I embraced the echo summoning card closer to my chest. It's not like I am just trusting his word…
"High risk, high reward, eh?" I said, inserting the nail inside the door lock and twisting it open with an audible Click!