Jackal shuffled down the bustling streets of Argentum, his cloak draping around him like a tattered shadow. The fabric was worn and frayed, marked by burn holes from the acidic spits of the giant centipedes they had encountered earlier.

He pulled his hood lower, trying to shield himself from the unfamiliar sights and sounds that engulfed him. He would gaze up looking for the floating pieces of lands that contained homes or other stalls but found none. The little Taivas thief wasn't used to this place as everything was solid and grounded, with streets that stretched endlessly, ending at points he couldn't see. The architecture itself was foreign, with gloomy buildings looming overhead, casting long shadows that made him feel small and vulnerable.

The air was also different from back home. Maybe it was because of his twinkling air magic that had an effect on how he felt towards the air or maybe it was because he was used to the air in Ventus, especially Taivas.

Jackal had always been nimble on his feet, but here, everything felt different. He glanced around, taking in the vibrant market stalls and the throngs of people, their laughter and voices swirling around him like a chaotic melody. It was overwhelming, and a knot of unease twisted in his stomach.

As he walked, he passed by a group of guards patrolling the street, their armour gleaming in the sunlight. Jackal felt a wave of nervousness wash over him. They were imposing figures, and he knew that if he were caught doing anything suspicious, there would be no escape. He had learned the art of slipping away in a crowd or escaping through the labyrinth of Taivas, but here, the streets were unfamiliar and could lead to any dead ends, leaving him with a gnawing sense of anxiety.

He had to constantly remind himself who he was right now "I'm just a dumb looking kid. A dumb looking kid. A dumb looking kid" he would murmur to himself.

Homura, who pranced along beside him was sneering at everything, Jackal could tell by the way the orange fox would bare his teeth at any passing person.

As they moved deeper into the heart of the city, Jackal's senses remained sharp, taking in the sights and sounds that buzzed around him. Merchants called out to potential customers, children laughed and chased each other, and the tantalising smells from food stalls wafted through the air. He ignore all that because he needed to find information, to make sure they were indeed in Argentum, as Artemis had instructed or he would get an ass whooping from Artemis-sensei.

However, there was a temptation to lift something—anything—from the nearby stalls was strong, the colourful trinkets and shiny goods calling to him like a siren's song. But he forced himself to resist. He clenched his fists, feeling the rough texture of his cloak beneath his fingertips. "Focus," he whispered to himself, reminding himself of why he was here.

Stealing would only draw attention, and in this unfamiliar place, he couldn't afford to make mistakes.

Jackal's silver eyes would dart around from one person to another as he thought of his next move. Should he ask someone about their whereabouts or should he observe and find the information himself?

The slight wind made his cloak flap as walked along side with Homura. He would make sure not to lose his way, remembering each wooden building and stall so he could return back to the entrance gates and back to Artemis and Ciel who were waiting for their return with the information needed. The urge to bump into someone purposely just to slip his hand into one of their coin pouches was tempting.

Maybe just one harmless bump and a little theft along the way wouldn't hurt anyone.

So, the little thief deciding his little side quest, strolled along pretending to mind his own business as he strolled towards an incoming man and bumped into him.

"Oi! Brat watch where your going" he hissed, spatting out angrily.

"Sorry sir, I was in a daze and didn't watch where I was going" Jackal said sheepishly pretending to act innocent and oblivious.

Homura growled at tall figure and the man wrinkled his nose in disgust at the sight of Homura. "Tch filthy runt and his filthy dog" he grumbled and stormed off.

Beside him, Homura's demeanour shifted dramatically. The insult had struck a nerve, and the fox's eyes widened with fury. He bristled, his fur standing on end as he growled low in his throat, his instincts kicking in. Jackal was taken aback as Homura prepared to pounce; his wild eyes fixed on the retreating figure of the man.

"H-Homura, wait!" Jackal exclaimed, instinctively reaching out to grab the fox's tail just as he was about to leap. The moment he caught Homura, the fox wailed in protest, his anger flaring up as he twisted and bit Jackal's hand in retaliation. "Ow!" Jackal winced, pulling back instinctively and letting go of Homura's tail. The sharp sting of the bite sent a jolt through him, but he quickly composed himself, trying to suppress at the accomplishment of stealing a silver coin from the man.

Homura stood on all fours growling at the man, his sharp amber eyes glaring at the man as if surging up a plan to get back at him.

Jackal rubbed his hand that was slightly bleeding from Homura's bite. He wiped the oozing blood with his cloak as he watched the man disappear into a tavern.

"Let's go Homura. I got what I wanted" Jackal said with a supressed smile, his heart pumping with excitement at the silver coin he stole as he slipped into the pockets of his dirt covered and tattered trousers.

As they turned a corner, Jackal's ears pricked at the sound of two older men discussing something in hushed tones. He slowed his pace, instinctively leaning closer, and Homura, sensing his intent, fell silent, his ears twitching in curiosity. "...the execution is set for 2 days from now," one man said, his voice thick with worry. "They say the dragon will face the gallows along with the two others who got in the way of the Dragon Ministry."

Jackal's heart raced at the mention of the execution. This was the information he had been seeking. They were indeed in Argentum, and time was running short.

He stood and his attention shifted around, observing his surroundings, from building to person and the difference between Argentum and Taivas.

'So, this is what Argentum looks like.... Pretty ugly' he thought to himself believing Taivas was much more pleasant to the eyes than this dump.

Turning the soles of his shoes, he made a turn and began to walk back to where they had entered.

"Come Homura lets go" Jackal quipped with a jog and a look of relief etched on his expression, happy he could leave this unnerving and unfamiliar empire. Homura growled under his breath but followed suit of the young Taivas thief whose cloak flapped against the wind as he walked, making their way back to the entrance of the gate.

Jackal maneuvered his way through the throngs of people with practiced ease, his small frame and nimble feet making him almost invisible as he weaved past towering, well-dressed nobles and busy merchants. Beside him trotted Homura, the small fox whose red fur drew occasional curious glances. As he did, he passed a mercer's rack which caught his eyes, and he stopped to observe it.

There were cloaks and he immediate thought of Artemis-sensei and Ciel. They could use them to hide in Argentum without getting caught. Jackal glanced around cautiously, making sure no one paid too much attention as he approached a mercer's rack brimming with plain brown cloaks.

He carefully sifted through the coarse fabric of the cloaks, his fingers brushing over the edges as he selected two that looked large enough to shroud both Ciel and Artemis-sensei from prying eyes.

"Can I help you with something, boy?" The mercer, a stout man with a trimmed moustache and a disapproving frown, eyed Jackal's tattered clothes with visible distaste. Jackal's shirt was torn at the sleeves, his cloak and shoes peppered with holes from his last brush with a colony of giant centipedes and their acidic spit. Dirt smudged his face and hands, and his wild, unkempt hair looked like it hadn't seen a brush in months.

The mercer sneered, crossing his arms. "These aren't for beggars. On your way, boy."

Jackal glanced down at his clothes, momentarily self-conscious but quick to shrug it off. His chin lifted defiantly. "I'm buying these," he said, standing his ground, his hand moving to his pocket.

The mercer raised an eyebrow, looking Jackal up and down. "Oh? And how exactly are you planning to pay, rat? That fox of yours isn't worth much, I'm afraid," he scoffed, casting a disdainful glance at Homura, who let out a low, warning growl.

Jackal frowned but was unfazed by the mercer's words, the thief was used to these kinds of treatments.

They weren't new to him.

He reached into his pocket, feeling the weight of the silver, he'd swiped earlier, but decided against using it. Instead, he pulled out a handful of copper coins, that were changes of the blade he got from the gold he gave.

"I'm paying," Jackal insisted, his tone sharp and confident, holding out the coppers. The mercer hesitated, surprised that Jackal had any money at all. He reached out to take the coins but held them back for a moment.

"Fine," he grumbled, taking a closer look at Jackal's filthy attire. "But you'd better not dirty the fabric with those grubby hands."

Jackal felt his cheeks burn but didn't let it show. "I'll take two cloaks," he replied, flicking the coins into the mercer's hand.

Reluctantly, the man handed over the cloaks, muttering something under his breath about "ragged urchins" and "wasting good fabric on street rats." Jackal's nose wrinkled in annoyance but said nothing as he took the cloaks and tucked them under his arm.

"Come on, Homura," he murmured, nudging the fox, who was now baring his tiny, sharp teeth at the mercer. Together, they slipped back into the crowd, Homura casting one last glare over his shoulder at the oblivious merchant.

Once they were a safe distance away, Jackal stopped in a quiet alley to inspect the cloaks. He gave one a shake, feeling the satisfying weight of the woollen fabric. Though they were simple, the cloaks were sturdy and would blend well into any crowd.

Homura gave a soft chuff as if to say, nice work.

Jackal beamed with a giant grin that went from ear to ear. The little thief clutched the cloaks tightly as he slipped through the bustling streets, heading toward the city gates where he planned to reunite with Ciel and Artemis-sensei outside in the forest.

As he neared the shadow of the towering city gates, he slowed down. A group of knights, clad in Auruem's dark blue and silver armour emblazoned with the royal crest of Aurum, stood blocking part of the path. They were deep in conversation, oblivious to Jackal as he edged closer, half-hidden behind a wooden cart stacked with barrels. The tone of their voices had drawn his attention; they sounded tense, guarded, even a little fearful.

"...Another cave, this time north of River Town," one knight muttered, scratching the edge of his jaw. His face was pale, as though haunted by whatever he had seen. "Farmers have left in droves. Said they found ritual markings on the walls. Dark shit."

"Same story as the last three reports. Hands severed and placed in circles around a fire pit, blood sigils... it's the Dark Users, no doubt," replied another, his voice carrying a chill that raised the hairs on Jackal's neck.

The youngest of the group, barely more than a squire, glanced nervously at his companions. "I thought the Dark Users were gone, or at least... hidden. Why are they appearing now? And...what are they trying to accomplish with these... sacrifices?"

The first knight's jaw tightened, his expression turning grim. "It's no coincidence. These sacrifices aren't random. We all know about the locks, right? The ancient seals holding the orcs in the Mountains of Ithora? There are rumours... whispers that these rituals, these... offerings... are meant to break the seals. The Dark Users are trying to unleash them again."

"Orcs," muttered the younger knight, his face paling. "They can't really break the seals, can they?"

"I just thought it was just a legend. Like the Great King" another knight said chiming in.

"Who knows?" The older knight replied, his voice dropping to a rough whisper. "But there's something else. There's been talk of something even worse... a shadow that moves between these caves, something that's no longer human. Farmers who hear screeching cries in the forest say they feel it watching them, following them back even when they flee to the cities."

Jackal's fingers tightened around the cloaks, his pulse racing as he pieced together the knights' words. Dark Users, human sacrifices, and orcs... but something even more dangerous hiding in the shadows? He knew he'd have to tell Artemis and Ciel about this.

One of the knights, his gaze darting around the busy square, added in a low voice, "If they're trying to break the seals, it means they're getting desperate. I overheard a priest say it's because something has changed, something they fear." He glanced around, as if wary of eavesdroppers. "They're growing reckless."

Jackal crouched lower behind the barrels, his ears straining to catch every word the knights were saying.

The youngest knight's face was pale, his voice barely above a whisper. "But... if they're trying to break the seals... What if the orcs are unleashed again?"

"Bah!" An older knight, his grizzled face etched with disdain, cuffed the young one on the shoulder with a heavy hand. "Rumours, lad. Nothing but old wives' tales to scare children." He scoffed, glancing around at the others. "You're too green to know it, but half the talk about Dark Users is nonsense. Nothing's changed."

The young knight winced but kept pressing. "Sir, with all due respect... the markings, the hands, the sacrifices—those aren't tales. And the farmers are abandoning their homes. Doesn't that mean something?"

One of the other knights, who had been listening in silence, finally spoke up, his voice lower and more serious. "Nonsense or not, His Majesty King Lyte has taken this seriously enough to start sending patrols to investigate. Some of the best knights have been dispatched to check these caves and guard villages nearby." He glanced around as if to make sure no one else was listening. "Even Prince Damon's trained men have been assigned to look into it."

The older knight scoffed again, shaking his head. "It's just the king playing politics, giving people something to believe in." He rolled his eyes. "Dark Users, orcs, shadows creeping around... It's no different from the old stories. And those never amounted to anything either."

"But Sir," pressed the youngest, "what if there really is something out there? These aren't just stories anymore. These are real places, real sacrifices..."

The older knight turned, exasperated, and smacked the younger knight once more on the back of his head. "That's enough of your nonsense. King Lyte has it under control. Let him and his council worry about it. You're a knight, not a storyteller. Your job is to do what you're told and leave the rest to the higher-ups."

Murmuring settled over the group, but the knights eventually nodded, falling silent as they prepared to move on.

Jackal swallowed hard, resisting the urge to turn and sprint back to the others. He didn't dare risk drawing the knights' attention, so he slipped quietly around the barrels, taking a roundabout path to the gates to avoid them. The weight of what he'd heard sat heavy in his chest, mixing with a deep unease that was almost palpable.

Once he was far enough from the knights, he picked up his pace, his mind racing. The Dark Users, the orcs, and now this shadow lurking around the caves... He'd never heard of such things back in Taivas.

Reaching the city gates at last, he glanced over his shoulder once, spotting the knights fading into the crowd behind him. Then, steeling himself, Jackal slipped through the gates and sprinted toward the outskirts back towards the forest, where Artemis-sensei and Ciel were waiting.

As Jackal slipped away from the knights, their grim conversation still fresh in his mind, an icy chill crawled up his spine. He remembered, suddenly and vividly, the day he'd first encountered the Dark Users. It hadn't been long ago—just a month or two, in fact—though it felt like a nightmare he'd buried in the back of his mind.

He could still see the cloaked figure looming over him, black eyes like pits of endless night. Cold hands had gripped him tight. The Dark Users needed hands—human hands—for the circles they carved into the ground as part of their offerings.

A shiver ran through him, his hand instinctively rubbing his wrist, as if the ghostly grip of that Dark User still lingered there. Was that why they'd wanted him for? Why they'd come so close to ending his life that day? He didn't doubt it.

It was Artemis-sensei who'd saved him. He hadn't even heard her coming, but suddenly she'd been there, a whirlwind of knives and ferocity, tearing through the Dark User's defences as though they were made of smoke. She had killed them all with a skill and ruthlessness he hadn't thought possible, leaving nothing but their dead bodies for the bugs and maggots to feast on.

If not for her, he was sure his life would have ended in there, his severed hands left in some unholy circle. The thought made him shudder so deeply that he stumbled, clutching the cloaks tighter against his chest as he forced himself back to the present.

He took a steadying breath and pressed on, pushing those grim memories to the back of his mind. They were closer to the gates now, the bustling crowd thinning out as they neared the outskirts of Argentum. Jackal's heart was still racing, but he forced himself to focus on the present. He was safe now, away from those dark figures, and he wasn't alone. Artemis-sensei and Ciel were waiting for him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Artemis leaned against the rough bark of the tree, her kunai twirling around her fingers with practiced ease. The blade caught the dappled light that filtered through the leaves, flashing rhythmically as she spun it. Her blue eyes were fixed on some distant point in the forest, lost in thought, calculating and cold. Despite her relaxed stance, she was clearly deep in contemplation, her mind lost in thoughts of what her decisions may bring.

Across from her, Ciel sat on a large, flat rock, watching her with quiet curiosity. There was something undeniably captivating about her—the intensity of her gaze, the sharp precision of her movements, her unwavering focus. And, though he hated to admit it, she was beautiful, with a fierce, untouchable aura. But she was also infuriating, difficult, and far too quick to bruise his ego. He winced slightly, recalling their earlier encounter and how she tackled him to the ground so effortlessly. If it wasn't for his strength out strengthening hers, he would have been lying on the ground on his pool of blood by now.

On his shoulder, Sereia, the tiny water fairy, perched like a little guardian, casting occasional death glares at Artemis. Sereia had clearly made up her mind about this stranger, and her delicate wings quivered each time Artemis's kunai flashed in her direction.

Finally, breaking the tense silence, Ciel cleared his throat. "So," he began, carefully picking his words, "you're not exactly... from this world, are you?"

Artemis's hand stilled, and she raised a single eyebrow, her gaze shifting to him. "And what makes you say that?". The assassin suddenly became cautious at this dragon keeper. Her mind suddenly racing with questions on how this person knew. In case she had to be careful what she says to avoid exposing her true identity.

It was close enough with Edmond hiding in the shadows before back in Ventus and she had to twist the subject around to avoid making Edmond suspicious.

"Elisaria told me everything," Ciel replied, leaning forward slightly. His tone was casual, but there was a sharp glint in his eye. "She told me about your origins. How you're from a different world entirely."

Artemis narrowed her eyes, scrutinising him. The calm control she always held in her expression flickered for a moment, replaced by a spark of curiosity—and suspicion. "Did she now?" she said, her voice cold and laced with scepticism. "And how exactly would this Elisaria know about that?"

Now the question stirred in her mind. How the hell did that old hag know? She made sure to never hint anything about who she really was.

Ciel crossed his arms, watching her carefully. "I presumed you didn't know who Elisaria really was when you met her, seeing how you're not from this world" Ciel said, his gaze sharp on her as he analysed her.

Artemis gave a sharp look in return challenging the dragon keeper with her cold icy blue eyes.

"Let me give you a brief introduction on the old hag. She isn't just an old lady hiding in the dark forest of Viridis. Elisaria is a lot more powerful than she lets on. She's one of the Five Sisters of Alphyria—the youngest among them, actually. They say she's able to see far more than others. I suppose she saw right through you."

Artemis's gaze shifted slightly as she processed this. "The Five Sisters," she repeated, more to herself than to him. She knew about the Five Sisters from the book she'd read in her former life, but they rarely ever showed up or mentioned once. Only two were showed in the second and the third one.

The snake witch from Ventus and the one who cursed Aspen.

Yet to actually meet one of them who already knew her origins sent a chill down her spine and another feeling that she began to dread.

Seeing her deep in thought, Ciel pressed on. "It seems that your arrival in our world hasn't exactly gone unnoticed," he continued. "Elisaria knows who you are and what you possess. Something dark yet powerful that spans back to the Great King. That your original self not Diana is a descendant of Havardur Malvolia. It's the reason why you are able to control dragons. It's the reason why the dragons back in the barracks were disturbed and went of control especially Demarcus." He gaze her a stern look. "She also said you are the cause of why the world is suddenly changing from its original fate"

Artemis let out a small, dry laugh. "So, I'm supposed to believe that I'm some kind of cosmic disturbance?".

The assassin didn't know what that meant at being the descendant of this Harvardur person or king, whatever the hell he is and neither did she care about it. She isn't one to dwell to much in the past she doesn't know much about it. However she knew that it would somehow come back to her thoughts and she will sit down just to think about it but for now she shrugged it off. It wasn't important right now.

"Believe what you want," Ciel replied coolly. "But Elisaria thinks you have a purpose here. And considering your skill set..." his gaze dropped to the kunai she still held between her fingers. "You might even be more prepared for it than you think."

Artemis frowned slightly, twirling the knife faster now. "Purpose or not, I didn't choose to come to this world on my free will. I want to go back to my own world. I'm not interested in whatever purpose of fate your world has to throw at me."

Sereia chimed in with a high-pitched tinkle from Ciel's shoulder, glaring daggers at Artemis. The assassin's cold eyes glared at him, her expression hardening. She didn't like how this man was telling her what to do and what her purpose was in this world. She isn't some kind of chosen reincarnated hero destined to save a fantasy world from some darkness or shit.

There was none. There never will be one and she will make sure of it. Artemis was going to go home back to her world. Ariana can save this world. That was that white lotus bitch's destiny not hers.

She slipped the kunai back into its sheath, her gaze unwavering as she met Ciel's eyes. "If Elisaria knows so much," she said slowly, "then perhaps she should have told you that I don't give two shits what happens to this world. Because, for all your talk of purpose and destiny, I have no intention of sticking around to become some saviour. I'm gonna travel back to my world and kill anyone who dares to get in my way. This includes you and your little fairy girlfriend." she points at Ciel, her tone sharp and threatening.

Ciel studied her, a slight frown creasing his brow. "She isn't my girlfriend. She is just a little friend" he said, his tone laced with irritation.

"You're doing a great job at showing it" Artemis rolled her eyes, earning displeased look from Ciel. Artemis's gaze turned icy as she stared at Ciel, her expression hardening into a look of utter indifference. She pointed at him again, placing her foot down, her voice cold and sharp.

"Listen carefully," she said, each word edged with menace. "I'm only helping you to save Demarcus. I don't care about this world, its darkness, or its fate. Whether it lives or dies doesn't matter to me, and if that makes me selfish, so be it. All I want is to find a way back to my own world. Nothing and no one is going to stop me."

Ciel blinked, taken aback by the bluntness—and the ruthlessness—radiating from her words.

"And just so we're clear," she continued, narrowing her eyes, "once I'm done helping you, I hope we don't meet again. You're already getting on my nerves to the point that I might just add you to my kill count." She said it so calmly, her tone so matter of fact, that it was more chilling than any shout or threat.

Sereia tensed on Ciel's shoulder, her wings quivering as she gave a soft, indignant chime, her tiny fists clenched as if she would defend Ciel herself if she could.

For a moment, there was only silence between them, a tense standoff of wills. Then, finally, Ciel's lips curved into a dry, humourless smile.

"Understood," he replied evenly. "I wouldn't want to impose myself on your kill count." His voice was calm, but there was a glint of respect or perhaps just recognition in his eyes. He had no illusions about who she was. This wasn't some sheltered noblewoman trying to play hero; she was a trained killer, who was only here because she had to be.

Artemis eye twitched, taking his word as some sort of mockery. Her expression darkened with frustration at how lightly Ciel was taking her words. "I will strangle you in your sleep Ciel" she hissed. "So don't take my threats and warnings as some dirt you can brush off"

"Don't worry. I'm well aware of your threats and you capability of pulling them off" Ciel said.

Artemis huffed in annoyance. This pretty man was getting on her nervous and she wanted to punch him but she held back. There was no need for unnecessary violence. She turned away, her gaze drifting back to the forest as she pulled out her kunai knife and continued to spin her leaf shaped blade idly between her fingers, the gesture almost meditative.

Ciel watched her for a moment longer before leaning back on his rock, feeling the weight of her words settle between them. She was dangerous, yes, and certainly no one's saviour—but something told him that fate wasn't done with Artemis Ray. She could deny it all she wanted, but this world had already set its eyes on her, and he knew that. Elisaria knew that.

It also made him feel uneasy at the thought of what Elisaria had said to him before. One of her harem boys. What did that even mean? There was no way he would... No!

He immediately shook the thought away. He wouldn't fall for someone like Artemis, she was to...to cold and witty for his taste plus she was a noblewoman from family of pure bloods doesn't matter which body she was in. Artemis wouldn't even bat an eye to someone of lower status like his.

And he found it repulsive for him to be acquainted with a woman with multiple lovers or husbands.

He is a man of dignity not some man desperate for the attention of a woman with multiple husbands. Ciel prefers a woman that belongs to him and only him and no one else.

The orange haired keeper watched Artemis carefully, his gaze unwavering as he asked, "So, what's the plan, then? How are we going to save Demarcus... and Ralph and Rebecca?"

Artemis raised an eyebrow, a hint of annoyance flickering across her face. "We?" she scoffed. "I don't recall agreeing to save anyone but Demarcus. I barely know those other two, and I'm not about to get dragged into someone else's mess."

Ciel's frown deepened, and he crossed his arms. "Ralph and Rebecca are part of this, too. They risked their lives for Demarcus, and they don't deserve to be left behind. If you're going to help Demarcus, then they come with him."

Artemis let out a dry laugh, folding her arms and giving him a look that was as cold as it was dismissive. "Is that so?" she said, tilting her head. "Well, here's the thing: I don't do rescue missions for strangers. If you're so desperate to save them, then you're welcome to try—on your own." Her tone left no room for sympathy.

Ciel clenched his jaw, frustration simmering beneath his usually calm expression. "These people fought to protect Demarcus. The same dragon you had forced out of the barracks. You could at least show a shred of gratitude."

"Gratitude?" Artemis repeated with a smirk, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "My gratitude is that I'm risking everything by coming back to this shit whole I swore to never return just to help Demarcus in the first place. I'm not here to collect strays or add people to my list of 'good deeds'."

Ciel took a deep breath, visibly restraining himself from saying something harsher. "Fine," he said, his voice low but determined. "But know this: if you walk away from Ralph and Rebecca, you're walking away from more than just a couple of people. You're turning your back on the ones who believe Demarcus deserves a chance to live freely. But maybe that doesn't matter to you."

She rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. "Think whatever you want," she said with a dismissive wave. "But I've been through enough to know when something's more trouble than it's worth. I'm here for one thing, and that's to get Demarcus out. The rest?" She shrugged. "Not my problem."

Ciel's face hardened, and he shook his head, an edge of bitterness in his voice. "You know, for someone who's supposedly lived through so much, you're surprisingly quick to leave people behind."

Artemis's expression didn't falter. "Survival, Ciel. That's how I've lived this long, and that's how I'm going to get back home. Take it or leave it."

There was a long silence between them, the air thick with unspoken tension. Ciel looked away, his hands clenched into fists, while Sereia glared at Artemis with barely concealed fury. It was clear that, no matter what happened next, this alliance was becoming more fragile by the minute.

Ciel huffed, frustration clear in his gaze, but he didn't press her further. She had every right to refuse, but it still felt wrong to leave Ralph and Rebecca to their fate, not like he was going to let it happen. They'd risked everything to protect Demarcus, defying the Dragon Ministry's direct orders with him, and were now paying for it in a cold, dank prison cell then an execution. He exhaled, feeling the weight of their situation.

After a moment, he glanced back at Artemis. "Look," he started, his voice softer but resolute, "I get that you don't want to be dragged into this. But Ralph and Rebecca are being held in the Dragon Ministry's prison right now, accused of treason for trying to protect Demarcus. Their only crime was standing up for what's right."

Artemis looked at him without a trace of sympathy, her blue eyes steely. "Well, that's unfortunate," she said flatly, "but it's still not my problem. I agreed to help get Demarcus out, nothing more. I'm not here to risk my life for two strangers."

Ciel's frown deepened. "Ralph and Rebecca are both innocents just like Demarcus. The least you could do is help get them out as well before they're executed for treason."

Artemis rolled her eyes, unimpressed by his tone. "The least I could do? Last I checked, I'm not here to be anyone's saviour. I've got one objective, and that's to get Demarcus out and like I said before, if you're so desperate to save them, you're welcome to try on your own."

"Are you always this selfish?" Ciel snapped, his magic soaring through his hands and to the tips of his fingers. "These people fought to protect Demarcus, fought for something larger than themselves. Can't you understand that it might be worth keeping them alive?"

Artemis let out a cold laugh. "Spare me the lecture on sacrifice and nobility. I don't know them, and I'm not risking my neck for strangers. I've been in enough messes, thank you. I don't need another one added to the plate of problems and messes."

Ciel's face twisted with irritation, his voice growing sharper. "So that's it? You're fine leaving them to be executed for doing the right thing?"

Artemis met his gaze, completely unfazed. "If that's what it takes to get the job done, then yes." She gave a short, bitter laugh. "I'm not here for morals, Ciel. I'm here to get out of this place. Demarcus is the only leverage I need. And if you don't like it, too bad."

Ciel let out a bitter, humourless chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief. "Unbelievable. For someone who claims to be so experienced, you don't have a shred of humanity left, do you?"

Artemis's expression darkened, her gaze like ice. "Humanity is a liability. The sooner you figure that out, the sooner you'll stop whining to me about lost causes."

The silence between them grew tense, a sharp divide as they stared each other down.

Artemis stood her ground, arms crossed and expression cold. Ciel's face twisted with frustration as he tried, once more, to break through her indifference.

"You're willing to let people die just because they don't serve your purpose? You're heartless, Artemis. Absolutely heartless."

Artemis met his gaze without flinching, her eyes glinting with an almost amused chill. "Think whatever you like, Ciel. I'm here to get Demarcus out. Not to play the hero."

Ciel clenched his fists, visibly shaking with anger. "You know, I thought you might have some kind of decency buried under all that arrogance. But I see now that you really don't care about anyone but yourself." He glared at her one last time, his face flushed with irritation. "Selfish and heartless. That's all you are. Just a selfish bitch just like the rest of the bastards in this world. Cruel and cold-hearted scums who care for nothing but for their own desires." He spat with frustration as he pointed at Artemis

Artemis just stared at him blankly. "Anything else you want to add or anymore insults to throw at me before we end this conversation" she said flatly.

The blue-eyed dragon keeper flared with anger. "Yeah!" it seemed he wasn't done much to Artemis' annoyance. She was already beginning to get a headache from this handsome bastard.

God save him before she plunges her kunai down his throat.

"Last thing before we end this conversation. Stranger or not, Ralph and Rebecca would have sacrificed their necks for you if you were in their position right now."

Artemis just scratched her cheek, indifferent with the whole thing. "Good to know I have random people caring about me"

"You're heartless bitch" Ciel hissed.

Without another word, he turned and stormed off, his boots crunching against the fallen leaves, leaving Artemis standing alone with Sereia. The tiny water fairy was red with anger, her fists clenched and her wings fluttering furiously.

She glared at Artemis, her twinkling, bell-like language ringing out in what was clearly a string of high-pitched insults. The fairy's tiny, angry voice sparkled in the air like a chiming reprimand, and as she finished, she gave a dramatic huff, sticking out her tongue at Artemis with all the defiance her tiny frame could muster.

Artemis narrowed her eyes, barely containing a smirk. "Annoying little pest," she muttered, bending down and grabbing a small pebble. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed it at Sereia, who darted out of the way with a squeak of alarm.

The fairy's wings flared out in a final, indignant shiver, and she let out a few more furious chimes as she flew after Ciel, her face still flushed and her tongue sticking out one last time at Artemis as she darted away.

Artemis sighed, rolling her eyes. "Good riddance," she huffed, the look of annoyance etched on her pretty face.

The assassin watched Ciel's retreating back and the angry blur of Sereia fluttering after him. As the last chimes of the fairy's indignant twinkling faded into the forest, a rare smirk spread across her face. She stretched, leaning back against the tree with a casual, almost pleased expression.

"Well," she muttered to herself, crossing her arms as she settled comfortably against the trunk, "I think that conversation went great"

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