7 Mutants (1/2)
The building looked truly unremarkable; Its walls painted white, not bothering to hide the cracks, while the door emitted an unbearable screech every time it was pushed, alarming all those within of any sudden intrusion.
The insides look even cruder… Right upon entering, Garett's consciousness darted through the place while grasping everything with Perception.
An aged office desk stood amidst the sea of documents that littered the place, in front of it sat a middle-aged man with a goatee, reading glasses and a coconut hat. From his waist hung an empty holster, the revolver missing from it was actually upon the desk, on arm's reach and probably loaded.
”Yes? To whom do I owe the pleasure? It's not every day that an Executor enters my office.” The man said, lowering his head to look at the pair from above his glasses.
He seems very capable, a different image than what Lurmon let's out, that's for sure… Garett analyzed the man, his Perception realizing he was being analyzed himself.
”I-I, my name is Garett, sir. Father Charles sent me here.” He stammered for some reason he couldn't explain, involuntarily letting out more information than he initially wanted to convey. ”I met the young Executor Hilren on the way, as he seemed to require help, I thought of bringing him here.”
Damn! What the hell? Is this some kind of supernatural superpower as well? He is dangerous… Evading his eyes, Garett felt the urge to keep talking lessening.
”Good reaction, most people take a while longer to notice, you seem to be able to feel it clearer than other Marked.” The captain spat, nodding to himself after this initial probing; he then turned to look at the young knight.
”Name is Hilren, milord. Member of the 9th Division of Executors, under the direction of Captain Lurmon; and I'm here to humbly ask for your assistance.” Slightly bowing, Hilren appeared unaffected, his voice unwavering in front of the Hunters Captain.
This bastard! He didn't even look the man in his eyes! Did he already know about that ability? And he hadn't even warned me… Garett inwardly complained, vowing to himself on getting back at Hilren sometime.
”Lurmon's minion, huh? Fair enough, speak your mind.” He then turned to look at Garett, his expression softening a little. ”As for you, Garett, we'll speak about your situation after entertaining our guest here. Please, be seated.”
He's treating me that differentially after knowing that Father Charles sent me? The way he treats Hilren didn't change. And where do you expect me to sit!? The whole place is a mess... Garett looked around, choosing to sit on a small bench near the door.
”Yes, sir. I came to you today as the expedition team that should've returned earlier today has yet to arrive, I was in hopes that you'd have some information about it.” His head still bowed, obviously afraid of meeting eyes with the captain.
Serves you right for not warning me, next time you should think about being more considerate... Garett had a smug smile plastered on his face.
”An Executor's expeditionary team? I recall one leaving three days ago, so they were set to return today? That's interesting... No, I don't have any information regarding this, but we can take this opportunity to show our new recruit how things work around here.” He briefly glanced at Garett before getting up, his heigh almost matching the giant's outside.
What? Do you want to show me around? I didn't even say anything about joining the Hunt... The sudden turn of events made Garett realize he inadvertently got entangled with the Hunters.
The captain approached him, the edges of his lips curling up slightly. He then took off the reading glasses and stowed them away in one of his pockets.
”In case Father Charles didn't tell you, my name is Dante, Dante Fords from Oxfrig. Let me ask you, Garett, have you ever left the insides of this city?”
...
The noisy and light atmosphere was slowly replaced with the oppressive silence, the graveness in the face of the guards on duty was palpable. The freezing wind seemed able to cut the skin of those that stood atop the walls, with their attention never to waver.
”Impressive, eh? We need to stay sharp at all times, we suffered more than once as a result of carelessness. Now all our members are strictly trained to never let those things happen again.” Dante said with confidence, his shoulders lifted with pride.
This only shows how dangerous the situation is, while the recruits training in the fields looked very relaxed, these veterans are very tense... Garett analyzed the situation, the feeling of impending doom slowly building upon his heart once more.
”You can feel it too, right? Something is not right.” Hilren approached him from behind, muttering in a low voice, almost inaudible to even Garett, but Dante somehow managed to hear.
”Oh, both of you are very perceptive. Yes, we're expecting something to happen; to be more honest, it's been a week of waiting now, and if the Expedition team is also missing...” He didn't finish his words, but he didn't need to, as the message was fully conveyed to the two of them.
Dante approached the main gate, his eyes fixed outside. Not many people lingered here, as most merchants quickly entered the city after paying the taxes; The ones who stayed were all blocked by the guards for further inspection or were too poor to afford the accommodations on safer places in the city.
The gate stood open during the day, only to close every night after the bell tolled thrice. It was something akin to an unspoken rule, with the ordinary people not knowing the reason; but never bothering to question why.
”You know how it works, right, young Executor? If the expedition team doesn't come back by the time we close the gates, they'll be filed as dead.” Dante said, his words only aggravating the situation.
This guy doesn't know how to read the mood! But its true now that I think about it, why close the gates at night? The only explanation would be if we are trying to keep something out... Garett realized, sinking in the notion of how dangerous was the world they lived in.
”Sir, if it is so dangerous out there, how do we expect the expeditionary team to survive when they leave? They left more than two days ago...” Garett asked, doubts filling his mind.
”Simple, we pray for protection, as that's the only thing you can do if you are weak.” Dante drew the symbol of the goddess on his chest, his fingers deftly moving on a trained fashion. ”May the Goddess provide them with protection.”