3. Fairy Dust

Lied and Asuka leaned over the master’s desk, recalling the fight in the dungeon. "Those humanoid crows," Asuka began, voice low. "They fused into one massive one."

They exchanged thoughtful looks. "I wonder how something that dangerous reached the upper levels..." Lied wondered, brow furrowed.

Asuka tapped her lip. "I’ve never seen a creature like this before, with such regeneration speed."

"Abnormal regeneration..." the Guild Master muttered, arms crossed. He paused, stroking his chin, then he turned to the duo again, "How was it taken down?"

"It turned to ash when the Princess cut its head off," Lied replied flatly.

The old man scratched his chin, something unreadable flickering in his eyes.

"To think she’d show up here..."

Lied and Asuka exchanged puzzled glances.

"She arrived a few months ago," he explained. "Registered her group to explore the dungeon. Made a name for herself quickly. Rumor has it she wants to use the dungeon’s treasure to help her reclaim her kingdom or something."

"After the fall of the Ernas, Elena left her post as a squire in the royal guard and returned here..." Asuka said, her voice distant.

The old man nodded, a shadow of sadness in his expression.

"My daughter mentioned the princess a few times. They used to write to each other," he said softly, barely more than a whisper.

Lied stayed quiet, letting the words sink in. He remembered Elena mentioning letters every now and then but never saying who she was writing to.

The old man took a deep breath and returned to the main subject. “I think I’ve heard of such creatures before—rapid regeneration, and the only way to defeat them is by cutting the head off; afterward, they crumble into ashes,” he said, rubbing his temple. He then turned to Asuka. “Help me scour the guild archives, will you? See if we can find any record of this anomaly.”

“As of course, Master Marco,” Asuka replied, bowing her head in respect. “Which references should I prioritize?”

Marco paused; gaze distant as he considered her question. After a moment, he spoke. “Start with the bestiary compiled by the second Guild Master.”

Asuka tilted her head. “Why consult such ancient texts?”

The Guild Master’s eyes flicked between Lied and Asuka. “Because I fear the more recent records might not have such beasts."

Asuka leaned forward; brows furrowed. "Do you believe this creature is something from the Demon’s Age?"

Lied’s eyes widened in surprise.

Marco’s gaze grew distant. "I hope not..." He hesitated, then cleared his throat and shifted his tone “Anyway, Lied, there’s another matter I need you to take care of.”

It was late afternoon when Lied stepped toward the Pink Mermaid in the red-light district. A humid breeze off the docks clung to his face.

He pushed open the warped door and entered a near-empty parlor. At the far end, behind a chipped mahogany bar, Cela waited. She saw Lied entering and smiled at him.

"Look who showed up just before the sun disappears," she said, voice low as spilled wine.

Lied eased onto a high stool, brushing damp hair from his brow.

"I kind of missed you," he said, forcing a grin.

She chuckled softly, leaning on the bar with a warm grin.

"Come on, no games—what’s really on your mind today?"

"Fairy dust."

She glanced around nervously, voice barely above a whisper.

"This isn't a safe subject..."

Lied leaned forward. "The guild needs to know about it."

Cela let out a soft sigh, her grip loosening on the bar, "That thing’s been creeping in for about two years, it's popular among the adventurers."

"Who profits with it?" Said Lied.

Cela glanced around again, voice dropping to a whisper.

"The Red Hand. They deal in everything—drugs, contraband.”

He nodded, shoulders rising under an unseen weight.

"Where can I find them?"

A shadow passed over her face.

"A dealer will come here next week, some of the members are regulars."

"I'd like to have this info quickly"

Cela’s expression grew restless, her fingers drumming lightly on the bar as she swallowed before speaking.

"One of the girls here had her daughter taken. She might know something, if you can get her to talk..."

Lied frowned.

"The Red Hand deals in human traffic?"

Cela hesitated, biting her lip for a moment.

"It’s not common, but it happens…"" Lied pressed.

"Can you give me her address?"

She exhaled softly and met his gaze.

"She lives in the Ernians district, down a blue-stoned alley just off the old canal road."

Lied turned on his heel, cloak swirling around him, and strode toward the door. As he did, her hand closed around his sleeve. For a heartbeat, he saw Elena’s face. He swallowed and met Cela’s worried gaze.

"Cela, I promise. I’m just gathering info."

"Please, Lied…" Cela murmured, her voice trembling. "This isn't safe."

Lied reached out, brushing her hand gently and leaning forward to meet her concerned gaze.

"I’ll just collect the info and report back to the guild—nothing more," Lied assured her quietly.

Cela knew he hadn’t set foot in real jobs for years and was painfully out of shape.

"Just… don't go into it alone, okay?" she whispered, her words edged with fear of what might happen to him.

He offered a smile.

"I won’t."

As he turned toward the door, Cela stood looking as he stepped out of the bar. With a final, soft plea as the door creaked closed behind him, she whispered, "Lied… you’ve already punished yourself enough."