Crownshade

Pearl Town, Crownshade Division 6

Knock knock.

“The chief is summoning you commander” said a thin, blonde-haired man, knocking on the office door.

Inside, the commander—dressed in a sharp white suit, hair the same pristine color, and piercing blue eyes—glanced up from his desk.

“The Chief? What did I do this time?” he muttered, exhaling, preparing for bad news.

“It’s not about you,” the blonde replied.

Relieved, the commander stood and straightened his collar.
“Then let’s not waste time. Escort me.”

The two left without another word, heading through the elegant halls of the Pearl Town HQ until they reached a heavy door.

Knock knock.

“Come in,” came a low voice from inside.

They entered.

The room was dimly lit—light came only from candles flickering in the corners. Masterpiece paintings lined the walls, signed by renowned artists of the age. Four gold-green couches sat on each side of the room. At the front, an imposing desk stood behind a man seated in a high-backed chair, casually enjoying a cigar.

The man had hair as black as ink, gray eyes, and a few lines of age on his strong face. He wore a black and crimson suit, adorned with gold buttons that gleamed in the candlelight.

“You called, Chief?” the commander spoke first.

The chief exhaled smoke, then said calmly,
“We’ve lost contact with Henry and Rose.”

The commander’s eyes narrowed.
“You sent them on a mission?”

“Yes. West of here—there’s a village hidden in the Giant Green Forest. A client hired us to investigate. They were tasked with reconnaissance.”

The commander paused, troubled.
“Chief, the western forest isn’t my domain. Did the client mention any possible threats in the area?”

“Not in the report,” the chief replied coolly.

“Then how...? Could this be an attack? Are we being targeted?”

“My relationships with clients have been... consistent,” the chief replied, setting down his cigar. “Still, I won’t rule it out.”

The commander took a breath.
“Or perhaps the village itself is hostile—more capable than it appears. If Henry and Rose were eliminated so easily, it suggests high-level threats.”

The chief nodded.
“Henry and Rose aren’t just anyone—they're elite. Which is why we’re going to tread carefully. I’ve summoned you, Commander, to begin gathering intelligence. Study the western region. Learn the forest. Document its creatures, terrain, and all resource deposits—especially any material that could be used to forge weapons.”

“Understood, sir!” the commander said, standing to attention. He turned to leave when—

“Shouldn’t we also consider the possibility... of betrayal?”

The words came hesitantly from Albert, the blonde subordinate.

The chief paused mid-puff.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

“Albert, sir.”

“New, huh?”

“Yes, sir.”

The chief stood, walking slowly around his desk.

“In this line of work, Albert—we lie, we steal, we kill. We do things darker than you can imagine.” He stopped just a few feet away, eyes locked on Albert. “So tell me, why do you think I still put up with this life?”

Albert looked nervously at the commander, who nodded for him to answer.

“Money...?” Albert said, his voice trembling.

The chief laughed—low and gravelly.

“Money. That’s what most people think.” He stepped closer. “But the real reason is loyalty. Mine to my men. Theirs to me. This business only works when loyalty is unbreakable.”

He tapped his chest.

“So, Albert, never accuse one of my people—alive or dead—unless you’ve seen the betrayal with your own eyes. And believe me—you won’t. Not here. Not now. Not ever.”

Albert bowed his head.
“My sincere apologies, Chief.”

The commander gave Albert a light nudge toward the exit, as the Chief turned back to his cigar.

“Go. Bring me answers, Commander.”