"Mister, Where Are We Going?"
"Mister. Where are we headed right now?"
"Somewhere good."
In response to the raggedly dressed child's question, the man simply smiled and spoke of a good place.
"What do you mean, somewhere good?"
"Hungry?"
The child, puzzled by the vague promise, nodded at the man's single word about hunger.
"Yeah."
"That's exactly where we're going."
"Is there lots of food?"
"No more starving. No more shivering through the cold."
"Really?"
"Of course. You won't have to stay in places like this anymore."
The child's face brightened at the man's words. A corner of their mind harbored faint doubt, but the gnawing hunger overwhelmed it. Anything to eat. Something tasty. They were sick of scraps left by others.
"Let's go."
"Okay."
And there was someone watching the scene unfold.
The rumors were true. Kidnappings in the slums...
An agent from Ortara's intelligence division. She'd come to verify reports of missing children herself and was horrified to find the rumors confirmed.
I need to report this fast. And that guy—which group does he belong to?
The agent pondered the man's affiliation. What surfaced in her mind was the Salvation Cult, recently resurfacing in the world.
High chance it's the Salvation Cult. I need to report to superiors ASAP... but first, track where they're headed.
Of course, getting caught meant no guarantee of survival. The agent activated her divine power.
"......"
Hazy figures began to materialize, and she inscribed what she'd witnessed into one of the souls.
Then, she stealthily began tailing the man as he led the child away.
It was still deep in the pre-dawn hours, far from sunrise.
"We've got a tail on them. The rumors were true. Some group's snatching kids."
The intelligence division chief gathered his agents and spoke.
"Where?"
"Word is it's likely the Salvation Cult. They're tracking and will report as they go."
"Won't that put them in danger?"
"......A large group would get spotted easier. It's a stealth op, so they'll handle it."
"Understood."
"You lot stand by here. With the exchange matches ongoing, we can't afford a stir. I'll report to His Majesty."
"Yes, sir!"
Intelligence Chief Elun Dael headed straight for the royal palace. Today's incident demanded urgent reporting.
Some force was scheming to shake Ortara from within.
Before the king's bedchamber, Elun Dael bowed and spoke.
"Your Majesty. Your intelligence chief here. I have urgent matters to report."
"Enter."
A resonant voice echoed. Opening the chamber door revealed a man past middle age, nearing his twilight years: Ortara's king, Herhata.
He was also the father of Empress Itara Solenute of Solemnute.
"What is it?"
"We've caught the thread on those grim rumors in Ortara lately. Kidnappers targeting children."
"......I see."
"An agent's tracking their hideout now. Won't be long."
"How many troops do you need?"
"Scale's unclear yet, but we'll report once assessed."
"Very well. Go. I'll inform Solemnute."
"Yes, sir!"
Once the chief departed, Herhata sank into thought. It didn't last long. With resolve, he rose from his bed.
"Professor Sione."
"Ah, Professor Hanot. What brings you?"
"I need a word with Solemnute's professors. Got time?"
"I'm free, but... not sure about the others."
"It's urgent. Meet at the grand conference hall."
"......The grand hall? Related to those rumors you mentioned before?"
"Yes. All professors must attend."
"......Understood."
Sione sought out the others at once. Fortunately, they were in their rooms researching or resting, so she gathered them easily and headed to the hall.
"What could this be about?"
Hainkel Professor murmured lowly, and Sione replied.
"Sounds like those rumors Ortara mentioned. Missing children."
"Ah."
The professors arrived to puzzled looks at Ortara's faculty. The head seat was empty.
Dean Deahim Telrod, who should have been there, sat to its right.
"You've arrived."
"Solemnute Adem faculty, all present. Dean Deahim Telrod, may we know why we've been summoned?"
"Remember those rumors I shared?"
"Yes."
"His Majesty will address them personally."
"......!"
His Majesty himself?
"King Herhata himself?"
"Indeed. Wait a moment. He's arriving soon."
"......Yes."
What could demand the king's personal presence? The professors exchanged uneasy glances.
"......This seems serious."
Nah Professor whispered to Sione.
"Yeah. Feels that way."
How much time passed? As silence settled, footsteps approached.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"We pay respects to Ortara's mightiest warrior and king of warriors: His Majesty King Herhata Ortara."
All rose and bowed. Solemnute's visiting professors followed suit.
Normally, audiences involved protocols and fanfare, but none here underscored the gravity.
Herhata took the head seat and spoke.
"You all know the grim rumors swirling in Ortara lately."
"Yes."
All nodded.
"They're true. Intelligence is tracking now."
"Then......"
"Indeed. Ortara's children—or orphans—are being kidnapped."
"The culprits......"
"Still tracking, so details are scarce, but Salvation Cult seems likely. They've stirred recently—not a baseless guess."
"......"
Solemnute's professors exchanged shocked looks. The Salvation Cult, even here?
"Can't rule out other forces, but intelligence will update as info comes. Which brings me to this: We seek Solemnute's aid."
"Our help?"
Sione spoke for them.
"Yes. Allies, aren't we? Helping in crises is fitting."
His steady gaze carried immense pressure. Regal aura emanated from Herhata.
"Then, what repayment do we get?"
"Last time, we couldn't aid you. If the Cult invades Solemnute again, we'll send troops gladly. And proper compensation besides."
"......But couldn't Ortara handle this internally? No need to involve us."
"Haha. Fair point. But... is that enough for you?"
"Enough... what do you mean?"
"Will Solemnute ignore those who violated your capital?"
Sione grasped his intent instantly. A chance for vengeance.
The kidnappers, not unleashing erosion beasts, planned hit-and-run. For Solemnute, a shot to avenge the capital's humiliation.
But only if they were the Cult.
"No guarantee they're the Salvation Cult."
At that moment, a hazy form materialized in the air, a voice issuing forth.
"Speak."
"However?"
"Granted."
"Ah, their numbers?"
"Rescue the agent. Don't lose the trail."
With the report ended, Herhata scanned the room.
"Salvation Cult confirmed. Now, what say you? Decide quickly—they flee fast, as you know."
Sione weighed her options inwardly. Risk: Losses among Solemnute forces, including imperial knights.
But she shook her head. No Devourers, no real threat. She could solo highest-grade erosion beasts.
The upsides? Ortara's support against future Cult moves was tempting. More troops, always better—especially with eastern mega-erosions unpredictable.
Why go this far, though? Even allies weighed gains. This favored Solemnute blatantly.
After deliberation, Sione nodded.
"Agreed. We postpone the friendly matches. Assemble Ortara's warrior bands. We'll purge these scum daring to scheme in Ortara."
"Yes!"
"Professor Hainkel."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Hainkel caught her intent swiftly. No longer Professor Sione—Crown Princess Sione.
"Rally the imperial knights."
"At once."
"And... sound out the students."
"The students...? Isn't combat risky for them?"
"They're future knights and priests of Solemnute. Real battle experience in this stable setup is ideal. It'll vent their vengeful fires too. Permit any who volunteer—but keep them with imperial knights for safety."
"Yes!"
The professors swiftly dispersed from the hall.