Ragged figures shuffled in the shadows, peering out from broken down homes with wary eyes.
They knew what an awakened look like, and Alex wasn't exactly trying to conceal his identity as one either.
Which was actually to his disadvantage, since awakened were usually feared in these parts.
But it was here, in this untouched part of the slums, that Alex felt he might find some clues — clues that would lead him to whoever was responsible for Rothwind's disappearance.
Because if there was one thing Alex knew, even without taking into consideration that he didn't want to lose such a precious corpse like that, it was that Rothwind had shown him more kindness and appreciation than anyone else in this forsaken city.
He felt he owed him for that.
But as he stepped forward to make his way over to some people hiding away in an alley, wishing to ask them some questions, a strange sensation washed over him.
His ear twitched, like he had sensed something.
But what had he sensed exactly?
He had no clue.
Just in case, he decided to do an extra sweep of the area around himself with his senses that remained unaffected by the Primordial Expanse's influence, and he felt that something was... strange about the area behind him.
Like there was some slight disturbance.
And when he turned around to check it out, he discovered why.
Rothwind.
A familiar figure stood behind him, but clearly not in his usual jovial mood.
Alex's heart practically leapt out of his chest when he saw Rothwind standing there, just a few steps behind him.
He stumbled back a step, his mouth gaping as he was utterly bewildered by this circumstance, struggling to process the sight in front of him.
"Rothwind!?"
The dwarven blacksmith stood still, his expression far from his usual easy going, relaxed demeanour.
His sharp gaze bore into Alex, and there was a hint of something undeniable in his eyes — surprise, maybe even a hint of wariness.
"Alex..."
Rothwind spoke up first, carrying a hint of incredulity in his voice.
Rothwind glanced around, scanning the darkened alleyways, inspecting every nook and cranny of their surroundings.
He knew that whatever he said in this city would be heard by the Mayor's extensive information network, but he didn't care.
But even if nobody, not even the Mayor himself, could get the drop on him, it was still better to be cautious.
He was more concerned for Alex's safety than his own.
"The mayor."
Rothwind said bluntly, turning back to Alex.
"He's made a move against me. It seems he's finally grown tired of my presence in this city."
The mention of the mayor sent a chill down Alex's spine.
He had expected the city officials to be involved with the disappearance of Rothwind, but the Mayor himself was involved??
Just what kind of shit had Rothwind gotten himself into — and apparently, himself.
"Just what kind of move?"
Alex was both curious and concerned as he questioned Rothwind.
"Well, let's just say he didn't take so kindly to the fact that I have a King class beast in my possession, thanks to you."
Rothwind didn't need to explain any more than that, as it was all Alex needed to hear for his face to turn into a grimace — he got the gist of things now.
'That bastard, whoever he is, wanted to take my armour away from me!?'
And naturally Alex wasn't happy with what he had heard at all.
Rothwind's lips twitched at Alex's reaction.
The grimace on the young man's face was so telling that the dwarf couldn't help but let out a gruff chuckle.
"Aye, lad. That's pretty much what it boils down to."
Rothwing spoke, crossing his thick arms over his chest.
"The Mayor wants your fancy armour — or more specifically, the materials I used to make it. I imagine he thinks it'll give him an edge at increasing his strength even further, and he would be right in thinking that."
Alex could only grit his teeth in frustration.