Chapter 127 - Masked Murderer

A new dawn, a new day, Hidros awoke mildly to cold weather. Last night's attack led by Gritt had greatly affected how people thought. All were scared to get out of bed – though none had ever seen the beast themselves, just the image sufficed. Kids were told to stay at home. Many threw tantrums but were easily persuaded by toys and such.

Far too many corpses of porcelain ranked youngsters were covered by cloth, carried on stretches to the headquarters of one of the smaller guilds. Namely, Swift, a relatively small band of friends, a guild who's loved and trusted by many. Their leader, Justin was very charismatic and popular – this greatly influenced how people viewed them.

"Over here," somebody spoke, "right away," another replied. Rough as it might have seemed, the bodies were taken inside. "Please, this way," Justin, a middle-aged man dawned in steel armor, greyish hair, and stern face led all who came. "Please, keep our dead comrades here," the main entrance led into the main hall in which rested lines after lines of old friends.

Tears were shed behind closed doors, screams of agony, yelps, frustration – the atmosphere felt hellish. Justin and the two other guild leaders were forced to stop all their activities. This became too much for the lower guilds to handle, a messenger was sent away. "Alright everyone," said hall grew jammed pack with other guild members.

The loud and charismatic voice of Justin made all envious. The grievous state substituted for one of curiosity, hearing the relatively popular leader yell – garnered their collective attention.

"I know that many, if not all of you have lost someone precious," from behind, the other two leaders approached. "-and I'm not here to say stop and hold in thine tears. That isn't human, cry, lash out, do what is needed – but let the pain out. Thinking about vengeance is the worst thing we can do, revenge clouds one's judgment. Therefore, to stop any more bodies from piling up – the other leaders and I have decided to stop all our current jobs. Tier-eight and lower are to stay indoors. Yes, this is harsh, many youngsters want fame and glory and someday that opportunity will present itself. However, today, the appearance of this beast named Gritt isn't to be trifled with.  A special band of warriors, the best from each guild will be the ones who take the brunt force of the invaders. Newbies, rest assure and keep your head cool. The townsfolks are just as scared, seeing familiar faces doing rounds should take that anxiety away. On that, I'd like for us to pay respect to the fallen ones." Immediately, right hands rested on each chest, the eyes closed – a pin drop silence followed.

One by one, many left, some stay to watch over the deceased. Guild necklaces, guild cards of the fallen were taken into custody. The guild leaders held onto them; a death count was to be sent to the main branch.

"A good speech," one of the leaders spoke, "I must say, that charisma of yours never ceases to amaze," the other replied. "Stop with the jests," Justin added in a casual tone, "I just hope that the newbies don't take it to heart. Vengeance can be a powerful ally and an even more powerful enemy depending on the individual," his right hand caressed the scar underneath the right eye. "Back-up should arrive in four days," one added to which the others watched silently as the members sobbed.

"Wake up," a warm touch swayed the face. "Five more minutes," half-asleep, he replied, not an ounce of want to wake. "Don't you have something important to do?" a soft voice asked. "Oh damn," Staxius's slumber broke. He sat upright and rushed over to the bathroom.  The sound of puking followed, "that's what you get for drinking for too long," Undrar added in jest. "It was necessary," the puking continued.

"Master," the door flung opened, Avon and Achilles stood with supplies in bags. "We've brought over food and beverages," as they stepped inside, Staxius walked out the bathroom. "Thanks," he smiled but the face remained tired and beaten. "Who would have known alcohol could bring down the immortal Staxius," Undrar added once more in jest, "Shut it," he gritted and laughed.

Everyone sat around on a circular rug. The drinks were laid in the center, they spoke and laughed. Staxius's body slowly recovered, the hangover disappeared faster than predicted. "On the subject of money," Staxius added, "I've secured the deal to the shop Achilles found," he took a sip. "Really?" She asked eager to know more. "Yes, I'll head for the central guild in an instant," the drink ended, he stood. "Avon, can you keep an eye on Achilles?" he asked to which Avon replied with, "no, master, I've got information that might prove to be useful. The gut feeling was right, that mansion truly is vile and decrepit." Following that, the whole situation about the fox, the murders and porcelain badges got told.  

"Very well," he thought, "I wonder if that man is the same murderer. We can't rule out the possibility of two or more bloodthirsty freaks," he paused, everyone stared at him in a different manner. "Doesn't he realize that the same could be said to him as well?" Avon whispered, "so I'm a bloodthirsty freak?" it caught his ears. "I-I'm sorry," Avon apologized. "I digress, worry not." Avon's heartfelt at ease. "Nevertheless, we need more information, if that noble is truly the murderer, we can't just walk in and launch an attack. I'll have to check with the guild," the door opened. "You guys take care," Undrar followed close in fairy form.

Not knowing what to do, the rest followed Staxius. He grew aware of the presence and told both to approach. The party headed to the main guild, the place packed – time was for the announcement of the new quests. The notice board was lowered once more –

[Masked Murderer – Tier 2]

[Potential Dragon spotting – Tier X]

[Escort for Trading Routes – Tier 8]

[Kill Quest: Minotaur – Tier 3(Completed)]

[Kill Quest: Goblin Lair – Tier 9(Completed)]

[Missing Person – Tier 10]

[Search and Rescue – Tier 7(Completed)]

[Dark Guilds – Tier 4]

In an instant, the completed quest vanished and gave way for more,

[Masked Murderer – Tier 2]

[Potential Dragon spotting – Tier X]

[Escort for Trading Routes – Tier 8]

[Missing Adventuring Party – Tier 9]

[Missing Person – Tier 10]

[Dark Guilds – Tier 4]

[Kill Quest: Goblins – Tier 10]

[Kill Quest: Hob Goblins – Tier 9]

As always, the rush for information began. Staxius's party sipped coffee while the chaos died down. "Goblins, here we come," porcelain ranked teens ran out the door, their faces gleamed with bliss. "Look at them, happy to go hunt goblins. Little do they know that said relatively small and feeble looking is the worst out of the bunch. Long have I thought that strength is the sole factor ruling over who is more powerful. Sadly, that's far from the truth, adaptability and wit. Those little green devils are very, very resourceful." Whilst speaking, a man wearing a top-hat entered. "That's him," Staxius stood and went to greet the seller.

"Morning Jimmy," he spoke, "Greetings Staxius," Jimmy bowed, the little girl behind remained as quiet as ever. "Shall we proceed?" Jimmy asked to which Staxius nodded. Diane took charge and handled the paperwork; a few minutes was all that needed. Owner ship to Jimmy's stuff got handed to Staxius, without uttering another word – the man smiled and left. "Congratulation on purchasing a haunted house," Diane added in jest. "Congratulation on not being arrogant," Staxius winked.

"Melisa," he walked over, "can I have information about the Masked Murderer?" that question raised her eyebrows. "S-sure b-but you h-have to accept the q-quest first," her voice remained as feeble as usual. "If that is what's due, then so be it. "

"Alright," she cleared her throat, "Quest: Masked Murderer. Since a few months ago, bodies killed in cold blood have been left out in the open. The report goes on to say that most of the victims were male and slew with a cut to the neck. Vital organs were often pierced with one thrust. The murderer didn't seem keen on making the other suffer – most died a painless death. There are speculations that the individual wears a mask and wields a strange blade. The last reported death was about a few days ago, thanks to a courageous adventurer who died in Diane's arm." Melisa ended, "I see, thank you," he stepped away, "let's go," the others followed behind.

The car drove towards Jimmy's Stuff. "Avon, I don't think that the lord and this murderer are related. The one here wields a blade and kills fast and quick. A painless death, while that other guy prefers torture and strangulation." The shop came into view. "So are we to leave the girl and the adventurers alone to that man's sadistic tendencies?" Avon spoke out in anger. "No, when did I say we are to leave those people alone?" *Click,* the door to the shop screeched opened.  *Cough, cough.* Dust, cobwebs, rats, insects, it shocked them.

This place had become a haven for said creatures, though their peace got disrupted by Staxius. "What are we to do then?" Avon rushed inside and hugged Staxius. "Don't know and I don't care at the moment," he looked inside boxes and checked corners. "Master, are you saying that you are to turn a blind eye to those people who are possibly in need of our help?" Achilles spoke monotonously, her eyes yelled death, the killing intent grew. "Are you sure you want to point that blade against me?" Staxius stopped and spoke. "Are you sure you want to not help those people," *Blade whomst served me in countless battles, I, thy master asked for thy assistance in battle,* a weapon manifested itself, Achilles wasn't pleased.

Slowly, Staxius turned around, the eyes cold and angry. A gentle touch, the steel sword revealed itself. "For the sake of another, you dare to point thy blade at me?" *Bam,* Staxius vanished, Achilles flew and hit the building across. The blade unsheathed slowly, the aura changed, screams and cries of death echoed down the alley's and streets. Without fail, Achilles jumped back and took an offensive stance. "My master or not, the thought of not helping out the ones in need ails me. My heart shudders for I have sworn in the past as in present to always help people who are in need," she fired back, Avon tucked on Staxius's shirt.

"Idiots," he sighed, the aura vanished, the heaviness lifted. "Go and help them," he smiled. Both stood perplexed, "what do you mean?" Avon asked. "I said, go and help them, the people who need help. Avon and Achilles, go become the heroes people need. I'm not worthy to save a life while I've taken many others, go out and help whomst ever you desire." He turned around and entered the shop. "But master, why can't you come with us?" Achilles asked, "heroes are just fancy words for people who help out others. You've helped me and I'm sure that you helped many others. So why don't you come to aid us in battle," her voice trembled as she walked over to grab Staxius.

"Don't," Avon reached out and stopped her, "Don't force master, " he replied. "Idiots," Staxius spoke, "don't worry about me. You guys have a quest to accomplish, my job is to help whoever is to help others. My strength isn't needed in this battle, Avon, and Achilles – go help the others." The figure vanished into the darkened room.

"I don't get it, why does he have to act that way?" Achilles voiced her frustrations. "Trust me," Undrar whispered, "-Staxius isn't someone who can be judged with a single glance. He may come off cold and heartless, but deep down, I guarantee if something were to go wrong. In a blink of an eye, that cold-hearted killer will rush to your aid and leave behind a pile of corpses if needed. The safety of the companions and friends will always be a priority in that complex mind of his."

"Let's go Achilles, I can use teleportation." *Snap,* they vanished into a blueish mist.