Chapter 104: Interlude - Battle of the Second Stratum - Part 1

"Well now... What do we have here?"

After more than a subjective week of pursuit, Kordia was ready to snap.

"You know exactly why we're here. Where's Kir?" she demanded.

"Do we, in fact, know why you're here?" the Knight Commander Dun continued. "Because from what I'm seeing, you three have impeded our investigation, caused a dungeon collapse, and disobeyed the orders of a city official. All serious crimes for such promising young students."

His condescending tone made Kordia's hackles rise.

Rain took a step forward. "Give up," he said. "We know you're an agent of the Duke of Pride," he declared. "Surrender and you will be treated mercifully."

Lugh stared gape-mouthed at Rainier, and even Kordia had trouble believing that her boyfriend had seriously offered these fiends a surrender.

The knight commander sneered, "All lies," he said, looking to Lugh. "I expected better of you, boy. It seems you really are your father's son."