Visionless

"How am I supposed to do this?" I ask myself while lying on the ground.

"I've only got a little over half a day of this translation magic. I need to make the most of it and use it for something. Too bad it only works inside the guild building; otherwise, I could have used it for a few different things." I think about the various ways I could use this translation magic if it could come with me.

I look toward the wanted posters on the bounty board and focus on the face of the man most likely to kill me. "I need to figure something out," I say out loud before getting off the ground and making my way over to Dyrk's office with a few questions in mind.

I knock on the door and hear Dyrk say, "Come in." I open the door and see that he is back to working on the seemingly never-ending supply of paperwork.

"Still working? Heh, I never knew you were so diligent, Mr. Dyrk!" I say with a bit of sarcasm in my voice. Dyrk looks at me unamused and says, "Sit down if you want to talk; if not, then get out. I'm very busy." I sigh and make my way over to the chair in front of his desk and sit down.

"I need help with something." He looks at me for a second and smiles. "Sure, go ahead."

"Do you know anyone on the wanted posters that is in Blackclaw's gang?" I get straight to the point.

Dyrk doesn't speak; instead, he takes a stack of posters and hands them to me. Some of them I recognize as the criminals we took out, and their posters are crossed out. Among the many posters, only three aren't crossed out.

"Those three that aren't crossed out are the only ones with some link to Blackclaw's group, though only one of them is confirmed to be a part of it. The other two are unconfirmed," Dyrk says after I have a look at the posters.

"Do you know where to find any of them?" I ask Dyrk. He sighs and says, "No, not exactly. I have looked into them, but at most, I've only managed to figure out that this one—" he points to a poster of a man with a bandana, an untrimmed beard, and a large facial scar— "is part of his gang. Outside of that, everything else is too random to put in any report or be used for tracking them down," Dyrk explains.

"Just tell me what you know about the confirmed member." Dyrk nods. "His name is Edward Terkison. He used to be a notable adventurer at high wood rank but ended up as an outlaw some years ago, not sure why though. As far as his habits go, he likes alcohol and women." Dyrk explains the main points about his character before going into more details. "This hasn't changed as far as I am aware. However, he has significantly reduced his visits to any brothels in the last few years, and anytime he goes, it's a different one. If you're going after him, you will need to be very careful. Not every adventurer can become a high wood rank and be as young as him. As far as overall strength goes, he isn't particularly strong; he mostly attacks from afar using bows or explosives."

"Okay, I think that's enough." I stop Dyrk from going any further as I have already formed a plan, or at least the beginnings of one.

"What's your plan to take him down?" Dyrk asks.

"It's simple. I'll try to find him, and when I do, I'll just make him annoyed enough to want to attack me. Then I'll just make my way back here to the guild, and that's about as far as I got into planning."

Dyrk raises an eyebrow. "That's a pretty risky plan. What makes you think it will work?"

I shrug. "It's the best I've got with the limited time and resources. Besides, if I can lead him back here, he won't be able to pull any tricks with everyone watching."

Dyrk sighs and rubs his temples. "Alright, but be careful. If you get in over your head, don't hesitate to retreat. We don't need any more unnecessary casualties."

I nod. "Got it. Thanks for the information, Dyrk. I'll get started right away."

As I leave the office, I can't help but feel a mix of anxiety and more anxiety.

(That's not really my plan. I need to take him down on my own so I can interrogate him. To that end, I already know how I'll take him down. I just need to find where he is and make him follow me. Then it's as simple as setting an ambush, dragging him back behind the guild building, and interrogating him.) I smile, then add, (And also loot him for all he is worth. I'd be lying if I said that wasn't the main reason I wanted to take him down myself—not just for the info but also for any coin or loot he might be carrying with him.)

"Now, how to find him," I say after I make my way out of the guild, making sure to grab my pitchfork that I got from Dyrk and my hatchet. "Eeny, meeny, miny... mo!" I say as I point in a random direction and start heading that way.

(This probably isn't the best way to look for someone, but I've got an idea or rather a theory,) I think to myself as I walk. (From the very first day that I awoke in this world, things have been going strangely well.) I think back on all the times where I should have died, only to somehow miraculously survive. (From waking up on the day that the church was giving out food when I was hungry, which allowed me to get enough energy to go look for other things to eat, to getting my first request, which was for a herb that doesn't even grow this time of year, to getting my first kill on someone much larger and stronger than me, and even to Dyrk taking notice of me and taking me under his short wings.) "It's all so odd and unlikely, as if it was orchestrated by someone! Maybe it was a deity or something, or maybe I'm just very lucky and unlucky at the same time."

I make my way through the town, trying to think like Edward Terkison. (Where would a guy like him hang out?) I ponder this as I pass by various taverns and shady-looking alleys.

(Taverns are always a good place to start. He likes alcohol, and even though he's been avoiding brothels, he might still be visiting taverns. I'll just have to ask around.)

I enter the first tavern I come across. The dim lighting and smoky atmosphere hit me immediately.

I sit on the far side of the tavern and take a seat somewhere I can watch the doors, observing the comings and goings of the patrons. As the sun begins to set and most of the tavern-goers head home, minus the night owls and a few others, I finally see a familiar face walk in. Edward Terkison goes straight to the bartender and asks for a drink.

(Just as planned, or just as god planned, or whatever it is that's helping me here,) I smile and slip outside the tavern, picking up a few rocks. (Time to see if my aim is still good in this body.) As I ready myself to throw a rock, my foot touches something soft. I look down and see a sack of some kind. I pick it up and hear the jingle of coins inside. (Wait, could this be the target's coin purse? No way! I'm gonna have to go to church after this,) I say to myself, then focus back on throwing the rock.

I throw the rock and manage to hit the back of Edward's head. He turns around to see a young boy sticking his tongue out and shaking a bag of coins, which makes him check for his own only to see it missing. Anger flares in his eyes as he starts running after me. I lead him through many alleyways and houses until we make it somewhat close to the guild where I have laid my ambush.

I duck into a narrow alleyway, making sure he follows. As he rounds the corner, I quickly dart out of sight and crouch behind some crates. Edward skids to a halt, looking around frantically.

"Where'd you go, you little rat?" he snarls, his hand reaching for his weapon.

I wait until he's a few steps past me before I make my move. I spring out from behind the crates, pitchfork in hand, and aim for his back. Edward turns just in time to see me, his eyes widening in surprise.

"You!" he growls, recognizing me.

I thrust the pitchfork towards him, but he manages to sidestep just in time. He swings his weapon at me, but I duck under the blow and swing my hatchet at his legs. The blade connects, and Edward stumbles, gritting his teeth in pain.

"You're going to pay for that!" he roars, swinging his weapon wildly.

I dodge his attacks, using the narrow alley to my advantage. He's bigger and stronger, but I'm quicker and more agile. I manage to land a few more hits, weakening him further. Just as he's about to swing again, I thrust the pitchfork into his side, causing him to drop his weapon and fall to his knees.

"Who... who sent you?" he gasps, blood trickling from his wounds.

As I look around, I see that we are almost directly behind the guild building. By the looks of it, we're within range of the translation spell, as I can understand Edward perfectly.

"Not important. What is important is that you tell me everything you know about Blackclaw," I demand, trying to deepen my voice for added intimidation, though it's not really effective.

"Blackclaw?! I don't know anything, I swear!" he stammers. I raise my hatchet and aim for the man's right foot, which is closest to me.

"Wait! Hold on, I'll talk!" he pleads. I stop and look at him. "He's planning to kidnap the daughter of Baron Villya! He's likely going to take a few days to do this, as it was a rushed plan after a bunch of our merchandise got released a while back! He's currently near the northern tower, underground in the sewer system! I swear!"

I look at the man, bewildered. (That's it? That's all it took to make him talk? How much of a coward is this guy?) "Okay then, thanks, I guess?" I say before raising my hatchet and aiming for his neck.

Just as I'm about to strike, a voice calls out from the shadows. "Hold it right there!"

I freeze and look up to see Dyrk stepping out, his face stern. "Don't kill him. We need him for more information and to verify what he's said."

I lower my hatchet, feeling a mix of frustration and relief. "Fine," I mutter, stepping back.

Dyrk moves forward and grabs Edward by the collar, lifting him to his feet. "You're coming with us. If you try anything, you won't get another chance."

Edward nods weakly, too terrified to protest. Dyrk turns to me. "Good job finding him. Now let's get him inside and see what else he knows."

"Wait!" I shout at Dyrk, and he stops, turning back to look at me. "I want to loot him first... also, he's currently bleeding, so maybe take care of that first."

I move over to Edward and start rifling through his pockets and hidden compartments. "That's pretty brutal of you, kid. Kicking a man while he's down. Not that I disapprove," Dyrk remarks, picking the man up onto his shoulder after I'm done and running back to the guild at an inhuman speed.

"Whatever. Let's see what I got from him!" I mutter, spreading out the items I looted on the ground. "A dagger, nice. I could use it." I put it away for now and look at the other things. "Oh, tiny arrows or bolts. Looks like they're for a mini crossbow or something." I note how small the bolts are and place them next to the dagger. "And a wooden rectangular box?" As I fiddle with the box, I hit a small button on the side, and the whole thing unravels, becoming a miniature crossbow with a lever for reloading faster.

"Huh, that's pretty handy," I say, admiring the craftsmanship of the tiny weapon. I tuck it and the bolts into my bag, feeling a bit more prepared for whatever comes next. Then, I notice a couple more items: a small pouch filled with some strange herbs and a folded piece of parchment.

When I catch up to Dyrk at the guild, he's already got Edward tied up and being tended to by Ms. Eldez, who is muttering about how careless boys can be. "Make sure he's patched up well enough to talk," Dyrk instructs her.

I hand Dyrk the small pile of coins I found in Edward's pockets. "Here. For the guild."

Dyrk nods, accepting the coins. "Good work. Now, let's see what else we can squeeze out of him."

I watch as Ms. Eldez finishes bandaging Edward, then step up to the table where he's bound. "Okay, Edward. You've told us about Blackclaw's plan to kidnap Baron Villya's daughter and where he's hiding. What else can you tell us about his operations? Any safe houses, other members, weaknesses?"

Edward, pale and shaking, looks between me and Dyrk, clearly weighing his options. "I-I can tell you more, but you have to promise not to kill me," he stammers.

Dyrk leans in, his expression cold. "If your information checks out, you might live. Start talking."

Edward takes a deep breath. "Blackclaw's got a network of safe houses spread out through the city. There's one near the old mill, another by the abandoned warehouse on the east side. He's got people in those places, guards and informants. He rotates his men every few days to keep from getting caught. And he's got a plan... a bigger plan than just the kidnapping. He's been gathering supplies, weapons, something big is coming."

I exchange a glance with Dyrk. This information is critical, and it gives us a chance to strike before Blackclaw's plans can come to fruition. "Good," I say. "Keep talking. We need every detail."

Edward swallows hard and continues. "There's a warehouse near the docks where he stores the bulk of his stolen goods. It's heavily guarded, but not impossible to infiltrate if you know the schedules. He also has a man inside the city guard, a lieutenant named Harvin. Harvin tips him off about raids and investigations. Blackclaw's base of operations shifts every week; right now, it's the old tannery on the outskirts of town."

I nod, processing the information. "Anything else? What about his weaknesses?"

"Blackclaw's right hand, a woman named Lissa, she's his biggest asset. She's a skilled alchemist and fighter. If you can take her out, it'll cripple his operations. But be careful, she's deadly. And Blackclaw himself... he's paranoid. He doesn't trust anyone fully, not even his closest allies. He always has escape routes planned and never stays in one place for long."

Dyrk looks satisfied. "You've done well, Edward. We'll verify this information. If it's true, you might just walk away from this."

As Dyrk and I leave the room, I pull out the folded piece of parchment I found on Edward. Unfolding it, I see it's a rough map of the city's sewer system with certain areas marked. "Looks like we have a way to navigate to Blackclaw's hideouts," I say, showing it to Dyrk.

Dyrk smirks. "This just got a lot more interesting. Time to pay a visit to an old friend."