During the evening, a shadowy figure in a not-so-far location observed Shin and the others on the rooftop. Lurking outside, the figure watched silently, studying their movements and interactions, trying to determine whether the group posed any danger. The faint glow of the moon illuminated the watcher's silhouette, revealing only a glint of steel from a concealed blade. The figure muttered softly, "So these are the ones causing the stir..." before vanishing into the darkness.
As dawn broke, the golden rays of morning light spilled across the town. Shin and his companions gathered in a cozy pub, the scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread filling the air. The group chatted casually, their laughter blending with the hum of morning patrons.
While eating, Shin noticed a tavern girl who kept glancing in his direction. She had expressive eyes, smooth skin, and delicate facial features reminiscent of anime art. Her dark hair was tied back into a loose ponytail, with a few strands framing her face. She wore an ornate black lace headpiece and a matching choker necklace adorned with dangling accents that shimmered under the candlelight.
Her attire was that of a tavern server — an off-the-shoulder white blouse with ruffled sleeves, paired with a fitted corset dress in dark tones, accented by red lacing and a bow at the waist. The neckline was low-cut, adding to the stylized, romanticized fantasy aesthetic. In one hand, she carried a wooden tray holding a frothy mug of beer and a roasted chicken leg garnished with greens. The background glowed warmly, candles flickering, and the chatter of patrons creating a lively yet intimate atmosphere.
Approaching the table, the tavern girl smiled politely. "Would you like to order anything?" she asked.
Shin looked up, slightly startled. "Nothing, to be honest," he replied. "But I couldn't help noticing that you were looking at our table. Is there something you wanted to say to us?"
The tavern girl shook her head gently. "Not at all. It's my duty to make sure our customers are satisfied with their service."
Shin chuckled awkwardly. "I see. My apologies if I made you uncomfortable. I'm Shin, by the way. May I know your name?"
The girl smiled faintly. "I'm Alodia."
From across the table, Isolde smirked. "Shin the playboy, huh?"
Shin's face turned crimson, steam practically bursting from his ears. "No, I'm not!" he shouted, flustered.
Isolde laughed. "You're already approaching women early in the morning. What would Sam say to that?"
At the mention of her name, Sam froze mid-bite. A faint blush crept across her cheeks as she stammered, "Shin can do whatever he wants..."
The table fell silent for a moment before Isolde burst into laughter again, while Shin buried his face in his hands, muttering something about misunderstandings. Meanwhile, from outside the tavern window, the same shadowy figure from the night before watched them once more, eyes narrowing with intrigue.
Later that day, as the group prepared to leave the tavern, Alodia approached Shin quietly. Her tone was softer now, almost secretive. "You and your friends... you should be careful," she whispered. "There are eyes everywhere in this town."
Shin blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"
But before he could ask further, Alodia smiled again — the same polite, practiced smile as before — and turned away to serve another table. For a brief moment, Shin thought he saw her face shift, her features subtly changing under the flickering candlelight — as if she were someone else entirely.
As they were about to leave the tavern, the doors opened. Three men entered, each wearing a white hooded robe layered over darker inner garments. A black scarf or cowl wrapped around their necks and shoulders, and leather straps crossed their chests, suggesting utility and combat readiness. A red sash tied around each waist added contrast and a signature accent. Multiple belts and pouches hung from their sides, clearly meant for carrying tools or weapons. Decorative gold coins and medallions glinted across their chests, while their forearms were protected by leather or metal bracers.
The trio moved with purpose, their boots echoing against the wooden floor as they went straight toward Shin and his group. The tavern's lively chatter faded into uneasy silence. Every patron turned to watch.
Isolde's hand slid beneath the table, the faint click of her revolver's hammer cocking barely audible. Chrome remained still, his eyes sharp, waiting for Shin's signal.
Shin leaned back slightly, his expression calm but alert. "What can I do for you, gentlemen?" he asked, his tone steady despite the tension thickening the air.
One of the men stepped forward and spoke in a composed voice. "Madam Jameelah is requesting for you and your companions to be our guests at her hideout. It's a matter of business she wishes to conduct with you."
Shin hesitated, his eyes narrowing slightly. He didn't want to cause a scene inside the tavern. "Can you wait outside for a moment?" he asked. "We need to discuss this among ourselves."
The man nodded. "Of course. We will be waiting outside for your reply."
Shin thanked them, and the three men turned and exited the tavern. The moment the door closed, Isolde uncocked her revolver with a quiet click, and Eva let out a long sigh of relief.
Shin looked around the table. "Alright, what do you say, guys? I want to know your answers — do we go to their hideout or not?"
Isolde shrugged. "I think it's not that bad. They weren't forcing us, and if it's a bounty, I'm sure we still have time to pursue one more."
Han grinned. "I'm all up for it. I want to test these upgrades I got from Maeve."
Sam nodded. "I'm in."
Eva smiled faintly. "I'll go where you guys go."
Chrome crossed his arms. "As the leader, it's my duty to be with you. So I'm in as well."
Isolde smirked, driving her fist lightly into Chrome's skull cap in a teasing manner, a playful gesture that eased some of the tension lingering in the air. Shin smiled nervously at the sight, grateful for the brief moment of levity before turning his attention back to the group.
Glancing at the two who hadn't spoken yet — Pixie and Ciara, both quiet — Shin asked, "What about you, Pixie, Ciara?"
Ciara blushed, stuttering softly. "W-We'll join you as well... if you'll have us."
Shin grinned warmly. "Of course we want you to join us. You're part of the family now!"
Ciara's eyes brightened, and she bowed her head slightly. "Thank you, Shin."
After their discussion, the group stood and made their way outside. The three robed men were waiting patiently near the tavern entrance. Shin stepped forward. "Alright," he said. "We'll accept your Madam's request. Please, show us the way."
The lead man nodded. "Very well then. We've already prepared transport."
Outside, a large carriage awaited — its frame reinforced with dark wood and metal, drawn by a massive salamander-like creature with glistening scales and glowing amber eyes. The group climbed aboard, the carriage creaking under their weight.
During the road, Mujahid and Shin exchanged stories. After a while, Shin asked him about the current state of the city. The commanding officer of the Forty Thieves Guild sighed and began to explain. The city, he said, was under the control of a corrupt business tycoon named Ricardo. "Everything here," Mujahid said grimly, "from the palace, the guards, the businesses, even the syndicates — they all answer to Ricardo. He owns this city."
He continued, his tone lowering. "Our Madam is the only person in the Mirage who isn't owned by him. Right now, Ricardo is pressuring our Boss to marry him. He's offering piles of gold and jewels, but she refuses every time. She's not the kind of woman who can be bought."
Shin was about to ask another question when the carriage slowed to a stop. They had arrived at the hideout.
The gang was escorted through a grand entrance into a vast hall. The air was thick with incense and the faint sound of distant music. At the center of the hall stood a large, ornate chair — clearly meant for the head of the house. As they walked forward, Shin already knew the woman seated there.
It was Jameelah.
She sat with effortless grace, a woman of striking beauty and commanding presence. Her figure was curvy and stylized, her warm tan skin glowing under the lantern light. Large golden-amber eyes watched them with a confident, playful expression. Her long, dark hair was tied into a high ponytail, cascading down her back. Her features were smooth and polished, her lips curved into a faint, knowing smile.
She wore a white tied top knotted at the front, revealing her midriff, paired with loose white harem-style pants. Draped over her shoulders was a flowing red outer robe trimmed with gold, and a matching red headscarf framed her face elegantly. Gold accessories adorned her — large hoop earrings, layered coin necklaces, bangles, and a decorative belt with hanging coins that jingled softly as she shifted in her seat.
Shin and the others stopped in the center, bowing their heads respectfully. Mujahid stepped forward and announced loudly, "Madam Jameelah, this is Shin. I present him to you."
Jameelah raised her hand gracefully and spoke, her voice calm yet commanding. "I'm glad you all came. We have a problem in Mirage Springs, and seeing this—" she held up a wanted poster "—this could very well give us a better life."
Everyone froze, their eyes widening in shock. A wave of unease rippled through the group.
Jameelah continued, her tone firm. "You know it's either this... or you help us with our problem in Mirage Springs."
Shin straightened, his expression serious. "I'm listening."
Jameelah leaned back slightly, her golden eyes narrowing. "You see, we have a problem with the corruption of the town magistrate. In the next week, we'll be having our elections for Mirage Springs. I simply ask that you help me with a few tasks at hand."
Shin nodded slowly, then looked at her intently. "Can we talk alone?"
Jameelah studied him for a moment before replying, "Very well then. Everyone out."
The hall fell silent as Mujahid and the others bowed and quietly exited, leaving Shin and Jameelah alone in the grand chamber.
When everyone left, Shin asked, "What seems to be the problem?"
Jameelah sighed softly, her expression turning somber. "We were once the rulers of Mirage Springs," she began. "However, the government came into the picture and placed a Duke — Jimra — in charge. Jimra is decent in appearance, but he's under Ricardo's influence. He's made life miserable for the people. Most of the towns now pay protection money just to avoid being bullied or harassed by Ricardo's men."
She paused, her eyes hardening. "Long story short, I want your help in freeing Mirage Springs from the Duke and Ricardo. It's not an easy task, but we need this."
Shin sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright. I'll help you free your city. Have you talked to the Duke, perhaps?"
Jameelah nodded bitterly. "I did before. He wants me to marry him. But I know that once he gets his way, he'll sell me to the crime lords as a way to spite me and my men."
Shin took a deep breath, his tone resolute. "Then we'll need more people to start this rebellion. We have to prepare for a confrontation if we're going to take control of the city."
Jameelah nodded. "I'll have Mujahid find and rally those people."
Shin looked thoughtful. "Let me talk to my friends first and ask them about this. I need to make sure they're in on the situation. But if they refuse..." He smiled faintly. "I'll still lend my hand in this battle. You can count on that."
Jameelah's lips curved into a small, appreciative smile. "Then we have an understanding, Shin."
Shin asked Jameelah for permission to leave, and once she nodded, he bowed respectfully before exiting the hall. As soon as he left, Jameelah summoned Mujahid.
Outside, Shin met Mujahid and requested, "Can you give us a private place to talk? I need to discuss something with my group."
Mujahid nodded. "Of course. You're our Madam's guests." He called for an attendant and instructed them to guide Shin and his companions to their quarters.
Before they could move, Mujahid called out, "Alodia!"
Everyone froze, eyes wide in disbelief. Shin, Isolde, and the others exchanged startled glances.
Mujahid frowned. "What happened? Why are you all looking at me like that?"
Before anyone could answer, a sharp voice echoed through the hall.
"MUJAHID! Come now, as fast as you can!"
The tone was unmistakable — Jameelah's.
Mujahid's face turned pale. "Oh no..." he muttered before bolting down the corridor like a frightened cat, his robe fluttering behind him.
Alodia stepped forward, her expression calm and amused. She smiled politely and said, "Please, follow me. I'll take you to your quarters."
As they walked, Shin glanced at her curiously. "Weren't you working at the tavern early this morning? What are you doing here?"
Alodia smiled faintly. "I work here as well."
Shin chuckled. "Really? That's interesting — working two jobs in one day. I hope you get plenty of rest."
Alodia replied softly, "Same here."
Soon, they arrived at a set of ornate doors. Alodia gestured politely. "I'll leave you be. If you need anything, you can call for me."
Shin nodded. "Thank you, Alodia."
Inside the quarters, Shin gathered everyone and explained what he and Jameelah had discussed. The room fell silent as the weight of the situation sank in.
Chrome crossed his arms. "When do we attack?"
Shin smiled faintly.
Isolde leaned back with a smirk. "It's time to reinstate our hold over the realms. You do know we used to own most of the territories."
Han grinned. "We should show our tattoos — refresh everyone's memory."
Shin nodded. "We'll need to change the name of our group, though."
Isolde raised a brow. "Let's go with Dominion Breakers!"
Chrome shook his head. "Not good. As the leader, I say we go for Obsidian Pact!"
Isolde rolled her eyes. "There you go again with your primal instincts!"
Sam chimed in. "How about The Outlaw Ten?"
Shin smiled. "That's a nice name, Sam, but I want us to steer away from something too close to the old one."
While everyone debated, Han sat quietly, thinking. Then he raised his hand. "How about Revoked Anarchy? It's about overthrowing old leadership."
Shin's eyes lit up. "I like the sound of that, Han. How about you guys?"
Everyone looked at each other, then nodded in agreement.
Isolde grinned. "I like it."
Chrome smirked. "I vote for it."
Sam smiled. "It fits us perfectly."
Pixie chimed in excitedly. "Let's get our tattoos!"
Ciara, shy but smiling, added softly, "I... I would like to be a member of it too."
Shin smiled warmly and patted Han on the back. "Good job with the name."
Eva hugged Han tightly, her face glowing with happiness.
Shin, feeling the energy of the group, grinned. "We should feast tonight."
Food was served, and the gang celebrated. They feasted along with Jameelah and her people, laughter and music filling the air.
As the night deepened, they gathered atop the highest building in Mirage Springs, the city lights shimmering below them.
From afar, on a pitch-black rooftop, someone watched them. She was dressed in a sleek black tactical outfit with armored gloves and a mask covering the lower half of her face. Her long dark hair was tied in a bun, and a katana was strapped to her back.
Five more shadows were kneeling down behind her, awaiting her command.
She spoke in a low, commanding tone. "The leader needs to be notified of what's going on. We might have ourselves a conflict brewing in Mirage Springs. Send a raven towards Hell's Island immediately."