Shadow set out for the mining region left behind by Argon immediately after receiving his mission from the Iron Duke. The bright, mechanical atmosphere of Iron Heights faded behind him, replaced by a grim and oppressive weight. The entrance to the mines looked like an old, rusted industrial nightmare. Thick black steam constantly billowed from the chimneys, and the air carried the sharp scent of burnt coal mixed with damp earth. Sunlight struggled to pierce the layers of smoke, leaving the area in a perpetual twilight. The wailing of mechanical cranes and the echoes of pickaxes formed the unchanging symphony of this decayed environment.
Shadow could almost feel the lingering traces of Argon's cruelty on his skin. His body was clothed in new, expensive garments, yet his heart remained hardened, still trapped in the old prison cell of Knox's betrayal.
His arrival brought sudden silence to the mines. Elf slaves whispered among themselves, their eyes carrying both fear and tiny sparks of hope.
Shadow… A savior? Or a new executioner?
Shadow acted as though nothing affected him and stood firmly in the middle of the crowd.
Shadow: "Keep working. I don't want any trouble."
At that moment, an elf girl standing at the edge of the crowd caught his attention. She appeared to be Shadow's age. Her clothes were torn, her face weary, but her eyes held intelligence and an unextinguished spark of hope.
Shadow walked directly toward her.
Shadow: "Do you understand the human language?"
The girl swallowed and lifted her head. Her voice carried a mix of courage and shyness.
Elf Girl: "V-very little… Yes, my lord."
Shadow placed a small lantern before her and looked at her face under its flickering light.
Shadow: "My name is Shadow. I came under the Duke's orders. You will be my translator to complete this mission. What is your name? How were you brought here?"
The girl stared at the trembling light and then spoke.
Elyria: "My name is Elyria. I'm fifteen. Argon's men… they captured me while I was traveling with my family and separated us. I don't remember the last time I saw them…"
Her words struck a deep, forgotten chord inside Shadow.
His expression tightened.
Shadow: "Elyria, you are not alone in this. I am an orphan too. I haven't seen my family in a long time. But that doesn't matter for now—you're coming with me. You'll be my translator and my companion."
Elyria's eyes welled with tears. Her fear melted, replaced by a faint smile.
Elyria: "I accept, Lord Shadow. I will be your companion."
Shadow immediately returned to the mission.
Shadow: "Now, ask the other elves. I'm looking for Lady Katerina's men. Before or after Argon's fall, did anyone here see a suspicious stranger, hear a strange whisper, or notice agitation? You'll be by my side while questioning."
Elyria nodded and turned to the slaves. Speaking in her own language, her voice was soft and gentle, far removed from Shadow's harshness.
The elves responded one by one. Elyria shyly relayed their answers to Shadow.
Elyria: "Lord Shadow… No one has seen anyone suspicious. No strangers, no whispers."
Shadow was not fully satisfied with the answer, but he decided to focus on the overall state of the mines and the slaves.
Shadow: "Argon's slave regime is over. The Duke demands order. The cruelty in these mines ends now. No one will be beaten or killed arbitrarily. But everyone will continue working. From now on, there will be a more structured and disciplined system."
Elyria translated Shadow's cold, harsh orders to the elves. But, without Shadow noticing, she added hope and humanity into her words. When Shadow's words came from her, they became a promise of liberation.
The elves responded with applause and high-pitched cries echoing through the mine.
Shadow!!! Savior!!! The violet-eyed boy has saved us!
Shadow paused for a moment. He was not a savior; he was merely a tool, living for control.
As he prepared to leave, Elyria quietly stood behind him. Shadow stopped and slowly turned.
Shadow: "I only asked for a translator. But I cannot leave you alone in these mines. From now on, you are coming with me. I may need your intelligence and language skills."
Elyria's eyes filled once again. She nodded quickly.
Elyria: "Thank you, Lord Shadow… I am grateful."
Thus, two orphans, two rebellious and lonely souls, drew closer to each other through an unintended bond in a vast and merciless world.
This moment became the first light to dawn within Shadow's dark journey.
The Duke's spy was unknowingly becoming the hope of the oppressed.
Shadow and Elyria returned together to the Iron Heights' domain…
CHAPTER 5 – End