Lord Berin began his search immediately after his conversation with Karahan Agha.
He had heard the name White Flame before, but the stories were exaggerated and insufficient for tracking him down. It wasn't even certain if such a man truly existed.
Lord Berin summoned the Art Mages of Hot Fortress and the witnesses from the tavern fight.
Based on the witnesses' descriptions, the Art Mages drew White Flame's face, and Berin also announced that he would reward anyone who helped capture him with a generous sum of money—but he kept the name White Flame hidden. He paid off the tavern-goers as well, since rumors about such a fearsome man could spread panic among the people.
A week had passed since White Flame's portraits were distributed.
Lord Berin was sitting on his throne in the fortress hall. Since he had destroyed the previous desk, a new one had been placed before him. While handling the documents that came with being a regional lord, his mind wandered back to White Flame.
Berin fell into thought.
Berin (inner thoughts):(It's been a week. We still haven't caught that man called White Flame.)(Karahan Agha, just like us, announced he would reward anyone who reported him. He's extremely wealthy—he offered far more than we did. Thankfully, most of our people still come to me out of loyalty.)
Berin smiled gently.
Berin (inner thoughts):(I'm grateful to them. I'm proud of my people. This is a border region full of strangers coming and going—yet they show such loyalty.)(But something is strange.)(When someone claims to see White Flame, a few patrol officers rush in first to avoid losing him. Then the other units arrive.)(Even Karahan Agha's men act this way.)(For example, this morning Karahan Agha's patrolmen tracked down White Flame's location. They went… and were found brutally slaughtered.)(But my soldiers he never kills. He only knocks them out—and with the least harm possible.)(He's strong… but how strong? Weaker than me? Equal? Or far stronger?)(Now that Kartz has joined the patrols, things should be fine.)
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
Lost in thought, Lord Berin turned toward the door.
Berin: Enter!
A large man entered—his scarred face clearly showed that he was a seasoned warrior.
Berin: Rick… Is this about the man who cut off Raman's tongue?
Rick was the commander of Hot Fortress—third in authority after Berin and Kartz.
Rick: A citizen reported seeing the man who cut off Raman's tongue.
Lord Berin: Were you able to catch him?
Rick: Unfortunately not, my lord. When the reinforcements arrived, they found the three soldiers who went after him unconscious.
Lord Berin: We've been dealing with the same thing for a week. You wouldn't disturb me just for that. What's the real issue?
Rick: You're right, my lord. This time it's different. He left a note. It's strange, and it seems the message is meant directly for you. Here it is.
"Nice try, but you can't catch me like this. Be ready! I'll be sending you a gift soon."
Berin (inner thoughts):(A threat… but who is he threatening? My soldiers? He's only been knocking them out… Is he saying he'll start killing them? Did I misunderstand his intent?)
Lord Berin: It's time I head to the field myself…
Berin looked at Rick.
Lord Berin: Prepare my horse and sword… From now on, I'll join the patrols as well.
It was past midnight, and Lord Berin had joined a group of soldiers alongside Kartz.But nothing had changed.
They kept finding soldiers unconscious on the ground. Berin couldn't understand it.
Berin (inner thoughts):(Why hasn't he killed any of my soldiers yet? Was that note even a threat? Did I interpret it wrong?)
While searching and thinking, Raman and his men appeared before them.
Raman couldn't speak because of his missing tongue. Instead, his voice was represented by Karahan Agha's assistant, Evort.
Evort: I greet the Lord of Hot Fortress. So you joined the search as well, my lord. I had heard rumors, but wasn't sure. You have our gratitude.
Lord Berin: As you can see, we're out here. Did the healers say anything about Raman's tongue? Any treatment found?
Evort: Unfortunately, my lord, even with healing magic, no progress has been made. We don't know how he enchanted the blade before cutting it—this magic has never been seen before.
Lord Berin studied Raman's face. His eyes were filled with hatred, yet beneath that rage Berin could clearly see humiliation, fear, and unease.
Lord Berin: Where is Karahan?
Evort: He had a meeting with Merchant Queen Clavria in the Merchant City, Zahuna. They were reviewing trade accounts. He may return to Hot Fortress at any moment.
Merchant Queen Clavria—the richest merchant in all of Sin—had built such a brilliant trade network that she was considered the wealthiest person in the world after the Golden Emperor.
Lord Berin: We've finished searching for the night. Would you care to return to the fortress with us? Your territory is quite far from here. Better to stay the night than travel in darkness.
Evort looked at Raman, and Raman nodded. They accepted Berin's offer.
Berin (inner thoughts):(Normally I wouldn't offer such courtesy, but since Karahan isn't here, maybe I can learn something about his weaknesses from these fools.)
Together, they headed toward Hot Fortress.A few awkward exchanges happened along the way, but nothing meaningful. After all, they were practically enemies—this was only a temporary truce.
The cold tension followed them the entire way.
When they finally saw the fortress gates, they noticed a white glow on the ground. The gate guards lay unconscious beside it.
Lord Berin: WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!!!?
Without even looking back, he gave his command.
Lord Berin: Move! Quickly!
They approached—and their eyes widened in disbelief.
This was fire.A fire that glowed white, streaked with hints of black.It was so hot they could feel it even from a distance.
Evort: What is that…? A fire… in white?
Kartz: What… what kind of heat is this? I don't like it.
As they got closer, they saw the white fire was forming a perfect circle, with a box placed in the center.
Lord Berin maintained his composure and continued issuing commands.
Lord Berin: Bring water! Hurry!
Berin's soldiers rushed to the nearest well.
Kartz leaned toward Berin and whispered.
Kartz: I can handle it with elemental magic, my lord.
Lord Berin: No… We don't know what kind of magic this is. It's clearly White Flame's work, and even healers couldn't restore Raman's tongue. I won't risk your safety by letting you use mana against an unknown power.
After thinking for a moment, Berin turned to Kartz.
Lord Berin: Raman uses the water element, doesn't he? I wouldn't mind risking him.
Kartz: Raman does use the water element, yes—but only for enhancement spells. He can't use true elemental magic.
Lord Berin (inner thoughts):(Useless bastard.)
The soldiers returned with buckets of water.
Extinguishing the flames was far harder than extinguishing normal fire. They had to use nearly all of the water from the well.
When they finally retrieved the box from the extinguished circle of fire, they found a note attached.The note was written in blood—and contained only one word:
"GIFT"
When they opened the box, everyone reacted differently.
Some were shocked.Some were devastated.Some completely helpless.
Because inside the box…was the severed head of Karahan Agha.