Villain's Requiem

As I stepped into the Red Griffin Inn, the warm glow of the fire pit and familiar scent of roasting meat enveloped me.

This was where I stayed the previous night. I had booked for two months ahead so I simply headed towards the receptionist.

The receptionist, a friendly woman in her thirties with a warm smile, looked up from her book. "Ah, Alex! Welcome back! How was your day?"

I smiled, handing over a small card. This card was given to me so I could easily be rechecked in. "Uneventful, thanks. Just finished registering as an adventurer."

She took the card and efficiently checked me in and handed me back my key. "Congrats. It's not everyday a boy your age becomes an adventurer. Enjoy your evening!"

As I turned to head up the stairs, my gaze wandered to a corner of the room. An ordinary-looking woman sat nursing a mug of ale, staring into the flames.

I didn't think much of it, assuming she was just another traveler. At least I wanted to. But there was something about her that was terrifying.

I was about to just continue heading upstairs. Who is she?

My curiosity got the better of me. And so I decided to use my Appraisal skill on her.

________________________________________

Name: Zahara Onyx

Age: ???

Rank: ???

STR(ATT): ???/??? (????/????) [??]/[??]

AGI(SPD): ???/??? (????/????) [??]/[??]

DEF: ???/??? [??]/[??]

Mana: ???? [??]

Magic: ???/??? [?]/[?]

Affinities: Darkness [S]

Telekinesis [S]

Skills: ?????????

?????????

________________________________________

My eyes widened in shock. Appraisal was a skill that allowed me to view anyone and anything's stats. So long as they weren't absurdly strong.

So the fact that I couldn't see this woman's stats meant only one thing. That this woman was strong – ridiculously strong.

Her stats most likely rivaled those of the most formidable warriors in this world. Likely [SS] and [SSS] ranks.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized the potential consequences.

A mysterious [SS] and above ranker in a small nation like this could only be disastrous.

While Sapin was part of the federation, it was still the smallest and weakest nation amongst them.

It's strongest warriors were [S] ranks with one [SS] rank. That's why a potential [SS] or [SSS] rank here in a city who's strongest mages were no more than [A] ranks.

I quickly glanced at her, trying not to draw attention. She seemed oblivious, lost in thought. I wondered why exactly she was here.

Or could she have something to do with Erantel being leveled to the ground.

There and then I made a mental note to keep an eye on her.

I then headed upstairs.

************

Lucas went upstairs without noticing the pair of eyes gazing at him.

'Hmm. Interesting. He was checking me out huh. How much did he see'.

The ordinary looking woman stared at where Lucas was just now with a small smile on her face.

She then chugged the remaining ale in her mug. She then stood up and walked to the counter.

"Can I get a room. Executive." She said to the receptionist.

"One moment please". The receptionist responded with a polite smile.

The woman drowned in her thoughts once more. 'Well I guess how much he saw doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things. So long as he doesn't get in the way of the mission'.

"Here. Your room is on the third floor." The receptionist said handing the key to the woman.

She headed upstairs and entered the room who's number was on the key.

As she entered, she heard a ring alert and immediately dropped on one knee.

In the next instant a hologram of a middle aged man appeared. He had blonde hair and green eyes.

"I greet the Archon". She said in a respectful tone.

"Zahara. It would seem you successfully infiltrated Erantel."

"Yes Archon. I have successfully infiltrated the city and I will begin to search for 'that' tomorrow ". She replied her head bowed.

"Good. Be careful so as not to attract the federation's attention. Well even if that happens I'm sure you can easily kill any mage they send at you. But I would rather Dragoina and Hayes are not alerted to our movements".

"Anyway be careful. And remember ". His expression became serious "Failure will not be tolerated ".

"Yes your Excellency". She replied her head bowed.