F/Voh Ch 75: The Slums of Powncrow City

Ryan fell silent, trapped in thought for a moment. Who ordered the assassination of the rebel leader? And more importantly, who was trying to escalate this chaos?

After what felt like an eternity, Ryan took a deep breath, dispelling the anxiety that threatened to overwhelm him. Ryan's face returned to calm, like an impenetrable layer of ice, and finally, he turned to Ellina, who had been watching him carefully.

"Powncrow City," Ryan began to speak in a calm yet cold voice, "where is it? How long is the journey from here to there?"

Ellina, always ready with information, answered immediately without hesitation, though she could sense something different in Ryan's gaze this time. "The journey from Powncrow City to Bertord City, if using the Magic Train, will take at least ten days at the fastest. However, if we use the Super Fast Small Magic Ship, we might be able to get there in seven to eight days."

Ryan nodded slowly, quickly absorbing the information. Time was running short. The 18th was approaching, and they needed to make a decision soon. Ryan knew there was no room for error—one wrong step could be fatal, both for them and for the rebel forces they planned to assist.

With sharp eyes, Ryan sank back into his thoughts. The big question that remained was whether they could arrive in time to change the fate of the rebel leader, or if it was already too late.

"Charlotte." Ryan turned to look at Charlotte, his gaze filled with determination, as if the next command was something very important.

"Yes, Master?" Charlotte replied cheerfully, her face as always full of joyful emotion, but her eyes radiated unwavering loyalty. Charlotte stood ready, waiting for the instructions Ryan would give.

"Follow me," Ryan said briefly, his voice flat, then he shifted his gaze to Ellina and Rosseline, who were sitting not far from Ellina.

"You two stay here, in my room. Charlotte and I need to leave for a while. If you want dinner, ask the innkeeper to bring food to this room. Do not leave this room unless absolutely necessary," Ryan said in a serious tone, his gaze locking onto both of them, ensuring the order was followed.

"I understand, Young Master Ryan," Ellina replied obediently, her voice soft yet full of certainty. "I will make sure we stay here."

Rosseline, on the other hand, looked dissatisfied. "Hey! What if I need to use the bathroom? This inn doesn't have a bathroom in the room! You can't seriously expect us to stay here all night, can you?" Rosseline protested, her lips pouting, trying to resist Ryan's order.

Ryan sighed softly, but he did not change his stance. "Then you may go out, but only if you go together. No one is to go out alone."

Rosseline merely huffed quietly, but there were no further arguments. After ensuring everything was understood, Ryan and Charlotte donned their black cloaks, covering their bodies up to their faces, and promptly stepped out of the inn room. Without making a sound, they slipped through the door, and when they reached the second-floor hallway, they exited through a window that faced a narrow alley outside.

Under the darkening night sky, Ryan and Charlotte moved quickly, leaping across rooftops with agility like nearly invisible shadows. Their steps were silent, accompanied only by the night wind. Behind the black veils covering their faces, only their sharp eyes continued to search for a path.

They headed towards the slum district of Powncrow City, a place rarely visited by respectable people. The streets grew narrower, the buildings more dilapidated, and the stench of waste and filth filled the air.