Shadows' Mission Continues...

Three of the cult associates recognized Astra's modified Faction Knight attire and realized they were facing the Shadow Knight himself. They nervously addressed him, one of them suggesting that they could serve under Astra despite their previous loyalty to the now-deceased Estella.

In the blink of an eye, Astra swiftly beheaded the one who spoke of serving under him, sending a clear message that he had no intention of sparing those who had followed the cult.

Silhouette, displaying her composed demeanor, directed her attention to another associate. Her calm but stern tone conveyed a sense of urgency, "Do you wish to meet a swift and merciful end, or would you prefer to provide us with valuable information?" It was clear that Astra and his team were determined to extract information about the remaining branch cultist bases, and the associates faced a critical decision.

Then the remaining nervously ask "If we did tell you would you spare us?"

The remaining cult associates, now understanding the dire situation they were in, nervously inquired about their fate if they provided the information Astra and his team sought. They were concerned about whether their cooperation would result in their survival.

Astra whispered to Silhouette, knowing that her emotive acting and negotiation skills were better suited to handle the situation and deceive the cult associates. He wanted to ensure they didn't learn too much that could potentially harm their organization if they were spared.

Silhouette with her mind smile unmask herself to express her emotions and body language like a kind woman (despite her scarred left face) the associates see her as pretty and she says "If you tell us maybe this lady can spare you all~" which is more in detail like this more on emphasis here -

Silhouette, with her masked emotions, unveiled her face to reveal a scarred left side. However, her demeanor was that of a kind and understanding woman. The cult associates saw her as a pretty figure, and she spoke to them in a gentle tone, "If you cooperate and provide us with the information we seek, perhaps this lady here can convince our leader to show you mercy."

They hesitated for a moment, exchanging glances. Astra's fingers gave a subtle signal, and The Polygon numbers moved swiftly to eliminate the cult associates after they had gained the information they needed. With their mission accomplished, Astra flicked his fingers to signal their return to the hideout.

The operation was a success, but Astra couldn't help but wonder about the larger picture and the organization they had once been part of.

Astra spoke as he used cleaning glyphs that were in their uniforms to clean up their bloodstains and take the cult members to have refuge along with the earlier branch of cult member slaves to also have refuge as Silhouette wore her mask for they traveled back swiftly to their hideout underground(base and HQ) that Astra praised her despite his apathetic tone that made she calmly spoke "Ahh don't be kind Ad Astra-Shadow Knight-sama…..best we focus on the good progressive news of the other members back to base"

Astra nodded, acknowledging Silhouette's point. They had successfully completed their mission and had saved the cult members who were treated as slaves. As they traveled back to their underground hideout, Astra continued to ponder the larger implications of their actions, but for now, he decided to focus on the positive aspects of their progress.

Silhouette, wearing her mask, spoke calmly, "You're right, Leader. Let's focus on the good news and the progress we're making with the other members back at the base."

Back at their base, Astra's relief was palpable. Another potential threat had been averted, and the drained mana cult members were receiving medical treatment. The former slaves, too, were being well taken care of, given proper food, water, and the removed of the magical slave marks that had once punished them for disobedience.

Silhouette, Clifford, and Cheshie gathered around a lifeless elven child who had once served as a cultist messenger. Astra couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia, seeing a child who had once been in a situation similar to his own.

Then he asks his recruits (and even manages to persuade Cheshie that is sad she can't join such missions earlier) to keep in with the work of new possible members that were taken in refugees….for he turns to the elven boy "Hey…" removes the mask to see a softened face and still empty blue eyes "Listen , take your time to tell me your name and what did the cult raise you as…along if you still had a family to return to"

The elven boy slowly blinked his empty blue eyes as if trying to recollect his thoughts. He finally spoke in a soft and hesitant voice, "My name is Taelin, and the cult raised me as a messenger. I don't remember much about my family... It's all so hazy."

Astra nodded, his expression understanding. He gently placed a hand on Taelin's shoulder and spoke with warmth, "Taelin, you're safe now. You don't have to worry about the cult anymore. We'll help you find your way and, if you wish, we can help you discover if you have any family left."

Taelin's eyes seemed to regain a glimmer of hope, and he offered a faint smile. It was the beginning of his journey to healing and reclaiming his past, guided by the Shadow Knight and his compassionate recruits.

Then he spoke "Mister, your eyes are so empty it's scary yet deep down oddly I can see you as a big brother-" time froze for a moment as he recalled at 6 years old after his first kill of an animal he heard a voice (that he was unaware at the time was Chocola herself) softly reassure him he has his family and trust they are alive and didn't abandon him…and remember to recognize his inner self that soon it may take time yet he has siblings…he was a triplet and he will soon understand the idea of being a familial figure)

Astra's eyes softened as he heard Taelin's words. He could relate to the boy's emptiness, having experienced his own share of trauma. A memory from his own past resurfaced, one that had provided him with some comfort in a difficult moment. He knelt down to be at Taelin's eye level and said, "Taelin, I understand how you feel. But I promise, you're not alone anymore. We're like a big family here, and you're a part of it now. You have a big brother, many sisters, and a leader who cares about you. You'll find your way, and we'll be here to support you every step of the way."

Taelin's smile grew a little wider, and a spark of hope ignited in his eyes. It was a small step, but it was a step toward healing, belonging, and building new connections.

Then transition for Astra to let his trusted special unit deal with the ex-cult refugees (the saved slaved members and mana drained members) until Taelin acts clingy yet not the kind like Cheshie and ask to join him wherever he is going as Astra spoke "It's not much just a place for me to rest back in the surface-"

Astra found Taelin's company oddly comforting, and he could sense that the young boy needed someone to guide and support him through this new life. He nodded and smiled, "Sure, Taelin, you can come with me. We'll head to my resting place, and I'll tell you more about our organization and what it means to be a part of it."

As they left the underground base, Astra couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility and determination. He was not just seeking revenge against those who had wronged him but also building a new family, one that could offer solace and support to those who had suffered as he had.

He then swiftly entered Anastasia's open guest bedroom that now he personally owned due to her being generous of no need to rent as the girl rushed to welcome him and ask who is this boy wrap around his neck as Astra yawns (using 2/3rd of his mana already) and tired from constant 2 missions in a row today.

Astra introduced Taelin to Anastasia, saying, "Anastasia, this is Taelin. He was one of the cultist's members we rescued today. Taelin, this is Anastasia, the kind innkeeper I've been staying with."

Taelin looked at Anastasia with those still somewhat empty eyes, but there was a hint of curiosity there. Anastasia greeted him warmly, "It's nice to meet you, Taelin. You're safe here."

Astra could sense the kindness in Anastasia's words, and he felt grateful for having her in his life during these turbulent times.

Then Taelin spoke "Ohh, then despite being an elf..16 years old now yet in Archaican (human) terms for you both I am 12 years old and young so…" shy swaying "How should I address the leader and this lady?" Anastasia flirtatiously commented kindly "I am your leader's soulmate so it's up to you to address me lady, miss, or any family-related way to address me as I am a big sister to my family's other child Isabella.." Astra nods being familiar when Anastasia shared her personal life with him a few days ago

Astra smiled slightly, seeing how well Anastasia handled Taelin's introduction. He then said, "Taelin, you can address me as Astra, or if you prefer, you can call me by my title, Shadow Knight. Anastasia is like a big sister to me too."

Taelin nodded and responded, "Alright, Astra, Lady Anastasia. It's nice to meet you both. Thank you for saving me."

Anastasia and Astra exchanged a brief look, acknowledging the weight of what they were doing for Taelin and the others they had rescued from the cult.

Taelin spoke "But can I call you Aniki? Since you are the first one that talked to me after being rescued despite being the leader , plus I want to call Anastasia…Lady Stasia…since I am not good at long names.." the pair giggles a bit then Astra blush for Anastasia spoke "Don't be surprise your ANIKI (older brother/senior figure) here actually as a soulmate means-" Taelin innocently add "your partner right you love very much?" 

Astra chuckled softly at Taelin's choice of addressing him. He ruffled Taelin's hair gently and said, "You can call me Aniki if you like, and yes, Lady Stasia is just fine, Taelin. You're quite perceptive for your age."

Anastasia blushed slightly at the innocence in Taelin's words but smiled warmly. "Yes, Taelin, you're right. Astra and I are partners, and we care for each other deeply."

Taelin beamed with a sense of satisfaction, feeling welcomed by his new 'family.'

Then he asks with his elven ears twitching "Umm, can I walk around Lady Stasia?" Astra couldn't help but soften up before going stoic again due to reflex yet his aura was softer despite his exterior she comforted Anastasia and pondered if her influence was helping him for this boy as she knelt.

Anastasia's kindness and the presence of a child-like Taelin seemed to have a calming influence on Astra, making him more approachable. He nodded in agreement with Taelin's request. "Yes, you can explore a bit, Taelin, but be safe. And yes, our blue eyes do seem to be a common thread, don't they?" He smiled faintly at the observation.

Taelin's elven ears perked up with delight as he headed off to explore the inn while Anastasia continued with her work. Astra watched them with a sense of contentment, appreciating the warmth and normalcy Anastasia had brought into his life.

Then Anastasia stay out while letting Taelin explore downstairs of the 2 floor Inn (noticing Astra hugging from behind yawning) as she chuckles "Miss me so soon?"

Astra, still visibly tired, managed a small smile as he turned to Anastasia. "Of course, it's not the same without you around," he admitted, his voice softening as he hugged her gently. "How was your day at work?"

Anastasia giggles "as usual yet there was a mysterious mage guess that I can't recall the name or face mentioned the new Equinox which I assume was a fellow ally of yours you mentioned besides you surviving rebelling Estella the first time before successfully going solo to end her few days back when we first met…" Astra nods before gasp as he froze "Say that again? A mage? What did she say?" (Must be Chocola…here I thought she would be useless or busy with her DIVINE duty as she is one of the 7 deities, Spinel the Indigo Goddess of Unity and Peace…quite the contrary her full power has returned due to me killing Estella yet..why does she care for me? Maybe the words I told her when my brother and his allies recently died I vent too much…I am sort of relieved. Maybe deep down she is like an auntie or secret teacher just trying to help despite not doing much) Anastasia noticed him blanking out as she explained the events earlier of such a guest visit and added "Nothing much I just want to reassure you there's a bounty on you head due to certain nobles obsess in getting you despite the faction knight and Equinox not wish to do so well…I can hear your heart beating.." leans on his chest as he blushes to speak "Umm..:I I see well I am grateful yet you really sure to risk it? I know we're kinda soulmates yet-" she cutely frowns before giggling at his reaction "Hey you got more approachable, honest, and open to me than the first time we met…hehe..relax I can be careful and won't snitch on those noble-" got a kiss from Astra on the cheek as he sighed "Still Anastasia , if something or someone is haunting you or possibly tried to use you as bait..I would know and can tell…if you're in danger…." (What am I saying? Why can't I stop slowly returning the emotions I thought I lost and I want her with me..I want to protect her and…hopefully this is also a way to show to the gods above I don't despise all mortals..I still have revenge to complete and future battles yet…why am I feeling and thinking this way?) then the alter ego whispers to the main person who looks the same age as him yet softly [with the nickname he denied long ago since he felt unfitted] that it's because they love her..He both his personas or side of himself love her genuinely love her.

Astra's inner conflict continued to swirl within him as he navigated this new territory of emotions. He appreciated the care and honesty Anastasia provided, but he couldn't shake the unease that came with caring for someone. He leaned down to kiss her forehead gently and murmured, "Stay safe, Anastasia. I don't want to lose anyone else."

Anastasia held his mildly shaking hands "I know.." leans on his chest due to their height difference "I promise, I won't die like your rebel brother and his two allies against Estella..if there's a danger I can't be involved or handle I am fine." Astra hugged her close to speak as he had silent tears dripping that reach her face "Good, good….Yet I am sorry I still have a revenge spree to deal with-" kiss on the lips as Anastasia spoke "Take your time yet I shall say this…if deep down you change completely from your current self in a good way it isn't wrong to say you've locked on such path? I know it's up to you, but I don't want to see the boy I have fallen for become so lost and broken I couldn't save"

Astra was deeply moved by Anastasia's words, and her kiss on the lips brought forth a complex mix of emotions. He held her even closer and whispered, "I'll do my best, Anastasia. You've already made a difference in my life, and maybe... just maybe, I can change for the better." The weight of his past and his uncertain future was gradually shifting as he found himself caring for someone in a way he never thought possible.