46 Kidnappers

The aftermath of Alice's departure. As the sun rose on the following day, Desmond delved into his usual routine of honing his swordplay and mastering his magical prowess. However, a peculiar change in his nocturnal exploits caught his attention. Instead of his usual demon-hunting escapades, the darkened streets were swarming with lingering royal troops, casting an enigmatic shadow over Desmond's thoughts.

A sense of confusion tingled in the air, leaving Desmond perplexed about the unusual nocturnal activities. The morning whispers carried rumors of a gruesome menace haunting the nights, preying upon demons and innocent souls alike. The chilling revelation halted Desmond's progress, rendering his growth stagnant. Though his energy continued to surge, it paled in comparison to the immense power he once harnessed by absorbing demon corpses. Hope seemed elusive, clinging to the remnants of his guild assignments that had finally borne fruit.