Private eye

"Crap!" Whispered Aaron swiftly when he saw the second branch of the mine being impossible to pass due to the damage caused by the Earth slapper, as dust blew all over his face when he walked too close towards the collapse.

Declaring that the collapse happened perhaps a few seconds later compared to the third branch's event.

This made Aaron hate his luck furthermore, but the source of the collapse was no doubt obvious.

This isn't part of his plan no doubt, this only makes his escape harder.

It would just extend his time spent in the mines, time which could ultimately lead to him being captured, the slavers won't just clear the way for him to run and cheer him on along the way.

They would throw every bit of force they have against Aaron, he would be their main focus considering that he is able to run freely.

He turns around and spots that the second branch goes further down compared to the third one, likely because the second one is older.

This will only mean that it will take him even longer to escape, but at least now he has such an option!

Aaron starts running downwards the second branch as fast as he can while being barefooted, it ain't no breeze.

His feet kept getting hurt due to the sharp shattered rocks on the ground.

But what other choice does he have but to run and ignore the pain and possible blood lightly breaking out from his feet?

It is either run or die! And now that he bought a chance, he doesn't want to taste death.

It didn't take long for him to find a sharp turn path leading towards the first and longest branch, a copy to that support beam enhanced doorway he found once entering the second branch just moments ago.

The first branch is the last one he can turn to if he wished to escape this mine, there is no fourth or any branch before the first.

There were already enough patrol Guards and Whippers in the first branch before Aaron started his escape, they were hosting the slaves after all.

Now he isn't even armed because of dropping his pickaxe when hitting the Whipper in the beginning of this chaos of a situation.

Aaron even passed by a few slaves when he was at the second branch, they weren't supervised.

The Whippers either became victims of the collapse or were prevented from entering further down.

He could have stopped along his way and break other slaves free from their chains and shackles.

But who can guarantee that those slaves would stand and fight against the opponents instead of fleeing or giving up right away, begging for mercy.

Their courage and self dependence was gone long ago ever since they fled their motherland. So at this point, it is every man for himself. You can't trust anyone and no one can trust you.

The second he walked in the first branch, opposers stood hard to count in number. It was easy to find the root of the problem once they noticed that 2 tunnels are collapsed.

To make it worse, in a flash he got tackled by a patrol Guard and several others joined, holding Aaron down, making it impossible for him to escape their grip.

"Kill him, he's a slave! Or else the King will host a beheading ceremony for all of us!" Yelled a Whipper, obviously valuing his life more than that of a slave.

"You're right, cut his throat!" Yells another Whipper standing a few feet away with his whip on his hand, showing to the rest of the slaves who has authority throughout this madness.

Authority of which doesn't seem official though.

"Wait! Don't kill him." Yelled yet another Whipper as he's running down the first branch.

Just in time even, because a patrol Guard already put his Iron sword near Aaron's neck.

"I saw it all happen, he caused the Earthquake!" Explained the Whipper under his breath after reaching the group of people.

Feeling like is in control here, a Whipper deciphers an order. "Well I be damned, we found another one. Lift him off the ground and don't let his feet touch it either, he is defenceless that way."

The claiming supervisor of the slaves gets a reward if any person with powers is to be found, a reward based on his salary.

A Whipper's salary being 10 silver coins [1 gold coin] a month, he will get a 20 silver coin reward from the King, thanking his contribution towards Hawk city.

Two patrol Guards lift Aaron James off the ground and make their way out of the mine, heading towards the very castle of Hawk city, to see the actual King.

To ensure safety, the two patrol Guards are accompanied by 4 Guards in front and 5 at the back.

Aaron's abilities are made clear after all, he is an Earth quaker and can cause havoc in a quarter of a second.

But this rather unusual scene caught the attention of a foe, an enemy against Aaron James and even an opponent to the whole Iron Boot Alliance.

But no she didn't attack.

That's not what she is here for and it wouldn't promise good results if she single handedly tries to attack a city carrying 18,000 people. Not a good idea at all unless suicide was her wish.

Working at a shop with a man she barely knows, her secondary objective ever since she entered Hawk city was to spy.

To provide information for a superior authority while the primary intent is rather more complex.

Witnessing the scene that just passed in front of the shop, she swiftly grabs a parchment which are for sale in the shop without being noticed by the shop owner.

Grabbing ink and a quill as well, in aims to instantly write a message to the superior authority supporting her work.

"I need to go to the restroom, I will be very quick." She told the shop owner who gazes upon the said lady with clear lust, agreeing to everything asked for in hopes to get his hands on her one day.

"Don't make me miss you too much!" Sounds nice, right? Well it could be if he wasn't already married.

"Haha I won't!" She laughs, although carrying internal disgust.

This man is married goddamn it. Once her task in Hawk city is finished, this man will be the first person she kills before escaping.

Finding a place of good silence and considerable privacy, she starts to jot down several paragraphs to her superior.

"Sir. There wasn't anything worth reporting happening before the slaves arrived today, so I hope you remained patient as much as I did.

An Earthquake is rumoured happening in the mines. I didn't see or feel it myself, but I just saw a man being carried by patrol Guards.

I am surprised to see that they didn't kill him on the spot which raises theories in my mind, seeing other men being carried the same way a while ago makes it a bit more confusing.

These slaves are said to come from the borders, so the man they were carrying has high possibilities of being responsible about those Earthquakes.

I am confused about why this slave is still alive even if he was an earthquaker, if you have a more solid theory, please let me know soon so I can investigate further.

Rumors are sure to come by at the shop sooner or later. Next week I will write everything I hear and deliver it to you. Thank you for your patience."

-Z