Chapter 17: Gathering shadows

As the night draped its cloak over the sanctuary, Amon found himself lying on a thin mat, his back against the cold stone floor. Despite Anna's insistence that he didn't need to stay overnight, Amon was resolute in his decision to remain by her side. The dim light of flickering torches cast eerie shadows across the chamber as sleep gradually enveloped them.

In the morning, they were jolted awake by the bustling activity at the sanctuary's gate. Anna explained the grim reality of their situation – how the otherworlders left in search of creatures to slay, hoping to earn points. Today was collection day, a dreaded event where Valen's enforcers demanded points from every single person, and for those who couldn't pay, would be beaten to the point of near death. Amon's brow furrowed with concern as he absorbed the gravity of the situation.

After deciding to also leave the sanctuary, Amon and Anna reunited with Skolo and Star, sharing his experiences and his plan. He learned that Valen's seven enforcers, also set out during the morning, each to different monster territories, scavenging for additional points.

"Anna, do you know why they collect points?" Skolo's question hung heavy in the air, the weight of uncertainty palpable in the dimly lit sanctuary. Anna, her gaze fixed on the ground, shook her head slowly. "I... I don't know," she admitted softly, her voice tinged with a mixture of fear and resignation. The flickering torchlight cast fleeting shadows across the walls, mirroring the uncertainty that clouded their thoughts. Skolo exchanged a solemn glance with Amon, their shared concern etched in their expressions. In that moment, amidst the oppressive silence, they realized the depth of their collective ignorance, the mysteries surrounding Valen's enigmatic rule shrouded in darkness.

Determined to uncover Valen's schemes, they discussed plans. Amon instructed Skolo and Star to shadow one of the enforcers, gathering intelligence on their routines. With a shared resolve, they parted ways, agreeing to meet up the next morning.

Before parting with Anna, Amon urged her to remain in the sanctuary, promising to return. With a heavy heart, he set off, his senses alert as he began tailing the towering figure of the tallest enforcer, a brutish behemoth wielding a massive hammer. The shadows whispered secrets as Amon embarked on his solitary vigil, a silent sentinel in the gathering darkness.