Chapter 2

"I'll start from the beginning—right after my graduation from the academy," Malvin began, leaning back in his chair, his red eyes glinting slightly in the dim light. "I graduated at the top of my class, excelling in everything: physical, mental, you name it," he said with a smirk before nodding toward Clare. "Unlike a certain someone here."

Clare's face flushed, and she glanced down at the ground, clearly embarrassed by the jab.

"Honestly, I'm a bit surprised you passed the mental tests yourself, Captain," Jos piped up with a teasing grin.

Malvin shot him a glare, his tone cold. "Guess who's doing all the paperwork next week."

Jos went rigid, the blood draining from his face as the weight of his words sunk in. Meanwhile, the rest of the group exchanged amused glances, silently celebrating their temporary reprieve from the dreaded paperwork duties.

"Anyway," Malvin continued, ignoring Jos's horrified expression, "the first two weeks after graduation, all I did was desk work—filing reports, processing minor complaints, handling logistical requests—basically all the typical grunt work for a low-ranking officer. No patrols, no action. Just mountains of paperwork." He let out a tired sigh, remembering the monotony of it all. "But after those two weeks, I finally got sent out on patrol. That's where things started to change. My first assignment was with my then-partner—and now ex-partner—Silas Deep."

The mention of that name made nearly everyone freeze. Loreen's eyes widened in disbelief. "Isn't he...?"

"Dead?" Malvin finished for her, his voice low. "Yeah. I'll get to that part later." He paused for a moment, as if considering how much to reveal. Then, without further delay, he began recounting the story from his memories.

---

"We're finally going on a patrol! Yes!" a young Silas Deep practically shouted, pumping both his fists into the air as he bounced in place. His chestnut hair flopped messily as he moved, excitement radiating from every fiber of his being.

Beside him, the then 24-year-old Malvin gave him a flat look, adjusting his crisp, neatly pressed Guard uniform with calm precision. "I don't know why you're so excited about this," he muttered, making sure his gear was properly secured. "We're doing a job, not playing around."

"Oh, come on, Malvin," Silas said with a broad grin, throwing an arm around Malvin's shoulder. "It's our first patrol! How can you not be excited? This is the start of something legendary! The unstoppable duo of Silas and Malvin," he exclaimed dramatically, waving his hand through the air as if drawing their names in lights across the sky.

Malvin shrugged out of Silas's grip with ease, adjusting the straps of his equipment as he went. "I don't want my name attached to yours, especially when you were the worst student in the entire academy," he said, his voice deadpan as he gave his partner a sideways glance.

Silas recoiled, clutching his chest in mock agony. "Ugh! You got me there. Can't deny it." He quickly recovered, his energy undeterred. "But think about it! The academy's top graduate and its worst? Solving crime together? It's a story that practically writes itself!"

Malvin rolled his eyes, but there was a faint hint of amusement hidden beneath his composed exterior. Silas's enthusiasm was hard to ignore, even if it bordered on reckless at times. "Fame isn't what I'm here for. Focus on doing the job right."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Don't worry, Malvin—I'm serious when it counts," Silas said, giving a playful salute. "Just you wait. This patrol's going to be the first of many great stories for us."

Malvin didn't respond, merely shook his head as they walked toward their assigned district, which was the Market District. Silas's chatter filled the air as they moved through the streets, but Malvin's mind was already focused on the task ahead. First patrol. First real taste of the job he'd trained years for.

---

"Even if I denied it back then, I was definitely excited. I mean, who wouldn't be for their first patrol?" Malvin admitted, a slight smirk forming on his face as he leaned back in his chair. 

Aeron, sitting stoically in the corner, raised his hand. "I wasn't excited for my first patrol," he stated, his voice as neutral as ever.

Malvin shot him a sharp look, incredulous. "Did I ask you, prick?" he growled, feeling a familiar vein pulse in his temple. Talking to Aeron, The One Feared By Death, was always a test of patience.

"I thought that was a question," Aeron replied, his expression as deadpan as usual, unfazed by Malvin's irritation.

Malvin slapped his forehead in exasperation. "Well, it wasn't! Now shut up and let me continue," he snapped.

Aeron simply shrugged, staying silent as Malvin took a deep breath and continued.

---

"Nothin's happening!" Silas groaned, throwing his arms up dramatically as he leaned against a wall in the bustling Market District. "We've been out here for hours, and not a single thing's happened! This sucks."

"That's good, Silas," Malvin replied dryly, glancing over the crowd. "It means the Guard is doing its job."

"But it's so boring!" Silas whined, sliding down the wall into a mock slump of despair. "I thought we'd at least get a little action on our first patrol. You know, something exciting!"

Malvin gave him an unimpressed look. "How did you even make it through orientation?"

Silas ignored the jab, his expression suddenly shifting as his eyes narrowed in on something. He straightened up and tapped Malvin's arm urgently. "Hey. Look over there."

Malvin followed Silas's gaze, squinting toward a nearby alleyway. Three men were dragging what looked like a small figure into the shadows—someone much smaller, maybe a kid.

Without waiting for a plan, Silas was already moving. "Come on!" he hissed, jogging toward the alley, his earlier boredom completely forgotten.

Malvin cursed under his breath but followed immediately, keeping pace with Silas.

---

"Sometimes I regret going down that alley," Malvin muttered, his voice taking on a annoyed edge as he recalled the moment. "Scratch that. Most times, I regret it. That was the first time I ran into him after all" he added, his tone making it clear that him was no ordinary person.

---

As they entered the alley, the tension in the air was thick. One of the men had the kid pinned against the brick wall, his forearm pressing hard against the boy's chest. The other two flanked him, sneering as they loomed over their victim. 

"Finally caught you, you little bastard," the man snarled, spitting the words with venom. "Now, give back what you stole!"

Silas, always ready to jump into the fray, glanced at Malvin. "This is it. Let's break this up fast. It'll boost our rep for sure."

Malvin, more cautious by nature, scanned the situation, then stepped forward and shouted, "Hands up! This is the Ironguard!"

All three men turned toward the sound of his voice, their expressions shifting from smug confidence to surprise. For the first time, Malvin got a clear look at the kid they had cornered. Bright blue eyes stared back at him, wide with surprise, the same shade as the tousled hair framing the boy's face. The kid looked no older than twelve, his small frame dwarfed by the bulk of the men around him.

Those blue eyes locked onto Malvin's, pleading silently for help.

That was the day Malvin Ashborn first crossed paths with Xain.