Chapter 13: Investigation (part 1)

The Elf Forest was bustling with life as Rizki strode purposefully through its winding lanes. His determined steps cut through the vibrant tapestry of the marketplace, with Eve and Evelyn following in his wake. Their eyes widened with wonder at the kaleidoscope of colors, scents, and sounds enveloping them.

Rizki's phone suddenly came to life, its soft chime drawing his attention. With a practiced motion, he retrieved it from his pocket, revealing a digital map displaying the precise location—the whereabouts of Liora Nightshade, the elusive elf who had captured Rizki weeks ago.

Eve couldn't contain her curiosity and leaned closer, peering over Rizki's shoulder at the illuminated screen. Her voice carried a tinge of intrigue as she asked, "How on earth are you tracking her? Did she leave some sort of magical signature on you?"

Rizki shook his head, preparing to demystify the technology for them. "It's not magic," he began, "It's more like a cloud-based location system for phones."

Eve and Evelyn exchanged quizzical glances, struggling to grasp the concept. Rizki delved into his memory, searching for a suitable analogy, and then it hit him—a game from his own world that might serve as a bridge to comprehension.

As they continued to move briskly through the market, Rizki explained without missing a beat, "Think of it like a magical tracker, akin to that game we've heard of. Anyone I've had contact with before can be located by me. Some might jokingly call it 'magic stalking,' but I assure you it's not meant that way."

At the mention of 'magic stalking,' Eve and Evelyn couldn't help but exchange amused glances. The term seemed to tickle their sense of humor, and they started to playfully tease Rizki.

"Eve," Evelyn said with a mischievous grin, "our husband is a 'magic stalker.' He's tracking people with his phone's magic!"

Eve joined in the jest, stifling a giggle. "Yes, he's using his phone's magic to stalk people, Rizki the magic stalker!"

"Hey! We are not married yet!" Rizki exclaimed, shocked and yelping in response.

"Don't forget, Rizki. We are bound to you," Eve smirked as she continued, "Once elves decide to bond with their partner, their twin siblings come along."

Then, in sync, Evelyn added with a smirk, "So all four of us will call you husband from now on!!"

Rizki, caught in their mockingly light-hearted spirit, couldn't resist. With a grin, he stopped in his tracks, pinching both of their cheeks gently. "Alright, alright, you two. I promise I'm not a stalker, magical or otherwise. Let's focus on finding Liora." They both rejoiced, saying "Yay!!" as they felt that they had won the debate against Rizki to call him a husband and a stalker. But Rizki could only smile and walk away with both of them chasing after him.

Rizki then muttered in his mind, "Having four people dating you isn't a bad idea, huh?"

Time passed, and they arrived at an imposing barracks, its grand structure a testament to the might of the Elf Forest. Rizki nodded in confirmation, saying, "We're here."

However, before they could proceed, two formidable elves emerged, blocking Rizki's path. Their muscular frames and stern expressions left no doubt that they were no ordinary bystanders.

Their path was suddenly barred by two formidable elves, their imposing presence and stern demeanor signaling their significance. Undaunted, Rizki stepped forward and addressed them with confidence, declaring, "I'm here to meet with Liora Nightshade."

The guards regarded the trio with a mix of skepticism and curiosity, their stern expressions softening slightly. One of them, still cautious, demanded, "Proof. Show us proof of your identity and purpose here."

Rizki realized he needed to provide some form of identification. With a quick glance at Eve and Evelyn, he decided to introduce them as a way to vouch for his identity. He pulled the girls in front of him and declared, "These two are Varian Danielle's daughters."

The guards exchanged a skeptical look but remained vigilant. One of them demanded, "Proof. Show us proof of your identity and purpose here. Or we are going to take extreme measures, no matter who you are!"

Rizki's brows furrowed in frustration. He exclaimed, "What? Military documents? Those are supposed to be issued by the Ministry of Defense, you know!"

The guards remained unyielding, their suspicion unwavering. Rizki's patience wore thin, and he decided to take a more assertive stance. A smirk played on his lips as he adopted a threatening demeanor, gently pushing Eve and Evelyn aside as he faced the guards with spears pointed at his neck. "Oh, someone's itching for a good fight, aren't they?" he taunted, his eyes locking onto the unyielding guards, daring them to challenge him.

As Rizki was about to crack his fingers in preparation for a confrontation, a commanding voice rang out, "He is my guest!" It came from behind him and the girls, and when they turned, they were met with the familiar figure of an elf—Liora Nightshade.

"Commander Nightshade," the elven guards stationed at the entrance instinctively knelt, acknowledging her authority. Liora approached, her presence commanding respect. She confirmed their status, stating, "They are my guests." With that, she instructed them to rise and follow her. Rizki and the girls, who had never knelt, remained standing.

Walking toward the barracks, Liora addressed Rizki with a cold, stern tone. "Being a hero doesn't mean you can do as you please."

Rizki couldn't resist a cheeky retort, a mock tone in his voice. "But I'm a villain, though."

Liora sighed in exasperation. "Whatever! But this is a place where one should obtain proper authorization before entering."

Rizki couldn't resist a grin. "So, are you the Ministry of Defense around here?"

Liora simply shook her head in bemusement as they entered the barracks.

Inside, the barracks had a typical military interior. Once they were settled, Liora got straight to the point. "Back to the topic, what brings you here?"

Rizki wasted no time getting to the heart of the matter. "I need a list of locations you can provide for those merchants." The urgency in his voice indicated the gravity of the situation they were all entangled in.

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