When Hashim realized they were heading to the Caverns, by then his patience had run thin. Cyrus had told him he'd see something interesting, yet the only interesting thing had been seeing Sadie Hartley. Her striking, high-buttoned white and pink dress made her stand out, but it troubled Hashim that no one on the train appeared to notice. Was it typical for well-respected women to embark on evening walks to the Caverns, accompanied by two officers who didn't seem capable of keeping their hands or words to themselves?

   When he observed them on the streets, he couldn't help but feel sympathy for her. Their voices reverberated loudly, filling the air with vulgarity that made her visibly uncomfortable. There was a moment when she had hung her head in shame, and tears welled up in her eyes, only to be met with cruel laughter. She did not belong there–they had forced her, and Hashim wished to know why and how.

Hashim's attention shifted again to the trio at the far end of the train. The tall one leaned in, his hand resting gently on Sadie's leg. She looked up at him, her wide eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions that perplexed Hashim. Fear was evident, but there was also an undeniable sense of reliance and something more intangible that eluded Hashim's comprehension from his current viewpoint. He did not understand her relationship with these men, which bothered him. Was she more scared of Novas than these men? Why? Was she not aware of what her kind does? Or was she aware and agreed to it–even worse–participated in it? Hashim's eyes narrowed further as he forced his body to remain relaxed.

As the train gradually slowed, Hashim peered out the window, and his eyes widened in astonishment. Through the billowing sand, he caught sight of bright neon lights flickering in the distance. The vibrant colors stood out in stark contrast against the dusky desert landscape. Hashim had never witnessed such a vivid display of colors before.

Amazed, he followed the small crowd, gazing at Sadie as they exited the train. His eyes and face glowed from the bright lights looming over him, and he stepped back to stare at it. The town lay next to a rocky mountain and seemed to climb up it and layer itself over itself. People trickled through the rocky streets, heads down and silent despite the loud colors that hung above them and next to them. There was not a single building not almost completely covered in lights, and it was almost overwhelming with how much light was being emitted.  It wasn't magic. It was something else–something he could not sense.  Whatever energy they were using, they had a lot of it. Was the Novanoid aware of this?

He trailed behind Sadie, utterly bewildered, his gaze sweeping over the flashing lights advertising various stores and products in several languages. At times, the screens would swiftly transition to an entirely different message, adding to his disorientation. At one point he touched one and was surprised to feel warmth seeping from it and a soft hum. It makes noise? Is it alive?

The crowd was becoming increasingly dense as Hashim navigated through it. He felt around in a small pouch attached to his coat and retrieved a small clump of golden dust. With a swift flick of his wrist, he dispersed the dust into the air, his steely grey eyes fixed on the male figure visible beside Sadie amidst the bustling crowd. In the dim light of night, a delicate thread of gleaming gold, faint was now connected to the man. Hashim quickly reached out to capture it and concealed it safety of his pocket.

The bustling crowd drew him deeper into a lively throng, yet as the buildings gradually thinned out, the vibrant lights persisted. The street broadened, and an array of small merchants set up shop along its edges, their stalls brimming with an assortment of medical aids and restorative elixirs that shimmered in the lantern light.

Finally, Hashim arrived at one of the Caverns. This particular entrance was among the most frequented and easily accessible, perfect for novice Miners. Inside, the creatures were more manageable, yielding common items ideal for those just starting their mining journeys. The area lacked permanent structures, instead dominated by towering white tents bearing the universal medic symbol, their fabric fluttering gently in the evening breeze.

Yet it was the bustling merchant population that overwhelmed Hashim. The air was thick with the smell of sweat, metal, and the earthy scent of freshly unearthed dirt. Everywhere he looked, enormous crates were being hoisted and shifted along intricate pulley systems and tracks, ascending toward the mountain peaks where the trains awaited to transport them. The cacophony of activity was deafening, far louder than the city itself. The constant hum of wires, the clatter of heavy crates onto wagons and small train carts, and the shouts of merchants bartering and bargaining with miners created a chaotic symphony. Some miners, freshly emerged from the Cave, were barely recognizable, their clothes and faces stained with blood and covered in dust. The scene unfurled endlessly around the Cavern, the intensity of the activity growing the farther one ventured. The combined sounds of machinery, voices, and the occasional clinking of metal tools against stone created an overwhelming sensory experience, making the entire area feel like a living, breathing entity of commerce and labor. It allowed you to be invisible.

Hashim noticed the golden string becoming taut, so he quickened his pace, squinting as it led him deeper into the slot canyon. The light that had brightened the main areas was now fading, and Hashim felt a growing sense of unease as it grew darker and the road more narrow. He placed his hand on the handle of his bowie knife, then pulled out a potion from his pocket and hurled it to the ground. A black, muddy puddle formed and gradually took on the shape of a shadowy figure, which stood beside Hashim. "Scout ahead," Hashim murmured, and a menacing row of sharp, white teeth appeared on the figure's face as it replied, "Yesssss, sssssir."

    It sunk into the red dirt and shot off, leaving Hashim to follow silently behind. The golden string grew brighter as he walked, and the neon lights slowly dwindled until Hashim was left in complete darkness. He clenched his mouth and drew out his knife entirely. He could barely make out a slow glow from a section of the road farther ahead that his thread seemed to be aiming for, so he quickened his step, a growing sense of unease building in his throat. He hadn't planned on fighting today–just observing, but something felt off, and a part of him felt like Cyrus had sent him here on purpose to fight.

When he was finally at the point where if he took another turn, he would be on the road where the light illuminated, he stopped and immediately felt the shadow rise behind him.

"Speak." He muttered.

"Four Beingss. Three Terransss, one Novasss. One woman, resst are men," The shadow hissed, "They are trading sssomething the Nova killed in the Cavern. The woman isss checking it now."

    Hashim looked up in surprise. "A Nova?" he muttered to himself. It didn't make sense. There was no logical explanation for a Nova to be exterminating creatures in the Cavern. The Caverns were prisons. No creature, regardless of its strength, should have been able to escape on its own. A Nova's intervention would only be necessary if a Being had released something, so why was there a Nova here, and why was it attacking creatures?

    "Do they appear to be hostile?" Hashim inquired anxiously.

"Not hossstile. They are waiting for the woman to finisssh touching the cartss."

    "What do you mean? She isn't looking inside?" Hashim said.

"No, jusst touching. They did not ssssay why."

    Hashim frowned, and said, "How close can I get?"

"A little further and there isss a bend before it widenss into the entrance of the Cave." The shadow answered, and Hashim followed closely, his sharp eyes carefully surveying the rugged rock walls above them. With a hunched posture, he cautiously ascended to a vantage point overlooking the rocky area just before the mouth of the cave.

There was indeed a Nova, casually leaning against his cart, his hat pulled low over his face, concealing his eyes as he surveyed the two Terrans standing opposite him. Beside them loomed a massive wagon brimming with crates, each packed tightly with magical items. The air thrummed with energy; even from a distance, Hashim could feel the potent magic radiating from the objects—some so intense that even a Terran could likely perceive it.

Sadie stood amidst the crates in the wagon, deftly navigating over them. Her hands brushed each item lightly, occasionally pausing to open a crate for a closer look. Yet, her touch was fleeting, as if the powerful artifacts held little interest. "You'll be shocked, Curse, by how Quimath really operates," Cyrus had said, and a sinking feeling filled Hashim's chest as he watched the Terrans and the Nova stand across from each other.

"Told you this was a good haul. No miner would be able to go as deep as me," the Nova smiled, twirling a bloody dagger in his hand. The solemn Terran replied, "And you didn't think to wonder how the inspectors will question us on so many items?"

The Nova shrugged, saying, "You won't have a problem. They turn a blind eye to stuff like this. It means a better salary for them, so who cares? Besides, if you get found out, that's on you."

"Not worried about getting caught?" the shorter Terran scoffed, his greedy eyes fixated on a piece of golden armor hanging over a bin—its magical energy so vital that even he could sense it.

"It's a service too valuable to be 'caught.' Look around, buddy; where do you think you are? Try it, and we'll see who goes to jail and who doesn't, eh?" The Nova smiled. "You know the saying—'One Nova holds the strength of a hundred Terrans.' A few Terrans can always be replaced. Our kind? Not so much."

The shorter Terran let out a bark of laughter. "Yeah, more like glorified livestock." Immediately, tension spiked, and silence descended upon the group at the Terran's words. Hashim gripped his knife, sensing the anger simmering between both parties. Their fragile trade agreement was now the only thing preventing an outbreak of violence.

He'd picked up on it quickly enough. While miners were skilled, they were still Terrans, limited in how deep they could venture before the creatures in the Caverns became too formidable. A Nova, however, could delve much deeper, where the magic and items were more potent and valuable. This Nova was exploiting that advantage, selling powerful and dangerously magical items to the Terrans—a race likely to misuse such power, inevitably causing problems that Novas would then have to address. What was this fool thinking?

LeT itGo, iTs, fuNny! YOU knOw youR'e ImprEssed! ThEy aRe JusT duPing both pArties! It'S FUN! LEt's seE wHat hapPens!

Hashim clenched his eyes closed at the jumbled thought and focused on the scene before him. Sadie was done, though now that he had a good look at her face, he noticed she was clearly scared. She clutched her hands in front of her as she walked over to the tall Terran, her eyes flickering around as if looking for someone. The young man ignored her obvious agitation and leaned down and placed his hand on her shoulder as she whispered something in his ear.

"She says all of these are above grade level." The Terran said, scanning the bins before leveling his stare at the confused Nova.

"Well, yes, that is what you asked for," The Nova said, lifting his hat to get a better look at his customers, "Then you have the money with you?" The Terran stared at him blankly.

"Money?" the Terran said, "Who says I am buying this?"

"What?" the Nova frowned, "You specifically reached out–"

    "Did I?" the Terran interrupted, "I don't recall that."

"You!" the Nova snapped, pulling his gun from his holster right at the same time that the Terran lifted up a badge, its golden seam glowing in the light. He was an inspector then.

    "I'd be careful with your aim, Nova. We wouldn't want you to turn into a Riva." the Terran said, his still sober face not reacting once, "Besides, I'm sure you're aware Quimath sees trading grade-level items to unapproved subjects as illegal, correct? It's especially damning when the suspect is a Nova, don't you think?" the Terran added, "After all, no matter how important–defective livestock should be eliminated as soon as possible."

    The Nova narrowed his eyes, but lowered his gun as he said, "You wouldn't dare. Do you even know who runs this operation?"

    "I know. But that is not your concern, is it?" For the first time, a flicker of fear crossed the Nova's face at the man's words.

"You wouldn't have the guts." the Nova hissed.

"Really?" He pulled out a small dagger from his pocket and flicked it open, "Something tells me I have a high probability of coming out alive."

    He wouldn't. Hashim watched as the Terran pointed the dagger at his palm and realized the Terran meant every word. The Nova must have realized this as well, for he screamed out, "Wait! I-I'll turn myself in, I'll do what you want, just don't—"

The Terran looked up at his words and said, "What I want? I want you dead."

There was one thing Terrans held over Novas, and it was feared by both parties—the Summoning of the Arbiter. If a Terran feels a Nova has failed their duties that the Curse does not have control over and no court will suitably punish them, they can summon the Arbiter. If the Arbiter feels the Nova has indeed broken their duties, they will be brutally torn to death. Yet, if the Nova is found innocent, then the Terran will take the punishment instead. It is an ultimatum and, because of its design, it is rarely used. Yet, in this case, the Nova will most certainly be found guilty.

"Stop." Hashim commanded, his voice echoing across the stone walls as he stepped into the light. Immediately, everyone froze as they looked at him–the shadow looming over him from behind.

"Put down your weapons and push them away," Hashim demanded, grey eyes gleaming with silent rage. The Terran had gone too far. Such a kind of death was too cruel for the crime.

"What is your name?" Hashim demanded of the Nova after he'd removed his gun.

"Samuel Lark, sir." the Nova stuttered. Black magic seeped from Hashim's mouth–curling around his lips and neck as he commanded, "Samuel Lark, you will directly turn yourself over to the Novanoid and never leave the base until your death. If I find that you have dismissed my words, I will personally kill you."

    It was an incredibly forceful command, and Hashim felt the magic leave him in bursts as he downright controlled the Nova's actions. Without another word, the Nova bowed and began running, his eyes wide in utter fear.

    Hashim slowly turned to the two Terrans, locking onto the inspector. The man's dark, piercing eyes burned with a deep hatred and disgust. His face was rigid, muscles coiled with barely contained fury, and his body trembled, straining against the binding magic as he struggled to break free. Hashim smiled gently at him as he realized that tonight, he would kill this human.

"Your name."

"William," the Terran spat.

    "Are you an inspector?" Hashim demanded.

"No."

One-word answers typically indicated that the subject was putting up a strong fight, especially because Hashim's magic compelled Beings to provide even more information than necessary. William's decision to answer curtly demonstrated remarkable mental fortitude on the part of the Terran.

    Hashim glanced at the cart before turning back to William, his eyes raised in mock suspicion. "Ah, so, were you here to make a deal or catch a Nova?" he inquired.

"Is that any of your business, Nova?" William said in response–his face clenched in pain.

"It is," Hashim said sternly, holding up his gleaming knife as he took a step forward. "Did your little examiner here tell you that half of the goods are cursed?" Hashim gestured towards Sadie as he spoke, his eyes narrowing. "Or did she purposefully leave out that little bit? But then again, that's none of my business, as you say."

    William's eyes flickered in surprise at Hashim's words, and Everand's face paled in fear.

"So why don't you tell me, William, so I can decide how to deal with you. Were you here to make a deal or catch a Nova?" Hashim smiled, "Not that I care which one–I'm fine with however you answer. Lie if you wish–just make sure you choose wisely."

    THis iS FUN!!! LoOK At ThEM gUEss!!

Hashim didn't care much for William's response. Once the issue of curses came up, all matters of law shifted to the jurisdiction of the Novas. Yet Hashim wasn't a Nova—he operated outside the bounds of any Creed. His independence granted him the freedom to choose how he wished to handle them. But still–the best part was the moment here. Right now. Watching them struggle.

Hashim deliberately weakened his magic–allowing William to communicate more freely.

"You lie," William said. 

Hashim's gentle smile widened as he said, "What a bold statement. I am perfectly content with taking this to your Court if you so please. Something tells me humiliation would be a much crueler punishment for you than death. Let's see how many people we can get involved."

WhAT a GOOD sHOW!

He knew it. He'd hit a sore spot. It was such a slight reaction but William had been affected. Then, this must have been what Cyrus had mentioned. This was an operation much more extensive than just one person.

    A sudden movement caught his eye, and he looked over at Sadie. Although he was certain that she had moved, her face displayed only fear. She had every reason to be afraid. If this was the reason for her fear of Novas, then she must have resisted him when he'd interrogated her, which he should have been more alert to. He smiled at her, a cold expression devoid of any compassion for her predicament, regardless of whether she had been coerced or not. But before he could take any action, he was startled by another movement, and he turned to see the shorter Terran just feet away from him with a dagger in his hand, running without struggling against Hashim's magic.

The boy swiftly stabbed Hashim in the arm, causing him to loosen his grip on his weapon. Seizing the opportunity, the Terran wrenched the weapon from Hashim and thrust it toward his chest. Despite the sudden assault, Hashim instinctively shifted his body just enough to avoid a fatal blow to the heart. The Terran cursed in frustration as Hashim pushed him away and staggered backward, struggling to regain his balance.

"Shit, Will. Looks like we have to work a little harder than we thought." the young man snarled, snatching his own dagger as Hashim instantly pulled his own from his chest. He clenched his teeth as the curse began its work on his wound–causing even larger amounts of blood to pool through his shirt. No healing magic would help him now.

"Not so cocky now, huh Nova?" the boy said, spitting on the ground as he laughed, "I couldn't hear shit but your face pissed me off. So high and noble ain't you?"

Hashim narrowed his eyes at the realization that this boy had placed magic on himself–making him unable to hear. But that would mean one of these three knew his magic. Two of them he had never met before and hadn't used magic on them while one....his eyes flickered over to Sadie and she paled at his attention. Yesss, thAt one, thE liTTle ssssnake.

A flicker of fear passed through him and he shrugged it off. Now was not the time. He needed to get away–now.

Taking a deep breath, Hashim forced himself to stand and back up, but the boy was faster. He reached for Hashim, but Hashim swiftly grabbed his hand and twisted, causing the boy to shriek in pain. Hashim attempted to stab the Terran, but the Terran twisted enough to make Hashim miss. Both then pulled back, momentarily retreating as they clutched their respective wounds.

"Damn it, your crap is all over me," the boy frowned, glancing down at the black blood on his broken arm, "Smells like shit."

"Then don't be so stupid by coming directly at me. I might be wounded, but I'm no Terran." Hashim smiled as blood dripped down his mouth and he spat it out–cursing silently for his luck. He was losing control of the other two and it didn't help that Will was fighting him with every ounce of his strength.

    This must have been their plan: to have one wear him down physically until he could no longer use his magic, thus allowing the others their freedom. Hashim cursed again as he dodged another of the Terran boy's attacks, still unable to get around him. The boy was fast, and while his movements were simple and easy to dodge, they were designed to keep Hashim constantly on the defensive. Each attack, each dodge, drained his energy bit by bit, forcing him to focus solely on evading the relentless assault until he finally felt himself slip and the reigns he had on Will and Sadie fell away.

    Will immediately grabbed his weapon, sprinted over to his partner, and began hammering alongside him, his solemn expression never changing. Hashim gritted his teeth, trying to ignore the pain as his movements became slower and slower. The relentless assault was taking its toll, each strike and parry sapping his strength. Despite his efforts to stay in the fight, Hashim could feel his body growing weaker, his ability to retaliate diminishing with every passing second. It would be only a few more minutes before he made a mistake, and then it would be over.

    His options were dwindling, and his initial goal to try and outrun these two was now an afterthought. There was only one other choice and Hashim really, really didn't want to use it. The chances of him living if he tried it weren't much better. There was no way he could control the thing in this state.

    Yet, it would almost certainly kill these two. It would be a brutal end for them and worst-case scenario if Hashim wasn't able to escape he could take the easy way out and kill himself. The girl? She would need to run. Yes, she could do it. She had to.

    Hashim grimaced as he dodged yet another of Will's attacks, then swirled around to punch the other boy in the jaw, buying himself just enough time to pull a vial from his coat pocket and smash it to the ground. Without waiting to see the result, Hashim sprinted towards Sadie, unwilling to speak aloud his intentions but hoping she would start moving if she saw him coming at her with a dagger. His heart pounded in his chest as he closed the distance, but Will threw his dagger towards him and it sliced into his leg and he stumbled to the ground just as the shriek pierced through the night and Hashim knew he was a dead man.