Dark Thorns (A Deltarune fanfic)

Shattered Mind part 3

TW/CW for disturbing stuff such as violence (it is mild/kinda minor though) and implied mentions of trafficking

"Still nothing?"

"No sir. He hasn't stated anything about an alibi or other possible whereabouts for the ring."

"I see. Looks like we'll have to switch things up a bit."

"You want me to take Nero with me for the next interrogation?"

"Yeah. In fact, it's almost time for that isn't it?" Page nodded. "How about you both just go right now? Besides, the quicker the better."

"Yes sir."

Once Page left his office, Harkin sighed and sat back in his chair. His eyes went to the blue and black ring box sitting on his desk. Inside was the freeze ring. He wanted to keep it close. He was the only person he trusted to keep it secure until they found the thorn ring and sold the pair off.

There was also the option to keep the rings for themselves. If the rumors were true, then there was a real opportunity to have them. The freeze ring already was quite powerful and a good weapon to have. The only downsides were that they didn't have an ice magic user among their group to amplify the effects, the ring isn't very lethal, and there's a secret about it nobody knows.

That's why he needed the thorn ring. Having that ring will boost the user's magic attack significantly. It is said to even give access to the deadliest spells.

"Heya boss. Is this a good time?" Harkin looked up to see his worker walk in. The red Addison had that smug grin he always wore.

"Good as any. What do you need, Sorrell?"

"Nothing really. I just wanted an update with our little visitor."

"Heh. You know you could just go downstairs yourself."

"Haven't had the time."

"Is that so?"

"More or less."

"Well, right now, he hasn't said anything. I've told Page to take Nero and have him do the talking."

"Wait, Nero?"

"Yes. Is there a problem?"

"Not exactly, but-"

"So there is a problem."

"Look, the guy is like a twig. Knowing Nero, he'll snap him in half instantly."

"Well something has to come outta him somehow. Talking hasn't worked. The Telitall was starting to be too much for his body. We're running out of options, Sorrell."

"If it's that bad, then I'll go down there."

"You have an idea on what to do?"

"I always come through, don't I?"

"About half the time."

"Well, aren't I lucky that it's half full?"

"Just go before Nero strangles him."

With that, Sorrell left. The Hatcker sighed. So much work for just one item. If he could, he would just forget about the thing, kill off the shopkeeper and move on with business. But there was a thought in the back of his mind. The thought of someone else getting their hands on that ring. God only knows what they'd do with it. What if they turned on his organization? Destroying everything he's worked for after so many years. What then? He wasn't going back. No. Not all the way down at the bottom. Harkin turned his chair to look out the enormous window he had. So big, it was basically just a glass wall. The city in clear view. It wasn't much to look at. All the lights were dim, even the brightest colors were dull. Everything drowned out by this sea. Sharks starving at every corner.
Yes.