3rd person pov
After Tiona finished showing Akira around Rivira, the two decided to head back toward where the rest of the Loki Familia had been. But as they made their way through the cobbled streets, they noticed a crowd gathering near the center of the city.
Akira: “That’s... unusual. I wonder what’s going on?”
He subtly shifted his position to get a better look, his tone calm but alert.
Adventurer (from the crowd): “I heard there was a murder at the inn!”
The moment those words reached him, Akira’s expression shifted. His relaxed eyes sharpened as he lowered his gaze slightly.
Akira (thoughts): “So... it’s starting now.”
Tiona: “Come on, Aki — let’s check it out!”
Akira: “Yeah. Let’s go.”
The two headed toward the inn, their pace quickening. As they neared it, they spotted the Loki Familia already standing in front of the entrance, their expressions serious.
Akira stepped forward and addressed Finn.
Akira: “What happened?”
Finn: “An adventurer was found dead inside one of the rooms. And... his face was taken.”
That made Akira pause for a moment. His brows furrowed slightly.
Akira: “Hearing it through a screen was one thing... but seeing it unfold in front of me — it's different.”
He glanced at the inn, quiet for a moment.
Akira: “So… what’s the next step?”
Finn: “We’re organizing a search to track the killer down.”
Akira: “Makes sense... but how exactly are we planning to do that?”
Before Finn could answer, a voice bellowed from the crowd:
Bors: “We’re gonna do a full body check! Especially the girls — gotta inspect their chests!”
Akira turned slowly, expression unchanged, and glanced over his shoulder at the source of the comment. Then he looked back to Finn with an arched brow.
Finn sighed and gave a reluctant nod.
Akira: ...Deadpan stare.
Timeskip
Later that evening, nearly every adventurer in Rivira had gathered to assist in the manhunt. Tension buzzed in the air like a charged wire. While the Loki Familia took point, Akira kept his distance, observing quietly from the shadows.
Then, he noticed something.
A single figure slipping quietly away from the gathering. Smooth, too smooth — like they didn’t want to be seen.
Akira’s eyes narrowed slightly. He glanced back and noticed Ais had caught his gaze. They exchanged a brief nod before they both moved — silently and swiftly, like shadows.
Scene change
The suspect’s footsteps echoed through a quiet alley as she sprinted, desperation in every motion.
?? (thoughts): “Where did the other one go—?”
Before she could finish the thought, Ais dropped down directly in front of her, blade drawn but lowered, eyes cold and steady. The girl stumbled to a halt, trembling.
Her knees gave out and she collapsed to the ground, fear overtaking her.
Akira stepped up behind her, his voice calm and clear.
