HOUSE OF BRATOVIAE

Chapter 6

The coalition office,
Onyx Bay.

Following their daring escape, Riana and her companion, marked by bruises and weariness, entered the grandeur of the coalition office in Onyx Bay. Swiftly, they moved through the lavish interior, heading towards the major's office to share their discoveries.

As Major Lamia welcomed them into his office, he observed their battered appearance and inquired, "What transpired, causing you both to look so bruised?" Rania winced as she caressed a stab wound on her shoulder, explaining, "During our search, we encountered a substantial number of assailants. We managed to fight our way out and, fortunately, discovered significant clues." Zola, visibly in pain, added, "Our reliable informant informed us of Seth's residence on the upscale Blueray Street, prompting our visit to that location."

"Arriving at the location, the house exuded an unsettling emptiness. It stood as a two-story structure, I explored the lower floor diligently, leaving Rania to investigate the rooms above. In my search, a discovery sent shivers down my spine—a basement adorned with chains and shackles, resembling a prison. A box nearby harbored a powdery blue substance, emitting an acrid odor that heightened the eerie atmosphere.
From his trouser pocket, Zola extracted a petite clear plastic bag resembling a tiny purse, its zip tightly secured, cradling a mysterious blue substance within. Agent Lamia and Rania inched closer, intent on scrutinizing the material.

Examining the bag, Rania discerned the peculiar logo she had previously spotted on documents in Zola's study, now inconspicuously adorning the bag's bottom corner. "This logo matches what I found in his study," Rania noted. Zola chimed in, mentioning a similar insignia tattooed on the wrists of the masked men they had confronted earlier. With their revelations shared, both turned to Major Lamia, seeking his insight.

"I'll dispatch the strange powder to the Ecclesian Sanctum for analysis; perhaps they can unravel its mystery," Major Lamia declared, addressing the unresolved matter of the blue substance. With that matter settled, Rania proceeded to provide a detailed report on her discoveries.

Raising the brown envelope housing the documents with her left hand, she delicately placed it on the table, presenting it to the major. "I discovered this in a concealed safe in his office," she revealed. The major, adjusting his glasses, proceeded to open the envelope and arrange the contents on his desk for thorough inspection.

As they sifted through the documents, Rania's keen eyes caught a significant detail—the certificate of ownership for the Blueray Street house. Despite its registration under Seth's name, the certificate bore a different owner, identified as Isaac Bernarui. Passing the document to the major, Rania pointed out, "Sir, it appears the house wasn't Seth's. That would explain the lack of personal belongings and minimal furnishings." Zola, craning his neck for a glimpse, chimed in, "I suspect the house served as a collection center, given the prison-like basement."

Pondering Zola's observation, Rania voiced her thoughts, "There are numerous unanswered questions here. How did Seth come into possession of the house? Who is Isaac Bernarui, and what's the significance of the tattoo?" The major, looking at the agents, acknowledged the complexity. "These mysteries will shape our next missions," he stated, a tacit understanding shared among them.

As they sifted through the documents, uncovering missives from gleaners, Zola observed, "The gleaners seem to have assigned codes. This missive is from OB11, complete with an image and detailed information about a potential victim, stating they meet the requirements." Rania chimed in, "RD09's message is identical." The major, standing by the window overlooking Onyx Bay, concluded, "Our assumption was off; it's not just a criminal ring—it's an organized entity, possibly backed by a major power." Rania added, "The gleaners' codes are abbreviations for Bratovi cities, like OB for Onyx Bay and RD for Renduim.  Zola pondered, "What's the significance of the number?" Rania speculated, "Maybe there are at least 11 gleaners in Onyx Bay, with OB11 as the eleventh. It's just a guess, though.".

As they delved further into the documents, they stumbled upon receipts displaying the previously mentioned logo, associated with the buyer Isaac Bernarui. These receipts indicated that the deceased Seth had been selling figurines, suggesting that the victims were disguised as such. "Isaac Bernarui is undoubtedly a collector," affirmed Rania, with Zola nodding in agreement. The most intriguing revelation emerged from a missive received from the organization.

MeaWarld Procurement Agency
Internal Memo: Attention Merchants
Notice of revised standards for acceptable figurines. The updated criteria will be disclosed at the Grand Exhibition on the first day of the upcoming month. Effective immediately, sales will be exclusively held on Fridays at Collection Centers. Furthermore, merchants are instructed to refrain from offering damaged or marred figurines. Any further updates will be communicated accordingly.

"They weren't haphazardly selecting victims. There seems to be some twisted set of requirements. We must uncover any potential connections among their victims to gain insight into this issue," stated Zola. The major inquired, "When was this missive dispatched?" Rania replied, "It was sent a week ago, sir."

"Your visit to Seth's house yielded valuable information about the trafficking ring. I'll reach out to the Ministry of Business for detailed insights into MeaWarld Procurement Agency and their assets. Additionally, I'll investigate banks for any transactions that might lead us to more members. Your next task is to locate Isaac Bernarui and explore access to the grand exhibition. Well done, agents," the major instructed. "Thank you, sir," they replied in unison. As they prepared to leave the office after the extensive meeting, Major Lamia reminded them, "Ensure you patch yourselves up thoroughly." "We will," they assured.

As they exited, the agents engaged in conversation. "I need to meet Styx Bratoviae tonight at the Rouge. Inform Claudia to watch for men with the logo tattooed on their wrist and from the MeaWarld Procurement Agency,oh and Isaac Bernarui" Rania requested. Zola inquired, "Are you sure it's safe to meet the vampyre alone?" Rania reassured, "I'll be fine. We'll both be in the same place, and I can handle myself. Besides, I'll activate the glyph if anything goes wrong. He might provide valuable insights since his people are also victims. He seemed desperate at the Rouge." "If you say so," Zola responded.

Entering the locker room, the agents, visibly bruised and battered, found solace in the space that also served as a makeshift clinic. Poppy skillfully tended to each of their wounds. Agent Rania, exchanging her bloodstained attire, opted for a fresh outfit in preparation for her meeting with the mysterious vampyre.

Fully healed and prepared, Rania set out for the Rouge. Upon reaching the building, which showed signs of awakening though not as lively as usual, she headed to the backroom where she had conversed with Styx the previous night, patiently awaiting his arrival.