Several disappearances and unexplained events have been registered shorty after the commercialization of an ancient statue linked to some legends from a mysterious place called "Reich der Finsternis" in eastern Germany, there is no know route leadin...
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Final planning
Three days had passed since the meeting with Commander Eberhard at the asylum. Outside, autumn painted the landscape with its melancholic hues: dry leaves in shades of gold and crimson rustled under the icy wind sweeping through the empty streets, while the damp air carried an earthy, cold scent that seeped through the windows. Since then, no one had dared to step beyond the confines of the solemn, cozy refuge where they now stayed. A fragile line separated this haven from a dimension teeming with pain, death, suffering, and destruction.
For the first time in a long while, the agents could breathe freely, share moments of camaraderie that strengthened their bonds, and momentarily forget the oppressive weight of not knowing which minute might be their last.
The days were long and filled with meticulous planning for the final strike against the Holzmanns. Thousands of souls placed their hopes in this mission, yearning for the calm that only true peace after a storm can bring.
That autumn evening, the sisters at the asylum hosted a grand banquet to honor the officers. It was their way of expressing gratitude for the agents' efforts in aiding their cause and giving the refugees a moment of respite from their harrowing experiences. For many officers, it was a rare sight to see so much food at once during their service. Despite the rustic and organic nature of the cuisine, a reflection of the humble community's resources, they enjoyed every dish with great enthusiasm.
While most agents eagerly grabbed whatever they could find on the table, Steffi approached the feast with her characteristic selectiveness. Though she wasn't picky about food during missions, when given the option, she preferred a vegetarian diet. However, she made an exception for baked goods—especially those featuring strawberries, blueberries, or nuts. Liz couldn't resist either. While chocolate remained her ultimate indulgence, she knew how scarce such luxuries were in a place like this. It puzzled her how the sisters managed to prepare such delicacies. Despite her mother's skill as a pastry chef, Liz had never shown much interest in learning her craft.
The reception also featured a concert, showcasing baroque pieces and medieval Germanic compositions that transported the audience to an almost magical realm. The sisters accompanied their dances with singing and the playing of string and wind instruments. Out-of-tune cellos echoed with a rich resonance, while the lutes wove warmth into the melodies. The celebration stretched into dusk and part of the night.
As night fell, the agents gathered to relax, setting aside the weight of their responsibilities. Conversation turned to musical tastes, with Jake predictably complaining about the sisters' choice of music. "They should've played some techno or dance. A little energy wouldn't hurt!" he quipped, grinning. His remark drew laughter from everyone but Nick, whose expression remained stoic.
The topic then shifted to hobbies. Andreas and Tobias spoke of their shared love of soccer, though they supported rival teams—Andreas was a staunch Borussia Dortmund fan, while Tobias rooted for Schalke 04. Despite the historical rivalry, their banter was friendly, and both missed watching Bundesliga matches together or playing games with fellow officers.
