Chapter 32: Interrogation
Name: Lucia Moreau
Age: 18
Birthday: 25 September
Personality: A very smiley person,
Strengths: High battle IQ, adaptable, observant, energetic
Weaknesses: Stubborn (we'll see this later), sometimes seen as too loud or energetic, tries to drag conversations out too long
Favourite things: Carnivals/festivals/anything of that kind, cooking (very horrible at it), spending time with squadmates
"Let's go!" Lars yelled, rising from his perch on the roof. Below, a family of three stirred inside, unaware of the ambush unfolding overhead.
With that, the four magic knights leapt from their positions, weapons drawn and grimoires ready. They landed with precision, surrounding the unsuspecting smugglers, cutting off any hope of retreat.
"Don't move," Zoe commanded, holding a blazing wisp of fire close to the throat of the nearest man. The kanji for "fire" glowed faintly in the air before her, casting an eerie light on her pale, determined face. "Anyone who tries to run, burns."
Lucia, standing nearby, sweatdropped. "Uh, I don't exactly think we'll be killing anyone tonight," she muttered, scratching her head sheepishly.
One of the smugglers, apparently the leader, sneered. "Like hell we're surrendering! There's four of you and twenty of us!" He barked out orders to his gang, "Spread out and take them down!"
A slow, menacing grin spread across Lars's face. His blue eyes lit up with the familiar, reckless glint that often surfaced in the heat of battle. "Fine by me, dickheads!" he taunted, lunging forward with a powerful kick that sent one of the men flying. Without missing a beat, Lars followed with a precise Telekinetic Sweep, sending another smuggler crashing into a tree with a dull thud.
The smugglers erupted into action, and all hell broke loose.
Lars faced three smugglers head-on, their weapons gleaming in the moonlight as they charged at him, clearly confident in their numbers. He chuckled, raising his hand as his grimoire flipped open beside him. "Tiefe Analyse," he whispered, activating the enhanced vision granted by Lucia's earlier High Priestess card. The smugglers' movements slowed in his perception, the faint outlines of their muscle contractions visible through his visor. Every angle, every move they were about to make, became clear to him.
As they swung at him, Lars sidestepped effortlessly, twirling his naginata in an arc and delivering a series of quick strikes, his weapon a blur as he disarmed them one by one. His grin widened as he spun low, sweeping their feet out from under them. Before the first man even hit the ground, Lars pivoted, his naginata's blade cutting through the air with expert precision, sending two more of them tumbling into the dirt.
One smuggler, the burliest of the group, managed to regain his balance and charged at Lars, his fist swinging like a hammer. But Lars was faster. He dropped low, his naginata sliding beneath the smuggler's legs and sweeping them out from under him. With one final Telekinetic Sweep, Lars sent the man crashing down, out cold. "And that's a wrap," he quipped, glancing over to see how his teammates fared.
Across the battlefield, Zoe moved like a wraith, her Ink Magic swirling around her in dark, sinuous tendrils. Her grey eyes were cold, calculating, each movement efficient and precise. She held her paintbrush like a sword, the bristles glowing faintly as she painted symbols in the air, each one igniting into sharp bursts of elemental magic.
One of the smugglers lunged at her with a heavy club, but Zoe's reaction was instantaneous. She dipped her brush and drew a quick kanji for "Stone," summoning a jagged wall of rock that shot up from the ground, blocking the attack. She spun around it, drawing the kanji for "Wind" as she swung her brush in an arc, sending a powerful gust that knocked the man off his feet, sending him crashing into two of his comrades.
Another smuggler attempted to grab her from behind, but Zoe whispered, "Camouflage," and faded into the shadows, reappearing a heartbeat later at his side. Her brush trailed a line of ink that solidified into sharp, obsidian-like spikes, grazing his arm and making him stumble back in pain.
Her expression remained calm, almost detached, as the last of her opponents fell to the ground, writhing in confusion and pain. She met Lars's glance from across the field, the two nodding at each other in silent recognition.
Taking a breath, Lucia drew her bow, knocking one of the shimmering Strength cards as she aimed at the approaching group of smugglers. With practised ease, she released the arrow, and as it streaked toward her target, it transformed into a fist of magical energy, slamming into the smuggler with stunning force and sending him reeling.
Three more smugglers charged, shouting curses as they rushed her from multiple directions. Lucia stood her ground, unfazed, drawing and releasing one Strength card after another with a calm efficiency. Each shot struck like a sledgehammer, the magical energy radiating from each card punch disorienting her opponents with the sheer impact. Her movements were fluid, each card fired seamlessly as she methodically took down her foes, her calm gaze never wavering.
One smuggler, larger and more intimidating than the others, managed to get close enough to lunge at her with a rusted sword. Without a flicker of fear, Lucia smoothly drew another card, releasing it at point-blank range. The magical fist surged forth, connecting with his chest and sending him sprawling back into his companions, creating an opening she could easily exploit.
Lucia took advantage of this, releasing another barrage of Strength cards in quick succession, her bow singing as each shot landed with precision, hitting smugglers who were attempting to regroup. They staggered back, dazed, the force of her attacks leaving them unable to organise any effective counterattack.
Amidst the fray, she spotted a smuggler creeping up behind her. Without turning, she swiftly summoned another Strength card, firing it over her shoulder. It struck the man squarely in the chest, the magic fist knocking him backward as if he'd been hit by a battering ram. Lucia glanced over her shoulder, a faint smile gracing her lips as she saw him drop his weapon in surrender.
The smugglers around her were visibly exhausted, bruised and battered from the relentless onslaught of her Strength-powered attacks. They hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances, clearly aware they stood no chance against her precision and raw power. As Lucia fired one final Strength card, the last smuggler in her line of sight fell to the ground, clutching his arm with a grimace.
With the fight won, Lucia lowered her bow, taking a deep breath and letting the Strength cards dissipate into motes of light. She glanced around, her serene demeanour betraying only the slightest satisfaction as she joined her squadmates, ready to move on to the next phase of their mission.
Amaryllis danced through the chaos with a deadly grace, her long, flowing black hair trailing behind her like a dark flame. She moved with a quiet intensity, her violet eyes gleaming as she unleashed her Poison Magic, a trail of shimmering, toxic mist following her every step. Her grimoire hovered at her side, pages glowing as she summoned a new spell.
"Poison Magic: Aconite Serpent's Embrace," she whispered, her hand extended as a large, translucent serpent of poison coiled around her arm. She directed it toward a group of smugglers who were attempting to flank her, the serpent hissing as it lunged forward, its venomous fangs sinking into their weapons, melting them into nothing.
One of the smugglers backed away, eyes wide with terror. "Stay away from me, you witch!" he cried, brandishing a rusted dagger in a desperate attempt to defend himself.
Amaryllis smirked, lifting her hand and letting the poison snake wind around her fingers. "Oh, dear," she purred. "I think it's far too late for that." She flicked her wrist, and the poison serpent shot forward, wrapping around the man's legs, immobilising him as he dropped to the ground with a strangled gasp.
Without missing a beat, Amaryllis twirled, her cloak billowing as she threw a handful of poisonous needles into the fray, each one striking with pinpoint accuracy. She was a graceful storm, moving with practised elegance, her every step a calculated strike that left her foes incapacitated and gasping.
As the smugglers began to realise the depth of their misjudgment, some of them attempted to retreat. But Lars, Lucia, Zoe, and Amaryllis closed in, their teamwork flawless and relentless. The smugglers had underestimated the magic knights, thinking their numbers alone would guarantee success. But they hadn't anticipated this level of skill, each knight fighting with the confidence of a seasoned warrior.
In the final moments, as the last of the smugglers fell or surrendered, the four knights regrouped. Lars dusted himself off, casting a smug grin at his companions. "Well, that was a good warm-up, wouldn't you say?"
Lucia rolled her eyes, though she was smiling. "You've got a funny definition of 'warm-up,' Lars."
Zoe, as usual, remained silent, though the faintest hint of satisfaction flickered in her eyes. Amaryllis sighed, casting a disdainful glance at the groaning smugglers around them.
"Well," she said, adjusting her cloak, "at least they won't be causing any more trouble tonight."
Lars knelt down, grabbing a smuggler by the scruff of his neck. "I'm taking this one back with me," he said. "Might be useful to obtain info. Any objections?"
Lucia, Zoe and Amaryllis shook their heads. "Great!" Lars said. "Now, what to do about the rest…"
"I have an idea," Lucia smiled. With that, she took out her Tarot Deck spell and drew The Empress, handing multiple cards to each Magic Knight. "If you put these on their chests, they'll be bound with vines. Then we can call in reinforcements as soon as possible."
The four magic knights got to work, and soon every smuggler was bound except the one who Lars had slung over his shoulder. "That should do the trick," Lucia said.
"Now, to take this guy to the town hall," Amaryllis said. "The mayor has an unused office where we-"
"I request that you let me and Lars handle the interrogation," Zoe said. "You should help us get reinforcements to take all these guys to somewhere where we can contain them."
Amaryllis, though confused at Zoe's motives, nodded. "I'll be on guard duty, then. I think Lucia should work on getting reinforcements, the Blue Rose base is closer to here than the Coral Peacocks base."
"So we're all in agreement," Lars said. "Then I'm going to bed. I haven't slept since yesterday."
He started to walk away, smuggler in hand, but was stopped by Zoe, who had a furious look on her face.
"Like hell you're going to bed! We have a job to do, and I need you to use Subjugation so we can interrogate him, so you're not going anywhere!" the ink mage yelled.
"Shhh," Lars said, putting a finger on Zoe's lips. "You're going to wake the locals."
Something in Lucia stirred, after seeing Lars silence Zoe by placing his finger on her lips. Was it jealousy? Whatever it was, she didn't like it.
Zoe, meanwhile, was seething.
…
Lars and Zoe walked towards the mayor's office, Lars once again sporting a sizable bump from where Zoe had hit him on his head. They entered the town hall, the giant doors of the building swinging open. It was well past midnight now, about 4am, and both Lars and Zoe were starting to show signs of fatigue.
In the dim light of the mayor's office, Lars dropped the captured smuggler into a rickety wooden chair, tying his wrists to the armrests. Zoe took her place by the door, her intense grey eyes locked onto the man with a steely focus.
"Talk," Lars commanded, his voice low and sharp.
The smuggler, bruised but still defiant, spat at his feet. "Go to hell. I'm not telling you a thing."
Lars's grin was all teeth. "Oh, you'll talk," he said, reaching into his grimoire. "Mind Magic: Subjugation."
The man's eyes widened as the spell took hold, a faint glow enveloping his head as Lars imposed his will on the smuggler's mind. His defiant expression faded, replaced by a dazed compliance. Zoe's lips quirked into a grim smile as she watched, folding her arms.
"Now, let's try this again," Lars said, his tone smoother now. "What exactly are you smuggling?"
"...Artefacts," the man replied in a flat, almost robotic voice, his gaze unfocused. "Rare magical items...ancient weapons...some cursed...and some enchanted for power."
Zoe narrowed her eyes. "Who's buying them?"
"Nobles...and a few foreign factions, like Spade. They're willing to pay more for the...riskier items."
"And where's your base?" Lars pressed, leaning closer.
"In the abandoned fort...at the edge of Eastmoor...far from the patrols…called Sablesummit," the man muttered. "We have...fifty men stationed there."
Zoe exchanged a look with Lars. "Fifty men?" she repeated, her tone low.
Lars's grin faded slightly. "More than we thought. And who's your leader?"
"A man named...Riven," the smuggler answered. "Doesn't stay with us...too paranoid. Operates from the shadows, gives orders through his contacts."
Lars nodded, absorbing the information. "Any reinforcements expected?"
"No...we're instructed to...operate independently. No outside help...Riven wants...complete secrecy."
A pause filled the room as Lars and Zoe exchanged another glance. They had what they needed.
"Good," Lars said, his voice returning to its usual cocky tone. "Now...sleep." He released the man from the spell, watching as the smuggler slumped over, unconscious.
"That went better than I expected," Zoe muttered, unfolding her arms. "Fifty men, a hidden fort...this might be more than we can handle alone."
"Then we call for backup and hit them where it hurts," Lars said, a determined edge in his voice. "We'll send word to the Coral Peacocks and whoever's closest."
…
Amaryllis stood guard over the remaining smugglers as Oda, Theresa, and Myla Fullbright arrived. Oda's expression was tight-lipped as he glanced back at Myla, who'd insisted on tagging along despite his objections.
"Really, Aunt Myla?" Oda grumbled. "I had this under control."
Myla clapped a hand on his shoulder with a grin. "Kid, you need all the backup you can get. Plus, I wanted to see what kind of mess you got yourself into this time."
Theresa chuckled, adjusting her posture. "Well, more hands are better, right? We'll need to contain these smugglers and take them to the prison." She raised her hands.
"Plant Magic: Artemis Cage!" Each smuggler was wrapped tightly in a thick vine. Oda opened a portal
Amaryllis nodded, her gaze cool as she observed Myla. "We'll take all the help we can get. These ones are already subdued, but their main force is stationed at a hidden base nearby."
…
After sending off the interrogation results to their captains and securing the captured smugglers, Lars and Lucia found themselves alone in the mayor's office, sharing a quiet moment amid the chaotic aftermath of their ambush. The room was still and dim, illuminated only by the soft glow of Lucia's grimoire as she finished sending off her final message.
Lucia sighed as she closed her grimoire, casting a quick, almost shy glance in Lars's direction. "It's a good thing we caught them when we did," she murmured, her voice softer than usual.
Lars leaned against the edge of the desk, crossing his arms with his usual relaxed smile. "Definitely. It went smoother than I thought," he replied, eyes flickering toward her in a way that was unusually focused. "I mean, I guess that's what I should expect with you around."
A faint pink brushed across Lucia's cheeks, though she tried to keep her voice steady. "I could say the same about you. You're... reliable," she said, the word coming out almost like a confession.
Lars chuckled, but the sound was softer, less cocky than usual. "Reliable? That's a new one." His gaze softened as he looked at her. "But...thanks, Lucia. And I mean that."
Lucia held his gaze for a moment, her usual calm exterior wavering slightly. "Well, it's true. And I think...I don't know if I say this enough, but it's nice knowing you're here. It feels...easier with you around." She gave him a small, genuine smile, her expression more open than he'd ever seen before.
He grinned, taking a step closer. "Then I guess I'll have to stick around to make things easier for you, huh?"
The distance between them shrank, and Lucia could feel her heart beat faster as Lars's teasing smile faded into something gentler. "It's... appreciated," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. There was something in the way he was looking at her, something almost vulnerable.
A pause lingered between them, and Lars broke the silence with a quieter tone. "Lucia... I don't always say it right, or say it at all," he murmured, his hand reaching out to brush a stray lock of her red hair back. "But...I'm glad you're here too. You're...different from everyone else. I don't know why…"
For a second, Lucia thought he might step back, return to his usual smirking self. But his hand lingered just near her cheek, his expression warm, inviting.
Lucia swallowed, feeling an unfamiliar nervousness flutter in her chest. "I think...you're different too," she replied softly, surprising herself with the openness in her words. The distance between them was almost nothing now, and the room felt smaller, more intimate.
Just as Lars's fingers grazed her cheek, footsteps echoed from down the hall. Both snapped back, Lucia tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as Lars straightened, clearing his throat.
The door swung open, revealing Zoe with her usual intense expression. She gave them a quick once-over, missing the flicker of something shared between the two. "We've got orders to regroup. Reinforcements are on their way to pick up the smugglers."
"Right!" Lars said a little too quickly, giving Lucia a sheepish smile before following Zoe out.
Lucia felt the warmth of his words linger as she followed, her heart beating just a little faster.
A/N: Did you think at the start of the story, that Lars was going to end up with Dorothy?