Both units had agreed that Cassian and Simon would be the ones to check out what was happening on the other side of the tunnel, while the rest would head back to report everything to the higher-ups.
The only reason the Circle Warriors were the ones going was because they at least had a chance of surviving—even if the traitor sending those rats was someone ranked above them.
"So, you're studying here in Magisteria? At one of the universities, I'm guessing?" Cassian asked as they lingered near the tunnel's edge, peeking out to check if anything—or anyone—was waiting for them.
Luckily, there was nothing but trees and grass.
"Yeah…" Simon nodded, and the two of them stepped out cautiously, eyes scanning their surroundings, alert for any sign of danger, as he continued, "and you?"
"Well, I got a job down there in the law enforcement department—special unit," Cassian said, glancing back at the narrow tunnel entrance. It was tucked into the side of a small mountain, hidden well among thick trees. Not something you'd spot unless you were specifically looking for it.
"Let's hide and see if anyone shows up…"
The two of them climbed up into the canopies of the tall trees nearby, choosing a spot that gave them a clear view of the surrounding mountains.
"So," Simon said as they settled in, "what'd you do in this special unit? Something special, I reckon…" he added with a teasing grin.
Cassian smiled and said, "Well, I only joined earlier this year. So far, I've dealt with a killer who was trying to make gods—turns out he was working for a cult. Then I fought a bunch of my own clones, plus a few others… and now I'm here."
Simon blinked, clearly surprised. "Wait… the family killer case? You were there? And that clone incident at Valtross Academy's testing site—that was you too?"
Cassian, caught off guard by the sudden outburst, gave a small nod. "Yeah…"
Simon stared at him for a second before breaking into a wide grin. "I'm sitting here with a freaking legend…"
Cassian chuckled softly, leaning back against the tree trunk. "Legend's a bit much. I just didn't die. That's all."
Simon let out a low whistle, still grinning. "Not dying sounds pretty legendary with the kind of stuff you've been dealing with."
They both fell quiet for a moment, eyes scanning the forest below. Birds chirped somewhere in the distance, but aside from that, the area was dead quiet. Too quiet.
Simon shifted slightly on the branch. "So… did you ever figure out why the killer was making gods? That cult business sounded like something way above just a madman's obsession."
Cassian's jaw tensed slightly. "Back then, we didn't have much to go on. But now that we're at war with the cult, it's clear they were trying to build an army. The clones were part of that plan too. I've got a feeling we'll be seeing them again later in the war."
Simon leaned forward a bit, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "What were they like? Is there any way to tell them apart? I mean, you can't just look at someone and go, 'Yeah, that's a clone,' right?"
Cassian shook his head slowly. "No. Physically, they look exactly like the person they're cloned from. You won't spot the difference with your eyes alone. But…"
He paused, eyes narrowing as he scanned the trees below.
"If you've opened a Domain, you can feel something's off. It's faint, but it's there. Like a dull echo where a strong presence should be. Especially if they're clones of Circle Warriors—they don't carry that same pressure, that intent. It's like their Domain is hollow."
Simon frowned. "So you've gotta be close to feel it?"
"Close or in a fight," Cassian said with a nod. "Sometimes, you won't even notice until you're trading blows. And by then… well, you better figure it out fast."
Simon let out a low breath. "Sounds risky."
Cassian's expression darkened a bit. "It is. Worst case, you kill them—and if you cut out their heart, you'll know for sure. as they are itched with runes."
Simon blinked. "You've actually done that?"
Cassian stared off into the distance. "Yeah… more than a few times. They're the reason I made it out alive. Though, I had to survive on tree bark for a month. That place was a nightmare—especially with those bony fairies roaming around."
Simon gave a small, bittersweet smile. "No wonder you're so strong after going through all that…"
Cassian glanced over. "What, you haven't been through anything like that? How else did you become a Circle Warrior?"
He looked around, missing the way Simon's expression shifted as he shook his head.
"Nah," Simon said quietly. "I broke through while sparring with my classmates in the training grounds. This is my first time in a real combat scenario… outside of academy drills."
Cassian turned to him, eyebrows raised. "And they still put you in a leadership role? No offense…"
Simon chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I know how it sounds. Wasn't exactly aiming for it. I just wanted some real experience—figured maybe it'd help me break through again."
Cassian leaned back against the tree trunk again, eyes still scanning the treeline. "Well… nothing like getting thrown into the deep end."
Simon gave a nervous laugh. "Yeah, I'm starting to feel that. The drills back at the academy didn't exactly prepare us for tunnels full of rats and cults building clone armies."
"No, they don't," Cassian said flatly. "But that's the difference between training and war. Out here, you don't get do-overs."
A breeze rustled the leaves around them, breaking the silence for a moment.
Simon let out a slow breath, then glanced over. "You talk like you've killed more than just a few people…"
Cassian shrugged, voice calm and detached. "Yeah. Back when I first broke through. Took down a lot of them. Didn't keep track—wasn't really the point. They were all cultists."
Simon glanced at Cassian, a flicker of shock in his eyes. "You didn't… feel anything? For the people you killed?"
Cassian shook his head without hesitation. "Why would I?"
Simon didn't respond right away, and Cassian continued, his voice steady and cold.
"They were cultists. Every single one of them was part of something twisted—sacrificing innocents, experimenting on people, trying to play gods. I didn't take lives… I cleaned up the mess they left behind. I did the world a favor by slicing them down."
Simon looked away, jaw tight, trying to process it. "I guess… it's just different when you haven't been there yet."
Cassian's gaze stayed on the forest. "Yeah. It is."
They sat in silence for a minute, the weight of their conversation hanging in the air. Then Simon finally spoke, voice low.
"Will it be the same for me?"
Cassian glanced over. "What do you mean?"
"The killing… will it feel the same? Like nothing? Will I just… not feel anything when I do it?" he asked, his brows drawn, expression troubled.
Cassian studied him for a moment, noticing the tension in his face—the uncertainty. He recognized that look. He'd worn it once too.
With a quiet sigh, Cassian spoke. "It's not like that. It won't be nothing. Not at first."
Simon looked at him, waiting.
"But you can make it easier on yourself," Cassian continued. "If you only kill the ones who deserve it—the truly evil ones—you don't have to carry as much guilt. You can tell yourself you're doing something right. That helps. A little."
Before Simon could fully process Cassian's words, a sudden rustling came from behind them.
Simon's eyes narrowed as he whispered, "Something's coming…"
In an instant, both of them were on high alert, senses sharp and ready.