The time wasn't quite right.

The first opportunity was a miss. Too much risk.

But I figured if I hung around here, I would find him.

It was tiresome identifying every strange man entering the guild, but here he is.

I have spent some hours working up a ladder of faces. As I expected in a town like this, the first incident was investigated quite rapidly, even though it was in the slums. That did make it easy to ambush a dozy patrolman on the scene, and then a drunk mercenary in a dive of a pub causing a scene, who could be 'escorted' out to jail. I was even thanked for it.

My breath still reeks. My personal hygiene is currently almost intolerable again. Taking faces takes their owners characteristics. One of the problems of this power.

But also, sometimes a boon, as in this case. People are ignoring me, and even expect 'Isaac' to be a waste of space. The fragmented memories indicate him to be stuck at 'D' rank forever due to his cowardice. Not very trusted by the mercenary’s guild. Pretty crap axe user. No real skill I can even take advantage of. Basically, a wandering idiot that got lucky with gambling a few months back and is draining his purse after that.

I dumped his body in the sea along with the face of 'Laz', the robber who was in the foolish group that attempted to attack me. I should have a few more days before he is linked to the others, especially with how furiously the guard is chasing 'Timothy' the watchman’s faceless corpse that I left in the noble district last night. A murder in such a place is a great embarrassment to their profession, especially of one their own. And it will draw away resources from shadier areas where I can stay if need arises.

I just need to be cautious when further faces are taken. Eventually some report might incorrectly link Isaac to Timothy's death, if their investigation has even a sliver of competence, which is probably my time limit with this face.

I suppose I could have attacked right then. But the time wasn't right.

I need to be careful to avoid his own identification, which is weaker than a true demon's, but still worrying. I wonder how he learnt it? Probably a slip up from one of the sleeper agents.

If I revealed myself here, the guise of Isaac would slip off. I would have to deal with all of his girls, and likely all the fools here. I am confident in my own ability, but that is quite alot to bite off at once. One mistake and...

Just how did he attract such apparently loyal women? There's also new ones not in the agents report as well. What a bunch of whores.

The skull of a skullbeast was a surprise as well. As is the Void archer girl. A strange rarity among humans to attract those spirits. The hateful Sage of Thunder that presumably slew Kerkyon is also with them.

He doesn't have much metal I can use. Even the damn breastplate is proud of its duty. Honourable knights in its past? Glad to be of service to a new hero? Hogwash. Stabbing him to death with his own metal is not an option here. Frustrating.

Perhaps I should send a supplementary report to my lord immediately. Though I at first figured this to be an easy assignment, I can perhaps understand his moderate concern.

I have a few days at least, as I heard they will be staying.

I should gather information and seek some guidance before I make a strike.

I need to cautiously follow as well. The senses of his party are top notch, especially his Assassin. I can recognise someone in my trade. And a non-fatal strike can likely be dealt with by the blonde light spirit wenches. How troublesome.

I involuntarily let out a groan, but everyone ignores me, assuming me to be feeling the effects of my sixth pint of cheap human beer.

Ha! Like that swill would even touch my toxin resistance. I rise and pretend to stagger out the building so I can make my report.

But one cannot deny the usefulness of this disguise.

I plan my next move. Soon he will vulnerable.

It's always a waiting game.

So, I shall wait.