[So uh, I guess finders keepers on that ring then?]

It repeatedly rang out in his head. The regret of being a helpless spectator prevented him from responding to Vissitri's blithe commentary. The sad reality was, it had all happened so quickly. Besides that, Natalie had just been killed alongside a dump truck's worth of [Goblins], how could she or the Clawbreakers rest easy knowing that? Fortunately, what he feared the most hadn't actually happened. Every member of the party was still alive, with the exception of Natalie. It only appeared that way because of all the blood, guts, and organs that covered them from head to toe.

For all the strength and training he had, he could do nothing but watch the powerful ruin another life. Not only that, but the powerful ruin came from someone he was as close to calling a friend as anyone on Whorrl.

"What the hell! Natalie and those goblins couldn't even hurt you if they tried, so why didn't you just stop!"

The remaining members of the Clawbreakers jolted a bit from within their traumatized shells. Fear, disgust, and potent shock still showed beneath their featureless faces. It was deep within their eyes, and at that moment Quintin knew nothing he said could help console or calm their wounded hearts. Down here, only kill or be killed persisted, as such, no man-made laws could help them except the ones they implemented by their own inglorious dealing.

Quintin became keenly aware that in order to stop any more deaths from happening, he needed to shelve his frustrations. The outburst had done much to bring back his former level-headedness, but the current picture being painted was one of a potential fight.

[Vissitri, we gotta go before they do something rash. Right now, while they're still reeling from shock and fear. If you care about me or what my master said at all, put that ring and whatever else you stole from them somewhere clean. Do it non-aggressively, and go.]

As much as Vissitri had some questionable inclinations, it was a relief for Quintin to see him understand the gravity of what had been said. With little more than a slight nod, the killer fluffball placed some items in a dry area and high-tailed it away. Quintin turned to follow after, but his footsteps faltered when Hiks spoke to him in a barely audible tone.

"I want you to know. Natalie wasn't faultless, but she was a good girl and you killed her. I did too for trusting you, and I'll pay for that in my own way. Don't think this is the end of it, for you or your green friend."

Quintin opened and closed his mouth, before resolving to turn away without a further explanation. This wasn't the time nor place. Though if a time ever did come, he'd certainly give Hiks a proper answer; whether by word, deed, or fists alone.

With nothing further left to say, Quintin sprang to life in the direction of Vissitri's retreat.

+***+

All was silent as they made their way up the path, away from the goblin plastered architecture. Quintin's tolerance for this place was empty, and everything he wanted became to leave before another creature awoke from its fate-bred slumber.

Quintin no longer had the taste for short-order nonsense, such as finding Hedon's necromantic tome at the ruins outskirt. Even berating Vissitri grew more and more undesirable to him. Images of freedom from this unsavory piece of downfall and corruption filled him to the brim. It began to seem as though no matter where he was or what he did, Misery found his location and licked its lips. Much like Cramie before, this new predator secretly crept in and sank a borrowed fang into his flesh. The significance of this place was no different than a curse of biting.

"Screw this place, I'm leaving," Quintin spoke through gritted teeth.

[Oh- A little upset are we, Quintin? Si-Si]

Of course, the fluffy murder machine was right, as irritating as that may be to admit. This place had broken and repaired him more times in a few months, than all the years of his dedicated experience combined. Yet, even so, he was powerless to push for a better outcome; how could he not be upset?

"That's rich coming from a pitiless murderer. Must be nice to kill with one paw, while laughing into the other!"

[You do know I have four of those, right—shall I tell you what I do with the other two?]

Vissitri's eyes took on a mischievous glint, bent by vicious counsel.

[Si-Si-Si. I kick know-nothing idiots to their ass with those two!]

Quintin could only let out a grunt of surprise when a weighty force crashed into his upper back. It had all the power of ten stampeding horses, and the trample damage to match. The dry thud made his bones crackle and pop as he went sky-high through the airspace. Like a boulder thrown by a callous giant, there was little to do but brace under the shadow of impact. No sooner did he tuck himself into a ball, than he came to an abrupt stop before hitting an ancient stone structure ahead.

[Incoming:

1. {WEAK}Special Kick

2. {SPELL}Barrier Stop

...

1. -300[HP] {BLUNT}damage.

2. 0[HP] damage.

...

HP: 237/537

...

Status:

{Mind Down}

{Barrier Stop}

...]

His labored exhale made the dust rise up off the Cobblerite structure; it went a mile to show how close to death he came. If he really had hit the wall at that speed, and with that much force—forget living, there wouldn't even be enough left to identify him as a human after.

"Vissitri! What the hell was that for!? I could've died!"

Needless to say, there was not only frustration at being used as a living home run ball, but also a growing distaste for Vissitri's flippant demeanor. He had just reunited with the emerald-color demon, and already he was regretting the experience.

[Hmph! As if I, mighty Vissitri, would let you die. Besides, didn't that experience just now show you my level of control? I never kill without reason. As for that girl... there were plenty of reasons for her to die.]