"Are you here with the item?"
The dwarf asked, his deep voice carrying the rough edge of someone used to giving orders. His sharp gaze stayed fixed on Ash, who was scanning the surroundings with clear vigilance, his body poised as if ready to fight an invisible enemy lurking nearby.
Hearing his question, Ash turned to meet the dwarf's eyes and answered plainly, "Yes, I have it."
Ash was not in the mood for formalities right now. His body was already on edge, every sense straining under the weight of the oppressive air. Even if someone hurled insults at him, he doubted he would care enough to respond. Right now, his focus was on staying alert.
"I'm one o' the captains o' the security team. I'll be guidin' ye to Saint Kolin. Ye won't be havin' a problem with that, aye?" The dwarf's tone was steady, but there was a faint challenge hidden beneath the politeness, as if daring Ash to disagree.
Hearing the words, Ash replied without hesitation, "None."
"Follow me then."
