30. Closing the Door Too Hard

In the inn’s garden, Jason tests simple yes-no motions with a lone leech and decides to name his familiar Colin. Gary and Farrah arrive, reporting they searched a desert cabin and cave linked to their quarry.

Inside, Rufus slams a door and storms upstairs. Farrah reveals Anisa killed the man at the cabin before he could speak, which enrages Rufus because he wanted to learn how their team had been compromised. Over fruit punch, Gary and Farrah explain their origins in Vitesse, where stronger monsters force strict teamwork, and how Rufus bears heavy self-imposed responsibility.

Jason suggests suspicion toward Anisa’s actions during their capture, noting coincidences and her timely solo escape, while admitting his bias. Gary and Farrah remain unconvinced but agree to stay alert.

Anisa confronts Jason in the courtyard, furious at the town praising him and alarmed by the leech on his shoulder. She moves to destroy it, but Gary restrains her. Jason recalls the leech into his bloodstream as Rufus arrives.

When Anisa demands Jason be purged as tainted, Rufus declares the collaboration over—not because of Jason, but due to Anisa’s disregard for orders and team safety. Calling trust paramount, Rufus expels her. Anisa denounces them and leaves, slamming the door as the team anticipates consequences.