Noah

Once out of the mansion, we headed towards the first house—the one closest to where we were. Even before Mr. Enzo informed us of the homes we had to go to, I was already worried that this one would be one of them.

After walking for five minutes, we reached our first destination. The home in question is even smaller than my house and much more neglected. The wood looks rotten, and it has broken windows. It was a far cry from the luxurious mansion we had just left behind. The only resident of the house was a man of an age similar to Mr. Enzo, and if I remember correctly, his name is Noah. He was known for his unkempt appearance and constant drunkenness. Noah is usually seen roaming the streets looking dirty and drunk.

As we approached the door, Amelia knocked loudly and called out his name, but there was no response.

"Do you think he's not home, Darx?" Amelia asked me, looking disappointed.

"I'm not sure..."

The house is so tiny that it is impossible not to hear if someone is outside. As Amelia and I exchanged perplexed glances, I caught sight of a small, shattered window. Peering through the glass, I was met with a dirty room with broken bottles everywhere and Noah lying motionless on the floor. No matter how much I screamed his name, he remained unresponsive. The question lingered in my mind - was he dead?

"Darx, I think we should go in there and ensure he's okay," Amelia said, looking concerned.

"I agree."

As I approached the door, I noticed that there was no lock on it. Upon entering, I was hit with a pungent odor that made me question how anyone could tolerate being in this place for more than a few minutes. The smell was so overpowering that it momentarily distracted me from my purpose there. However, I quickly regained my focus when I saw Amelia running towards Noah's direction to check on his condition.

"Noah, can you hear me? Please respond." Amelia was asking with an anguished semblance. "Darx, I think we need to call for help. He is not moving."

As Amelia was preparing to cast healing magic, Noah began to move while making sounds that seemed more like groans.

"AH!? Noah, are you alright? Do you need me to ask for help?"Amelia asks with a face of anguish.

"Uh? W-What...? WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY HOUSE? GET OUT!!!

Ehh???

With the same shocked face that I had, Amelia was the first to respond.

"We just walked in to make sure you were okay."

"I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP! GET OUT!!!"

The drastic change stumped me for a moment. The man who a few seconds ago I believed was dead is now enraged, yelling at us. And the situation only seems to worsen when I notice him grabbing a broken bottle and pointing it at Amelia. Instinctively, I grabbed Amelia's hand and pulled her behind me.

"Take it easy; we're leaving. We just came by for an errand from Mr. Enzo." I answered.

"...E-Enzo. Did you say... Enzo...!?" Noah said, having a shocked expression.

After the initial outburst, a tense silence hung in the air. The man's demeanor seemed to shift once more as if a switch had been flipped within him. His grip on the broken bottle loosened, and it clattered to the ground. His eyes, once wild with anger, were now fixated on the earth beneath his feet. It was a subtle change but somehow even more unsettling than before. The air around him seemed to crackle with an unspoken danger, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease settle over me. What was he thinking? What was he planning? I didn't dare to speak, afraid of what might set him off again.

"He destroyed my life and stole my wife... Never say his name in my presence again... Never...!" Noah said calmly while raising his head, keeping his gaze directed at me. His eye at that moment gave me chills.

"Okay... We are leaving." I reply.

Once again, I pulled Amelia's hand, and we headed for the door. Noah didn't say anything else, and before leaving, I took a quick look at Noah just standing looking at the floor in the dark room.

We walked far away from there before stopping and said something.

"Are you okay, Amelia?" I asked her.

"I'm shaking a little, but I'm fine. I figured we'd have a little trouble with Noah, but I didn't think it would be that bad."

"So much trouble, and we didn't get the money..." I said while exhaling.

"Darx, do you think what Noah said is true? That Mr.Enzo destroyed his life and stole his wife." Amelia asked me, looking dazed.

"Who knows... I didn't even know that Noah was married. I can try to ask my mother later."

"Yeah, it's hard to tell if he's telling the truth or if he was lying. It's getting late; let's go to the next house. I don't want to leave Oliver waiting." Amelia said.

"Ok."

"Can you carry me?" Amelia suddenly asked.

"What!! You are not a kid anymore, Amelia."

"Why not? You used to do it all the time." Amelia said playfully with a big smile.

"My answer is still no!"

"Humm..!!" Amelia pouted. But when I started walking, she got behind me and jumped on my back without warning.

"Yeyy, horse ride!!!"

"Auchh..!! N-Not fair."

Next is the house of Emma and Mia, and I don't think it will be any easier.