OFFICIAL MAGIC ERADICATION GUARD DECEASED SUBJECT NOTIFICATION
TO: Isaac Cauldon, Citizen ID 5543- Brudora Palace FROM: Magic Eradication Guard Command, Sector 7 SUBJECT: Processing of Next of Kin Notification (Casualty: Jonathan Jobs) DATE: October 28, 2025
STATUS REPORT: JONATHAN JOBS (RELATIVE, COUSIN)
This document confirms the final termination of Jonathan Jobs, recorded at approximately 23:45 hours during an authorized containment procedure.
Circumstance of Demise: The subject, Jonathan Jobs, is classified as an instance of acceptable collateral damage. The incident occurred within the immediate vicinity of an active engagement zone focused on the apprehension of the high-priority threat entity designated Crimson (Infamous Witch classification). Mr. Jobs was caught in the crossfire and was unable to adhere to perimeter safety mandates.
Official Stance: Per mandated operational protocols, the Magic Eradication Guard acknowledges the necessity of transmitting a formal statement of regret regarding this termination event.
Forward Action: Data point acquisition regarding Mr. Jobs is complete and permanently archived. Our primary operational directive remains the immediate neutralization and capture of Crimson. This objective will be secured with maximum prejudice, ensuring no further disruption to state security occurs.
MAGIC ERADICATION GUARD: LOYALTY. DUTY. EFFICIENCY.
Isaac tossed the letter down onto the table, in front of his stepfather, Nicholas. "John is dead. Killed by Crimson." Isaac ran his fingers through his hair, rubbing his head. Crimson had been reported of killing off 2 of the people after him on the list. "With Anthony and Penelope gone, we only have two more options on the list."
"Only one is acceptable." Nicholas stared into Isaac's eyes as silence fell over the table.
"...Me." Isaac sighed.
"The initial plan." Nicholas corrected.
"...And… Daniel isn't an option." Isaac put his head in his hands. They had been working on this plan for years, and yet all of the ideal candidates had been killed by natural causes or Crimson. A rebel witch that had been a problem even before he was born. First duke Lowell and now Johnathan. The only other option was his brother, and Nicholas had made it clear that was the last resort. And Isaac agreed. He could never put that weight on Daniel.
"No. Your brother is too-" Nicholas scowled, stopping before he insulted Daniel.
"I know. Weak. Soft. You've made it clear." Isaac felt the words burning into his tongue. He hated talking ill about his brother. If it wasn't true. His brother didn't have the guts to do what needed to be done. His brother… Well, he was just like the king. He believed the Brundai woods should be left alone. But at least he saw how the ban on magic was necessary. That delusional king, however… "...I want to hunt her down."
"What?" Nicholas's head whipped up to look at him. "YOU want to hunt down CRIMSON?! What stupid idea gave you that?!"
"Do you really think these murders are accidental?! I think she knows what we're planning. She's probably watching us right now!" Isaac looked around the room, now paranoid. "Plus, wouldn't it look really good if I brought back a criminal dead or alive? Especially one with a 94829 golden bounty. Rainy day money, and it'll get the king on both of our sides."
Nicholas sighed. "And what if she kills you?" He inquired as they both began walking to the armory.
"She won't. I won't even let her see me. I've been training since I was old enough to hold a sword." Isaac assured him. "I'll tell Daniel I'm out hunting for trolls. I'll bring the new crossbow we've been testing. The nullifier? I've been itching to try it out."
"Are you sure? The times we tested it the absorption canister broke or just exploded." Nicholas warned as they reached the door.
Isaac pushed the doors open, walking to the testing storage."It'll be fine. I have confidence in your design. Besides," He picked up the nullifying crossbow. It was made of wood from the Brundai forest tipped with metal bent with magic flame, an exception to the ban. Attached was a clear crookes tube, made with tempered glass. Inside it was pure mana, blue and glowing as it swirled around the coil of wire inside. "It's still a crossbow. Got any other attachments?" Isaac asked as he took out the tube and put an empty one in.
"None that have proven to work. And Isaac?" Nicholas called as Isaac walked to the door. Isaac turned, looking back at him. "Don't. Die. You are the last option, and the kingdom can't lose you."
Isaac nodded, leaving the armory. He wandered the palace to his room. The king had allowed his father and kin to stay in the palace. As Isaac packed a backpack with clothes, bread and jerky, his mind was racing. What if he did die? Crimson was powerful. Too powerful. Click. Isaac didn't have to turn around to know Daniel came into the room. He slipped on a smile, turning to look. "Hey bro!" He punched his arm softly.
"Where are you going?" Daniel asked, looking at his packed backpack.
"The Brundai woods. I'm going to hunt some trolls. Give the king some of their meat, you know how much he likes the taste." Isaac answered as he folded some clothes.
"That's a lot of clothes for a trip that takes 3 days." Daniel noted. He was already suspicious.
"Well you can never be too prepared! I even asked Nicholas if I could test a few weapons on them." Isaac flashed another smile as he stuffed his clothes in the backpack… Something was up. Daniel wasn't acting as cheery as he usually was. "Is… Something wrong?"
Daniel sighed, sitting on his bed. "That's what I want to ask you little bro. You've been acting weird lately. I know you and John were close, but-"
"Who told you he died?" Isaac asked, the hair on his neck standing up.
"I saw his body." Daniel answered. "He was shot with an arrow."
Isaac paused his packing. An arrow? Why would Crimson use an arrow? Why not something more extravagant like a fire spell or a poison that burned him from the inside. "Oh… Yeah, it's been tough. But I'll be okay Danny."
Daniel stood up, putting his hands on Isaac's shoulders. "Don't hide your feelings Isaac. We're brothers. I've been here for you since you were born, since mom died and since Nicholas got the advisor position. And I'm here for you now. I get it if you don't want to talk about it right now, but don't be afraid to reach out to me if you need it."
Isaac had to keep himself from sighing. He needed his brother's support now more than ever, but not for the reason Daniel thought. Not because Johnathan died, because his death meant Isaac had to complete the task. A task that if Daniel knew Isaac was responsible for, he would take all those words back. "I'll be okay dude. Promise."
Daniel smiled before locking Isaac in a headlock and noogie-ing him. "Now take a shower, you smell like the slums!"
"Hey! No fair!" Isaac struggled with a laugh, trying to squirm his head out. "Come on bro, I need to pack!"
Daniel released him with that loud belly laugh he always did. "Alright, alright. C'mon, I'll help you grab a dagger or two."
Isaac followed his older brother down the hallway, and for a fleeting moment, he forgot that he was supposed to be the one to kill the king.