Loki stood in the dim light of the workshop, his body still humming with the raw energy coursing through his veins. Every sense felt heightened—the crackle of the alchemical fire in the corner, the faint creak of the wooden floor beneath his feet, even the subtle shifts in Selena's breathing. He flexed his fingers, noting how his movements felt both familiar and alien.
"How do you feel?" Selena asked, her voice cautious.
Loki gave her a sly grin. "Like the world just became a little smaller."
"That's not an answer," she said, her arms still crossed as she watched him. "What's changed?"
Loki turned toward a shelf filled with dusty vials and random trinkets. He picked up a coin-sized glass orb and rolled it in his palm. As he focused, the orb shimmered and seemed to vanish. Selena tensed.
"Where did it go?" she demanded.
Loki held up his empty palm, smirking. "Right here. Or is it?"
Selena stepped forward, her dagger half-drawn. "Loki, enough games."
He laughed and snapped his fingers, making the orb reappear. "Relax, Selena. It's just a minor illusion. Nothing dangerous. Yet."
Selena exhaled sharply, sliding her dagger back into its sheath. "You're going to get yourself killed showing off like that."
"Probably," Loki admitted, tossing the orb back onto the shelf. "But at least I'll have fun doing it."
The humor in his voice belied the seriousness of what he was feeling. The Sequence 9 abilities had awakened something in him—a knack for sleight of hand and misdirection that now felt as natural as breathing. He was faster, sharper, more attuned to opportunities for trickery.
"We need to test your abilities," Selena said, breaking the momentary silence. "See what else you can do."
Loki raised an eyebrow. "What did you have in mind?"
She motioned toward the door. "There's a merchant in the south quarter—a dangerous one. He's been smuggling relics from the old families and selling them to the highest bidder. If you're serious about this path, let's see how well you can deceive him."
Loki tilted his head, intrigued. "And what's your angle in this?"
"He's holding a relic I need," Selena admitted. "It's been tied to my family for generations. If you're as good as you think you are, you'll help me get it back."
Loki's grin widened. "A test and a heist? You really know how to win a Trickster's heart."
Selena didn't smile. "Just don't get us both killed."
The south quarter was alive with noise and chaos. Merchants shouted their wares, children darted between stalls, and the scent of spices mixed with the stench of the canals. Loki and Selena moved through the crowd, their hoods pulled low.
"The merchant's name is Garrik," Selena said as they approached a shadowy alley. "He runs his business out of that warehouse. Don't underestimate him."
Loki peered at the building. It was heavily guarded, with two burly men stationed at the entrance. "What's the plan?"
"You're the Trickster," Selena replied. "Figure it out."
Loki gave her a mock salute. "As you wish."
With a flick of his wrist, he produced a coin and began flipping it idly as he strolled toward the guards. The faint glimmer of confidence in his step was enough to make them hesitate.
"Who are you?" one of them demanded, gripping his weapon.
Loki stopped, his grin widening. "Garrik sent for me. He didn't tell you? Typical."
The guards exchanged a glance, uncertain. Loki leaned closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Do you really want to be the ones who tell him you turned away his guest?"
The hesitation was all he needed. With a subtle gesture, he cast a minor illusion, making it appear as though a shadowy figure stood just behind him. The guards stepped back, unease written across their faces.
"Go on in," one of them muttered.
Loki winked as he passed. "Much appreciated."
Inside, the warehouse was dimly lit, its interior crammed with crates and barrels. Strange relics were scattered across tables: ancient blades, glowing orbs, and scrolls marked with indecipherable runes. At the center of the chaos stood Garrik, a rotund man draped in silks that barely contained his bulk. His sharp eyes flicked toward Loki as he entered.
"Who in the Void are you?" Garrik demanded, his voice rough.
"Your salvation," Loki replied smoothly, sauntering closer. "Or your ruin. Depends on your mood."
Garrik's brow furrowed. "I don't have time for games. Speak your business."
Loki's grin widened as he reached into his coat and pulled out a small, glittering trinket—an illusion he had conjured moments before. It shimmered with an unnatural light, catching Garrik's greedy gaze.
"This," Loki began, holding the trinket between two fingers, "is a fragment of the Everflame. Priceless. Dangerous. And yours, if we can come to an agreement."
Garrik's suspicion warred with his avarice. "What's the catch?"
"Simple," Loki said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You give me the relic you acquired last week—the one you've been hiding from your buyers."
Garrik's expression darkened. "And why would I do that?"
Loki chuckled, leaning closer. "Because if you don't, word might get out that you've been holding back your best goods. I doubt your buyers would be pleased."
Garrik's eyes narrowed. "You're bluffing."
"Am I?" Loki countered, his tone light. He snapped his fingers, and the illusion shimmered, expanding into the shape of a fiery phoenix that flapped its wings, filling the room with an intense glow.
The guards by the door cursed, shielding their eyes. Garrik stumbled back, sweat beading on his forehead. "Stop!" he barked. "Fine. Take the damn relic."
Loki snapped his fingers again, dispelling the illusion. He stepped forward as Garrik gestured to a small chest on the table. Inside was a polished silver amulet, its surface etched with intricate designs that seemed to shift under the light.
"Pleasure doing business," Loki said, pocketing the amulet.
Garrik glared at him, his fists clenched. "If I find out you tricked me—"
"You won't," Loki interrupted, already heading for the exit. "But good luck trying."
Outside, Selena was waiting in the shadows. Her eyes flicked to the amulet as Loki handed it to her.
"That was faster than I expected," she said, inspecting the relic.
"What can I say? I have a way with people," Loki replied.
Selena's expression softened, just slightly. "Maybe you really are suited for this path."
Loki smirked, adjusting his coat. "Oh, I'm just getting started."
As they disappeared into the maze of Carcera's streets, the faint sound of Garrik's curses followed them, a reminder of the chaos Loki was already leaving in his wake.