Morning in Kalinski Manor, Sucura's Room
Sucura had just finished changing into adventurer's attire, following a lengthy and invigorating bath. With an air of composure, he traversed the room, the plush carpet beneath his feet muffling the sound of his footsteps.
As he approached his desk, he couldn't help but steal a glance at his reflection in the ornate mirror that hung on the wall. Satisfied with his appearance, he settled into the plush leather chair behind the desk.
His gaze was immediately drawn to the intricate map that lay sprawled across the polished wooden surface. The map was a testament to the artist's skill, with painstakingly detailed topography and beautifully rendered landmarks.
As Sucura's eyes meticulously scanned the parchment, they abruptly widened in sheer disbelief. The staggering revelation before him was so profound that he couldn't help but exclaim loudly, "What the fuck?"
Sucura closed his eyes for a few seconds before reopening them. He rubbed his eyes and narrowed his gaze upon the map, yet nothing had changed.
With a tone of disbelief, he muttered, "Vyn has departed from the Kingdom of Daichetus."
After contemplating the situation for several minutes, Sucura continued, his voice laced with suspicion, "Could it be that he's lying in wait, biding his time in a concealed encampment just beyond the Kingdom's borders?"
His gaze was irresistibly drawn to the small, luminous orb that glowed on the map. Dismissing the notion with a decisive shake of his head, he deduced, "No, his intended destination lies in the diametrically opposed direction of the Accursed Forest, within the desolate and forsaken expanse of the Decayed Flatlands."
With a furrowed brow, he pressed his fingertips against both temples, his gaze fixated on the ceiling as he calmly pondered, "Is this a mere diversion, or are these his true anomalies?"
He continued, "What could he possibly be seeking in that desolate, perilous desert? If I recall correctly from Event III, he was meant to journey to another kingdom, not to this forsaken place."
Reluctantly, he shifted his attention back to the map sprawled before him, releasing a heavy, burdened sigh. "I am at a loss," he admitted, "I simply cannot decipher his intentions."
A sudden knock resounded from his chamber door, and a woman's voice announced from the other side, "The Grandmaster's retainer awaits you in the living room, bearing the item you requested."
With that, her footsteps receded down the hallway.
Sucura pondered his predicament with a contemplative air, reflecting, 'One might assume that I should be content in these circumstances, yet it is of paramount importance to maintain a state of vigilance and preparedness for any unexpected occurrences, even after that man takes his leave.'
With an air of serene composure, he rose from his seat and gracefully exited his room.
***
Kalinski Manor, In the Living Room
Sucura stood poised and composed, facing a man who appeared to be in his mid thirties. This enigmatic figure exuded an air of frigid detachment, his icy brown eyes framed by a well groomed beard. He held a small, intricate black case before him, as if it were a precious artifact.
[Lvl. 64]
In the distance, the imposing figure of Kalinski looms, with Yara standing behind him, her expression unreadable. Meanwhile, Nicolette sits nearby, exuding an air of elegance and poise.
"My name is Preston," the man declared, extending a formal introduction. "I serve as a trusted retainer to the esteemed Grandmaster. I have been dispatched to engage in discourse regarding the intricacies of the pact you have proposed to him."
With a measured nod of acknowledgment, Sucura inquired, "What actions must I undertake to proceed?"
"This document serves as a binding letter of agreement," Preston elucidated, presenting the parchment to Sucura with a flourish. "All that is required of you is to channel your mana into the letter, thereby solidifying the arrangement and ensuring its irrevocable nature."
With meticulous attention, Sucura perused the contents of the missive. He devoted several minutes to scrutinizing the text, ensuring he had grasped its full meaning.
Once satisfied, he focused his mana, channeling it into the parchment with precision. The letter responded by emitting a brilliant azure luminescence, which, in a fleeting instant, vanished into the ether.
Sucura experienced an ethereal surge of mana coursing through his body, momentarily causing a mild sensation of discomfort before it dissipated into nothingness.
Having completed the ritual, he handed the letter back to Preston, who, in turn, presented him with an exquisitely crafted small black case.
Preston inclined his head slightly towards Kalinski, his voice icy yet poised as he spoke, "I shall take my leave now, Mr. Gavin Kalinski."
With a barely perceptible nod, Kalinski acknowledged Preston's departure. He then subtly gestured for Yara to accompany him as they made their way towards the entrance of the manor.
Sucura carefully placed the black case into the dimensional ring. Nicolette approached her with a sense of urgency and asked, "Sucura, might we have a conversation later this evening in the garden?"
Sucura turned to face Nicolette, offering her a warm, genuine smile. "Of course, Nicolette,"
A blush of crimson hue spread across Nicolette's ears as she spoke meekly, "I'll be waiting for you there."
Kalinski, discreetly observing the interaction between the two, experienced an involuntary twitch at the corner of his lips. His gaze shifted towards Sucura, his expression indecipherable.
Perceiving the penetrating intensity of Master Kalinski's gaze, Sucura managed to maintain a composed demeanor and addressed him with the utmost respect. "Master Kalinski, I shall be heading to the marketplace to make a few purchases."
Kalinski's eyes lingered on Sucura for a few moments, his enigmatic expression inscrutable. With a resigned sigh, he offered a subtle nod of approval.
***
As Sucura strode confidently down the street, his face concealed by a half-mask and an obscuring towel, he couldn't shake the subtle sensation that pricked at his senses. 'Could someone be tailing me?' he pondered.
Deciding that it was best to blend in with the bustling crowd, he mused, 'Only a fool would venture into a narrow alleyway without knowing their adversary or possessing the strength to confront them.'
Upon catching sight of the elegant insignia adorning the entrance to the Magic Shop, he gracefully stepped inside.
The moment he crossed the threshold, he was greeted by a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors that seemed to dance before his eyes.
Meticulously arranged tomes lined the shelves, their spines adorned with intricate magical patterns that hinted at the secrets they contained.
The walls themselves were embellished with mesmerizing designs, weaving a tapestry of enchantment throughout the space.
A plush, red carpet cushioned his footsteps as he moved further into the store, where groups of patrons engaged in lively conversations, their voices mingling with the soft rustle of turning pages and the faint hum of arcane energy.
Sucura approached the counter with a composed demeanor and inquired, "How much for the Blazing Fire Lamp?"
The male receptionist cast a brief glance at him and offered a welcoming smile. "That would be 20 gold dai coins," he responded amiably.
Unwavering, Sucura replied with composure, "I'll purchase it."
Upon finalizing the transaction, Sucura permitted his eyes to leisurely explore the shop, absorbing the intricate details of his environment while he pondered his present predicament and devised a well considered strategy.
After a brief, contemplative silence, he gracefully exited the establishment, only to be greeted by the potent scent of a rich liquor. Almost instinctively, his gaze was drawn to the origin of the alluring fragrance.
An enigmatic figure, draped in a rich, earth-toned cloak, who had been observing him intently, gradually shifted its head to lock eyes with Sucura.
Taken aback, Sucura's eyes widened in astonishment, and he murmured softly, "Instructor Linda?"
Linda maintained a composed expression as she elegantly declared, "Follow me," before effortlessly gliding away.
Sucura, intrigued by her poise, tilted his head slightly, his eyes keenly observing her every subtle movement. With a sense of caution, he trailed behind her, maintaining a discreet distance.