In the dimly lit alleyway behind the bustling tavern, a figure concealed himself among the shadows, strategically positioned to eavesdrop on the conversations of the patrons inside. The scent of freshly cooked food passed through the air, intermingled with the hearty laughter and animated chatter that echoed from the open windows and cracked doorways.
Soft moonlight peeked through gaps in the adjacent buildings, casting a faint glow on the cobblestone path. The figure remained hidden, their silhouette blending seamlessly into the darkness as he leaned against the cool brick wall. His keen eyes scanned the surroundings, ensuring that they remained undetected.
From within the tavern, the faint clinking of glassware and the clatter of cutlery could be heard, accompanying the steady murmur of conversation. The sounds created a symphony of human interaction, providing an intriguing backdrop for the figure's clandestine operation. The figure was Aaron… he found a tavern quickly enough.
"I guess this kind of place should be on the borders of the central parts of the city… it makes sense," Aaron thought.
The people inside the tavern sure looked happy… even though hundreds of people died earlier protecting the city, and the rumors of a strange figure killing them all still were vivid in their minds.
"That monster still is around… can you believe that it could talk like us and even demand from our soldiers to be reasonable?"
"Tsk, what is the point of talking about that? You are making my drink taste bad now… let the soldiers and the elderly deal with that. It has nothing to do with us."
"It will soon be if that thing keeps killing our guards like today… our soldiers aren't like in the past. How did they lose two hundred of them against a single monster? The great elder showed some signs of dissatisfaction over the years, and thanks to that, I can understand now why."
Elder and great elder… some interesting terms were spoken. Aaron wondered if they were the titles of those in charge. He had hoped that the city was the right place for him to be, but since the place only had an Elder, it seemed that it wasn't the case.
Aaron waited for a while to hear more useful things, but that didn't happen. People got too drunk, and once they filled their bellies, they only did what suited them to make the atmosphere more relaxing.
Aaron also checked other taverns in the cities and confirmed that the same thing was happening everywhere… it was too late to gather intel.
While he was moving around, Aaron even found a red light district, but things were too quiet there. The woman there actually has big boobs and large asses, so it seemed that reproduced the same way. Still, they didn't have any body hair.
"I guess hair would get in the way of their camouflage skills… that should be something they developed for survival," Aaron thought.
Gathering intel like that was interesting, but it was also tiresome. Aaron could only get intel now and then… while everyone treated him like a monster, there was nothing he could do to gain their trust and change that as well.
Studying their society might help Aaron in the long run, but he had to do that while moving… he didn't have much time, after all. Once he is discovered, he will be hunted down by pretty much everyone.
Before leaving the city, Aaron decided to look around for the largest building or the most guarded one. In the end, he found the largest building, which was also the most guarded one in the middle of the city.
The mansion, constructed of sturdy stone and adorned with intricate carvings, is a symbol of wealth and power. Surrounded by a high stone wall, it exudes an air of grandeur and mystery.
Approaching the mansion, Aaron was immediately struck by the sight of dozens of guards stationed around the perimeter. Clad in heavy chainmail armor and bearing weapons such as swords, spears, and crossbows, they stand vigilant, their presence a testament to the importance of the mansion and its occupants.
Some patrol the outer walls, walking in a steady rhythm, their footsteps echoing in the silence. Others are stationed at the main entrance, where a massive iron gate looms imposingly, ready to be opened only to those with the proper authorization.
Additional guards are positioned strategically within the mansion grounds, ensuring that every corner is protected. They occupy towers, surveying the surroundings from elevated vantage points, their eyes sharp and attentive. Archers stand ready with arrows nocked, prepared to unleash a barrage upon any potential threat.
"Wow, this is quite something… they really are serious about their job," Aaron muttered, completely surprised.
Invading that place would be hard, but Aaron didn't have another option. The most knowledgeable person in the city must be the elder, and they must have some sort of connection with the great elder… Aaron had to interrogate both of them and, to save time, get a map of the world of at least one country.
"I suppose I have some hours to prepare for the attack… it will be better if I have a lot of time to talk with the elders and make sure that they won't be lying about anything," Aaron thought while looking around. "The last thing that I want is to move around following false information."