Nikos stood in the center of the room, a large map of Oakheart and its surrounding areas spread out on the table before him. His eyes scanned the detailed lines and marks, calculating their best route. His party members gathered around him, each preparing in their own way for the journey ahead.
"Today, we will venture into the lake dungeon on the West Oakheart," Nikos began, his voice steady. "We've prepared for this, and I trust each of you to play your part."
Marielle, clutched her magic staff, her fingers trembling slightly. "I'll try to give my best, Master," she said, her voice laced with determination and a hint of anxiety.
Nikos gave her a reassuring smile. "You've grown stronger, Marielle. Remember, we're all here to support each other. You'll do fine, I trust in your abilities."
Liriel, in her dark assassin gear, sharpened her dagger with meticulous precision. "I'm ready, sir," she said simply, her eyes gleaming with alertness.
Jarek, the lizard-man warrior, sat silently, polishing his greataxe with a focused, honorable air. "Ash long as we watch each other'sh backs, we'll be fine," he added to reassure Marielle, then turned to Nikos, "I'm ready, Masster. Just point me the direction, and I'll clear the way."
Nikos nodded, satisfied with their readiness, straightened his light armor, and sheathed his sword to his right hip. He put the bow on his back and the arrow on his left hip. "Good. Let's head out."
The journey to the dungeon was peaceful, filled with casual conversation and laughter, easing the tension of the upcoming battle. They passed through the bustling market, now absent of Nikos' once-thriving potion stall, a humble setup where he'd sold potions that had gained quite a reputation.
Meanwhile, across town, Lark, a disgruntled branch manager of the 'Alchemist Association', was on the hunt for Nikos. His graceful presence was tainted with his angry expression, his green eyes staring sharply at the market road, looking for Nikos's stall.
He had heard rumors of Nikos's successful potion business and was consumed with anger. His fists clenched as he made his way to Nikos's humble stall, only to find that it was deserted.
"Where is he?" Lark muttered angrily to himself, kicking a loose stone in frustration. He approached a nearby merchant. "Have you seen someone called Nikos? I heard he usually sells illegal potions here."
One of the merchants immediately recognized Lark, "Oh branch manager Lark, Sir Nikos I haven't seen him or his party in a while. Maybe they'll be back later," he answered him politely.
Lark's fists clenched. "This is unacceptable. Damn it," he spat, storming off. He couldn't stand the thought of Nikos operating under his nose all this time without his noticing. He stomped away, anger and frustration growing with each step.
Back to Nikos and his party. The path to the lake dungeon at West Oakheart was a vibrant atmosphere of sights, sounds, and scents.
As Nikos's group approached the edge of the lake, they were greeted by a small bustling marketplace teeming with life. Stalls of various shapes and sizes lined the cobblestone road, each one vying for the attention of adventurers going into the dungeon.
The stalls mainly sold ingredients, items, and other stuff that they gathered from inside the dungeon. These stalls were set up by other adventurers to sell to adventurers as well.
The group finally reached the entrance to the Lake Dungeon, a foreboding tunnel that led deep beneath the lake. Two guards stood at the dungeon entrance, their eyes glinting with greed.
One was a crocodile-man and the other a cat-man. This was none other than Rander and Clawrend, two guards that took Nikos's gold the first time he set foot in Oakheart.
"It's Sir Knight Rander and Clawrend, long time no see," Nikos greeted them politely. "We're here to enter the dungeon," he said, handing over the standard entry fee.
Rander, the crocodile-man, sneered with greedy eyes. He looked over Nikos's party and their slave collars and immediately locked eyes with Nikos. "Oh, it's you, weird human peasant," he took the fee and put it in his pocket. "This fee is a bit light. We need a little extra to ensure your safety," he placed his hand on Nikos's shoulder a bit harshly, asking for more.
Jarek, seeing that, held Rander's arm hard, "Release your grip on Masster Nikos," he stared at him as his other hand held his greataxe tightly.
Clawrend, the cat-man, quickly raised his sword and pointed it at Jarek's neck, "Watch your mouth, slave," he said coldly.
Liriel held her dagger under the cloak, ready to attack while she waited for Nikos's command. The moment he said to attack them, she would throw it fast before they realized it. Marielle at the back steeled herself, preparing to assist in case they had to fight against these guards.
"Let's calm ourselves, everyone," Nikos said calmly. "Jarek, go back," he ordered.
Jarek slowly released his grip on Rander's arm, his eyes still staring at Rander as he stepped back slightly. Clawrend put his sword back into its sheath, and Rander grinned mockingly at Jarek, "Right, follow your master's words, you stupid slave."
"Don't be angry, Sir Knight," Nikos said, trying to calm the situation, and he politely offered the two guards another payment, "I truly appreciate your efforts in guarding this entrance, but sadly I didn't bring any more gold coins for now." He pulled out four elixirs, "How about these four strength potions as a fee? These potions could multiply your mighty power up to ten times more. This definitely fit a strong knight such as you two."
He handed them four vials. Their contents looked normal at a glance but slightly a glimmer of an ominous color could be seen lightly. However the guards, too focused on their greed, didn't notice the subtle malevolence in Nikos's eyes.
Rander grabbed the potions and store them away safely, patting Nikos's shoulder a bit hard, "Good human, you know how to behave and position yourself properly. Go on with your stuff, and don't die inside."
"Next time, teach your slaves properly," Clawrend remind him harshly as he put the sword back.
Nikos only answered them with a polite nod, then the party went inside the dungeon, leaving the two guards grinning happily at each other.
Jarek thought about the exchange with disdain. "This isn't right, Master. They're exploiting us."
Liriel and Marielle agreed with a nod.
Nikos placed a calming hand on Jarek's shoulder. "Jarek, sometimes, it's best to play along to avoid unnecessary conflict. Besides, karma will soon catch up with them," he said with a slight grin that quickly faded before anyone notice.
Jarek grumbled but nodded, his placing loyalty to Nikos overriding his personal code of honor. He trusted his decision.
Back in the market, Lark's anger had reached its peak. As night fell and the market emptied, he saw his chance. Under the cover of darkness, he approached Nikos' abandoned stall, his heart pounding with malicious intent.
"Think you can just disappear huh?" Lark muttered to himself, pulling out a vial of acid potion. "We'll see about that."
He poured the acid over the wooden structure, watching with grim satisfaction as it hissed and smoked, the wood dissolving under the corrosive liquid. The stall crumbled, reduced to a ruined heap.
The government would fine him big for damaging their market property. Lark stepped back, his anger momentarily sated by small destruction he had brought to Nikos. You will soon see who you're dealing with, the Alchemist Association will not let you get away easily.
Lark vanished into the night, leaving behind only the remnants of his wrath.