The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the dense forest. After miles of arduous trekking, Han Jingzhi and Lilith emerged from the woods, their arrival marked by the sight of a bustling tavern on the outskirts of Gresham, a kingdom nestled in the Eastern continent.
A weathered signboard above the tavern proclaimed "Sleep N' Fun" in faded letters. Han Jingzhi paused, his gaze drawn to a nearby shop. He purchased a mask, a simple yet effective disguise, for a few coins. Turning back to Lilith, he handed it to her.
"I'd suggest you put this on," he said, his voice laced with concern. "You're quite a beauty, and might attract unwanted attention."
Lilith, with the usual mischievous glint in her eyes, giggled and obediently donned the mask. It concealed her striking features, but her eyes, sparkling with intelligence and a hint of mischief, remained visible.
The tavern door swung open, revealing a scene of boisterous revelry. Laughter filled the air, punctuated by the clinking of tankards and the occasional burst of song. The aroma of ale and roasted meat hung heavy, a familiar comfort to the weary travelers. Han Jingzhi, his gaze sharp and alert, strode towards a vacant table. Lilith, ever the cautious one, trailed close behind.
"Two rooms, please," Han Jingzhi requested of the burly innkeeper, his voice calm and measured. The man, his face etched with years of hard living, grunted in acknowledgement and gestured towards a nearby table.
As they settled into their seats, a hulking figure lurched towards them, his breath reeking of cheap ale and his eyes glazed with drunken aggression. He was clad in patched leather, a crudely crafted axe strapped to his back.
"Well, well, look what we have here," he slurred, his gaze fixated on Lilith, despite the mask. "A pretty little bird, all alone. Come, let me show you a good time."
Lilith, her expression unreadable, met his gaze with a steely glint in her eyes. "I suggest you find another table, friend," she said, her voice cool and sharp.
"Don't be shy, little one," the man chuckled, reaching out a hand towards her. "I'm sure we can have some fun."
Han Jingzhi caught his hand, his grip strong and unwavering, and threw it back. "Back off and continue your drink," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Or you'll regret it."
The drunkard, momentarily taken aback by the sudden shift in the atmosphere, scoffed. "You think you can scare me, boy? I've seen more blood than you've had hot meals."
"Perhaps," Han Jingzhi replied, his voice laced with a chilling calm. "But I assure you, I'm not afraid to spill some more."
The tension in the tavern thickened, the boisterous chatter dwindling to a hushed murmur. The drunkard, sensing the growing hostility, hesitated. He glanced at Lilith, then back at Han Jingzhi, a flicker of fear crossing his eyes.
"Fine," he mumbled, backing away. "But don't think this is over."
He stumbled back to his own table, muttering curses under his breath. Lilith, her lips curving into a slight smile, turned to Han Jingzhi. "I can handle it on my own, but still, thank you," she said, her voice laced with gratitude.
"It was nothing," Han Jingzhi replied, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he turned to the innkeeper. "Two rooms, as discussed."
The innkeeper, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear and respect, nodded quickly and led them to a room on the second floor. As they settled in, Lilith turned to Han Jingzhi, her eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"You handled that well," she said, her voice soft. "He was quite drunk, but I wouldn't have hesitated to use my magic if it came to it."
"I know," Han Jingzhi replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "But I prefer to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, if possible."
"A wise choice," Lilith agreed, her gaze softening. "Though I have to admit, I wouldn't mind seeing you in action. You have a certain… intensity."
Han Jingzhi chuckled, a genuine sound that warmed Lilith's heart. "Perhaps another time," he said, his eyes twinkling. "But for now, let's focus on getting some rest. We have a long journey ahead of us."
They headed into their rooms, as the night deepened, the tavern fell silent. Han Jingzhi, his mind still buzzing with the events of the day, lay awake, staring out the window at the moonlit sky. He thought of Lilith, her strength and grace, her quiet determination. He knew they were destined for great adventures, adventures that would test their limits and forge an unbreakable bond between them.
Suddenly, a flash of light caught his eye. It was time for him to log out after a long day of gaming, and without any hesitation, he clicked on the log-out button. After the usual countdown, he was logged out.
...
In the room not too far from Han Jingzhi's, Lilith was still wide awake and lost in her thoughts when a gust of wind blew in through her window. She chuckled, her voice a soft whisper. "What do I owe for this visit, Hermes?"
In the corner of the room, a young, handsome man materialized, his presence as ethereal as the wind itself. He was Hermes, the messenger god, his eyes twinkling with intelligence.
"Just a friendly visit, my dear Lilith," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "And a warning. Be careful. The shadows are stirring."
Lilith's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Hermes's smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. "There are forces at work that seek to disrupt the balance... between worlds because Olympus has fallen. And I know you're a powerful sorceress, Lilith. They will seek to control you, to use your power for their own ends."
Lilith's eyes narrowed. "I will not be controlled," she said, her voice firm.
Hermes nodded, his eyes filled with admiration. "I know you won't. But be vigilant. The path ahead is fraught with danger and..." He looked at the next room before continuing, "They might want to use him to hold you down." He finally said and vanished as quickly as he had appeared, leaving Lilith alone with her thoughts. The shadows were stirring, and she knew she had to be prepared... The night was far from over.