Chapter 6: A Dangerous Proposition
Evelyn awoke to the sound of soft footsteps outside her room. Her instincts flared, and her hand shot to the dagger under her pillow. She held her breath, waiting. But the steps faded, and the inn settled back into silence.
The system's voice echoed in her mind:
[Rest Complete.]
[Temporary stamina boost removed. Cultivation Progress: 30%.]
Groaning, she sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. The events of the previous day flooded her mind: the fruit, the fight, Kai's warning. She couldn't afford to stay idle—this world didn't seem like the kind to wait for anyone.
After washing up quickly, she headed downstairs. The inn's common room was quiet, except for the scent of bread baking somewhere in the back. Mira, the innkeeper, sat behind the counter, cleaning a cup with a disinterested expression.
"Your friend left early," Mira said without looking up.
"Of course he did," Evelyn muttered, rolling her eyes.
As if on cue, the system chimed:
[New Quest Available: Meet with Kai in the Market Square.]
Objective: Accept or decline his proposition.
Reward: 100 Qi Points + Knowledge of Local Factions.]
"A proposition? That doesn't sound suspicious at all," Evelyn muttered sarcastically. But what choice did she have? She needed information about this world, and Kai—untrustworthy as he seemed—was her best shot at getting it.
The streets of Emberfall felt different in the morning. People bustled about, merchants haggled loudly, and the sense of quiet menace from the night before had lifted—but only slightly.
Evelyn found Kai lounging in the market square, sitting atop a crate like he owned the place. His golden eyes sparkled when he saw her.
"Ah, Sleeping Beauty is awake!" he called with a grin. "Come on, we've got things to discuss."
Evelyn folded her arms, unimpressed. "What's this proposition?"
Kai leaned closer, dropping his usual playful tone. "I told you the town isn't friendly to outsiders. But if you want to survive here—or better yet, thrive—you're going to need allies."
"And you just happen to have an offer that solves all my problems?" Evelyn raised an eyebrow.
Kai smirked. "Something like that. There's a… job, let's say. Dangerous, yes, but the reward is worth it."
Evelyn crossed her arms. "What's the catch?"
"There's a relic hidden in a ruin not far from here—an artifact the local factions have been fighting over for years. I know a way in."
"Let me guess. You want me to help you steal it?"
Kai grinned. "See? You're getting the hang of this."
The system's voice chimed again:
[New Quest: Retrieve the Ancient Relic.]
Objective: Infiltrate the ruins and acquire the artifact.
Difficulty: High.]
Reward: 500 Qi Points + Cultivation Technique Scroll.]
Evelyn exhaled sharply. The system wasn't holding back on this one—"High Difficulty" was exactly what she didn't want to see. But the promise of 500 Qi Points was tempting.
"And what happens if we succeed?" Evelyn asked cautiously.
Kai's grin widened. "If we pull it off, you'll not only gain power but also leverage. With that kind of relic, even the factions here will think twice before messing with us."
Evelyn bit her lip, weighing her options. It was a dangerous gamble, but staying idle in this world wasn't much safer.
"Alright," she said finally. "I'm in. But if you double-cross me, I swear—"
Kai held up his hands in mock surrender. "Relax! I told you—I like to keep things interesting, not suicidal."
The system chimed one final time:
[Quest Accepted: Retrieve the Ancient Relic.]
Objective Updated: Reach the ruins undetected. Avoid local patrols.
"Great," Evelyn muttered under her breath. "What have I gotten myself into this time?"
Kai winked. "You'll love it. Trust me."