Thrain descended from his truck and presented his quest to the guard. The guard's expression transformed from caution to respect.
"well, sir. You may pass," the guard said, stepping aside.
Kenos recalled the rules for Ascenders: entry to the city required either paying a tax or accepting a quest from the city's authorities.
With clearance granted, they proceeded through the main gate, entering the bustling city. The sounds of merchants calling out their waresand the hum of cosmic energy filled the air.
As they ventured deeper, Kenos marveled at the city's architecture, a blend of ancient and modern structures. Towering spires and grand arches stood alongside sleek, metallic buildings.
They arrived at Valton's factory, the origin of Thrain's squad quest. As they unloaded the materials, a team member approached Kenos.
"We're done here, you can go now," he said.
Kenos hesitated, unsure of where to return. His life as a slave had left him without roots or direction.
"I don't know the way back," Kenos admitted.
The team member raised an eyebrow. "We can't just take anyone."
Lexi intervened, a hint of mischief in her voice. "Why not take him with us? We have free time while we're here. He can familiarize himself with the area."
She winked at Kenos.
The team member shrugged. "Do what you want. Not my concern."
Lexi turned to Kenos. "Don't mind Mael. He's just cautious."
Kenos turned to Lexi, "By the way, I have some monster materials and a cosmic crystal. Where can I sell them?"
Lexi's eyes widened. "Where did you get those? You didn't steal them, did you?"
Kenos shook his head. "I'm an Ascender too. I reached Spark a few days ago."
Lexi's expression changed to shock. "You're pretty young for an Ascender. You must have great potential!"
Kenos's face fell, grief etched on his features. "I don't have potential."
Lexi's expression softened, sensing Kenos's pain. She changed the subject. "You can sell the monster materials here, but they'll deduct a fee. For the cosmic crystal, you'll need to go to the Inner Sector."
Lexi informed Kenos, "We're resting here today. Tomorrow, Captain Thrain will sell the cosmic crystal. Why don't you give it to him?"
Kenos nodded in agreement.
Lexi accompanied Kenos to the market area to sell the monster materials. Kenos handed over the materials, and they fetched a total of 11 Silver, equivalent to approximately 1.1 Astral Points (AP).
The vendor handed Kenos a small pouch containing the silver coins. "Here's your payment."
Kenos's eyes widened as he accepted the pouch. This amount was enough to sustain him for six months, a luxury he had never known before.
"Thanks, Lexi," Kenos said, gratitude swelling within him.
Lexi smiled.
After exiting the factory, they reunited with their squad members. Captain Thrain announced, "We're taking a break for today. Enjoy your downtime."
Lexi approached Thrain, "Captain, can we take Kenos in? He's already reached SE-1."
Thrain's gaze shifted to Kenos. "Which clan are you from?"
Kenos concealed his past, hesitant to reveal his former enslavement. "I don't belong to any clan."
Thrain's eyes narrowed, suspicion etched on his face. After a brief pause, he said, "Take him in, for now. We'll discuss this later."
Lexi's face lit up with a warm smile. "From now on, you're one of us, Kenos!"
As squad members dispersed, Thrain issued final instructions. "Mael, keep an eye on Kenos."
Mael nodded, his expression unreadable. "Yes, Captain. He's suspicious."
Thrain's gaze lingered on Kenos before turning back to Mael. "Find out what he's hiding. I don't want any threats within our ranks."
Mael's eyes narrowed, his focus intensifying. "Consider it done, Captain."
Kenos, oblivious to the exchange, felt Mael's piercing gaze. He sensed unease but couldn't quite place it.
Lexi's gaze swept over Kenos, her eyes lingering on his tattered clothes. "You don't look great," she said, concern etched on her face.
Kenos's worn, beggar-like appearance was a stark contrast to the squad's polished gear.
"Why don't you come with me and get something new?" Lexi offered.
Kenos hesitated, his hand instinctively tightening around the hilt of his worn-out knife.
"I think I need a new knife," he said.
Lexi nodded. "Come, I'll take you to a good place."
Kenos couldn't comprehend Lexi's kindness. Why was she showing him such warmth? Did she want something in return?
A lifetime of hardship had taught Kenos that selfless kindness was rare. 'A kindness without expectation is nothing more than burning yourself,' he thought.
Despite his gratitude, Kenos remained cautious, wary of potential motives behind Lexi's actions. He had learned to shield himself from potential harm.
Yet, Lexi's genuine smile and gentle demeanor chipped away at his defenses.
As they walked, Mael asked, "Can I join you?" His gaze lingered on Kenos, a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
Lexi nodded. "Sure, Mael."
The trio navigated the bustling streets, vibrant sounds and colors overwhelming Kenos. His eyes widened as he took in the unfamiliar sights.
"This is... incredible," Kenos breathed, his first time in a city.
At the clothing shop, the owner, a stout man with a keen eye, spotted Kenos and began to shoo him away. "We don't serve your kind here."
But upon seeing Lexi, his demeanor shifted. "Welcome! How can I assist you?"
Lexi smiled. "We need new clothes for him."
The owner's gaze flicked to Kenos, his expression transforming from disdain to interest. "well. Let's find something suitable."
Mael observed from the sidelines, his eyes never leaving Kenos, his expression unreadable.
Kenos browsed the racks, his fingers trailing over the fabrics. He selected a shadow-black and deep-purple ensemble, adorned with grey circuitry lines and shimmering nano-thread accents. The sleek, futuristic design boasted silver hardware and subtle purple stitching, exuding a high-tech, stealthy aura.
The owner's eyes lit up. "Excellent taste! That's our 'Nightshade' collection."
Kenos asked, "How much?"
The owner's smile faltered for an instant before he replied, "Five Silver."
Kenos's eyes widened in shock. "Can't you lower the price?"
The owner chuckled. "I can do four Silver, but that's as low as I can go."
Kenos hesitated, then nodded.
"Change room's through that door," the owner pointed. "You can wash up and try it on."
Kenos entered the change room, closing the door behind him. He washed his face, the cool water refreshing his skin. As he changed into the Nightshade outfit, he felt a strange sense of transformation.