The small restaurant was full of people eating and drinking. It seems to be quite a famous place for most travellers and merchants.
The small restaurant was called "Heavenly Food Kitchen"—a name that was bold, almost arrogant in its claim.
But as soon as Ash, pet wolf grim and Jin stepped closer, they had to admit... it might not be an exaggeration.
The rich aroma of sizzling meats, fragrant spices, and freshly steamed buns filled the air, making their stomachs roar in protest.
"Damn, just the smell alone is heavenly," Jin muttered, practically drooling.
Neither of them waited another second—they rushed inside and quickly found a table, eager to devour whatever feast awaited them. The waiters didn't stop grim as many brings there pets beast so it wasn't surprise, seeing someone bring wolf.
He and Jin then ordered tonnes of food and different kinds of beast meats that not only were extremely delicious but were also a great tonic for their bodies.
As for money, he had quite a lot, so he could afford it. Both like hungry beasts started to devour their food, not caring about the weird glances at their table. It was a first time for both of them eating such delicious food. In fact it seemed grim was more well mannered than them.
But he didn't care as even for him, the taste was heavenly, as in his previous food, which he ate, was processed food or artificial meat and didn't have a wild and fresh taste, he felt now.
As they were eating and drinking, a young man—probably nineteen or twenty—suddenly sat down at their table without warning, surprising them both. Grim was about to jump on the but he stopped him.
"Hmm?" Ash glanced at him, taking in his appearance with curiosity.
The stranger's clothes were worn and slightly torn, yet despite that, he carried a heroic charm, as if he belonged to another place rather than this simple tavern.
"Haha! Brothers, mind if I sit here?" The young man asked with a carefree laugh.
Jin, eyeing him with mild annoyance, rolled his eyes.
"Buddy, you're already sitting."
"Oh, haha, sorry." He seemed to not mind the annoyed expression and remained sitting.
Jin was about to say something, annoyed by the sudden intrusion, but Ash quickly stopped him with a slight gesture.
Instead of reacting, he calmly observed the young man, his eyes subtly activating his ability.
And then—
[Lex—Level 11]
His expression remained neutral, but deep inside, he was genuinely surprised.
This carefree young man, who looked around his age, was already at Level 11—an Innate Realm martial artist.
That meant he wasn't just strong—he was a monster.
And he didn't believe such a talented person didn't have some force or some old master behind it. Because of this, he stopped Jin from messing with this weird guy.
"It's alright, brother. We don't mind—come eat with us." He said smoothly, quickly inviting the young man to join them.
Jin raised an eyebrow, confused by Ash's sudden hospitality. He didn't understand why his friend was so welcoming to a random stranger, but since Ash was the one paying for the food, Jin figured it wasn't his place to argue.
"Haha! Thank you, thank you, brother! I was starving!" The young man laughed heartily and shamelessly dug in, acting as if they had been old friends all along.
As they ate laughingly, they finally started to drink, and Ash, finally seeing that it was the right moment, started to ask more.
"Brother, I have a feeling we're going to be good friends," he said with a grin, taking a swig of wine. "What's your name?"
"Ah, right! I almost forgot—I never introduced myself." The man laughed. "My name is Lex. Nice to meet you, my new friends."
"I'm Ash, and this here is Jin," he replied, nodding toward Jin, who was still eyeing Lex suspiciously. "We just arrived in the city and don't know much about it. You seem like a local—maybe you could tell us a little about the place?"
Lex chuckled, setting his cup down. "Oh? Looking for a tour guide already?" He smirked. "Well, you're in luck. I know Rock Castle City inside and out."
"My old man and I have been staying here for more than a decade. So I have quite a good understanding of this city."
"So, let's start with the city itself," Lex began, swirling his cup of wine. "It's called Rock Castle City, and at its centre stands an ancient castle—far older than the city itself. In fact, the city only exists because people started settling around it, and over time, it grew into what it is today."
He raised an eyebrow. "Oh? That old castle—does it have anything interesting or unique about it?"
Lex chuckled. "Oh, plenty. There are countless legends about that place." He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "Some say it holds hidden treasures. Others believe a supreme martial art technique is sealed somewhere inside. And then there are those who claim it hides an ancient secret that could shake the world."
Jin's eyes widened. "Damn, that sounds crazy! So… has anyone ever found anything?"
Lex smirked and leaned back. "That's the thing—nobody has ever uncovered a single thing. No artifacts, no treasures, nothing. Yet, the rumours never fade."
Ash tapped his fingers on the table, intrigued. "If no one's ever found anything, maybe the real secret is still waiting to be discovered."
Lex's smile widened. "Now that's an interesting way to look at it."
"Okay, next the city has countless powers, sects, and clans, some of which are branched from strong clans or forces from the imperial capital. Among all these, five are the strongest and have the deepest foundation within the city."
"You can say these five powers completely control Rock Castle City. If you fuck with any of them… well, unless you somehow escape the city, only death awaits you."
Jin's eyes lit up with excitement. "Five powers? Damn, that sounds serious. So, which ones are they?" He leaned in eagerly, his curiosity overflowing.
He also focused on Lex, waiting for him to continue.
Lex took another sip of wine and smirked. "Alright, listen carefully. These five are the true rulers of Rock Castle City..."