The town of Velon was alive with activity as Amanda, Eryndor, and Fenris entered its outskirts. The cobblestone streets bustled with merchants hawking their wares, children darting between vendors, and adventurers clad in armor exchanging stories at tavern doors. It was a stark contrast to the oppressive silence of the forest they had just left behind.
Amanda pulled her hood lower, ensuring her crimson eyes and sharp features remained hidden. Eryndor followed closely behind, his hand resting on the hilt of his weapon, while Fenris padded silently by Amanda's side, his fur darkened to blend with the shadows.
"This place feels… crowded," Eryndor muttered, his eyes scanning the busy streets.
"That's exactly why it's perfect," Amanda replied, her voice low. "Too many people to draw attention. We'll blend in."
The group navigated through the market square, where the air was thick with the scent of fresh bread, roasting meats, and the occasional whiff of something magical—potions, perhaps, or enchanted trinkets. Amanda's gaze flickered across the various stalls, her mind already calculating.
Money. Knowledge. Power. They needed all three, and this town was their first step toward acquiring them.
"Stay close," she said to Eryndor. "We'll split up once we've assessed the area."
He nodded, but his expression remained tense. "You think the nobles' spies could be here?"
Amanda smirked. "Probably. That's why we don't linger in one place."
Fenris growled softly, his golden eyes fixed on a nearby alley. Amanda placed a calming hand on his head, silently reassuring him.
They approached a small stall cluttered with books, scrolls, and ink bottles. An elderly man with a hunched back sat behind it, scribbling notes in a worn ledger. Amanda's eyes gleamed as she scanned the titles—basic tomes on fire magic, advanced theories on elemental convergence, and even a rare scroll labeled Mana Seals: A Study.
"How much for this?" Amanda asked, her fingers brushing the scroll.
The old man looked up, his eyes narrowing. "A hundred silver. No less."
Eryndor winced. "That's robbery."
Amanda silenced him with a glance. "We'll be back."
They moved away from the stall, Amanda's mind racing. One hundred silver was far beyond what they had, but the scroll's value was undeniable. It could offer her insights she desperately needed to refine her abilities and expand her control over mana.
"First task is finding a way to make money," Amanda said, leading them toward a quieter part of the town.
Eryndor frowned. "And how exactly do we do that? I doubt they're hiring people like us to sweep floors."
Amanda's lips curled into a sly smile. "We'll look for opportunities where we excel. This town is full of adventurers and merchants. There's always someone willing to pay for… unique skills."
As they turned a corner, they spotted a notice board near the entrance of a bustling tavern. Adventurers crowded around it, tearing down job postings and arguing over who would claim what.
Amanda stepped closer, scanning the board. Most of the jobs were typical—pest extermination, escort missions, deliveries—but one in particular caught her eye.
"Rare herbs needed for alchemical purposes. High reward for successful collection. Dangerous area—only experienced individuals need apply."
Amanda tore the notice from the board. "This could work."
Eryndor raised an eyebrow. "Herbs? Are we seriously doing a glorified foraging mission?"
"It's not about the herbs," Amanda replied, folding the notice and tucking it into her cloak. "It's about the reward. With the right preparation, this could solve our immediate money problem."
Fenris growled again, his ears swiveling toward the tavern door. A group of armed men emerged, their laughter loud and raucous. Amanda noticed the insignia on their armor—a sigil belonging to one of the noble families.
She stiffened, pulling her hood lower. "We need to move. Now."
Eryndor followed her lead, and they slipped into the crowd, blending with the flow of townsfolk. Amanda's mind raced. If the nobles' men were here, it meant they were already spreading their search further than she anticipated.
As they ducked into a narrow alley, Amanda paused, her crimson eyes flickering with determination. "We need to finish here quickly. Get the money, get the knowledge, and move on."
Eryndor nodded, his expression grim. "What's the plan?"
Amanda glanced down at Fenris, who growled softly, his golden eyes gleaming. "We gather supplies, take the herb job, and get out. But we stay quiet. No unnecessary risks."
The alley opened into another bustling street, and Amanda's gaze landed on a shop with a faded sign: Talrin's Emporium. It looked like the kind of place that dealt in both mundane and magical items.
"This looks promising," Amanda said, gesturing for them to follow.
Inside, the shop was cluttered with shelves stacked high with potions, weapons, and trinkets. A wiry man with spectacles perched on his nose looked up from behind the counter. His eyes lingered on Amanda and her companions, narrowing slightly.
"Travelers, eh? Looking for something specific?"
"Supplies," Amanda replied. "For a job outside town."
The man's gaze flickered to Fenris, then to Eryndor's weapon. "Dangerous work?"
Amanda smirked. "Isn't it always?"
He nodded, motioning to a shelf lined with small vials. "You'll want these, then. Basic healing potions. And if you're dealing with anything magical, I've got a few charms for protection. Pricey, but worth it."
Amanda examined the items, calculating what they could afford. They had little to spare, but she knew they couldn't risk heading into danger unprepared.
After some careful bargaining, they left the shop with a handful of supplies and considerably lighter coin purses.
As they stepped back into the street, Amanda's mind was already working on the next steps. The herb job was their immediate goal, but her eyes were set on the scroll from the book stall.
Knowledge was power, and in this town full of whispers and hidden agendas, Amanda intended to claim every advantage she could.
"Let's move," she said, her voice firm. "We've got work to do."
With Eryndor and Fenris at her side, she headed toward the town gates, the weight of her goals driving her forward. The nobles might be hunting her, but in Velon, she would make her first move toward becoming untouchable.