Walking down the road, Cier observed the street coming alive compared to the silence of the previous night. Stalls were being set up, hawkers calling out their goods, prostitutes enticing potential customers, and children brawling over scraps. It was chaotic, yet this was the norm in the slums of Aridale.
Cier moved swiftly, heading toward the bustling marketplace at the edge of the outer city. His focus was unbroken until a voice pierced through the noise.
"Well, look who we've got here!"
Five rough-looking men surrounded Cier, cutting off his path. Their leader, a man with braided hair, a scar on the upper right side of his face, and a lizard tattoo on his neck, stepped forward. He wore an open shirt that barely hid his menacing aura. The man, known as Abel, was infamous in the area—a ruffian and a low-ranking member of the Lizardborn gang.
With an exaggerated grin, Abel slung his arm around Cier's shoulders. "In such a rush today, aren't we? Why not spare some time for a chat?"
Suppressing his irritation, Cier forced a flattering smile. "Brother Abel, nothing important. I'm just heading to the main market to make some money."
"And what's all this money for, huh?" Abel leaned in, his tone mockingly curious.
Cier chuckled nervously, already pulling out the coins he had brought. "Of course, brother Abel. It's only right to contribute to the gang that keeps us all safe. This is my small token of gratitude for your care." He handed the coins to Abel, the majority of what he had brought.
Abel burst out laughing, pocketing the money. "Good, good! That's why you're my favorite in this area, Cier!"
But then, mid-laugh, Abel's demeanor changed. Without warning, he kicked Cier hard in the stomach. The blow was quick, and though Cier saw it coming, he let himself fall backward, coughing and groaning as if in pain.
"See, boys? This is the reward for being so thoughtful! Isn't that right?" Abel barked, turning to his gang.
"Right, boss!" they chimed in unison.
Another gang member chimed in mockingly, "Look at him groveling. He must love your rewards, boss!"
Abel threw his head back in laughter. "You're not wrong. Come on, let's go enjoy ourselves!" He strutted off toward a nearby brothel, his men following close behind, heaping flattery on him as they left.
The onlookers in the area remained silent, stepping aside to let Abel and his gang pass. No one dared to intervene or even offer Cier help—drawing Abel's attention could easily become their downfall.
Cier slowly rose to his feet, feigning the pain of Abel's kick with a hunched posture and slow steps, but his eyes betrayed his act. Cold and calculating, they carried the weight of unspoken vengeance.
As he limped forward, his mind churned with thoughts. The urge to retaliate against Abel was strong, yet Cier held himself back. Striking here would only draw unnecessary attention, not just from the locals but from powers far more dangerous.
Foremost in his mind were the Nighthawks, the feared enforcers of the royal family. Ruthless and ever-watchful, they squashed any perceived threats to the crown without hesitation. If anyone discovered that Cier had illegally consumed an awakening potion without a backer, they would hunt him like hawks descending on their prey.
Even so, it was necessary to quietly deal with Abel as soon as possible. With his newfound powers, Cier finally had enough strength to act.
Cier's resolve hardened as his thoughts lingered on the scar that marred his back. Abel had been the one who inflicted it, a twisted game that left him writhing in pain and forever marked as prey. That moment had etched itself into Cier's soul, a constant reminder of the cruelty he had endured and the debt that was yet unpaid.
'Patience,'he thought, his lips curling into the faintest shadow of a smile. "It's only a matter of time."
With that, he adjusted his posture slightly, still keeping up the facade of injury as he made his way to the marketplace.
After some time, Cier found himself walking through the vibrant and bustling market area of Aridale. The streets were packed with people of all walks of life—merchants loudly hawking their goods, children weaving between legs, and travelers haggling for the best price. The scent of fresh bread, sizzling meats, and spices filled the air, mixing with the sounds of barter and laughter. The marketplace was a sensory overload, with the ever-present hum of activity marking the pulse of the outer district of the city.
This was the largest market in the outer region of Aridale, a place where anyone and everyone could find something to buy or sell, from trinkets to more illicit goods. The narrow alleys between the market stalls were packed with crates and barrels, while brightly colored banners fluttered above. Despite its charm, the market had an undercurrent of danger, where even the slightest mistake could leave you with less coin or, in some cases, life. It was a necessary part of life in this part of the city, and Cier had learned to navigate its chaos with practiced ease.
Cier's first stop was a food stall. Handing over a few copper coins, he received a simple but warm breakfast, which he ate quickly.
The currency in the Fae Kingdom was straightforward: gold coins held the highest value, followed by silver and copper coins. One gold coin equaled 100 silver coins, and one silver coin equaled 100 copper coins. For someone like Cier, copper coins were all he had ever dealt with, and each one counted.
After finishing his meal, Cier headed deeper into the market, maneuvering through the crowd until he reached a quieter corner. There, a small but well-kept inn stood with the name "Dark Cat Inn" carved into a wooden sign above its door. Without hesitation, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The warm aroma of roasted meat and herbs greeted him, accompanied by the cheerful voice of a young woman.
"Good morning, Cier," the innkeeper called from behind the counter.
The voice belonged to Jessica, the innkeeper, a woman in her mid-twenties with a lively demeanor and an easy smile. Her presence added warmth to the otherwise modest inn.
"Good morning to you too, Jessica," Cier replied with a small nod.
"What brings you here this early?" she asked, leaning forward slightly with curiosity.
"I came to meet Lily," Cier answered plainly.
"Oh, Lily. She's in her usual spot upstairs," Jessica said with a knowing smile.
"Thanks," Cier replied before heading toward the wooden staircase leading to the second floor.
With steady steps, he climbed up, his thoughts shifting to the person he was about to meet.