Kieran, Known to some as "Shadow," entered the city of Albrath, one of the last major settlements in this region. The tall stone walls surrounding the city glistened faintly in the morning mist, and guards with spears at their sides watched every traveler with suspicion. Kieran paid them no attention. His cloak concealed the sword at his side and the pouch holding several green magic crystals. Each crystal was worth a small fortune, but he wouldn't trade all of them—he knew better than to reveal how much he carried. Passing through the city gates, he made his way toward the Merchant's Guild. Albrath's streets were bustling with life: merchants loudly advertising their goods, children darting between stalls, and the sounds of laughter and arguments spilling from nearby taverns. In the chaos, Kieran moved quietly, almost invisibly, like a shadow—earning the nickname he carried. He reached the Guild building, its wooden doors adorned with carved symbols of prosperity. Inside, the air was dim, filled with the scent of old wood and dust. Behind the counter stood a man who looked every bit the part of a trader—short, with a thin beard and eyes that gleamed with greed. "Welcome, Shadow," the man said with a broad smile, recognizing Kieran immediately. "What brings you in today?" Kieran stepped forward and placed three green magic crystals on the counter. "I need coin," he said coldly. The merchant raised his eyebrows, reaching for the crystals. He examined them carefully, turning them over in his fingers. "This is fine quality," he said with admiration. "Green crystals of this purity are rare these days. I can offer you... two hundred gold coins each." Kieran fixed him with a cold stare. "Two hundred? That's the price for fools. I know you'll sell them for four hundred each. I want three hundred and fifty per crystal." The merchant narrowed his eyes, his smile faltering slightly. For a moment, it seemed he might argue, but seeing Kieran's unwavering gaze, he sighed. "Three hundred and thirty. Not a coin more." "Three hundred and forty," Kieran replied immediately. The merchant paused, then gave a reluctant nod. "Fine, three hundred and forty. But only because you always bring the best." He reached under the counter and pulled out a pouch filled with gold coins, setting it down with a clink. Kieran counted the coins quickly before tucking the pouch into an inner pocket of his cloak. "Always a pleasure doing business with you, Shadow," the merchant said with feigned politeness. "I'm not here for pleasure," Kieran replied, turning and heading for the door. Outside, Kieran moved toward the quieter parts of the city. He didn't like crowds, and in places like Albrath, there was always a risk someone would notice his crystals or money. Stopping in a narrow alleyway, he checked the contents of his pouch. Two crystals remained—enough to enhance his magic if needed. As he secured his pouch, he felt a presence. Slowly turning his head, he spotted a man in a cloak standing at the alley's entrance. "Hey, Shadow," the stranger called out with a sly grin. "Word is you made a good deal at the Guild. How about sharing some of that profit with us?" Two more men appeared behind him, both armed with short swords. Their intentions were clear. Kieran sighed, resting a hand on the hilt of his sword. "Walk away," he said coolly. "You don't want to do this." The man chuckled. "And what if we do?" Kieran didn't respond. In an instant, the world around him froze as he stepped into his dimension. Shadows and gray tones consumed everything. Moving a few paces to the side, Kieran reappeared behind the man. Before the stranger could react, Kieran's blade sliced through his side. The man let out a pained howl and collapsed to the ground, while his companions stepped back in shock. "Anyone else?" Kieran asked, his tone cold and detached. The two remaining bandits exchanged a glance before turning and running. Kieran sheathed his sword and looked down at the injured man. "You should choose your targets more carefully," he said quietly before walking away, disappearing into the city's shadows.