Chapter 8: A Hidden Agenda
The moon shone brightly over the windy city as Adam walked through the narrow streets, his steps clear and deliberate. Feng's words lingered in his mind - friendship, connection, and opportunity. Each person was a lure, a sly wizard luring him into something deeper. This man was no casual wanderer, and the task of assessing his motives would weigh heavily on one.
Be careful to avoid empty talk. >
Adam gave a weak performance "Alternate plan," whispered the system notification. Still, it's fun for him - peeling back the layers of mystery around Feng as he guards his secret.
A country pub appears ahead, its dim windows letting warm light into the cold night. The house echoed with chaos and slowness with occasional clangs, breaths of gossip and domestic chatter. Adam opened the door as he was afraid, and his entrance was met with a wary look. The figures were familiar from his rise to the bar, but Adam ignored them and approached the bar.
Parse, a burly man with a shaggy beard and a wary look, looked up as Adam slid onto the stool. "What can I do for you, son?" he asked, leaning forward.
Adam placed a polished bag on the counter, the metal holding the lamp. "The news," was all he said.
Parse's laughter faded, but he quickly inserted the money. "It depends on what you are looking for
"Passengers," replied Adam, lowering his voice. "Long, slow and sharp-eyed. He had many questions. "
Barkeep's expression darkened. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Is the word for sale the same? His name is Feng. It's been going on for a few days now. He says he's looking for work, but I'm not buying it. "
"Why not?"
"Because he's taking care of things that don't concern him - like the property of the village, its people and its people. His problems are not the behavior of a person who is just passing by."
Adam nodded and passed on the information. "Anything else?"
The speaker hesitated, looking around the room before speaking again. "Be careful, son. Men like him don't stay away until they see something worth taking."
By the time Adam left the tavern, the streets were empty, the village had fallen under a blanket of silence. The rustling of leaves, or the barking of a dog in the distance, broke the silence. Adam was quick, his mind racing. Feng wasn't just curious, he had a purpose. And whatever it was, Adam suspected it was the effects of the entire system.
As he neared the house, a figure emerged from the shadows and blocked his path. Adam's hand went to the polished sword in his hand.
"You've been busy,"
Feng said in a calm, but playful tone.
"I can talk about you" Adam He replied in a monotone voice.
Feng laughed and moved closer. His sharp eyes shone in the moonlight. "Boy, boy. I'm not here to fight, I just wanted to see you do your homework."
"And how do I do it?" Adam asked, stretching his body as if it were a coiled spring.
Feng replied, unable to speak: "Then you will know that I am not your enemy." "I am just a man who knows the power I see. And you, Adam – you're satisfied. "
Adam's jaw tightened. "You It seems to me that you are really interested in someone who is leaving. "
Feng laughed, his confidence not shaken. "Are you leaving? I don't know where the opportunities are going and now you're the best in this village."
Adam remained silent, his mind troubled. Feng didn't hide his thoughts, but he wasn't entirely honest.
"I don't trust you," Adam said.
, "Okay," Feng replied, his smile growing wider. "Trust kills people" Think about it: you have the power, and the power to attract attention. Sooner or later, someone will come after you. When that happens, you need someone who knows how to run the game."
Without waiting for an answer, Feng turned and disappeared into the shadows, his words a challenge.
In the quiet house, Adam sat at the abandoned wooden table with a polished knife in his hands. In the next room, his family slept, their breathing the only sound that could be heard However, the sound was soothing to his mind.
The feedback section has been turned off for better. >
The bright words flashed before his eyes, their promise of power both comforting and dangerous. Adam's lips twisted into a dark smile as he stared at the tip of the sword. "Thanks for the warning Feng" he whispered, returning the weapon to his hands. "But I will play my own game." the functions of the new system flashed in his vision, another Enter his growing plant. Knowledge is power and the ability to survive. Whatever Feng's plan is, Adam is ready.
His grip on the sword tightens, the sword is held down. The stakes are rising, and trust is a luxury he can't afford. not now No, not ever.