Tyler leaned against the cold stone wall of the alley, a faint smirk playing on his lips. The beggars around him were a mix of weary old men and women, young wanderers, and those who had simply fallen through the cracks of society. Despite their ragged appearances, they were his first assets in this new world.
Over the past few days, Tyler had immersed himself in their world, carefully listening to their woes, earning a modicum of their trust, and gathering crucial information. He now understood the power structures of Elmsworth and the key players in its game of influence. It was time to take the next step.
He stood in the center of the group, his voice calm but commanding. "I've been here long enough to see that you're all smarter than most people give you credit for. You hear things. You see things. And I believe that knowledge is valuable. What if I told you I could pay you for what you already do every day—sitting, observing, and listening?"
The beggars exchanged skeptical glances. Finally, an old man with a scruffy beard and milky eyes spoke up. "Money? From you, young man? You don't look like you've got much yourself. What's the catch?"
"No catch," Tyler said smoothly, spreading his arms. "I don't have money to give you upfront, but I can pay you once you've completed the job. All I'm asking is for you to listen. Sit where you normally sit and keep your ears open for anything interesting—conversations between powerful people, news about the guilds, rumors about adventurers. Whatever you hear, report it back to me."
"Listen?" a thin woman with a weathered face asked, her tone skeptical. "And you'll pay us for that? Sounds too good to be true."
"It's simple," Tyler replied, his tone unwavering. "You don't have to steal, fight, or risk your lives. Just do what you're already doing, but with a purpose. And in return, I'll give you the means to survive—coin for food, clothes, or whatever you need."
The group murmured among themselves. Some were hesitant, but others, desperate and intrigued, were willing to hear him out.
"Manageable, isn't it?" Tyler pressed, his sharp gaze scanning their faces. "I won't force anyone. If you don't trust me, walk away. But if you're tired of starving and waiting for miracles, this is your chance."
An old man with a cane stepped forward, his face hardened by years of hardship. "Alright, young man. I'll give it a shot. Got nothin' to lose anyway."
One by one, others began to agree. Some, like the old man, were too desperate to pass up the opportunity. Others were simply curious to see where this strange offer would lead. A few still hung back, watching the scene with suspicion.
"Good," Tyler said, nodding in approval. "Here's how it works. Choose your spots wisely—places where merchants, adventurers, or guild members gather. Keep your ears open for names, plans, or anything unusual. If you hear someone talk about money, power, or conflicts, I want to know. I'll be here every evening to collect your reports."
As the group dispersed to take up their new tasks, Tyler leaned back against the wall, his mind racing. He had planted the seeds of his network. These beggars were invisible to society, but that made them the perfect spies. No one would suspect them of anything, and Tyler's web of information would grow unchecked.
"This is just the beginning," he murmured to himself. "The foundation of an empire doesn't need gold or armies. It starts with trust, fear, and knowledge. And soon, I'll have all three."
By the time the moons rose high above Elmsworth, Tyler was already making plans for the next phase. His power may have been stripped away when he arrived in this world, but it wouldn't be long before he reclaimed it—one whisper, one secret, and one step at a time.