After the battle with the Dusk Serpent, Roy and Kevin returned home, exhausted but victorious. They decided they would sell the Dusk Serpent materials in the nearby city. They needed the money for their travel, but, to be honest, they were also completely broke. Roy joked that if they didn't sell the serpent materials soon, they'd be bartering with snake scales for stale bread. "Trust me, Kevin, qi crystals are great, but I prefer to have a little more than just 'magical rocks' when it's time to buy dinner." But more importantly, they wanted information—specifically, information about the sects. They knew it was time to join one. Roy understood the benefits of joining a sect firsthand; he had seen it during his time in the sect where he was once enslaved. Ancient medicines, millions of years old, entrances to secret realms—these were privileges reserved for sect members. Ordinary people wouldn't even know such things existed, let alone have access to them. Everything was highly regulated, and without joining a sect, they wouldn't stand a chance of acquiring the knowledge and resources they needed to grow stronger.
Having reached the 10th stage of their respective Bone Forging processes, Roy and Kevin felt they were ready to face new challenges. Although Roy knew they were nothing compared to the true powerhouses of this world, he was confident that at his age, there weren't many who could defeat him. It was time to seek out the opportunities that only a sect could provide, and they both knew it.
Roy finished packing everything into a bag, tying it securely to his back. He adjusted his black dress with red and golden embroidery, which complemented his eyes and hair perfectly. Although he had given one set of these clothes to Aisha, he still had another one, and he wore his red earrings, adding to his bold look. His daggers were in their sheath on his lower back, with one handle positioned on the left and the other on the right, making them easily accessible from either side. He turned to Kevin with a cheerful grin and said, "Alright, everything's ready! Let's get going before we end up camping out here forever."
Kevin nodded, his pure white dress contrasting against his black blindfold, his long hair flowing freely. Unlike Roy, he didn't carry much with him—only his father's sword, sheathed at his side. He turned his head towards the hut, feeling a pang of emotion. He didn't know if he would ever see this place again. He knelt down, bowing his head low, and whispered a silent prayer for his father's spirit to watch over him.
Roy and Kevin had decided it was time to leave this place behind. First, they would go to the city to sell the Dusk Serpent materials, and then they would begin their journey to find a suitable sect. Although Roy had qi crystals from what Aisha had given him, he thought having more would never be a bad thing. Kevin was visibly emotional, and Roy understood that, giving him the space he needed to say his goodbyes.
Roy, noticing Kevin's somber mood, decided to lighten things up. He adjusted the strap of his pack and flashed a mischievous grin. "Hey, Kev, you know, if we don't get going soon, this place is going to start charging us rent! And trust me, I am not paying," Roy said, trying to subtly hide the qi crystal pouch he had. He gave Kevin a wink, as if to say, 'These are for emergencies only.'"
Kevin looked up, the hint of a smile finally tugging at his lips. "Yeah, yeah. I guess we should move before the trees start billing us for all that shade we've been using."
Roy laughed. "That's the spirit! Besides, you know you can't let me go alone—I might end up selling these serpent scales for a couple of stale loaves of bread. You wouldn't want me making that kind of deal, right?"
Kevin shook his head, his mood visibly lifted. "Alright, alright. Let's go before you end up trading our hard-earned goods for a few berries."
"Berries and maybe a handshake!" Roy teased, giving Kevin a pat on the shoulder. "Come on, let's get moving, partner.""
With that, they set out for the city—a place that held both familiar and uncertain prospects. The road ahead was long, and the sun had just begun its descent. The journey was quiet at first, both of them lost in their thoughts. Kevin was focused on the future, wondering what kind of sect would be a good fit for them, while Roy kept his senses alert, scanning their surroundings. The forest around them was alive with sounds, the rustle of leaves, and the occasional distant call of an animal. They moved with purpose, each step bringing them closer to the city that awaited them.
The city was just as they remembered it—nestled between two mountain ranges, with worn stone walls and watchtowers that loomed over the bustling streets below. The watchtowers stood as silent sentinels, their stone faces weathered by time and conflict, giving the city an imposing look. The streets below were crowded, filled with merchants hawking their wares, townspeople moving to and fro, and the occasional horse-drawn cart clattering over the cobblestones. Despite the noise, there was a heaviness that hung in the air, as though the city itself was burdened by an unseen weight. As Roy and Kevin approached the gates, their steps were steady and confident. The guards stationed at the entrance, dressed in battered armor, eyed Kevin suspiciously. They remembered him from his last visit—the blindfold and his new muscular build made him look imposing, and they were visibly shocked at how much he had changed. One of them stepped forward, blocking their way.
"State your business," the guard demanded, his eyes narrowing as he studied Kevin. Kevin remained calm, his expression unreadable. He wasn't scared or angry—he had faced far worse before, and the guard's scrutiny was nothing compared to the challenges he had overcome.
Roy stepped up, his voice holding an edge. "We're here to sell some goods and restock. We're not here to cause any trouble, unless you wanna create some trouble first."
The guard held Roy's gaze for a moment before reluctantly stepping aside, waving them through. The city had always had an air of weariness, but this time, it felt different. There was tension in the air, a sense of unease that seemed to cling to every corner, like a shadow that refused to leave. The guarded expressions of the people, the hurried steps, and the way everyone seemed to avoid eye contact—it all spoke of something that had shaken the city deeply. Roy could feel the unease gnawing at him, and it made him even more determined to understand what was going on. The guarded expressions of the people around them, the whispered conversations, and the anxious glances all hinted at an underlying fear that wasn't there before.
Roy, now standing at 5.5 feet, walked side by side with Kevin. Kevin's appearance had changed significantly since their last visit—his blindfold was the most obvious difference, but his build was another. His shoulders were broader, his stance more confident, and the aura of strength that radiated from him was unmistakable. People who had once dismissed him as just another kid now found themselves looking twice, their eyes lingering as they tried to reconcile this powerful figure with the boy they might have seen before. He had grown taller, nearly matching Roy's height, and his body had gained a muscular strength that made him look almost unrecognizable. The townspeople whispered as they passed, many eyes lingering on Kevin, trying to determine whether they had seen him before. His presence alone seemed to command attention, and it was clear that his transformation had left an impression on those who remembered him.
The marketplace, once lively and bustling with merchants and shoppers, now felt subdued. The usual noise of haggling and laughter was replaced by a subdued murmur, and the vibrant colors of the merchant stalls seemed duller under the pale sunlight. People moved through the narrow alleys, their eyes darting around, wary of every shadow. Parents held their children close, keeping them away from the open streets, as if afraid that something might snatch them away at any moment. The air smelled of spices, but the familiar scent was tinged with an underlying bitterness—fear had settled over the marketplace, and it showed. Roy noticed the absence of laughter, particularly the laughter of children that had once filled the air. In its place was an oppressive silence and the worried murmurs of families keeping watch over one another. The vibrant colors of merchant stalls and the rich aromas of spices and cooked food that had once filled the marketplace seemed muted, as if the life had been drained from the city.
"There's definitely something wrong here," Roy muttered, his eyes scanning the market. Kevin nodded, his heightened senses picking up on the hushed conversations around them. He could hear the fear in people's voices, the faint whispers of parents warning their children not to stray too far, the tension that ran through every word like a current. There were stories of people disappearing, of something lurking in the shadows that had everyone on edge. Kevin could almost feel the collective anxiety, and it made him sure that roy was correct.
They began selling their goods, stopping at various stalls and bargaining with merchants. It was a slow process, and the atmosphere didn't help matters. Merchants eyed them with suspicion, and the transactions were hurried, as if everyone wanted to get back to safety.
After they sold the last of the Dusk Serpent materials, they counted their earnings. They received two low-quality qi crystals for their trouble—not a fortune, but enough to keep them going for a while. The transactions had been tense, the merchants eager to finish quickly, as though even the simple act of selling goods was dangerous. Roy couldn't help but notice how people eyes lit up at the sight of qi crystals, as if they hadn't seen money in ages. Normally people traded with silver and gold coins, but when the value increases too much they use crystals. He nudged Kevin and half-joked, 'Looks like everyone's ready to start selling their soul for some qi crystals. Makes me feel like we're the wealthy ones for a change.' The qi crystals weren't much, but they were valuable enough to give them some breathing room. They still had more qi crystals from what Aisha had given them, which provided a bit of security for their upcoming journey.
"All set," Roy said, pocketing the qi crystals. "Now, let's think about the next step. Where do you think we can get the information "
Kevin looked towards Roy, his expression thoughtful. "I think we should visit the school in the city. The teachers over there must have some information or something. We need to look for a sect that aligns with our value."
Roy smirked. "Yeah, someone who doesn't mind a couple of misfits with a history."
Kevin returned the smirk, nodding.
As they were about to head towards the school, they were interrupted by a sudden commotion. A woman came running towards them, her face streaked with tears, her hair disheveled, and her clothes slightly tattered, as if she had been in a hurry for days. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying, and her face was etched with both desperation and guilt. Kevin, although unable to see her, recognized the voice calling his name. It was his aunt—his father's sister. She had known that Kevin's father was innocent and that Kevin had been left alone in the forest, but she hadn't helped him. Fear of retaliation from society had kept her silent all those years.
She stopped a few paces away, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "Kevin? Is it really you?" she asked, her voice shaky, almost disbelieving.
Kevin's face remained expressionless, but his head turned slightly towards her. She stepped closer, her eyes searching his face. "I know it's you, Kevin," she said, her voice breaking.
Before Kevin could respond, she continued, her voice frantic. "I... I need your help. Please, you have to save her. My daughter... she's been taken!"
Kevin's stoic demeanor cracked for the first time, his expression showing both surprise and concern. "Maya? What happened to Maya?" he asked, his voice filled with a mixture of worry and urgency.
Roy, who had been watching the entire scene unfold, frowned deeply. The mention of Kevin's sister had clearly struck a nerve with him as well. He glanced around, noticing the growing number of onlookers. People were starting to gather, their curiosity piqued by the woman's frantic plea.
Roy stepped closer to Kevin, his voice low but firm. "We should take this someplace else," he said, his eyes scanning the crowd. The last thing they needed was unnecessary attention.
Kevin nodded and turned to his aunt. "Take us to your place. We'll talk there."
His aunt looked at him with pleading eyes, her voice trembling. "Will you help, Kevin?" she asked, desperation clear in her tone. Her eyes, red from crying, searched his face for any sign of hope. Kevin could feel the weight of her words pressing down on him, the fear and regret that had brought her to this moment. She looked fragile, a stark contrast to the woman who had once been too afraid to stand up for him and his father.
Kevin hesitated for a moment. He wasn't inclined to help her—not after everything she hadn't done for him. But this was about Maya. Maya was innocent. She hadn't done anything wrong, and Kevin couldn't let her suffer. He nodded firmly. "I'll help. Let's go."
Without wasting any more time, his aunt led them through the winding streets, taking them back to her modest home. Once inside, she closed the door behind them and collapsed onto a chair, her face still streaked with tears.
"Children have been disappearing over the past few weeks," she began, her voice cracking. "Maya was taken the day before yesterday. I don't know where they took her, or why... but I need your help to get her back."
Roy stepped up and asked, "Do you have any clue where they might have taken her?"
His aunt shook her head at first, her expression blank. Then she paused, as if recalling something. "I've heard some people say it's related to the Iron Fang gang. No one else would do something like this... only them."
Hearing this, Kevin's eyes narrowed, and he turned towards Roy, his mind piecing things together. "Do you remember that street we visited last time? The one I said people go to when they have nothing else left? That's the base of the Iron Fang. People join them to earn a living by doing shady and dirty work—stealing, killing—but kidnapping is a new low, even for them." This information is what his father had told him.