Kael left the market square, his thoughts racing. Three crates of crimson lotus powder weren't just an ambitious order—they were a logistical gamble. The substance was so volatile that even a slight mishandling could cause it to ignite, which meant every step of the journey had to be flawless.
He glanced at the tablet's glowing screen as it confirmed the order. The supplier, an alchemist in the distant city of Lorven, had already packed the goods and prepared them for delivery. TradeSphere's portal system would handle the transportation, but Kael had to manage the drop-off.
"Three days to get it here," Kael muttered to himself, "and two days to deliver it to the royal capital. No pressure."
He was so engrossed in his plan that he didn't notice the figure trailing him until a shadow flickered across the corner of his vision.
"Kael," a voice said softly, almost too soft to hear.
He spun around, his hand instinctively going to the dagger at his belt. Standing there was a woman dressed in dark leather armor, her hood pulled low over her face. Despite the attempt at concealment, her striking silver eyes and the faint scar across her cheek gave her away.
"Seren," Kael said, relaxing slightly. "Are you following me, or is this just a coincidence?"
"Neither," she replied, stepping closer. "I hear you've taken on a dangerous contract."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "You hear a lot for someone who barely speaks to anyone."
She ignored the comment. "Crimson lotus powder isn't a simple trade, Kael. Do you even know who that man was?"
Kael frowned, recalling the stern merchant who had commissioned him. "Rich, demanding, and definitely used to getting his way. That's all I need to know."
"He's more than that," Seren said, her tone sharp. "Lord Ardel of the Crimson Court. He's not just a merchant—he's connected to the kind of people who make problems disappear."
Kael crossed his arms. "Why do I get the feeling you're not telling me this out of concern for my well-being?"
Seren smirked. "Maybe I just don't want you to mess up and get yourself killed. You're too useful to lose."
Kael sighed. "If you've got advice, now's the time. Otherwise, I need to prepare."
She hesitated, then leaned in closer. "Watch your back. Crimson lotus powder is dangerous, but the people who deal in it are worse. If you make even one mistake, Ardel won't hesitate to... resolve the issue."
With that, she slipped back into the shadows, leaving Kael standing alone.
---
Back at his workshop—a modest space filled with maps, tools, and TradeSphere's strange glowing portal device—Kael began strategizing. He pulled out the Ethercore, its swirling energy a mix of blue and green light. It powered everything: the tablet, the portal device, even the occasional enchanted gadget he'd picked up in his travels.
"Alright," he said, tapping the screen to confirm the shipment's arrival. The tablet blinked: Incoming Delivery: Crimson Lotus Powder (3 crates). Handle with care.
A faint hum filled the room as a circular portal shimmered to life. Moments later, three heavy crates appeared, each marked with alchemical symbols warning of their volatile contents.
Kael approached cautiously, his breath slow and steady. "No sudden movements," he muttered, prying open one of the crates to inspect the goods. Inside, the crimson powder shimmered like liquid fire, its surface swirling with faint wisps of smoke.
"Perfect condition," he noted, relief washing over him. But the real challenge was yet to come—delivering it safely to the royal capital.
---
The next morning, Kael set off with a small caravan. He'd hired a pair of local mercenaries for protection—a grizzled veteran named Garen and a cheerful archer named Lila. Together, they made an unlikely team, but Kael knew better than to travel alone with such valuable cargo.
The road to the capital was treacherous. Bandits prowled the forests, and rumors of rogue mages made every shadow seem like a potential threat. But Kael's focus was on the crates. He checked them at every stop, ensuring they were secure and undisturbed.
By the second day, the caravan had made good progress, but tension hung in the air.
"You've been quiet," Lila said, breaking the silence. "What's in those crates that's got you so nervous?"
Kael hesitated, then decided honesty was the best policy. "Crimson lotus powder. Three crates of it."
Lila's eyes widened. "You're joking, right? That stuff's banned in half the kingdom."
"Not for Ardel, apparently," Kael said grimly.
Garen grunted. "Hope you're charging him enough. That stuff's worth more than gold, but it's a death sentence if it goes wrong."
Kael didn't respond. He knew the risks better than anyone, but he also knew the reward was worth it—if he succeeded.
As the caravan rounded a bend, a figure stepped into the road ahead, blocking their path. It was a man dressed in ragged robes, his hands glowing with faint green light.
"A mage," Garen muttered, drawing his sword.
The man's voice boomed. "Step aside and leave the crates. No one has to get hurt."
Kael cursed under his breath. Of course it wouldn't be that easy.