Myr: The Jewel of Eldoria
Myr.
A crown jewel of the Kingdom of Eldoria.
A city where fortune and ruin walked side by side.
Towering stone walls rose in the distance, watchtowers lining the perimeter. Archers stood poised along the battlements, eyes scanning every traveler that approached.
Were they protection against outside threats?
Or a reminder that no one escaped Myr's justice?
Kael didn't know.
But he would find out.
As he neared the city gates, he quickly read the atmosphere.
Myr wasn't like the villages and fortresses he had passed through before.
Here, strength alone wouldn't be enough.
This was a city built on influence, gold, and the right alliances.
And Kael had names to investigate.
The Scarlet Sect.
Who were they?
Why did they want him dead?
To get answers, he needed to sink into Myr's underworld.
But before he could take another step—
A group of guards blocked his path.
First Obstacle: The Rules of Myr
The lead guard was a broad-shouldered man in heavy armor, a golden crest gleaming on his chest. His seasoned gaze swept over Kael, calculating, assessing.
Myr had rules.
And Myr was not kind to outsiders without a clear purpose.
The guard folded his arms.
"Name and business in Myr."
Straightforward. No nonsense.
Kael kept his expression calm.
He couldn't reveal his real mission.
But he also couldn't look like a common drifter.
So, he set the bait.
"Kael Zhan. Mercenary."
The guard raised an eyebrow.
"A mercenary without a company? Strange."
Kael shrugged.
"I worked with the Ironbloods for a while. But they don't exist anymore."
The guard's eyes narrowed.
He knew something about the Ironbloods.
But Kael wasn't expecting that name to open doors.
He just wanted to see the reaction.
The guard studied him for another second before sighing.
"If you want to enter Myr, you'll need to pay the entrance tax. Fifteen silver coins."
Kael frowned.
That was a ridiculous amount.
Enough for a commoner to live for weeks.
This wasn't about security.
It was about keeping the weak out.
Fortunately… Kael wasn't weak.
He clicked his tongue, arms crossing over his chest.
"Strange. The men of Shadow Dawn told me the tax was ten silver. I'm starting to think someone is trying to make a little extra off me."
The guard's face twitched.
The Shadow Dawn held enough power to be feared even in Myr.
And Kael was betting on that fear.
A bluff.
But a solid one.
The guard exhaled sharply, but relented.
"Ten silver, then."
Kael paid without another word and stepped into the city.
First barrier, cleared.
Now…
He needed to find his first contact.
The Dark Heart of Myr
Myr was alive with energy.
Merchants shouted their prices.
Carriages pulled by spirit beasts rumbled down the roads.
Groups of adventurers haggled over escort contracts.
But Kael wasn't here for the open market.
He needed the underworld.
And that meant going to The Silver Serpent Inn.
A place known for mercenaries, spies, and hired killers.
If anyone knew about the Scarlet Sect, it would be there.
Kael moved through the streets, dodging pickpockets and beggars, until he reached his destination.
A run-down tavern.
Crowded. Loud. Reeking of ale, sweat, and desperation.
Gambling. Drinking. Deals whispered in dark corners.
The kind of place where you found answers… or trouble.
Kael stepped inside without hesitation.
And immediately, he felt the weight of eyes on him.
Curious. Cautious. Some hostile.
He ignored them all.
He already knew who he was looking for.
Daren Velkor.
An ex-mercenary turned information broker.
If anyone had heard the name Scarlet Sect, it would be him.
Kael approached the bar.
Daren, a heavyset man with a scarred face and a single blind eye, looked at him with mild disinterest. Gold rings clinked on his fingers as he wiped down a mug.
"Something I can do for you?"
Kael flicked a gold coin onto the counter, spinning it between his fingers.
"I need information."
Daren raised an eyebrow.
"About what?"
Kael didn't waste time.
"The Scarlet Sect."
The reaction was instant.
Daren's hand froze for half a second.
The room tensed ever so slightly.
Kael noticed everything.
He had said the right name.
Daren leaned forward, lowering his voice.
"If I were you, kid… I'd forget that name."
Kael smiled faintly.
"If I were you, Daren… I'd take the gold and tell me what you know."
Silence.
Then, Daren chuckled.
He plucked the gold coin from Kael's fingers, rolling it between his own.
"Alright. But if I were you, I'd sharpen my blade."
He leaned in, voice barely above a whisper.
"Because if the Scarlet Sect already knows your name…"
His grin widened.
"You're already dead."
Kael's smile didn't fade.
If they were after him…
Then he would find them first.
And show them they had chosen the wrong enemy.