Ethan kept a cautious distance from Lyra as they walked through the bustling market square. Her calm demeanor and sharp eyes set him on edge, but if she truly knew how to help him stay hidden, he couldn't afford to turn her away.
"Where are we going?" Ethan asked, his voice low enough to blend into the surrounding noise.
"To a place we can talk without eyes or ears on us," Lyra replied. She glanced back at him, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Don't worry, you're safe. For now."
Ethan didn't find her tone reassuring, but he followed her out of the market. Lyra led him through twisting alleyways, the sound of their footsteps swallowed by the shadows. Finally, they arrived at a narrow, unassuming door nestled between two leaning buildings. Lyra knocked three times in quick succession before stepping inside.
The room beyond was dimly lit, with a single oil lamp casting flickering light over stacks of crates and sacks of grain. It smelled of dust and wood, a stark contrast to the liveliness of the market.
"Alright," Lyra said, closing the door behind them. "This should be private enough."
Ethan crossed his arms, leaning against a crate. "Start talking. What do you know about me?"
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "Not much, other than you've got a system that's blindingly strong. I noticed you the moment you entered the town yesterday."
"So you've been watching me," Ethan said, his tone guarded.
"Observing," Lyra corrected, leaning casually against the wall. "I had to make sure you weren't with the Guild. They've been sniffing around lately, and I can't afford to take chances."
Ethan frowned. "Why are they after you?"
Lyra hesitated for a moment, her eyes hardening. "That's my business. Let's focus on yours. You don't exactly blend in, you know. Your system's glow is like a beacon to anyone with half a clue."
Ethan looked down at his gloved hands. "The gloves don't help?"
"They help mask the glow from normal people," Lyra admitted. "But to anyone with a system, or to Guild trackers, you might as well be waving a flag. The stronger the system, the brighter the glow."
Ethan sighed. "Great. So how do I stop glowing?"
Lyra studied him for a moment before pulling out a small pouch from her belt. She emptied its contents onto the crate—three small, dark stones etched with faint runes.
"These are shadowstones," she explained. "They dampen system energy temporarily. Not enough to make you completely invisible, but it'll dim your glow to a manageable level."
Ethan reached out to pick one up, but Lyra stopped him with a raised hand. "Careful. These are rare and not easy to replace. I'm not giving them to you for free."
"Of course not," Ethan muttered. "What do you want?"
Lyra's smirk returned. "Help me with something. There's a Guild outpost not far from here. They've been keeping tabs on the town, and I need to know what they're planning."
Ethan tensed. "You want me to spy on the Guild?"
"Not exactly," Lyra said. "Just help me get close enough to do it myself. With your system, you'll be able to handle any trouble that comes our way."
Ethan frowned. "And if I say no?"
Lyra shrugged. "Then you can figure out how to hide your glow on your own. Good luck with that."
Ethan clenched his jaw, weighing his options. He didn't like being manipulated, but Lyra was right—he had no idea how to suppress his system, and the Guild was closing in.
"Fine," he said at last. "But if this goes south, I'm out."
Lyra grinned. "Fair enough. We'll leave tonight."
The hours passed slowly as Ethan prepared for the mission. Lyra had provided him with a crude map of the outpost, marked with patrol routes and potential weak points.
By nightfall, they were moving through the forest, the sound of their footsteps muffled by the thick undergrowth. The Guild outpost came into view, its wooden palisades silhouetted against the moonlit sky.
Lyra crouched behind a fallen log, motioning for Ethan to do the same. "The patrols change every twenty minutes," she whispered. "We wait for the shift, then sneak in through the west side. There's a storage shed there—it should be unguarded."
Ethan nodded, gripping his makeshift weapon tightly. He could feel the vines coiled around the stick twitch faintly, almost as if sensing his unease.
When the patrols shifted, Lyra signaled for him to follow. They crept through the shadows, their movements silent and deliberate. As they reached the storage shed, Lyra slipped inside, leaving Ethan to keep watch.
Minutes ticked by, and Ethan's nerves began to fray. He scanned the area, his eyes darting to every shadow and movement.
Finally, Lyra emerged, her expression grim. "They're planning something big," she whispered. "They've got orders to sweep the surrounding villages for anyone with a system."
Ethan's stomach sank. "Including this town?"
Lyra nodded. "We need to get back. Now."
As they turned to leave, a shout rang out behind them.
"Hey! Intruders!"
Ethan's blood ran cold as two guards charged toward them, swords drawn.
"Run!" Lyra hissed, but Ethan stood his ground, gripping his weapon tightly. The vines pulsed with energy, and he felt a surge of power coursing through him.
"Go!" he shouted, stepping forward to meet the guards.
Lyra hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Don't die!" she called as she vanished into the shadows.
Ethan raised his weapon, the vines unfurling and twisting as the first guard lunged.