The back room of Marek's shop was cluttered but organized, every surface covered in artifacts, crystals, and half-finished projects. A large workbench dominated the space, its surface etched with intricate runes glowing faintly. The air hummed with magical energy, making the hairs on Ethan's arms stand on end.
Marek gestured for them to sit at a small table in the corner while he busied himself with a kettle over a small stove. "Tea?" he asked without looking back.
"No thanks," Ethan said, his gaze wandering over the strange objects lining the shelves.
"Suit yourself." Marek poured two cups and handed one to Lyra before taking a seat across from them. "Now, let's talk. You want to suppress a system, yes? That's a delicate business, and not something just anyone can pull off."
Ethan nodded. "Can you do it?"
Marek tapped his fingers on the table, his sharp eyes studying Ethan intently. "I might be able to help, but it depends on the nature of your system. Powerful ones tend to resist suppression, especially if they're… alive, in a sense."
"Alive?" Ethan asked, startled.
"Your system's energy is unique," Marek said. "I felt it the moment you walked into the shop. It's not just strong—it's reactive. Systems like that don't like being contained."
Ethan clenched his fists, the gloves creaking softly. "I don't need it contained, just hidden."
"Ah, a simpler request, but still challenging," Marek said. "I can craft something to mask your system's glow, but it won't be cheap."
Lyra leaned forward. "How much are we talking?"
Marek's lips curved into a sly smile. "For something this intricate? Let's say… a favor."
Ethan frowned. "What kind of favor?"
Marek leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled. "There's an artifact I've been after for some time. A gemstone called the Umbral Core. It's said to enhance shadow magic, but it's currently in the possession of a rather unpleasant individual—a minor lord who fancies himself untouchable."
"And you want us to steal it," Lyra said flatly.
"Exactly," Marek replied, his tone light. "Bring me the Umbral Core, and I'll craft you a device to hide your system's energy. Simple."
Ethan exchanged a glance with Lyra. "Sounds anything but simple," he said.
"Oh, it won't be easy," Marek admitted. "Lord Rhovan's estate is well-guarded, and he's paranoid to boot. But I have faith in your abilities. Especially yours," he added, nodding at Ethan.
Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Do we have a choice?"
"Not really," Lyra said. "If we try to find another artificer, we'll waste weeks, maybe months. And the Guild's already closing in."
Ethan groaned. "Fine. Where is this estate?"
Marek grinned and pulled out a map, spreading it across the table. "Here," he said, tapping a spot near the edge of the forest. "Lord Rhovan's manor. It's isolated, which works to your advantage. Fewer prying eyes."
Lyra studied the map. "We'll need supplies and a plan. Breaking into a noble's estate isn't exactly something we can improvise."
"Take your time," Marek said. "The Umbral Core isn't going anywhere. But the sooner you bring it to me, the sooner I can help you."
Ethan leaned back, crossing his arms. "Why do you want this Core so badly?"
Marek's smile didn't falter, but his eyes grew colder. "Let's just say it's personal."
Ethan didn't press further. He wasn't sure he wanted to know.
After leaving Marek's shop, Ethan and Lyra found a small inn near the edge of town. The room was simple but clean, with two narrow beds and a small window overlooking the street.
Lyra sat at the table, studying the map Marek had given them. "We'll need to approach from the west," she said, tracing a route with her finger. "The forest is thickest there, so we'll have better cover."
Ethan nodded, pacing the room. "And once we're inside?"
"We find the artifact and get out," Lyra said. "No unnecessary risks, no heroics."
Ethan stopped pacing, leaning on the table. "And if things go wrong?"
Lyra met his gaze, her expression serious. "They won't. I'll make sure of it."
Ethan wasn't convinced, but he didn't argue. The weight of his system pressed heavily on his mind, and the thought of the Guild tracking him down was enough to keep him moving forward.
As Lyra continued planning, Ethan looked out the window at the bustling town below. He couldn't shake the feeling that this mission would change everything—and not necessarily for the best.