The morning sun bathed the town in a pale orange hue as Eagan reached the pickup point for his artifact. The shop was a sleek establishment tucked between a grimy weapons repair outlet and an automated survival gear vending machine.
Its only giveaway to its shadowy dealings was a faint holographic emblem above the door—subtle and easily overlooked by anyone not in the know.
Inside, the air was cool and sterile, with rows of glass display cases showcasing nondescript items that hinted at their hidden value. The shopkeeper, an elderly man with a silver beard and sharp eyes, looked up from his holographic ledger as Eagan approached.
"Delivery or purchase?" the man asked, his voice as crisp as the store's spotless interior.
"Delivery," Eagan replied, his tone even. "Number Triple Five."
The man raised an eyebrow. "Phantom, right? Shadow web user?"
"That's me."
The shopkeeper nodded and turned to retrieve a neatly wrapped package from a secure locker. "Runed Down Jacket of Warding," he announced, placing the bundle on the counter. "Enjoy, and don't get yourself killed too soon."
Eagan unwrapped the package as soon as he stepped outside. The jacket was a sleek black design, almost modern in its simplicity, with glowing runes subtly etched into its lining.
It wasn't just a piece of gear; it was armour disguised as fashion. He slipped it on, feeling the warmth of its magic settle over him.
"Stylish and protective," he muttered, grinning to himself. "Perfect."
Eagan's next stop was Arlene's shop. Since he had some money on him, he decided to upgrade his weaponry. Not only for the sake of the future but for his personal training.
Being efficient with different weapons of different sizes and forms will enhance his survival in the coming days, where he'll be fighting against the demon beast.
Arlene glanced up as Eagan walked in. A half-smoked cigar was hanging between his lips as he gave Eagan a subtle check. "Well, if it isn't the rookie. Back already? I thought you'd be nursing wounds or counting cash for at least a week."
"Couldn't wait," Eagan replied with a smirk. "I need something new. Something… lethal."
Arlene's lips curled into a sly grin. "Lethal, huh? That's my speciality."
"You want it used or new?" He asked. "The prices are different though."
"I don't care, as long as it's lethal and worth the price." Eagan replied, and Arlen grinned.
He gestured to a display case, where an enchanted katana, a pair of shadow-forged daggers, and a longbow imbued with flame magic were lined up like prizes waiting to be claimed.
"Got some good picks here. The katana's for showoffs, the bow's for pyros, but these…" He tapped the glass over the daggers. "These are for people who know what they're doing."
Eagan leaned closer, studying the daggers. Their dark, matte finish seemed to absorb light, and faint, shadowy tendrils pulsed along the blades.
"These," he said, nodding.
"Smart choice," Arlene said, sliding them out of the case. "Lightweight, deadly, and perfect for someone who likes to get up close and personal."
Eagan handed over a stack of cash without hesitation. "Keep the change," he said, tucking the daggers into his inventory system.
"Generous today, aren't we?" Arlene smirked, pocketing the extra money.
Eagan rolled his eyes as he pitted away the dagger into the system inventory. "You can return the extra cash if you don't want it."
"It's mine already; I'm keeping it!" Arlene replied and waved him off. "Stay alive, kid. You are currently my favourite customer, and I can't lose you yet."
With his errands done, Eagan decided to relax.
He wandered through the city streets, passing towering apartment blocks and automated stores with glowing neon signs. The hum of distant generators mixed with the faint buzz of drones flying overhead.
He dove into a fast-food chain called Grill & Go, grabbing a tray loaded with meat burgers and fries. Sitting by a window, he watched the bustle of the city—the survivors of a post-apocalyptic world going about their day, some armed, some wary, all adapting to a harsh new normal.
After finishing his meal, Eagan strolled along a quieter street when a voice rang out from behind him.
"Eagan? Is that you?"
He turned and saw Lyra. Her hair shimmered in the pale light, and her eyes sparkled with a mix of relief and amusement. But her usually carefree demeanour was overshadowed by tension. Two burly men were blocking her path, their faces hidden behind tactical masks.
"Listen, boys," Lyra said, her voice light but her posture defensive. "I've already told you, I don't have what you're looking for. But if you're after trouble, I've got plenty of that to spare."
The taller of the two men growled, stepping closer. "We don't want trouble, lady. Just the map."
Eagan's eyes narrowed. Without hesitation, he stepped forward. "Hey! Why don't you leave her alone and find someone else to bother?"
The men turned, their eyes scanning Eagan. "Who's this? Your bodyguard?"
"Worse," Lyra quipped, her smirk returning. "He's my friend."
Before the thugs could react, Eagan unsheathed his shadow-forged daggers. The weapons hummed faintly, their dark energy radiating menace. He moved quickly, dodging the larger man's swing and slamming the hilt of one dagger into his gut. The second tug barely had time to react before Eagan disarmed him, sending his weapon clattering to the ground.
"Not so tough now, are you?" Eagan muttered, glaring at them.
The men retreated, grumbling curses as they disappeared down the street.
Lyra exhaled, shaking her head. "Well, that was fun. You've definitely gotten better since our last test."
Eagan smirked. "And you've gotten into more trouble."
"Occupational hazard," she said with a shrug, holding up a crumpled map. "It's not like I asked them to chase me for this."
"What's that?" Eagan asked with a raised brow as he examined the crumpled paper in her hands. "Treasure map?"
"No way," Lyra replied with a shake of her head as she tucked the paper away. "It's the map of a dungeon. The Unclosed Mine dungeon in Zone F." She began.
"I'm trying to go into that dungeon for some extra cash, but since I'm not a certified hunter yet, I won't be allowed in. So I need this map as a bargaining chip with my sister so she can take me along."
Eagan's eyes widened. "The Unclosed Mine dungeon? That's a death trap. Although it has a lot of treasure, the number of demon beasts in it is just as much! What makes you think the sword saint will take you along?"
Lyra's expression turned determined. "She owes me a favor. And with this map, she'll have no choice but to take me."
Evan raised an eyebrow. "What's in it for you? The treasure?"
Lyra shook her head. "Information. I heard rumours of a hidden laboratory deep within the dungeon. If I can get in, I might find something valuable."
Eagan's curiosity piqued. "What kind of information?"
Lyra leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "About the otherworldly medicine. I've heard that there are elixirs from the dungeon that can cure all types of sickness."
"Are you sick?" Eagan asked with a frown, and Lyra sighed.
"Imagine getting that type of information on how to make sure a ground-breaking elixir. Do you know that profit I can acquire?" She demanded, her hands hanging on her waist.
"It will also help our epd move on to the next level!" She declared. "Anyways, I still need to find some other things before I can convince Lisa to take me along."
"What other things? If I help you with it, do you think she'll allow me to go with you?"