Chapter 18

Autumn and Ember lurked around the tall stone wall surrounding Red Reef City.

The wall had few handholds that would make climbing it difficult.

Autumn blinked, glancing over towards Ember. "I don't see any traces of an alarm or barrier, but the option to go through the front gate is still open, if you'd like to risk it."

"It'll be fine. If it turns out that we really can't climb over this wall, it won't be too late to go through the gate," Ember replied.

"Agreed."

Autumn placed a hand on the rough stone surface, digging her fingers into a small crack. Pulling herself upwards step by step, Autumn slowly made her way up.

Ember similarly ascended the wall, taking great care in every step.

Autumn glanced downwards, her heart leaping to her throat. Eyes wide, Autumn whispered, "I don't know why I agreed to do this. I'm a wolf, not a cat…"

"You can do it," Ember encouraged, although Autumn was sure she was trying to encourage herself as well.

Taking a few breaths to calm her racing heart, Autumn continued the ascent.

'Just a little bit left,' Autumn thought to herself, 'We're almost there.'

Autumn hauled herself onto the edge of the stone wall, breathing heavily. Ember had likewise pulled herself up and was seated next to Autumn.

Tilting her head back, Autumn closed her eyes, relishing in the crisp breeze.

"We should get going," Autumn said at last.

"Mhmm," Ember agreed, "If we're going to be traveling far it would be nice to have some emergency rations."

"I doubt the human cities will have any high energy food. Luckily we still have those rank 5 soul stones we got from the Shadow Haunters."

Ember grinned before hinting, "What about the stuff Sol gave us? I think they were called Energy Cores?"

Autumn nodded thoughtfully, "What are we waiting for then? Let's go!"

Autumn stood up before carefully climbing down from the wall. Stepping into the dark alleyway in front of her, Autumn turned around, making sure Ember was following.

Ember walked forwards, quickly taking Autumn's hand in hers. "Where should we even start? It doesn't help that none of us even knew what an Energy core was before Sol showed us."

"Well, he did say they came from evolved animals, so maybe the butchers shop?"

"Won't hurt to try," Ember laughed.

They were quickly approaching the end of the alleyway. Autumn tugged at the hood of her cloak, making sure it was positioned correctly.

Autumn and Ember stepped out from the shadows and casually walked through the crowd.

"Looks like no one noticed," Autumn whispered quietly.

"It helps that there are a lot of people wearing cloaks," Ember replied.

Autumn glanced wide eyed at all the different things out on display.

"Why is a border city of Dawnbreak seem so much more lively than Bluestone City? From what I heard, Bluestone City is very popular."

Ember glanced at Autumn, "You wouldn't know, since you've spent practically your entire life in the Dark Forest, but Dawnbreak has trading connections all over Everlife. It makes most cities in Dawnbreak filled with merchants trying to make it big."

"And Bluestone City?" Autumn urged.

"Bluestone City is very popular, but mostly with merchants and adventurers. Unlike Dawnbreak, the merchants aren't looking to sell, save for their excess materials. They're mainly looking to purchase the abundant resources from the Dark Forest. The adventurers, on the other hand, seek fame and glory."

"Typical," Autumn scoffed, a scowl hanging on her small face. Her disdain for the adventurers was slowly growing with each passing day.

"Excuse me," a voice rang out. Autumn and Ember were yanked backwards by a pair of hands on their shoulders.

Ember shrugged the hand off her shoulder. "You're excused," she replied with slight disdain.

The hooded figure ignored her words, instead stating, "I have no interest in your trivial matters, but your disrespect to adventurers I can not tolerate."

"What a goody two-shoes," Autumn mocked, her lips twisting into a sneer.

"I'm not forcing you to like us, but don't you think you should at least be kinder to the adventurers who risk their lives protecting these cities? You're only children yet your words are so vicious."

"Who are you to talk about age?" Ember snapped.

Autumn paused, the person's words registering in her head. Frowning, Autumn tugged at Ember's hand. "He's an adventurer," She whispered softly.

The figure chuckled, his hand reaching up to pull back the hood of his cloak. Flaming red hair covered his head. His eyes were a reddish brown, giving him a wild and unrestrained look.

"Rui, at your service."

This time, Autumn and Ember ignored him, quickly walking away.

"Leaving so soon? Pity we didn't really get to talk yet. It would be such a shame if two little pups got 'lost' in the city now, wouldn't it?"

Eyes wide, Autumn and Ember stopped in their tracks.

Pulling on a calm facade, Autumn replied, "I don't know what your talking about. Mother said not to talk to adventurers."

"Isn't it supposed to be 'don't talk to strangers? Autumn!" Ember hissed, her voice laced with panic.

"I forgot okay? And I'm pretty sure he already knows!"

"How does he know? How does her know?!?" Ember questioned, flustered.

"It's quite simple really," Rui replied, his voice filled with mirth. "I almost didn't see past it."

"Quite simple, you say," Autumn replied, sarcasm laced in her words.

Rui reached out and took hold of their wrists, pulling them towards a large building. "It's really quite simple! I'm sure you'll get it in no time!"