Reward and Recognition (2)

Sunlight filtered through the small window, casting a golden glow over the room. The sounds of Emberhod awakening filled the air—merchants setting up their stalls, blacksmiths hammering steel, and adventurers preparing for their morning quests.

Kael sat up, his mind already focused on the day ahead. Today, he would need to prepare—armor, supplies, and a new sword. Even if he chose to keep the dagger, he knew he couldn't rely on it forever.

Darian stretched with a yawn. "Morning already? Damn, it feels like we just closed our eyes."

Ren smirked. "That's because you drank half the night away."

Kael stood, rolling his shoulders. "Let's get moving. We have work to do."

The brothers nodded. Today, they would take their first real steps toward their uncertain future—one filled with danger, corruption, and the ghosts of a long-forgotten past.

The trio stepped out into the bustling streets of Emberhod. The marketplace was alive with the sounds of merchants calling out deals, blacksmiths shaping steel, and adventurers bartering for better gear.

Darian led the way toward a well-known blacksmith. "Alright, Kael, you need something that won't break after one good hit. Let's get you some real armor."

Kael glanced around at the various weapons on racks—blades of all sizes, war axes, and enchanted spears. Though he would keep his dagger, a reliable sword wouldn't hurt.

Ren nudged him. "See anything you like?"

Kael ran his fingers over a sleek longsword with a sturdy grip. "This will do."

Darian smirked. "Good choice. Now let's get you some armor before someone mistakes you for a half-dressed mercenary."

Kael didn't respond—his mind was already on the battles to come. This was just the beginning.

With Kael's new armor and weapon secured, the trio made their way to an apothecary. The scent of herbs and alchemical ingredients filled the air as an elderly shopkeeper greeted them.

"You'll need healing and stamina potions if you're heading into dangerous territory," he advised, setting small glass vials on the counter.

Ren picked up a red potion, swirling the liquid inside. "Can't argue with that. We'll take a few of each."

Darian, meanwhile, browsed through a collection of magic scrolls. "These might be useful." He handed Kael a few attack scrolls—one imbued with fire, another with lightning.

Kael raised an eyebrow. "These are temporary solutions."

Darian grinned. "So is life."

With their supplies stocked, they stepped out onto the busy streets once more. Kael adjusted the weight of his sword and armor. He was ready for whatever came next.

Kael, Darian, and Ren made their way back through Emberhod's bustling streets. The weight of Kael's new armor and sword felt unfamiliar but necessary. Though he had lost his divinity, he would fight with whatever strength remained.

Darian flipped a gold coin between his fingers. "So, what's next? We've got gear, we've got supplies—now we need a job."

Ren smirked. "There's always work for adventurers. The guild should have something worth our time."

Kael nodded. "Then let's go."

The three of them headed toward the Adventurer's Guild, unaware that their simple quest for coin would soon spiral into something far greater.