Chapter 15: “the market”

The tavern was quiet, the soft murmur of patrons and the crackling of the fireplace the only sounds filling the room. Adrian Nightshade, Cale, and Choi Han sat around a wooden table, a map of the region spread out before them. Candles flickered, casting shadows that danced across the parchment.

Adrian recounted his journey to the ancient ruins, his encounter with the shadowy entity, and the battle with the Minotaur. Cale listened intently, his expression thoughtful, while Choi Han's eyes gleamed with interest.

"With the Amulet of Aetherium and the power of Mythos Sculpting, we have a significant advantage," Adrian concluded, his voice steady. "But we need to be strategic. The enemies we're facing won't be easy to defeat."

Cale nodded, his finger tracing a path on the map. "Our next target should be Venion Stan. He's a key figure, and taking him down will destabilize the enemy's plans."

Choi Han agreed, his expression determined. "But we must be careful. Venion is dangerous, and he has many allies. We'll need to gather more information and possibly recruit more allies."

Adrian's thoughts drifted to the Minotaur, now on his way to the Roan Kingdom. He felt a sense of reassurance knowing they had a powerful ally waiting in the wings. "I'll contact our Minotaur ally when the time is right. For now, we should focus on our immediate preparations."

The three strategists discussed their plan late into the night, refining their tactics and considering every possible angle. By the time they finished, the first light of dawn was creeping through the tavern windows.

Adrian stood, stretching his muscles. "I'll head out to gather some supplies and see if there are any leads on Venion's whereabouts. Cale, Choi Han, keep an eye on things here and prepare for our next move."

With their plan in place, Adrian left the tavern, Raven by his side. The town was just beginning to wake up, the streets still quiet as merchants set up their stalls and early risers went about their morning routines.

Despite having the ability to buy anything he needed using his system, Adrian knew he couldn't rely on it without raising suspicion. No one knew about the system yet, and he intended to keep it that way. So, he made his way to the marketplace to gather supplies the old-fashioned way.

Adrian and Raven navigated the bustling market, his thoughts focused on their mission. Every step he took, every item he bought, was part of their preparation for the battles ahead. As he haggled with a vendor over the price of healing potions, a familiar voice called out to him.

"Adrian!"

He turned to see a young woman approaching, her face lighting up with a smile. It was Clara, a skilled healer he had met in the dark forest during his journey to the Henituse territory. Adrian and Raven had encountered Clara when they needed medical treatment, and she had helped them without hesitation.

"Clara," Adrian greeted, returning her smile. "It's good to see you. What brings you to this part of the kingdom?"

"I've been traveling, offering my services to those in need," Clara replied. "And it seems fate has brought us together again. You look like you're preparing for something serious."

Adrian nodded, his expression serious. "We are. There's a dangerous foe we need to take down, and we could use all the help we can get. Are you willing to join us?"

Clara's smile faded into a determined look. "Of course. I'll do whatever I can to help."

With Clara now part of their team, Adrian felt a renewed sense of confidence. Together, they continued gathering supplies, each item adding to their growing arsenal. As they worked, Clara shared news of recent events and rumors she had heard on her travels, some of which could prove valuable in their quest.

By midday, their preparations were complete. Adrian and Clara returned to the tavern, where Cale and Choi Han were waiting. The addition of Clara to their group was met with approval, and they spent the afternoon going over their plans once more, ensuring everyone was on the same page.

As evening fell, the team sat around the table, ready to set their plan into motion. Adrian looked at each of them, feeling a sense of camaraderie and purpose.