Chapter 22: A Step Into Warheaven

Chapter 22: A Step Into Warheaven

The city of Warheaven, a place of grandeur and history, stood as a testament to the spirit of battle and resilience. Known as the outermost stronghold of the Silva Duchy, it had earned its name during the bloody wars between the Redwood Kingdom and the neighboring Helios Kingdom. Twenty years ago, Warheaven bore the brunt of countless invasions, standing firm amidst the chaos. Now, the city symbolized strength, a hub where warriors were idolized, and power was respected above all.

Sylas, after entering the bustling gates of Warheaven, marveled at the sheer size and activity of the city. Coming from Florence, a modest village, he had never experienced anything remotely close to this. He decided his first priority would be to find a place to stay. After wandering through the crowded streets, he came across an inn named Warrior's Den, a place reflecting the city's deep-rooted culture of idolizing strength.

The innkeeper, a gruff man with battle scars lining his face, greeted Sylas.

"One silver per night for a soundproof room. Spacious enough for you to stretch out after a long day," the innkeeper said, sizing him up.

Sylas handed over the silver coin without hesitation, noting that while the room was expensive, he could afford it. His father, a wealthy merchant, had sent him off with ten gold coins—enough to cover his expenses for a while. The Redwood Kingdom's currency system was straightforward: 1 platinum equaled 100 gold, 1 gold equaled 100 silver, and 1 silver equaled 100 bronze. For perspective, the average household earned around ten silver coins a month.

Once settled into his room, Sylas sat on the edge of the bed and reflected. His mind returned to his purpose: the artifact tied to the glory days of the Eldras family.

"The map I have shows four distinct markings across Silva Duchy. Each of these could represent a separate artifact," Sylas thought. "The first one must be in this region. If I gain the favor of the Silva family during the Battle of Nobles, I can make my search far easier."

He recalled Diamante's advice: "Kid, the best place to gather information is the bar. People loosen up when they're drunk, and their tongues are far less guarded."

Determined to follow this wisdom, Sylas decided to explore Warheaven at night.

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When the sun dipped below the horizon, the city of Warheaven came alive. Lanterns lit the streets, vibrant with energy. Crowds filled every corner as performers entertained, merchants hawked their wares, and laughter echoed in the air. The festive atmosphere was palpable, fueled by the excitement of the upcoming Battle of Nobles—a grand event this city cherished deeply.

Sylas, walking among the bustling crowd, felt a mix of awe and intimidation. The sheer size and vibrancy of Warheaven were overwhelming.

"This is what they mean by being a frog in a well," Sylas muttered to himself, remembering how small and simple Florence felt compared to this sprawling city.

Eventually, he arrived at a bar named Moon's Delight, one of the most renowned establishments in Warheaven. He had learned about it from the inn receptionist, who had described it as a place where even nobles were regular patrons. The exterior of the bar exuded luxury, with intricate carvings and guards stationed outside, both at the Blue Ring level.

Sylas paused, astonished. "Blue Ring users... as mere guards? Back in Florence, there are only a handful of Blue Rings, and even Chief Arthur is at the Green Ring stage. This city truly operates on a different level."

His thoughts wandered further. "If the guards are this strong, then the city lord... Could they be at Yellow or even Orange Ring? Warheaven truly lives up to its reputation."

After paying the entry fee, Sylas stepped into the bar. The interior was bustling with chatter, the clinking of glasses, and the hum of music. He ordered a drink and pushed a silver coin toward the waitress who served him. Her eyes lit up at the generous tip.

"I need some information," Sylas said softly. "Where can I get it?"

The waitress tucked away the coin, leaned closer, and smiled. "If it's information you're after, you'll want to speak to Brian, the chatterbox." She pointed toward a man sitting at the main counter, laughing loudly as he conversed with a group of patrons.

Sylas's gaze shifted toward Brian. The man appeared unassuming but carried an air of confidence.

"He's the one to talk to," the waitress continued. "No one knows where he gets his information, but he's always in the loop about everything happening in Warheaven. Just buy him a drink, and he'll tell you what you want to know."

Sylas nodded, but he couldn't shake off a nagging thought. "If Brian truly knows so much, why hasn't he been silenced or brought under the control of the city's authorities? Either he's too powerful, or his connections run deep."

With cautious curiosity, Sylas approached Brian. The man's laughter grew louder as Sylas neared. Taking a deep breath, Sylas spoke.

"Hello, my name is Sylas. May I take a seat here?"

Brian turned toward him, his grin widening. "Ah, a new face! Sit down, lad. Always room for another at the table!"

Sylas pulled out the chair, preparing himself for what would come next.

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End of Chapter