Chapter-14 Shadows and Stew

After escaping Master Callin and his subordinates. Finn was happy to be alive. Though Aiden asked Finn to lead him toward Kaven Town.

Aiden himself had been feeling sometype of way after saving Finn twice.

He became terrified, still he led because of helping him. He even explained, where he was going to meet Mira and Riven, because he felt that Finn was a bit ignorant to his surroundings.

Still during that walk throught his forest. He was still full on adrenaline, because he wasn't sure his attack would work. Cause time had slowed as he came to a decision. Maybe he would have clawed me if a second later.

He even had a him explain why Master Callin called him, the Pale Requiem. All that he knew was that, he was a ruthless badass exodite, who moves from zone to zones at a fast rate that no one can capture him nor defeat him. It made Aiden feel at ease if, he no longer in the town.

Still, deep down he knew something was watching, waiting.

Despite thinking about Pale Requiem. "Keep your guard up," Finn warned Aiden."Trust me. If Master Callin Clan comes after you, there's nothing you can do but run. And even then... you'll still be running for your life."

…

"This is Kaven Town."

Aiden scanned his surroundings as Finn led him deeper into the settlement. The town sat nestled within a mist-laden forest, its air thick with dampness and the scent of pine. Towering blackwood trees loomed over them. A perpetual fog clung to the streets, swirling around the dark stone buildings.

Wolf-shaped gargoyles perched atop rooftops, their glowing eyes giving them an eerie semblance of life. It doesn't feel like a place of safety, just another battlefield where he has to be on guard.

Aiden's gaze flickered to the people or rather, the beings moving through the town. Exodites walked among the locals, being Specters. Even some of Master Callin's subordinates were here, patrolling the streets like they owned the place.

'Does this place have a mixed economy?' Aiden wondered.

Kaven Town was a low-fixed zone, already under someone's control. It doesn't want to bring attention to itself…not unless it had to. If fights broke out between Exodites here, they would happen in secret, away from prying eyes.

Specially, Exodites weren't like ordinary humans. Some lived by a strict code: "Don't destroy the zone if there's a benefit to keeping it intact." And with the level of commerce in, this town has no use to be destroyed…at least not anytime soon.

Aiden didn't see any sign of Mira nor Riven so he turned to Finn. "Where's the best place to find—"

Before he could finish, a low growl rumbled from Finn's stomach.

He rubbed the back of his head. "Callin hardly ever feeds us," he admitted. "Worst part is, we usually have to hunt for our own food."

Aiden sighed. "Let's eat first."

…

They stepped into a modest but welcoming tavern. Called the The Ugly Wolf.

It's air thick with the scent of sizzling meat, fresh-baked bread, and spiced broth. The warm glow of lanterns gave the wooden walls a cozy, inviting atmosphere, different from the cold streets outside.

Aiden and Finn stomach clenched with hunger. Finn's eyes lit up. "Trust me, Aiden, I heard place has the best stew in town. You'll love it."

These were things he hadn't been able to enjoy in a long time. And yet, Finn couldn't relax.

He had run.

He had actually run.

My whole time, I thought it was impossible. No one escaped Master Callin. No one. But here I'm was, still breathing. Still whole. It doesn't feel real.

Aiden approached the counter, where a young woman with short, curly brown hair and an apron greeted him. A nametag pinned to her chest read "Elen."

"Welcome! What can I get you?" she asked cheerfully.

Aiden's gaze instinctively focused on her for a moment. Something was off. Then he noticed her tongue flickered slightly, split at the tip like a snake's.

He ignored it for now, he didn't want to bring attention to himself, if other Exodites are around surely there nothing wrong.

He glanced at the wooden menu board behind her. After a moment's hesitation, he pointed at a hearty dish. "I'll have that."

Elen smiled. "That'll be three blue Soul Remnants."

Aiden eyes widened. "Three what?"

Finn chuckled beside him. "Yeah, you probably don't know. Here, let me explain." He leaned against the counter. "Exodites doesn't use normal coins or paper money. Instead, we have Soul currency."

He held up three fingers. "Blue Soul are the lowest, then Silver, then Gold. The more refined the Soul, the higher its value. Basically, three blue Souls is like… a decent amount, but not too crazy."

Aiden frowned, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a handful of his wolrd dollars. "I don't have those… Just this."

Elen's eyes flickered of understanding. "Ah, a new Exodite?"

"Something like that."

She tapped her fingers on the counter, thinking. "Well… I can take normal money, but since Soul Remnant currency is the standard, the conversion rate is steep. It'll cost you everything you've got, probably."

Aiden sighed, his fingers tightened around the worn bills. He had spent months scraping together this money, enduring grueling work and sleepless nights just to save enough for a future beyond survival. And now… it would all be gone for a single meal.

He exhaled sharply, forcing himself to let go, watching as the bills disappeared into Elen's hands. "Fine."

He felt pain in his heart, still he was restless to find Mira and Riven for his safety. And he had an idea how.

Elen said quickly before nodding. "Alright, that covers it." She turned to the kitchen window and shouted. "One special coming up!"

Aiden sat at a nearby table, looking at his now-empty pockets. Finn plopped down across from him, smirking. "Tough luck, huh? Don't worry, I'll cover your next meal since you saved me."

Aiden shot him a tired glare but said nothing.

Soon, Elen arrived with a steaming bowl of stew, thick with meat, vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Aiden wasted no time, digging in with sharp hunger. The warmth of the broth spread through his body, momentarily washing away his hunger.

Finn had a fear of making a wrong move. Even now, in a town far from Callin's reach, he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.

'You should keep moving. You should disappear before he finds you.' He reflected.

Elen on the side leaned on the counter, watching in amusement. "You were starving, huh?"

Aiden finished his meal, wiped his mouth. He was, satisfied, he glanced up at Elen. "Where can I find a place with a lot of people?"

Elen head tilted. "Depends. Are you looking for workers? Traders? Fighters? Criminals?"

Aiden finger began tapping on the table. "Just…Somewhere with a lot of movement."

Finn raised a brow. "Why? You got plans?"

Aiden didn't answer immediately. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, staring out the window at the bustling city streets.

Elen shrugged. "The Market District is always packed, and the also Arena draws big crowds for fights. But if you really want a lot of people? Go to the Exo Hall…it's where most Exodites come and go."

Aiden absorbed the information, then nodded. "Got it."

Finn smirked. "Whatever you're thinking, just don't get yourself killed."

As stood up, he was hesitant about talking so openly, so he stepped toward the door. He stood frozen, torn between trust and believe. Finn followed he decided to lead him toward the Exo Hall, so that won't get into any trouble… at least not yet along the way.

Aiden gaze flickerd on Finn and the restaurant customers. Does he trust. Finn Not completely. He helped him escape, but trust isn't something Aiden gives freely. He sees Finn as useful, maybe even an ally, but he won't let his guard down just yet.

Finn's fear of Master Callin is clear, and fear makes people unpredictable. If Callin's men were to corner them, Would Finn sell him out to save himself? Aiden doesn't know and that uncertainty kept him on edge.

As they walked. Finn talked about the Kaven Town was found here twenty years ago by a small group of Exodites, who had previously lost all the belongings on a running of a zone. Led by a young Alan current town top Exodite also towns Mayor, the people were slowly able to restructure their lives and establish a new home. By killing of the remaining Specters.

Eventually Underneath a old building just for the protection of Specters decied on day to attack.

Beneath the towering, it stretch into a labyrinthine underground complex blending ancient stone, reinforced wood, and advanced technology, the walls, built from Blackstone with glowing blue veins of infused ore, pulse faintly, providing an eerie yet functional light, while ironwood beams and aged oak reinforce the structure.

Throughout the underground, corridors lead to private research labs, classified archives, and hidden training arenas where only the most elite Exodites dare to tread.

As Aiden walked through the underground base, he passed groups of Exodites dressed in various types of gear some light and practical, others heavy and armored. It was clear that their power levels varied drastically. Some radiated a presence he had never felt before, their very existence seeming to bend reality around them.

They serve as humanity's frontline defense against the System's encroachment, acting as scavengers, explorers, warriors, and, sometimes, its unwilling victims.

Still, Aiden remained focused on his goal, registering as an Exodite.

After waiting in line, he approached the front desk, where a bored-looking clerk handled the registrations. The process was surprisingly simple almost like applying for a driver's license. It's just a something that's to say who you are, and more.

A small chip inserted into his CAD, all his personal information appeared on a interface looking multiple colored. He didn't think anything about it thought he wound have preferred it in black or white.

Being licensed as an official Exodite bestows a number of desirable benefits on the licensee. He had to explore himself.

The interface had a map, runner link system and his abilities. Finally there a big number 10, above everything else.

A rank?

A warning?

Or a death sentence?