Chapter 7:Hunted By The Unknown

As we slipped away from the prying eyes in the city, the day was drawing to a close. We made our way to an inn owned by a dwarf. The sign above the door was cracked and grimy, but the place looked sturdy enough to trust for the night—a rare haven in a city that reeked of vice and danger.

Both of us had our cloaks pulled tightly around us, hiding our faces and blending into the dim, flickering glow of lanterns lining the narrow, shadowy streets. This was no ordinary city; it was a place where darkness thrived. The air was heavy with the mingled scents of smoke, spilled ale, and the faint metallic tang of blood. Whispered deals echoed from alleyways, while sharp eyes followed us from behind corners and windows.

The dwarf behind the counter was stout and rugged, his thick beard stained with ale and crumbs. His sharp eyes swept over us as we stepped inside, lingering for a moment too long, as if measuring whether we were prey or predator. When he saw we weren't trouble—at least, not immediately—his expression softened slightly.

"You two look like you've had a rough day," he said in a gruff voice, leaning casually on the counter. The light from the fireplace cast long shadows across the scarred wood of his desk. "You here for a room or just to warm up by the fire? Either way, don't bring trouble to my doorstep. This ain't the kind of place where people get second chances."

"We need a room for the night," I replied firmly, keeping my tone polite but guarded.

The dwarf's eyes narrowed, flicking from me to Aria, who kept her hood low, her face hidden in shadow. His gaze lingered as if trying to pierce through the fabric of our cloaks before he finally nodded.

"One room, eh? I'm not one to ask questions," he muttered. "But keep to yourselves. This city's crawling with scum who wouldn't think twice about making you disappear."

"Understood," I said, my voice steady, already familiar with the lurking dangers. "We'll be gone by morning."

The dwarf grunted, reached behind the counter, and pulled out a key. The tarnished metal glinted faintly as he slid it toward me. "Top of the stairs, last door on the left. Don't mind the creaks—it's just the wood settling, or so I tell my guests. Don't go poking around in other rooms, and don't leave your valuables lying around if you want to keep 'em."

I handed him a few coins from the pouch the villagers had given me, careful not to reveal too much. His fingers curled around the money with a satisfied grunt.

As we turned to head upstairs, his voice stopped us.

"Word of advice," he said, lowering his tone as his eyes darted to the door. "If you're planning to leave tomorrow, do it before sunrise. Streets get... hungrier as the night fades."

I gave him a slight nod in acknowledgment, noting the warning in his voice. It seemed he'd noticed we were human. He didn't look like a bad person; there were some who still held a sliver of decency in them. Without another word, I led Aria upstairs.

The room wasn't much—small, with worn furniture and the faint smell of mildew—but it was enough. The dim light of a single candle illuminated the cracked walls and a bed that groaned ominously under the slightest touch.

"We'll stay here for tonight and head out tomorrow. Or... are you uncomfortable here?" I asked Aria, keeping my hood up for a moment longer, still wary of what dangers this place might hide.

"No, I'm fine," she replied softly, though her voice betrayed a flicker of unease.

"Alright, then."

I settled down and pulled out the bread the villagers had given me before we left. It was rough and stale, but it would do. I tore it in half and handed a piece to her.

"You hungry?" I asked.

"Yes, thanks," she murmured, her hands still partially hidden under her cloak as she took it hesitantly.

We ate in silence, the tension in the air thick and unspoken. Even in the relative safety of the room, the faint sounds of laughter, shouting, and occasional scuffles outside reminded us that danger was never far.

Later, we lay on the same bed, facing opposite directions. Even though her back was turned to me, I could sense her unease. She was still shaken by what had happened earlier—or perhaps the city's oppressive atmosphere weighed on her more than she let on.

Tomorrow, I would ask her where she was headed. Escorting her might lead to clues about the human king's whereabouts. One thing was clear: this city wasn't where I needed to be. I hadn't spotted any humans here—only other races, all absorbed in their own corrupt dealings. If I wanted to find the human king, I'd have to leave and continue my search elsewhere.

Outside, the city pulsed with life, but it wasn't the kind of life that brought comfort. The streets teemed with thieves, gamblers, and people desperate to survive another night. Lanterns flickered ominously in the distance, casting jagged shadows that made the alleys seem like gaping maws.

This city was alive in the worst way, and it would chew up anyone who wasn't careful. For now, I closed my eyes, forcing myself to ignore the chaos outside, and prepared for whatever awaited us at dawn.

The next day, we woke up ready to leave the city. As we stepped outside, I asked, "Hey, Aria, so where were you headed? I'd like to escort you until you reach your destination, if that's fine."

She hesitated, her uncertainty evident.

Before she could reply, Mira's voice echoed in my mind. "Ethan, some people are approaching."

"Who is it? Could it be the elves with backup?" I asked, my body tensing.

"I'm not sure, and I don't think they're elves," Mira replied. "But they're fast. They'll be on you in minutes."

"Aria, stay back," I told her, scanning the path ahead. And then I saw them—two cloaked figures. One threw back their hood to reveal himself: a monkey-like figure, standing tall beside his companion. I'd never seen his kind in the city before. This world had countless races, each more enigmatic than the last.

I shifted my stance, ready to summon Kirito's blades.

The monkey stood with a disciplined air, his light-brown fur gleaming faintly in the sunlight. His lean, muscular frame was clad in a simple martial artist's robe, tied neatly with a sash. Each step he took was fluid and calculated, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings with vigilance.

Despite his calm exterior, he exuded a quiet intensity. His movements carried the grace of a master fighter, someone who could strike with deadly precision.

Beside him, the other figure remained cloaked, his features obscured. Yet his presence was palpable—commanding, watchful, and heavy with unspoken intent.

I could feel it. They weren't here by accident.

The tension thickened as the two figures approached. Questions raced through my mind. Who were they? Why were they following us? Are they after us, or had the elves sent them?

One thing was certain: this encounter was no coincidence. It was the beginning of something far greater, and we were about to be thrust into the thick of it.

End of Chapter