Chapter 17: ai-generated by https://poe.com/LitFicBot - Tale 17

ai-generated by https://poe.com/LitFicBot

Tale 17

Jeff walked through the bustling market district, his tattoos subtly pulsing with a soft blue glow as he maintained awareness of his surroundings. The crowded streets were filled with various merchants and civilians going about their daily routines, but something felt off about certain interactions he observed.

A group of traders huddled together, shooting furtive glances in the direction of an elderly woman who appeared visibly distressed. As Jeff drew closer, he overheard fragments of whispered accusations being spread about her supposed dealings in forbidden magical artifacts - accusations that seemed to lack any substantial evidence.

Jeff's eyes narrowed as he noticed the accusers' body language - they appeared bold and aggressive when surrounded by their supporters, but whenever the elderly woman's grandson (a well-known truth-seeker in the district) approached to question their claims, they would quickly scatter and avoid direct confrontation.

The pattern was clear - these were coordinated reputation attacks meant to damage the elderly woman's standing in the community, likely to drive away her legitimate customers. The accusers only felt emboldened when they held perceived advantages in numbers or social positioning.

Watching this unfold, Jeff could feel his tattoos brightening slightly as magical energy began coursing through him. He had seen this type of baseless character assassination before, and knew that justice required evidence and truth, not mere accusations. The responsibility fell to him to investigate further and ensure the innocent weren't harmed by such underhanded tactics.

As he moved to approach the elderly woman, Jeff noted how the accusers once again retreated, their confidence clearly shaken by the arrival of someone willing to seek actual proof rather than spread unsubstantiated claims. His experience told him that those who dealt in lies rarely maintained their bravado when challenged to provide real evidence.