Seeking Truth in the Unknown

Kael sat on the cold, cracked pavement, his breathing uneven. His body still ached from Elias' attack, though the real damage wasn't physical.

Beside him, Ronan leaned against a rusted metal railing, staring at nothing. His usual easygoing demeanor was gone. No quips, no sarcastic remarks—just silence.

Neither of them had been prepared for that kind of power.

Kael clenched his fists. No, that wasn't it. Even if they had been prepared, it wouldn't have changed a thing. Elias wasn't just stronger; he was beyond comprehension. His very existence distorted reality.

And yet… Kael had moved. He had reacted, dodged, survived in ways he didn't understand.

There was something deeper at play, something his body had recognized before his mind could process it.

They couldn't keep going like this—stumbling from one encounter to the next, barely clinging to life.

They needed answers.

"We need to learn more," Kael said at last, breaking the silence.

Ronan exhaled sharply. "No kidding."

They moved through the city's ruins, careful to avoid open streets.

As they walked, Ronan spoke. "There's someone who might have the kind of information we need. An underground broker. If it's about the organization or Dominions, they'll know it."

Kael glanced at him. "And what's the catch?"

Ronan gave a humorless chuckle. "The catch is they don't give information for free. It's either a ridiculous price or…"

"A job," Kael finished.

Ronan nodded. "Yeah. And knowing them, it won't be a simple one."

Kael didn't hesitate. "Then let's go."

Ronan hesitated this time, his brows furrowed. "You sure? We don't even know what they'll ask for."

Kael met his gaze. "We don't have a choice."

Ronan sighed, rubbing his temple. "Damn it. Fine. But don't blame me when this turns into another near-death experience."

The deeper they went, the more the city changed. The streets became narrower, the air heavier, thick with something wrong. This wasn't just a place for desperate survivors—it was a place where rules didn't apply.

Hidden within an abandoned district, they found it.

The underground market.

A web of interconnected alleys and makeshift stalls, filled with merchants selling things they shouldn't have. Relics that pulsed with unnatural energy. Scrolls etched in languages no one should know.

And people. Dangerous people.

Kael and Ronan kept their heads low as they moved through the crowd, eventually stopping in front of a small, unmarked building wedged between two ruined structures.

Ronan knocked twice, paused, then knocked again.

The door creaked open.

Inside, dim lanterns cast flickering shadows against stone walls. The air smelled of parchment and ink, mixed with something metallic.

A figure sat behind a cluttered desk, their sharp eyes flicking up to meet Kael's.

The broker.

The broker was calm, unreadable. Their fingers tapped lazily against the wooden surface as they listened to Ronan's request.

When he finished, they smirked. "Information about the organization? About Dominions? You don't ask for small things."

Kael didn't respond. He just waited.

The broker leaned back. "Very well. You have two options."

They held up a single finger. "One—pay the price. And let's be clear, you cannot afford it."

A second finger. "Two—you do something for me. A job. One that requires… certain skills."

Ronan crossed his arms. "We're not errand boys."

The broker chuckled. "No, you're survivors. And I imagine you'd like to stay that way."

Kael remained silent, considering.

"What's the job?" he asked finally.

The broker's smirk widened. "A retrieval. A record hidden within a certain facility. One belonging to the very organization you're so desperate to learn about."

Kael stiffened.

"They keep files on everything," the broker continued, voice smooth. "Names, connections, past failures. If you bring me what I want, I'll give you the information you need."

Ronan shook his head. "Too risky."

Kael wasn't so sure.

The organization had files on people. Records of those connected to them.

If they did have something on Kael…

He could learn why they wanted him.

Why they were hunting him.

His stomach twisted at the thought, but his resolve didn't waver.

"We'll do it," he said.

Ronan turned to him, disbelief in his eyes. "Kael, are you serious?"

"We need this information."

"Yeah, and we need to stay alive to use it."

Kael exhaled, steadying himself. "We've been running blind, Ronan. That needs to change. We have to take this risk."

Ronan muttered a curse under his breath. Then, grudgingly, he nodded. "Fine. But if this goes sideways, I'm blaming you."

The broker clapped their hands together. "Excellent. I'll provide the details."

They pulled out a parchment and unrolled it, revealing a rough sketch of the facility.

"This is where your target is stored. It won't be unguarded. Dominion-wielders watch over it, and they won't hesitate to kill trespassers."

Kael studied the map, already forming a plan.

The job wouldn't be easy.

But for the first time in a long while, they weren't just running.

They were taking control.

Kael and Ronan exchanged a look, both understanding the stakes.

This was their chance.

And they wouldn't waste it.