Chapter 5: "The Silent Partner"
The alley was dark, the only light coming from the flickering lanterns of Vermillion Reach's main street. Jack leaned against the wall, his breathing steady as he listened for any sign of pursuit. The flashbang had done its job, but he couldn't afford to let his guard down. Whoever had been following him wasn't an amateur.
He waited a few more moments, then activated the plug-in.
"Status," Jack said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.
The plug-in responded instantly, its voice a calm, neutral tone in his mind.
**[Health: Minor Injuries (Arm Graze, Fatigue).]**
**[Energy Levels: Moderate.]**
**[Threat Level: Low.]**
Jack glanced at the graze on his arm. "Fatigue? Really? I just woke up."
**[Correction: Fatigue Due to Excessive Whining.]**
Jack blinked. "Did you just sass me?"
**[No. Sassing Requires Emotional Investment. This is Factual Correction.]]
Jack snorted. "Right. Because you're the pinnacle of emotional detachment."
He shook his head and reached into his pocket, pulling out the coins he'd earned from selling the wolf pelts. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
He needed to find a place to lay low for the night, somewhere he could rest and plan his next move. The Obsidian Hand was a problem, but they were also an opportunity. If he could learn more about them, he might be able to turn their attention away from him—or use them to his advantage.
Jack stepped out of the alley, blending into the crowd as he made his way through the city. His eyes scanned the buildings, looking for a place to stay. He spotted a small inn tucked away in a corner, its sign creaking in the wind.
"Analyze that location," Jack muttered, gesturing subtly toward the inn.
The plug-in responded.
**[Location: The Rusty Lantern Inn.]**
**[Security: Low.]**
**[Reputation: Neutral.]**
**[Recommendation: Suitable for Temporary Lodging.]]
Jack raised an eyebrow. "Neutral reputation? What does that even mean? Are the beds made of rocks, or do they just serve terrible food?"
**[Both.]]
Jack sighed. "Great. Just great."
He entered the inn, the warmth of the hearth washing over him. The common room was sparsely populated, a few adventurers nursing their drinks and a tired-looking barkeep wiping down the counter.
Jack approached the barkeep, his voice low. "A room for the night. Something quiet."
The barkeep eyed him for a moment, then nodded. "Five silver bits."
Jack handed over the coins, and the barkeep handed him a key. "Second floor, last door on the left."
---
The room was small but clean, with a narrow bed and a single window overlooking the street. Jack locked the door behind him and sat on the bed, his mind racing.
He needed to plan his next move. The Obsidian Hand was a shadow organization, powerful and dangerous. If they were after him, he needed to know why. And if they weren't, he needed to make sure they stayed that way.
"Plug-in," Jack said, his voice firm. "What do we know about the Obsidian Hand?"
The plug-in responded after a brief pause.
**[Data Available: Limited.]**
**[Known Information: Shadow Organization, Black Hand Tattoo, Interest in Artifacts and Recruits.]**
**[Recommendation: Seek Additional Sources.]]
Jack frowned. The information was useful, but it wasn't enough. He needed more.
He reached into his pocket, pulling out the map he'd acquired earlier. He spread it out on the bed, his eyes scanning the markings.
"Highlight locations of interest," Jack said.
The plug-in responded.
**[Locations: Vermillion Reach, Scarred Wastelands, Skyrend Citadel.]**
**[Additional Data: Skyrend Citadel—Floating City, Ruled by Mages, High Concentration of Knowledge.]]
Jack's eyes narrowed. Skyrend Citadel sounded like the perfect place to gather information. But getting there wouldn't be easy. He needed resources, allies, and a plan.
---
The next morning, Jack left the inn early, his hood pulled low over his face. The city was just waking up, the streets slowly filling with merchants and adventurers. Jack made his way to the market, his eyes scanning the stalls for anything useful.
He spotted a stall selling potions and elixirs, the vendor a wiry man with a sharp nose and sharper eyes. Jack approached, his voice calm.
"Do you have anything for stealth?" he asked.
The vendor grinned, revealing a row of yellowed teeth. "For the right price, I've got just the thing."
He pulled out a small vial filled with a shimmering liquid. "Invisibility potion. Lasts for ten minutes. Fifty silver bits."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "Fifty?"
The vendor shrugged. "Good things don't come cheap."
Jack activated the plug-in.
"Analyze that potion," he said under his breath.
The plug-in responded.
**[Potion: Invisibility Elixir.]**
**[Duration: 10 Minutes.]**
**[Quality: Low.]**
**[Recommendation: Negotiate Price.]]
Jack shook his head. "Thirty."
The vendor laughed. "You've got guts, kid. But I can't go lower than forty."
Jack considered for a moment, then nodded. "Deal."
He handed over the coins and pocketed the potion. It wasn't perfect, but it would do.
---
As he left the market, Jack's mind was already working on the next step. He needed to find a way to Skyrend Citadel, but he couldn't do it alone. He needed allies—or at least, someone who could point him in the right direction.
He spotted a group of adventurers gathered near the city gates, their armor gleaming in the morning light. They were laughing and joking, clearly preparing for a journey.
Jack approached cautiously, his eyes scanning their gear. They looked experienced, but not overly cautious. Perfect.
"Heading out?" he asked, his voice casual.
One of the adventurers, a tall woman with a scar running down her cheek, turned to him. "Yeah. Got a job in the Scarred Wastelands. Why? You looking to join?"
Jack shook his head. "Just curious. I'm new around here."
The woman studied him for a moment, then shrugged. "Well, if you're looking for work, the Crimson Talons are always recruiting. Just don't expect it to be easy."
Jack nodded, filing the information away. The Crimson Talons sounded like a potential lead, but he couldn't afford to rush into anything. He needed to gather more information first.
---
As he walked away, the plug-in pinged.
**[Warning: Hostile Detected.]**
**[Threat Level: Moderate.]]
Jack's eyes narrowed. He turned, his hand instinctively going to his dagger. The man from last night was back, his face still hidden in the shadows.
Jack didn't wait. He activated the plug-in.
"Analyze the threat," he said quietly.
The plug-in responded.
**[Target: Human Male, Armed, Unknown Affiliation.]**
**[Recommendation: Evade or Engage.]]
Jack chose evade. He slipped into the crowd, his movements quick and deliberate. The man followed, but Jack was ready. He pulled out the invisibility potion and drank it in one swift motion.
The world around him shimmered, and Jack disappeared from sight. He moved quickly, weaving through the crowd and ducking into an alley. The man hesitated, clearly confused.
Jack allowed himself a small smile. "Works every time."
The plug-in pinged again.
**[Correction: Works 73% of the Time.]]
Jack rolled his eyes. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."