Chapter 7: Enhance, Infuse and Read

August had informed Richard of the person they were searching for. Richard, confident in his abilities, assured them he could find her, though it might take three days or so. August accepted these terms, and with that, Richard went on his way.

Adrian, however, couldn't shake the feeling that August was hiding something. Why was he so guarded? Why had he been willing to kill Richard if he had been lying? These questions lingered in Adrian's mind, though he chose not to voice them.

"How were you able to tell he was lying?" Adrian finally asked.

"I told you about Soul Cores, right?" August replied.

"Yeah, I remember." Adrian settled back into his seat, eager to listen.

"Soul Cores release an energy called Source Energy," August explained. "Once a fragment of your soul is infused into a Trinket, you activate it by channeling Source Energy. That's the first application. But there are two others: Read and Enhance."

August leaned forward. "Let's start with Read. Source Energy is focused into the eyes, and by doing this you can perceive the energy flow within others."

"So, did you use Read to see Richard's Source Energy?" Adrian asked, growing more intrigued.

"Yes. If someone's energy fluctuates or spikes unexpectedly, it usually means one of two things: they're either preparing to attack or they're lying."

Adrian nodded. "I think I get it. But what about Enhance?"

"Enhance allows you to channel Source Energy throughout your body. By infusing your muscles with it, you can perform feats far beyond human limits." August grinned. "Pretty neat, right?"

"Super neat! So… when are you going to teach me?"

August chuckled. "I'll have to train you if you want to use your Trinket properly. But first, we need a place to train—and a place to sleep." He let out a nervous laugh.

"Why? There are plenty of inns on the island. We could stay in one," Adrian suggested.

"That would be a great idea—if we had any money left," August admitted, scratching his head.

Their funds were nearly depleted. Between travel expenses, food, and other necessities, August had spent almost everything he had set aside.

Adrian's expression darkened with guilt. If he hadn't asked for food or that sweater, maybe they'd still have enough money.

"I'm sorry," he murmured.

"Hey, kid, don't beat yourself up over it." August placed a reassuring hand on Adrian's head. "You're just a kid, and this is your first time in a foreign country. Wanting things is natural."

Then, an idea struck him.

"Remember that mountain we saw earlier when we arrived?"

"Yeah?"

"There's a cavern inside. It's home to plenty of beasts, but we can use it as both a resting place and a training ground."

Adrian hesitated. "I'm not sure I'm ready to fight beasts on that level."

"You'll be fine. I'll be there to help," August reassured him.

"Fine," Adrian sighed. "Let's go to the cavern."

"Now that's the spirit!" August grinned.

Adrian, on the other hand, didn't share his enthusiasm.

Before heading to the cavern, they stopped at a rundown weapons and armor shop near the underground entrance. The store looked as though it could collapse at any moment, but it was all they could afford with what little money they had left.

Inside, five rows of display cases held various pieces of armor, while helmets and weapons lined the walls.

The shopkeeper, an irritable man, eyed them with disinterest. "What do you want?" he asked, his voice laced with impatience.

"I'd like a basic Trinket," August replied.

"What kind?"

August turned to Adrian. "You choose. I'll find you some armor."

"Okay."

Adrian thought carefully. He wanted something lightweight—something easy to maneuver with. But as he deliberated, the shopkeeper grew increasingly irritated.

"Hey! I've got better things to do than wait for you to make up your mind!" he snapped.

Adrian ignored him and focused. A short sword—something fast and adaptable—would be perfect.

"Do you have a short sword?" he finally asked.

"I see. I'll bring one out."

The shopkeeper disappeared into the back and returned with a short sword. It had a wooden hilt and a katana-style blade—simple, unadorned, but elegant in its own way.

Adrian took a long look at it. It felt right.

"Yes. This is what I want."

"Good," the shopkeeper muttered, crossing his arms as he studied Adrian.

Just then, August returned, carrying a silver chest plate and a helmet. The helmet, oddly enough, resembled a straw hat.

"I see you picked a weapon. A short sword suits you," August remarked.

Adrian tilted his head. "Why does this helmet look like a straw hat?"

"I don't know. It just reminds me of a show I watched as a kid." August shrugged.

"Okay… I guess."

August handed over the last of their money to the shopkeeper, but it still wasn't enough.

"That's not gonna cut it," the shopkeeper said gruffly.

"We don't have any more," August admitted.

"Then no deal."

"There has to be something else you want," Adrian interjected.

The shopkeeper hesitated, then smirked. "Now that you mention it… the monsters in the cavern have hefty bounties on their heads. Bring me some, and we'll call it even."

August grinned. "Done. We'll bring you the heads of the beasts inside the cavern."

Before leaving, they signed a contract ensuring neither party could break their agreement.

As they stepped out, the shopkeeper narrowed his eyes, a lingering thought creeping into his mind.

That man… I've seen him somewhere before.