Chapter 4: Securing a Foothold

The sky had begun to darken, streaked with hues of deep orange and violet as the sun dipped below the horizon. Aetheria never truly slept, but as daylight faded, a different kind of life emerged. The noble districts were quiet, their pristine streets patrolled by armored guards. The bustling markets, now half-empty, were occupied by those seeking last-minute deals. But it was the city's underbelly that truly came alive at night.

And that was exactly where I needed to be.

I walked with deliberate ease through the winding streets, my coat drawn close against the cool night air. Every step was measured, every glance calculated. To the casual observer, I was nothing more than a man returning home after a long day. But beneath that facade, my mind worked tirelessly, analyzing, planning, ensuring that my next move would be precise.

First, I need a base.

The inn I was staying at served its purpose, but it was temporary at best. If I wanted to grow, if I wanted to operate efficiently, I needed a place of my own. Somewhere secure, discreet, and—most importantly—affordable.

Clyde had given me a few leads earlier. Small properties on the outskirts of the city, abandoned warehouses near the docks, even a few underground hideouts used by mercenaries and smugglers. Each had its advantages and risks.

I wasn't looking for luxury. I was looking for something practical.

Turning down a side street, I found myself in one of Aetheria's lesser-known districts. The buildings here were older, their stone walls cracked and weathered by time. Lanterns flickered weakly, casting long shadows that danced against the alleyways. It was quiet—too quiet. A stark contrast to the liveliness of the main streets.

Perfect.

I stopped in front of a particular building, an old, two-story structure that had clearly seen better days. The wooden sign above the entrance had faded beyond recognition, and the windows were boarded up, giving the impression of abandonment.

But I knew better.

I knocked on the door—three slow taps, followed by two quick ones. A moment later, a slit in the wood slid open, revealing a pair of sharp, suspicious eyes.

"Business?" the voice behind the door rasped.

I reached into my coat and retrieved a single silver coin, holding it up between two fingers. "Information," I said simply.

The eyes studied me for a long moment before the slot slid shut. A second later, I heard the heavy clank of multiple locks being undone. The door creaked open, and I stepped inside.

The interior was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of old parchment and burning oil. Shelves lined the walls, filled with scrolls, ledgers, and stacks of paper. At the far end of the room sat an older man, his graying hair tied back, his bony fingers tapping rhythmically against the wooden desk before him.

Reiner. A fixer, a broker of sorts. If you needed a place, a contact, or something off the record, he was the man to see.

He didn't speak right away, merely watching as I approached. His gaze flicked to the coin in my hand, then back to my face. "Looking for something specific?"

"Property," I replied. "Something quiet. Discreet."

Reiner chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "A man who knows what he wants. I like that." He reached beneath his desk, pulling out a small bundle of parchment and spreading it out before him. "I have a few options. Depends on how much you're willing to spend."

I stepped closer, scanning the documents. Most were either too expensive or too exposed. But one caught my eye—a modest building on the outskirts of the district. Sturdy structure, a basement, multiple rooms, and more importantly, no previous ties to any known factions.

"This one," I said, tapping my finger against the page.

Reiner smirked. "Good choice. Quiet, out of the way, but still close enough to the city's main arteries." He leaned forward. "I assume you can pay?"

I placed the silver coin on the table, then reached into my coat and withdrew another. "A deposit. The rest upon inspection."

Reiner chuckled again, picking up the coins and flipping them between his fingers. "Fair enough. Shall we?"

We moved quickly, slipping through the darkened streets until we reached the property. From the outside, it looked unremarkable—just another forgotten building in a forgotten part of the city.

But the moment I stepped inside, I knew I had made the right choice.

The main floor was spacious, with sturdy wooden beams and thick stone walls. Dust coated the surfaces, and the air carried the scent of neglect, but nothing that couldn't be fixed. More importantly, the basement was exactly what I needed—reinforced, secure, and easily concealable.

A perfect base.

"Satisfied?" Reiner asked, watching me closely.

I nodded. "I'll take it."

"Then we have a deal." He extended his hand.

I shook it, the transaction complete.

As Reiner left, I remained inside, standing in the center of the empty room. The silence was thick, the only sound my own steady breathing.

This was it. The first true step in establishing myself.

From here, everything begins.