EXQ continued forward, his eyes fixed on the horizon where the outline of a settlement finally emerged. It was small, barely a vilge, surrounded by a worn-down wooden wall. Still, this was the first inhabited pce he had come across since awakening in this world.
As he approached, he noticed guards stationed at the entrance. They looked exhausted and disorganized, but their eyes were sharp, scanning for any potential threats.
He stopped for a moment. Walking in carelessly wasn’t an option. He had no identity, no money, and his body was still in rough shape from his st fight. Forcing his way in was possible, but attracting attention so soon wasn’t wise.
Observation and Opportunity
He chose to wait.
Silently, he watched from the shadows, studying those who entered and left. Most were farmers or small traders, but he noticed that some mercenaries walked in freely without being questioned.
An opportunity.
After hours of watching, a group of mercenaries approached. Their leather armor was torn, their weapons crude, and they spoke loudly, not caring about their surroundings. EXQ quietly slipped into their group, walking as if he belonged.
The guards barely looked at him.
With steady steps, he entered the city.
Finally, his first true step toward power had begun.
Inside the City
Inside the settlement, the atmosphere was entirely different from the isotion he had known. The streets were narrow and unpaved, the buildings made of rough wood and stone. Noise filled the air—merchants shouting to sell their goods, children running through alleys, and men exchanging wary gnces in dark corners.
EXQ moved through the crowd, studying them as he had studied the guards. Everyone here was struggling to survive in their own way. Some through trade, others through force.
Yet despite the noise, something was clear… fear.
Not ordinary fear, but fear of something specific. Eyes darted toward the shadows, whispers carried names he didn’t understand yet.
"Did you hear? Another one disappeared st night."
"No one survives if they’re taken… best not to go out after dark."
EXQ picked up these conversations as he walked, but he didn’t stop. This was natural in weak pces. Where the weak gathered, the strong emerged to prey on them.
Seeking Information
He stopped in front of a small tavern—it seemed like the right pce to gather information. Without hesitation, he stepped inside. The air was thick with the scent of alcohol and smoke. A few men sat around worn-out wooden tables, while the bartender stood behind a battered counter, cleaning a dirty mug with an even dirtier cloth.
EXQ approached the counter, sat down, and stared at the bartender.
"New here, aren’t you?" The bartender asked without looking up.
"I’m looking for work." EXQ replied simply.
The bartender let out a short ugh. "Everyone here is looking for work, but unless you have skills, you’ll be stuck cleaning the streets."
EXQ turned his head, observing the tavern for a moment before responding. "I heard people are disappearing."
The bartender stopped cleaning the mug, then finally lifted his eyes, scanning EXQ carefully.
"That’s not something you should be asking about."
"Which means it’s something worth asking about."
The bartender snorted, set the mug aside, and leaned in slightly. "If you’re smart, you’ll stay out of it. Those who ask too many questions… disappear too."
EXQ wasn’t foolish—he didn’t need to push further just yet. He had already learned enough: this city was not normal. There was something in the shadows, something that even hardened men feared.
"Understood." He said calmly, then stood up to leave.
But before he could reach the door, a new voice stopped him.
"If you’re looking for real work…"
He turned to see a man sitting in the corner of the tavern, wearing a heavy coat and a hat that concealed most of his face. His eyes were sharp, experienced—someone who had seen blood.
"Sit down."
EXQ didn’t hesitate. This might be his first real opportunity to begin his ascent.
He sat down, ready to hear what the man had to say.
