In the heart of Mystic Grove, where Kingdom Emberlyn and Mooncrest met, a lone carriage advanced. Drawn by silver-maned horses, it journeyed through the dense, ever-raining forest. Unperturbed, the carriage pressed on through the muddy path. Hidden in the forest, warriors waited. Clad in muddy, leaf-adorned leather armor, waiting for the carriage. Five bald-headed individuals comprised the group, distinguished only by stripes on their attire. Among them stood a charming young man. His dark hair framed god-given features: enigmatic eyes, a square jaw, broad shoulders, and a rugged beard."The carriage will arrive in five minutes. Is everything set?" Tovian, the leader of the bald group, inquired, addressing both his men and Xander, who had joined their adventurer party to earn some extra coins. He had no choice but to earn the coins he desperately needed.Lionel, one of the bald brothers, questioned the ease of the upcoming task. "This will be the easiest coins we've ever made. Why

With the mage's lifeless body at his feet, Xander had to act swiftly. He couldn't linger in this dangerous territory. The quest's item waited in the lavish carriage, promising ten thousand gold coins. Xander's heart raced as he weighed the risks and rewards."I need those coins," Xander whispered, determined. Retrieving the item was his chance at a better life, a step closer to curing his powers.“I must vanish from Emberlyn before the mage guild knows he's dead.”Approaching the carriage, he glimpsed inside – red cushions, fragrant jasmines. His focus landed on the brown-cloth-covered quest item.“A human skull? What the hell?” He revealed a jade-green skull, eerie yet beautiful."No time to think," Xander muttered, securing the skull. He didn't investigate; he needed to deliver it and get paid. With the item, he dashed into the forest, heading straight for Emberlyn, where new challenges and dangers awaited him.As the sun dipped, casting a golden hue, Xander emerged from the forest,

As the morning sun rose, casting a golden glow over the port, Xander woke. The voices from his dreams faded. He patted his inner pocket, ensuring his coin pouch was safe.He stretched and descended the creaky stairs. Downstairs, the tavern was restored after yesterday's brawl. Patrons sprawled on the floor, groaning from hangovers and dreams.“Hey Xander, hungry? Warm porridge and fresh bread here,” Agatha's gruff voice called as he settled onto a barstool.“How much is it this time? Did you raise the prices again?” Xander asked, rolling his eyes in mock exasperation.“You're a smart one, aren't you? Two gold coins for the porridge and an extra piece of bread will cost you more,” Agatha replied.“Seems like you're making a fortune here. You could open up a branch in the noble district,” Xander teased as he took out the required coins and placed them on the table.Agatha snorted, her brown dress swaying slightly as she pocketed the gold coins in a leather pouch hanging at her side. "N

As the thugs continued to walk away from Xander's body, the boss felt an unsettling hush settling in the sewer. His instincts, honed through years of killing, prickled with unease. Something was not right. Just as he halted his steps, the flickering torches lining the walls suddenly extinguished, plunging the area into disconcerting darkness.In the velvety blackness where the thugs could barely see their own hands, a rustling sound emerged from behind them. The boss was the first to turn around, his heart pounding in his chest."Boss, what's wrong?" one of the thugs asked nervously."Light a torch," the boss commanded. The thug, confused by the abrupt order, didn't dare question him. He hurriedly approached a nearby torch and drew his flint. Striking the blade of his dagger, sparks flickered and landed on the oil-dipped torch, igniting it with a sputtering flame.As the torch slowly illuminated the surroundings, the thugs and their leader stood in stunned silence. Their eyes widened

Once he had scrubbed his skin until it tingled red, Xander successfully rid himself of the lingering sewer stench. Dressed in the carefully selected robes provided by the old man, he stepped out of the room and faced a mirror."How does it fit?" inquired the old man, his face beaming with pride."Perfect," Xander replied, his gaze fixed on the reflection of his new attire: a smart blue coat, a crisp white shirt, and sleek black pants."I've been in this business for six decades. I can size up a person with just a glance; no need for measuring tapes. My eyes are all I need," the old man proclaimed, his chest puffed with confidence.Xander's next question was almost reluctantly spoken. "How much will this will cost me?""Two hundred coins, including the bath," the old man promptly answered. Having discreetly counted the coins in Xander's pouch during his bath, the old man had ensured the clothing fell within the budget of three hundred coins."Fuck me," Xander's inner voice sighed, drea