Ethan walked through the capital's bustling streets, the familiar weight of his pack slung over his shoulder. Although it was night, the city buzzed with life around him. Merchants shouted their wares, children weaved through the crowds, and the occasional patrol of soldiers kept a watchful eye on the people. Yet, despite the noise and activity, Ethan felt oddly detached from it all. His mind was preoccupied with the task at hand, and the chilling words of Wei Zhang echoed in his thoughts. 'Trust no one.'He knew better than to take the scarred man's warning lightly. His interactions with the DIA had already shown him that their world was one of shadows and half-truths. But Ethan had his own agenda. He wasn't just a pawn in their game; he was determined to come out as one of its winners.His fingers brushed against the cool metal of the enchanted ring. The subtle warmth of the enchantment flowed through him, enhancing his senses and keeping his mind sharp.The DIA had been clear about

Ethan strode through the bustling streets of Anseris, his mind spinning with thoughts of the task ahead. The weight of his new responsibilities pressed down on him like a weighted cloak, but he knew there was no turning back now. Meanwhile, the Merchant's Guild permit tucked into his pocket felt heavier than it had any right to.As he reached the premises arranged for him, Ethan took a moment to survey the building. It was modest, tucked between two larger, more noticeable shops, but it had potential. The sign above the door was blank, waiting for a name to be etched into it. Ethan allowed himself a small, satisfied smile as he mentally christened his shop. Nexus.It had a nice ring to it, and more importantly, it conveyed the kind of discreet, powerful connections that Ethan intended to cultivate.He pushed open the door, stepping inside to find the space barely furnished. A counter stood at the room's far end, with shelves lining the walls. The floor was worn

Ethan leaned against Nexus's counter, absentmindedly polishing the glass case that held the silver earrings with the pale blue gems. Business had been steady that morning, with customers trickling in and out, browsing the growing selection of items on display. The shop had become a quiet hub of curiosity, drawing in adventurers, merchants, and those who sought something different.As he polished the glass, the door creaked open, and a burly figure stepped inside. Ethan looked up, noticing the man's armor beneath his cloak. The stranger had a muscular build, a square jaw, and an aura of quiet authority that set him apart from the usual customers. His eyes scanned the shop with the calm precision of someone trained to assess danger.Ethan straightened up, nodding in greeting. "Welcome to Nexus. Is there anything I can help you with today?"The man approached the counter, his gaze falling on the earrings. "These caught my eye," he said, his voice deep and measured. "Tell me about them."

The early morning light filtered through the windows of Nexus, casting long shadows across the shop floor. Ethan sat at his desk, running his fingers through his hair, mentally preparing for the day ahead. The weight of the previous day's revelations hung over him like a dark cloud. The palace, a battleground for succession; the illness of the King; Princess Elara's desperate need for protection, and Marcus Ainsworth's looming vendetta—it was all spiraling towards a confrontation he knew he couldn't avoid.Ethan drummed his fingers on the desk, deep in thought. The game he was playing was dangerous, with each move carrying unpredictable consequences. But if he wanted Nexus to thrive—and more importantly, if he wanted to survive—he needed to be proactive, not reactive.His eyes flicked to a map of the city pinned to the wall beside him. "Reputation," he muttered, recalling his final thought the night before. Nexus might have been gaining notoriety, but it wasn't enough. He needed leve

After a busy few days in Nexus and grueling training sessions with Galen, Ethan stood at the city's edge, staring into the vast horizon where the Blight awaited. His body ached from Galen's relentless combat drills, but the real exhaustion settled in his mind. He'd done everything he could to prepare, both physically and mentally. Still, as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the decayed land beyond, he couldn't help but wonder if it was enough.Nexus bustled behind him, ignorant of the encroaching danger. The city's citizens went about their lives, unaware of the dark, festering wound spreading not far from their doorstep. Ethan took in a deep breath, letting the cold, crisp air fill his lungs. It was almost peaceful here, but the tranquillity did little to settle his nerves.He adjusted the straps of his backpack, mentally ticking off the list of things he'd prepared for this expedition. His trips into the Otherworld Free Market had been productive, though cos