TREVOR KING AND SYSTEM MISADVENTURES

Chapter 7: The Rogue’s Bargain

Trevor sat cross-legged on the cold stone floor, staring at the Fragment of Ascension glowing faintly in his hand. The weight of it felt far heavier than it should, as though the fragment was aware of the destiny it carried. Across from him, Lyra paced back and forth, her leather armor creaking softly with every step.

"So," Trevor began, breaking the silence. "How exactly does this thing work? Do I rub it like a genie lamp or—"

"Don’t be stupid," Lyra interrupted, rolling her eyes. "The fragment doesn’t work on its own. You need all of them to activate the Ascension Gate."

Trevor frowned. "And how many are there?"

Lyra paused, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. "Seven."

"Seven?" Trevor groaned. "That’s a lot of running around for someone who’s still trying to figure out how not to die here."

"Welcome to the system," Lyra said dryly. "It’s not exactly forgiving."

Trevor sighed, tucking the fragment into his inventory. "Fine. So, where do we start?"

Lyra smirked. "We don’t start anywhere until we talk about my terms."

"Terms?" Trevor raised an eyebrow. "What kind of terms?"

She stepped closer, her emerald eyes gleaming with mischief. "I’ll help you find the rest of the fragments—but you follow my lead, no questions asked."

Trevor blinked. "That’s a little ominous, don’t you think?"

"Take it or leave it," Lyra replied, extending a hand.

Trevor hesitated, weighing his options. Lyra clearly knew more about this world than he did, and she’d already saved his life more than once.

"Deal," he said, shaking her hand.

Their journey led them out of the dungeon and into the bustling streets of Ironspire, a sprawling city perched on the edge of a massive cliff. The city was a chaotic mix of medieval architecture and strange, glowing machinery powered by what Lyra called "mana cores."

"This place is insane," Trevor said, gawking at a vendor selling floating orbs that changed colors with a wave of his hand.

"Focus," Lyra snapped, pulling him into a shadowy alley.

Trevor glanced around nervously. The alley was lined with shady characters, their eyes darting suspiciously as they whispered and exchanged goods.

"Why do I feel like I’m about to get mugged?" Trevor muttered.

Lyra ignored him, approaching a hooded figure leaning against the wall.

"You’re late," the figure said in a low, gravelly voice.

"And you’re as charming as ever, Vex," Lyra replied, tossing a small pouch of coins to the figure.

Vex caught the pouch and inspected its contents before nodding. "What do you want this time?"

Lyra leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I need information on the next fragment’s location."

Vex’s eyes narrowed. "That’s dangerous territory you’re asking about."

Lyra smirked. "Dangerous is my specialty."

Trevor shifted uncomfortably as the two continued their exchange. He couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched.

As Lyra and Vex spoke, Trevor’s gaze wandered to the entrance of the alley. A tall figure in a dark cloak stood there, their face obscured by the shadows.

"Uh, Lyra?" Trevor said, tugging on her sleeve.

"Not now," she snapped, waving him off.

"But—"

The cloaked figure stepped into the alley, their movements unnervingly smooth. Trevor’s hand instinctively went to Bob, but before he could draw the sword, the figure raised a hand.

"Relax," the stranger said in a deep, soothing voice. "I’m not here to fight."

Lyra spun around, daggers in hand. "Who are you, and what do you want?"

The stranger chuckled, lowering their hood to reveal a strikingly handsome man with sharp features and piercing golden eyes.

"My name is Kael," he said, his voice dripping with confidence. "And I believe we’re after the same thing."

Kael explained that he was a tracker hired by a rival guild to locate the Fragments of Ascension. However, he claimed to have no interest in the fragments themselves.

"I’m only after the bounty," Kael said, leaning casually against the wall.

"And why should we trust you?" Lyra asked, her daggers still drawn.

"You shouldn’t," Kael replied with a grin. "But I know where the next fragment is, and you’ll need me to get to it."

Trevor exchanged a glance with Lyra. "This feels like a trap," he whispered.

Lyra nodded. "Definitely a trap."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "You’re free to try finding it on your own, but I doubt you’ll make it far without my help."

After a tense moment, Lyra sighed. "Fine. But if you betray us, I’ll make sure you regret it."

Kael chuckled. "Noted."

With their new companion in tow, Trevor and Lyra set off for the next fragment’s location—a treacherous mountain range known as the Skyfang Peaks.

The journey was anything but smooth. Between Kael’s cryptic remarks, Lyra’s constant skepticism, and Trevor’s endless stream of complaints, the group’s dynamic was a chaotic mess.

"Why do I feel like the universe is punishing me?" Trevor groaned as they trudged through a dense forest at the base of the mountains.

"Maybe it’s because you never stop talking," Lyra muttered.

Kael smirked. "I have to admit, he’s growing on me."

"Don’t encourage him," Lyra snapped.

Despite their bickering, the trio managed to navigate the forest and begin their ascent of the Skyfang Peaks. The air grew colder with every step, and the path became increasingly treacherous.

After hours of climbing, they reached a plateau where an ancient temple stood, its entrance guarded by two massive stone statues.

"This is it," Kael said, his golden eyes glinting with excitement.

Trevor shivered. "Why do I feel like those statues are about to come to life?"

As if on cue, the statues’ eyes began to glow, and they stepped forward, blocking the temple’s entrance.

"Called it," Trevor muttered, drawing Bob.

Lyra and Kael readied their weapons as the statues advanced.

"Let’s hope this fragment is worth it," Lyra said, her voice tense.

Trevor grinned despite himself. "Hey, it’s all part of the adventure, right?"

The battle that followed was intense, but with their combined skills, the trio managed to defeat the guardians and enter the temple. Inside, they found the second Fragment of Ascension, its glow illuminating the dark chamber.

Trevor picked up the fragment, feeling a surge of energy course through him.

"Two down," he said with a grin. "Five to go."

Lyra rolled her eyes. "Don’t get cocky. The hard part’s just beginning."

Kael smirked. "I have a feeling this is going to be a very interesting journey."