The Last Blood Mage

Sudden Turn of Events

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, dreading parting with two hundred coins for fancy attire that would end up hindering his adventuring.

"I'll take it," he resignedly said, though his heart weighed heavily at the expense. He then patted his chest to feel the reassuring presence of the hidden dagger, knowing he couldn't predict when trouble might strike.

"Excellent," the old man applauded, a triumphant gleam in his eyes as he fetched the remaining gold coins.

"Here you are, young master," the old man announced, passing Xander a leather pouch filled with the coins.

"Thank you. I'll be on my way," Xander said, noticing the sly look on the old man's face – a hint for a tip, no doubt.

As Xander began to leave the store, a mischievous idea took hold. He turned back and addressed the old man again, "Visit my mansion one day. I promise you a special gift."

With that, Xander swiftly left the establishment, a quiet chuckle reverberating within him. He found a small pleasure in this little game.

"Wait, young master! You haven't told me your name or the location of your mansion!" the old man called out, but his words fell on empty air as Xander had already vanished into the bustling crowd.

With purpose, Xander headed for the city's noble district. The opulent enclave boasted grand fountains, spacious streets, and towering marble buildings, each three stories high. The air held an air of refinement as elegantly dressed nobles wandered leisurely beneath colorful banners. Umbrellas shielded them from the sun as their armed guards maintained a watchful presence.

"You yearn to live as they do, don't you? To bask in riches and power. Yet, you've concealed your true desires, lusting for a life adrift on the sea, like a common pirate," Bloodhound's voice sneered from the depths of Xander's thoughts.

"Shut up," Xander muttered under his breath and confidently entered the district, blending in with the aristocratic surroundings. His gaze landed on a building crafted from gleaming greenstone adorned with a jade lion statue at its entrance.

Elegant carriages, ornately decorated and drawn by splendid horses, were making their way into the alley beside the building. Well-dressed young men and women streamed in, their attire exuding opulence.

"Here goes nothing," Xander whispered to himself, inhaling deeply before striding purposefully towards the Emerald Lion – an inn that catered to nobles and the affluent, a place where he hoped to secure his invitation to the Duke's gala.

Xander confidently entered the Emerald Lion, where the presence of two guards in ornate greed armor indicated its exclusivity. Inside, opulence greeted him, with a grand entrance hall boasting marble staircases and intricate tapestries. The dining area where he stood featured jade tables and chairs beneath elegant chandeliers, while scented candles cast a romantic glow. Dancers in revealing attire performed on a stage, captivating the patrons. 

As Xander stepped into the inn, a young man in green robes greeted him with a bright smile, mistaking him for a noble young master due to his new attire.

"Welcome to the Emerald Lion, young master," the young man greeted.

Xander played his part, appearing every bit the noble by tossing a gold coin to the young man as he asked for a drink. Catching the coin, the young man's smile grew wider, falling for the ruse.

"Follow me, young master," the young man named Robin led Xander up the stairs. At the top, a lavish hall awaited, complete with a bar counter, tables, and musicians playing melodious tunes. The center of attention was a red-haired beauty with enchanting blue eyes, singing a captivating melody that briefly held Xander's gaze.

"Please take a seat, young master," Robin gestured towards an empty table, but Xander had different intentions. He closed the distance between them.

"What's your name?" Xander's voice took on a husky quality.

"I'm Robin, young master," the young man replied.

Xander leaned in, his husky tone aimed at persuading Robin.

"Listen, Robin. I'm a close friend of young master Roberts. I've planned a surprise visit, and I'd like you to help me. Here's a token of my appreciation." Xander slid two gold coins into Robin's hand, closing his fingers around them.

Robin hesitated, torn between revealing guests' information and maintaining discretion.

However, Xander's persuasive tone, combined with the allure of the gold coins, made an impact. Xander added, "Roberts and I would be very grateful if you could assist us. Just let me know his room, and I won't ask anything further."

After some persuasion, Robin relented, realizing there was no harm in sharing the room number where Roberts was staying.

"He's in room fourteen on the second floor," Robin whispered discreetly.

"Thank you, my good man," Xander praised, giving Robin a reassuring pat on the back.

As Robin moved away, Xander's attention shifted to the bartender who was engrossed in serving another patron, an attractive young woman. Seizing the moment, Xander quietly made his way toward the stairs. With stealth, he ascended to the second floor, each step taking him closer to his goal.

The opulent corridor stretched before him, adorned with sumptuous rugs that muffled his footsteps and enhanced the lavish ambiance. Richly detailed room doors lined the hallway on either side, each hinting at the opulence within.

Upon reaching the second floor, Xander's heart quickened its pace. He was acutely aware of the gravity of the mission he was about to undertake.

"Kill Roberts when you see him," Bloodhound's sinister voice echoed within Xander's mind.

Suppressing the unsettling thought, Xander moved ahead, carefully scanning the room numbers on the doors as he walked down the corridor. His footsteps were almost noiseless against the plush carpeting.

As he progressed, he finally spotted a door with the distinct label '14 D' etched in emerald letters. Xander's fingers brushed against the handle, finding it unlocked - an unexpected convenience.

"Hope he's out cold," Xander muttered softly, easing the door open with caution. Inside the room, a scene of disarray met his eyes. The once-crisp white bed linens lay in a disheveled heap on the floor, fragments of shattered glass glinted under the dim light, and a fallen candle holder added to the mess.

As the door swung open further, what Xander saw next sent shivers down his spine. A young man with golden hair lay sprawled on the bed, eyes wide open in a haunting stare. The sheets and mattress were stained in a gruesome display of red, and a brutal gash marred the young man's throat from end to end.

“Someone beat you to it,”  Bloodhound's mocking voice echoed through Xander's mind as he stood immobilized in the doorway. His eyes were fixed on the grim tableau within the room — Roberts lay lifeless on the bed, his throat brutally slit. 

The unexpected sight sent a shockwave through Xander, freezing him in place. It was evident that someone had acted ahead of him, extinguishing Roberts' life before he could even make his move.