Lorian's eyes caught sight of two men in the middle, both drunk as they bet their gold. Nearby, a middle-aged man in dark trousers and a black shirt leaned closer to a group of laughing people. "I tell you, the frequency of the beast tide is increasing again."
"Yeah, I heard that rumor," one of them exclaimed, his voice brimming with worry. "There have been three or four towns to the east that have been toppled by them this month… Usually, it's only one."
"Well, that only started eighteen years ago. Before that, it was going up to ten or more," another voice rang out, prompting some sighs.
"Don't worry about that. The Activia Empire will take care of them. What I'm most interested in is the beast tide on the Ark Continent," another spoke up, excitement in his tone. "Apparently, a new organization called Royal Lights has been able to push the beasts back from the capital city, Fortune."
"Really?" A woman gasped, eyes wide with wonder.
"That's the rumor from a couple I talked to. They came from the Ark Continent over here."
"Maybe they were exaggerating. I doubt the Kaiser will like an army that isn't under his control, considering how many were destroyed before."
"But they said the capital isn't being overrun by beasts anymore—"
A woman seated at the far end of the bar, her brownish-yellow hair tied in a simple bun with a few loose strands cascading gently, interjected. Her blue eyes were heavy with concern. "Let's not forget those in the Freedom Empire to the south. They're still coping with relentless storms, earthquakes, and tidal waves. Landslides bury towns, and rivers flood."
"That's true. I heard they were cut off from the world because of the massive storms around their shores."
Lorian's eyes shifted to the right, where seven people were quietly eating and drinking, using the noise as entertainment.
Selene slightly frowned. "I really dislike this place. But it still a great place to hear the recent rumors"
Uro chuckle. "Maybe this time they will be too busy to not stare at you. But from what I can see, this place lacks those unsavory types of outlaws."
"I don't expect there to be any. If those types of Outlaws really were here in a town so close to Activia, the residents would have already reported them. And the Orca Ascendants would have long since come to eliminate them." Selene says softly.
Lorian says, "Aren't those types usually at the edge of Activia Empire border towns?"
Uro lightly shakes his head. "Usually but they do tend to travel, sometimes disguise themself as well mannered Outlaws. Staying in towns, gaining the trust of the residents and once they confirm no Activia squads or warriors would be coming. They rob, plunder and kill them before leaving."
"I'm surprised they can plan and hold themselves back for that long." Lorian muttered with a hum.
"It's a rare phenomenon, which is why it's still so effective. Because most towns don't know they do this and letting them know will-"
"Leading to distrust in all Outlaws and an even bigger problem, how ironic." Lorian hummed before heading towards the tavern counter, Selene and Uro following behind. His nose twitches at the mix of fragrant spices, coming from the kitchen behind the counter and the rich aroma of drinks. Dark wooden beams crisscrossed the ceiling, adorned with flickering lanterns that cast a warm, inviting glow. Shelves lined with bottles, some glimmering and others dusty.
The bartender was polishing a glass with a cloth, glanced at the chattering of the crowd before chuckling. The man looked to be in his mid-thirties, the bartender sported a thin dark beard, curly hair and bone-earring in both ears.
Lorian took a seat at the tavern and asked with a grin, "Is it true three or four towns have been destroyed?"
"Who knows? But the amount of people coming into Nuya has increased immensely." The bartender shrugged.
"You don't seem worried about the thought of it." Uro pointed out, leaning casually against the bar.
"Honestly? I've learned to take rumors with a grain of salt. I stick to one rule: ninety percent is pure exaggeration, and the remaining ten might have some truth buried in it. If it were truly as dire as they say, we'd see people scrambling for the exits," the bartender said, his voice steady, eyes scanning the room. "We've grown accustomed to dealing with these pesky beasts."
The bartender's words made Lorian hum in understanding.
The bartender inquired, "What can I get you three?"
"A bottle of Necatile Wine for me." Uro said with his eyes lighting up.
"And I'll have a cup of your Tine Nectar," Lorian chimed in, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the counter. "What do you have to eat?"
"Today's specials are roasted beef, crisp chicken wings, and… well, roasted python meat for the really hungry."
Selene, with a gentle smile that sent a blush across the bartender's cheeks, chimed in, "We'll take the roasted beef, please."
"Right… It will be 37.23-"
"Just round it up to 38 gold." Uro took out 38 gold coins before placing them on the counter. The bartender thanked him as he took the coins, glancing and counting them. He turned to fetch two bottles, the muted clank of bone cups echoing in the background.
"So all the rooms in town have been taken?"
"Fortunately, no. Had you come a week ago, you three would have been all out of luck." The bartender said to Lorian as he grasped the bottles before turning back.
"Then can I rent three rooms?"
"Yes, you can. Just give me a second." Lorien's eyes shined when he saw the cup of white and red mixed together. He glances to see Uro pouring a liquid of white into a cup before lifting it up towards his mouth.
Smiling, Lorian lifted the cup of shimmering liquid up as he asked a question. "I heard Kyros was here?"
"Hm? He is over there, drinking on the side." The bartender pointed to an old man on the right side, middle area and next to the wall. Just as Lorian took a sip and felt a burning sensation warmed his insides, igniting a sense of comfort that wrapped around him like a blanket.
"Here are your keys to the room, it's on the second floor - rooms 203, 204 and 205." Lorian, momentarily lost in the comforting embrace of the drink, only half-listened, the vibrant atmosphere enveloping him completely.
Lorian thanked him, grabbing his drink and heading towards Kyros. Selene grabbed the keys before heading upstairs with their bags while Uro slid onto the chair and continued talking with the bartender.
He made his way across the bustling bar, weaving between patrons seated at tables and couples sharing hushed conversations. The boisterous laughter and the clink of cups faded into a soft whisper as he approached the dimly lit corner where Kyros sat.
The old man was a striking figure as he sat quietly at a small, round table, the flickering light dancing across his features. Wispy white hair framed his face, like threads caught in a gentle breeze. Dressed in light brown trousers, and a white shirt, and decorated with deep lines of age across his face.
Lorian noted Kyros seemed to be lost in thought, seemingly staring off into space. "Hello, you must be Kyros. My name is David, I heard a lot of good things about you." Lorian greeted with a smile after sitting down opposite Kyros.
Kyros blinked, breaking from his reverie, a chuckle escaping his lips. "That's odd," he replied, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes, "I think only my wife would brag about me, not anyone else in Nuya."
Lorian chuckled as he leaned in slightly, curiosity piqued. "Well, I'm intrigued by demons, and I heard you're the one to speak with."
"...Really? You came… To me for demons?" Kyros eyes widened in shock, making Lorian blink.
"Is it really that much of a surprise?"
"The last time anyone asked me about demons was a couple of years ago. Nowadays, it's mostly about the beasts in the Anisa Desert, and those stories usually lead to the beast tide." Kyros explained, shaking his head slightly, as if reminiscing about a time when such inquiries were commonplace.
"I'm guessing the kids of this town asked?"
"You would be correct, unfortunately."
Lorian chuckled softly, taking a sip of his wine. The rich flavor swirling in his mouth as he savored the moment. "Then can you tell me a bit about the tide? I want to see if I can learn anything new."
"Sure. Since you are a traveler, you should know the basic stuff about it being countless beasts coming together to trample on civilizations. But did you know some tides aim for a tactical approach instead of pure numbers?"
Lorian's interest piqued further. "You mean they strategically destroy towns and villages?"
"Yes. It's said that in the ancient past, they moved in formation, perfectly surrounding civilizations so none could escape before systematically closing in as they marched on."
Lorian's eyes widened at this new information. Truth be told, he only had basic knowledge of the beast tide: essentially, beasts from the surrounding area would gather to form a terrifying coalition army, all moving with one simple goal. To obliterate everything in their path, whether towns, villages, or strongholds in the desert.
Even cities aren't safe as he recalls it wasn't the towns or strongholds that fell when the tide began. It was the cities in the Ark Continent and the Union Empire in the west that bore those scars.
The tide tends to avoid the cities here because they're all built on massive Guardian Tome.
"That sounds a lot more interesting than terrifying."
"Ah, you're one of the few to think so," Kyros replied, amusement glimmering in his deep-set eyes. "But the beasts operate as one unit, despite their differences in species and size. Imagine it, no conflicts between them, and just a singular, horrifying purpose."
"I'm guessing they also abused the Beast Convergence?"
Kyros's expression grew contemplative. "I'm not sure. But I wouldn't be surprised."
The Beast Convergence, a term that struck fear into the hearts of many. Upon the death of countless beasts, their remains would react with each other, merging into a single, stronger entity. The new entity ascends to terrifying new heights of power, vastly surpassing any individual beast before. The simple fact that the beast tide could so easily birth such Ascendants was absolutely terrifying to most people in the world.
"Alright, I did learn something new. Let me hear your knowledge on demons, Kyros." Lorian leaned forward, eyes shining.
Kyros observed Lorian, an expression of admiration and nostalgia appearing on his face. "... Just like her. You're genuinely interested, aren't you?" he asked, delight apparent in his voice. "Well, the legends say that during one fateful night, the sky erupted into brilliance. Streaks of light burned across the sky, raining down like fire. The books say it was as if the stars themselves were falling to earth."
Lorian envisioned a brilliant light in the night, the sky ablaze with colors beyond imagination. Streaks of light moved across the night-sky before falling down toward Cosmos. It was both beautiful and terrifying.
"And then," Kyros continued, his voice dropping to a grave tone, "the planet experienced one of its biggest disasters yet. An earthquake shook the Ark Continent, tidal waves threatened to swallow the Northern Continent, a swirling sand vortex seemed to consume the Anisa Desert, while whirlpools eroded the edges of the Southern Continent. Even the Eastern Border was besieged by fierce storms and lightning, blackening the land."