Eldoria's bustling streets were a stark contrast to the dark alley Liam had just emerged from. Glowing runic streetlights cast long shadows down winding lanes, and the rich scents of fresh bread and exotic spices filled the air. Strange, lumbering beasts pulled creaky carts, and the lively chatter from nearby taverns and inns spilled into the night. Liam walked beside Alistair, his heart still thrumming from the alley incident, and his mind racing with thoughts of the Hidden Fate System and the new skills he'd gained.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Alistair asked, his voice laced with genuine concern. "You still look a bit pale, Liam."
"Just... the shock of the attack," Liam replied, trying to keep his voice steady. He had to play the part of an ordinary person shaken by an assault, not someone who knew Alistair's entire tragic backstory.
They soon reached a large, dark-wood inn, its signboard depicting a sleeping dragon. The "Sleeping Dragon Inn" was a familiar place to Liam; it was here that Alistair was destined to meet another key character: Elara, the enigmatic young sorceress.
"Here we are," Alistair said, pushing open the heavy door. "It's not a grand hotel, but it's safe and comfortable."
Liam stepped inside, immediately hit by a wave of warm air, the aroma of hot stew, and the din of patrons. The common room was packed, its sturdy wooden tables filled with travelers and adventurers.
"Quite a place," Liam murmured, his eyes subtly scanning the room for any sign of Elara.
[Liam,] a System message suddenly flashed before him, [Quest: Accompany the Hero Alistair to 'The Sleeping Dragon Inn'. Reward: 5 Fate Points. Quest Completed.]
[Current Fate Points: 20.][Skills Unlocked: Fate Sight (Novice), Fate Empathy (Novice).]
"Fate Empathy?" Liam thought, and no sooner had the thought formed than he felt a faint ripple of weariness wash over him. It wasn't his own exhaustion, but Alistair's, who sighed heavily beside him.
"Alistair, what's wrong?" Liam asked, genuinely surprised by this new sensation.
Alistair paused, a frown deepening on his face. "Nothing. Just... realizing how complicated my quest is. This 'Gem of Light' theft..."
A shiver ran down Liam's spine. This was it. Fate Empathy in action. It didn't grant him physical power, but a subtle connection to the hero's emotions. This could be incredibly useful for guiding him.
"Looking for a room, Alistair?" a kindly, plump woman with a cheerful face called from behind the counter. This was Bertha, the inn's waitress, a minor but warm character from the novel.
"Yes, Bertha, as usual," Alistair replied with a tired smile. "And do you have another room for my companion here? He's had quite a rough night."
Bertha looked at Liam with concern. "Of course, dear. You look like you've seen a ghost. Can I get you some hot stew?"
"That would be wonderful, thank you," Liam said, grateful for her kindness.
While Bertha prepared their rooms, Alistair led Liam to a quiet corner table. They sat down, and Liam let silence settle between them for a moment.
"Alistair," Liam began, "I... I owe you my life. I wouldn't have made it out of that alley without you."
"Don't mention it, Liam. It's my duty to protect the innocent," Alistair said, his eyes drifting towards the inn's window, his mind clearly elsewhere. "You seem a bit mysterious. Are you from the East?"
"I'm... from a very distant place," Liam replied truthfully. It was the easiest way to answer.
Alistair sighed. "This world is full of distant places, and secrets. Some are better left buried."
Another System message appeared:
[New Quest: Help the Hero Alistair locate Elara within The Sleeping Dragon Inn. Reward: 10 Fate Points.]
"Alright, it's time," Liam thought. Elara was always supposed to show up at this inn.
"Alistair, are you here in Eldoria for a specific reason?" Liam asked, trying to subtly steer the conversation.
"I'm looking for someone," Alistair hesitated. "A young sorceress. Her name is Elara. She might be in this inn."
"A sorceress?" Liam repeated, feigning surprise. "Does magic still exist in this world?" He knew magic was fading, and Elara was one of the last powerful mages.
"Barely," Alistair said, "but she's our only hope. She's the only one who might be able to help me track down the Gem of Light."
"The Gem of Light?" Liam inquired. "What is it? And why is it so important?" He knew the answers, but he needed to prompt Alistair to speak.
Alistair explained that the Gem of Light was an ancient artifact of immense magical power, stolen from the central cathedral. Without it, the city was vulnerable, and its loss could worsen the decline of magic in the world.
"If it's a mission of such importance," Liam said, playing the part of the concerned citizen, "then you need all the help you can get. Have you tried asking around for this sorceress here?"
"I haven't had the chance yet," Alistair replied, looking weary again. "I've been too busy chasing those thieves. Besides, Elara isn't one for drawing attention. She might be in disguise."
"If you're looking for someone who doesn't like to stand out," Liam said, glancing around, "perhaps she'd be in a quiet spot. Are there private rooms here? Or maybe a secluded reading nook that mages might prefer?"
"There are some rooms upstairs, and a common study area," Alistair mused. "But I can't just knock on every door."
"You don't have to," Liam said. "Since she's a sorceress, she might have unique traits. Did you notice anything distinctive about her in the novel?" Liam quickly thought back. Elara was known for her long silver hair, her purple scarf, and the rare, glowing blue bird that often accompanied her.
[Use 'Fate Sight' skill to locate Elara. Reward: 5 Fate Points.]
Liam remembered the skill. Fate Sight wasn't true magical vision, but it enhanced his senses. He activated it, and suddenly, the inn's sounds sharpened, and his vision grew clearer. He scanned the room again. This time, he wasn't just seeing the crowd; he was noticing the minute details.
And in a dim corner near the fireplace, overlooked by everyone else, Liam spotted a young woman with long, flowing silver hair draped over her shoulders, wearing a dark purple scarf. Beside her, a small, covered cage subtly revealed a glimmer of iridescent blue feathers.
"Found her," Liam thought, a faint smile touching his lips.
"Found what?" Alistair asked, noticing Liam's expression.
"I think I see who you're looking for," Liam said, subtly nodding towards the quiet corner. "That young woman with the silver hair and purple scarf. And she has a small cage that looks like it has a bird in it."
Alistair followed Liam's gaze. His eyes widened slightly. "Indeed... that's her. How did you know?"
"Just a guess," Liam deflected. "Mages tend to be a bit eccentric, don't they? And that bird... it looked quite unique."
Alistair rose, his weariness suddenly gone. "You saved my life, and now you've helped me find her. I owe you a great deal, Liam."
"It's nothing, my friend. I'm just here to help." Liam said, feeling a surge of satisfaction as Fate Points streamed in.
[Quest Completed: Help the Hero Alistair locate Elara within The Sleeping Dragon Inn. Reward: 10 Fate Points.]
[Current Fate Points: 30.]
Liam stood, watching Alistair approach the dimly lit corner where Elara sat. It was a pivotal moment in the novel.
"Now, what's the System's next quest?" Liam wondered, as he saw Alistair begin his conversation with the sorceress. He knew his journey with the Hidden Fate System had just begun.
Author's Note:
Hope you enjoyed Chapter 2! Liam's journey as a Fate Facilitator has truly begun, and he's discovering more about the Hidden Fate System. What new skill will he unlock next? And what challenges will he face as he watches the heroes from the shadows?
Don't forget to add this novel to your library and leave a review to support Liam on his adventure! Your support fuels me to keep writing exciting new chapters!