Crossing through the city gates of Velis was far easier than Kael expected. The checkpoint was bustling but organized, and after a brief inspection and paying the modest entrance fee, the guards waved them through.
Inside the city, everything felt alive. Carts rumbled past on cobbled roads, storefronts shouted with color and noise, and the towering spires of Velis gleamed under the afternoon sun. Kael's eyes were wide as they made their way through the districts, following Erion and Mira to their home.
Nestled between a long row of stone buildings in a quieter part of the trade district, Erion's home was modest but well-kept. They unhitched the cart and stabled the horses, taking only the bags with the shadow beast remains.
Their next destination: the Hunters Guild.
The guildhall was massive—a three-story structure built of dark stone and reinforced wood, with a symbol of a blade entwined with a serpent engraved above the doors. Inside, it was busy with hunters checking in, bounties posted across a massive board, and clerks weighing and appraising monster parts.
They approached the desk and sold the remains from their journey. Shadow beast materials were in high demand, and their haul earned them a generous sum. Erion handled the transaction with practiced ease, splitting the proceeds evenly. Kael tucked his share away, still slightly stunned by how much money he was earning in this new life.
A short time later, a tall man in a dark green coat approached them. His voice was firm, and he radiated the kind of calm authority only seasoned hunters possessed.
"I'm Varen, Guildmaster here in Velis," he said, extending a hand. "Erion told me you all encountered cultists?"
They recounted everything—the ambushes, the concentration of shadow beasts, the strange mana shields, and the final battle. Varen listened without interrupting, his face growing more serious with each detail.
"This... isn't the first report of cultist activity. But it's the most detailed. I'll file this with the High Council of the Guild. Thank you."
With their business finished, the guards—Thorne and Bran—received their payment and said their goodbyes.
"Travel safe," Bran said, clapping Kael on the shoulder. "And keep training. You're on your way to becoming something special."
"We'll see you in a few weeks, Erion," Thorne added, nodding respectfully. "We'll be ready when it's time to head back out."
As the guards departed, Mira tugged Kael's sleeve with a grin. "Come on. You've seen blood and monsters. Time to see the good parts of Velis."
She led him through winding market streets, past musicians, enchanted lanterns, and food carts with strange and savory aromas. They stopped at a few shops—leatherworkers, armorers, even a magic vendor or two. Mira eventually convinced Kael to buy some new gear: sturdier boots, a padded vest reinforced with beast hide, and a travel cloak with weather enchantments.
But when they passed a weaponsmith, Kael stopped.
"You're not going in?" Mira asked.
He shook his head." Balen gave me this," he said, touching the hilt of the sword at his side. "It's not fancy, but... it matters."
Mira smiled softly. "That's fair."
By nightfall, they returned to Erion's home. The quiet was a welcome contrast from the busy streets. Over dinner, they shared stories, and Kael felt the first real sense of peace since entering the city.
He had come a long way from the strange field where he'd first awakened. And yet, something told him his journey was only just beginning.