The dusty track wound its way through the barren wasteland, a serpentine path that Niamh had traversed countless times before. But today, she walked it for the last time and Jade the first time, leaving behind the cramped, ramshackle shack that had been their home for seven long years.
Jade's gaze lingered on the makeshift dwelling, a mix of nostalgia and trepidation swirling in his chest.
As they walked, the worn, metal-clad jeep came into view, Niamh's prized possession that had been their ticket to freedom. Jade tossed their meager belongings into the back, the rusty cargo rack groaning in protest.
Niamh slid into the driver's seat, her eyes scanning the horizon before she turned the key, the engine coughing to life.
The jeep lurched forward, leaving the shack and the familiar landscape behind. Jade watched the receding view, a pang of sadness mingling with excitement. Seven years of scraping by, of making do with the bare minimum, were finally coming to an end. The city, Nexus, beckoned, promising opportunities and dangers in equal measure.
As they drove, the wasteland gave way to scattered settlements, the first outposts of the city's sprawl. Jade's anticipation grew, his mind racing with possibilities. What would their new life be like? Would make friends, or struggle to survive? The unknowns swirled in his mind, a maelstrom of hope and fear.
The jeep rumbled on, a steady heartbeat that marked their passage into the unknown. Jade glanced over at Niamh, his partner in this journey, and smiled. But together, they'd face whatever the city threw their way.
.....
The rugged jeep, its tires worn and battered, bounced along the dusty track that served as a road, kicking up clouds of ash and debris in its wake.
Jade gripped the doorframe, his eyes fixed on the horizon as the city's towering structures rose from the haze like giants. Niamh navigated the rough terrain with practiced ease, her gaze darting between the road and the rearview mirror.
As they drove, the landscape shifted from ravaged wasteland to makeshift settlements, the ramshackle dwellings and improvised shelters a testament to the resourcefulness of Nexarion's inhabitants. The air was thick with the smells of smoke, ash, and ozone, a noxious cocktail that clung to every surface.
The city's outskirts loomed ahead, a tangle of twisted metal and scavenged materials that seemed to stretch on forever.
Jade's stomach tightened as he took in the sheer scale of the slum city, the crowded streets and alleys a labyrinth of unknown dangers. Niamh's expression was set, her jaw clenched.
As they entered the city's outer districts, the sounds of the metropolis assaulted them: the rumble of makeshift generators, the shouts of vendors and traders, and the constant, maddening din of the city's inhabitants going about their daily lives.
Jade felt a thrill of excitement mixed with trepidation as he gazed out at the unfamiliar landscape. His 21st-century sensibilities were jolted by the stark contrast between his old life and this new world. He felt like a relic from another time, struggling to adapt to the harsh realities of Nexus city.
The city's makeshift architecture, scavenged materials, and industrial decay seemed like a dystopian nightmare compared to the sleek, modern world he once inhabited.
As the jeep navigated the winding streets, Jade's eyes widened at the sheer scale of the city's poverty and neglect. He saw people living in cramped, ramshackle dwellings, their faces etched with desperation and hardship. The city's municipal governance, with all its inefficiencies and corruption, seemed to be barely holding things together.
Despite the overwhelming strangeness of it all, Jade felt a spark of excitement and curiosity. He was a man out of time, and this new world was full of mysteries waiting to be unraveled.
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As they ventured deeper into the inner city, the streets transformed, shedding the poverty and grime that clung to the outer districts like a bad omen. The buildings stood taller, their facades worn but clean, and the people moved with a sense of purpose, their faces etched with determination rather than desperation. Niamh navigated the winding streets with familiarity, her eyes scanning the crowded market stalls and shopfronts as if she had transversed the streets for years.
"Ah, we're almost there," she said, a hint of comfort in her voice, thinking the journey must have been a rough one for Jade's young body.
Jade smiled in return, reassuring her with his eyes . Drinking in the sights and sounds of the inner city, he marveled at the sheer difference between this part of town and the outer districts. The air seemed cleaner, the people more prosperous, and the atmosphere more vibrant.
Niamh stopped in front of a small, unassuming shop tucked away in a quiet alley. The sign above the door read "Gorvoth's Arms" in bold, weathered letters.
"Well we're here", Niamh said. Reaching into her robes, she pulled out a clean white ribbon handing it to Jade who took it , wrapped it around his eyes before turning to smile at Niamh.
After making sure he was well covered, she pushed open the door, walked to the other side to help jade , but he was already about of the car turning his head from left to right in wonder at the cityscape. Hand in hand , they walked up to the small shop and pushed open the door. A bell above it rang out, announcing their arrival.
Inside, the shop was dimly lit, the air thick with the smell of oil and metal. Shelves lined the walls, stacked high with an assortment of weapons: swords, daggers, and pistols of various makes and models. Behind the counter stood a man with a bushy beard of thick brown with streaks of white and a warm smile, his eyes lighting up as he spotted Niamh.
"Ah, Niamh! Always a pleasure," he boomed, his voice like a warm hug.
Niamh glared at him expressionlessly. "Gorvoth" she greeted blandly.
Gorvoth chuckled seeing her usual reaction to him. His gaze finally shifted to Jade, and his eyes narrowed slightly as he took in the stranger appearance. If he thought anything about Jade's overly wrapped appearance, he didn't ask.
"This must be the one you've been telling me about," he said, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Jade's gaze travelled up to Gorvoth's face, and he nodded, feeling a sense of wariness. Who was this man ?, he seemed very familiar with Niamh.
Gorvoth trodded to the back of the shop and brought out 2 foldable chairs for the pair to sit on whilst he cleaned his hands . He then brought another and sat in front of them, his eyes on Niamh .
As they sat, Gorvoth leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. "So, to what do I owe the honour of seeing your beautiful face again Niamh?."
"I've got... goods," Niamh replied, her voice low. "Rare goods. And I think you might be able to help me sell them."
Gorvoth's eyes sparkled with interest. "What kind of goods?"
Niamh turned to Jade and nodded to him in consent. Seeing this, Jade activated his inventory, the large corpses of the Ogres poured out of thin air into a hill at the empty corner of the shop. Their bodies still dripping fresh blood like he had just killed them a few minutes ago.
He withheld the treasure box , seeing no need to sell it's contents yet.
Gorvoth's mouth fell open , gazing at the spectacular scene, he had lived a long time and he could boast of having seen what most people hadn't. But even for him , conjuring things out of thin air was a first!
He had heard and even seen spacial artifacts before, but those were rare commodities reserved for nobility. But he had never heard of someone storing things without the use of storage artifacts!.
His gaze turned to Niamh, seeking some kind of explanation for what he was seeing.
"Don't ask" , Niamh cut him off before he could voice out his confusion. " I'll owe you one", she added . Gorvoth smiled widely, his gaze drifting from the old one to the young one .
"Well let's examine your goods shall we?'. He said , lifting himself off the chair. Walking towards the pile of carcass.
As Gorvoth examined the Ogre corpses, his eyes lit up with excitement. "These are D-ranked monsters, excellent quality! I know exactly who to contact to get a good price for these."
Niamh smiled slightly, seeming to relax a bit. "The Awakener's Organisation should be fine no ?. They are a legit and safe medium right?". She asked.
Gorvoth nodded in agreement. "I'll take care of the sale. I'll get you a good price, don't worry."
Jade's eyes narrowed slightly. "And what's in it for you, Gorvoth?"
Gorvoth chuckled, his bushy beard twitching. "Niamh and I go way back. I'm happy to help her out... and you, of course."
Jade's gaze shifted to Niamh, who suddenly found something fascinating to look at on the floor, avoiding his gaze. Jade's curiosity was piqued, but he let it slide for now.
Gorvoth continued, "The Awakener's Organisation will likely offer a substantial sum for these D-ranked Ogre corpses. I'll make sure to negotiate the best price possible."
As they finalized the arrangements, Jade felt a sense of relief wash over him. Maybe this new world wouldn't be so unforgiving after all. He thought.
With the sale underway, Gorvoth led them to the Awakener's Organisation, located in the heart of the city. The building was imposing, with intricate carvings and symbols etched into the stone facade. Jade's eyes widened as they entered the grand hall, filled with rows of workstations and shelves lined with peculiar artifacts.
The negotiation process was smooth, with Gorvoth expertly haggling with the representative from the Awakener's Organisation. After a brief discussion, they agreed on a price, and Jade received a substantial sum of gold coins in exchange for the Ogre corpses.
As they left the organisation, Jade turned to Niamh and asked, "So, you and Gorvoth go way back, huh?"
Niamh's gaze still avoided his,"Don't listen to his nonsense." She replied sharply
Jade's curiosity was piqued, but he let it slide for now, sensing that there was more to the story.
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Mini Theatre:
ML: ( Glares at the author furiously) It's been 14!. Fourteen whole chapters and I haven't appeared once! , what do you think you're doing ?. ( Eyes blazes further in anger)
Author: ( hides behind Goddess Astratea), I'm sorry!!! 😭😭. Even I don't know what I'm doing. I'm just writing whatever comes to mind!
Goddess Astratea: Hehehe, now now my child , calm your wrath , I'm sure the author will let you appear soon. Right Author?
Author: (Nods frantically while still hiding behind the goddess) .. ' I don't even know how to introduce him yet 😫😫'. He thought silently.
Jade: ( rubbing his temple in exasperation), sigh... Idiots!.
....