Chapter 3 – Fangs Beneath Velvet
Velden City – Central District
By day, Velden looked civilized—marble statues, trimmed hedges, patrols in polished armor. But Aayu had learned early: the brighter the surface, the deeper the shadows.
He moved through the noble quarter, head bowed, dressed like a courier. His stolen badge gave him clearance; no one looked twice.
> [Name: Lord Vareon Aldreth] – Level 14 – Affiliation: Noble House Aldreth]
[Status: Arrogant, Cruel – Emotional State: Boredom / Greed]
[Goal: Acquire more slave contracts before the monthly auction]
Aayu's eye twitched. Another parasite.
He kept walking, ignoring the guards and merchants laughing behind golden gates. But his mind worked nonstop.
These nobles held more than wealth. They held secrets—some worth killing for.
---
Underground – Black Market Den
Aayu dropped a silver pouch on the table. "I need information. Recent arrivals to the city. Strong ones. Unusual abilities."
The broker, a short man with a crystal monocle and a web of facial scars, chuckled. "That's dangerous curiosity, boy."
"I'm paying."
The man opened the pouch. Blinked. "Pure moon silver?"
"No trace. Unmarked. Now talk."
The broker leaned in.
"There's whispers of a woman. No name. Magic Tower's watching her, but she's not one of theirs. Killed a monster near the forest—left its bones shattered from the inside."
Aayu's heart beat faster.
"One of the Seven?"
"Could be. But there's more. Someone from the Church arrived last night. Not public. Quiet. Cloaked in relic light."
That meant only one thing.
System user.
A rival.
---
System Update – Late Night
> [SP Earned: +8 (From Observation)]
[New Traits Available]
— Cold Insight – Grants quicker reading of status info, sharper deduction. (Cost: 12 SP)
— Reflex Boost I – Slightly increases reaction speed. (Cost: 10 SP)
He stared.
He had 13 SP now. Enough for one.
He chose Cold Insight.
> [Trait Acquired: Cold Insight – Status readings now include micro-emotion analysis and deeper skill hints.]
[Remaining SP: 1]
The world shifted subtly.
When he looked at people now, he didn't just see numbers or colors—he felt the pattern beneath their words. Lies cracked more easily. Tension screamed in silent gaps.
Power.
And yet... a shiver crawled up his neck.
Something—someone—was watching him.
---
Elsewhere – Velden Cathedral Basement
The room was lit with holy glyphs.
A figure knelt before the High Pontiffo's projection, her form veiled in layered white armor.
> [System Holder: Seraphim Bond – Holy Authority Type]
"I've reached Velden," she said softly. Her voice was calm, but Aayu would have seen the heat behind her eyes.
"Good," said the Pontiffo. "There is a Seventh. The Shopbearer."
She bowed her head. "And the Demon Kings?"
"They stir. Already their servants hunt."
She nodded. "I will find the Shopbearer before they do. And if he falls to temptation…"
Her fingers tightened on her spear.
"…I'll cleanse him."
---
Velden Slums – A Rusted Gate
Aayu returned to the edge of the city. He passed familiar shadows—drunks, orphans, ex-soldiers missing limbs. All ignored him.
Except one.
A girl with ash-blonde hair and bandages over her eyes turned her head as he walked past.
"Shopbearer," she whispered.
Aayu froze.
> [Status: Unknown]
[Affiliation: ???]
[Intent: Not Hostile]
"How do you know that name?" he asked.
She smiled, though her eyes were hidden. "You wear the scent of Fate. Only seven do."
"Who are you?"
"Just a Seer. And a warning."
She leaned closer, her voice turning urgent.
"Don't trust the one who shines. Her light burns."
Then she vanished into the fog.
---
Magic Tower – Observation Dome
Elrien sat beneath a glowing map of the continent. Her hands trembled slightly.
"Six observed," she muttered. "But the seventh…"
She touched a crystal node over Velden.
"Still hidden."
Her assistant entered, breathless. "Mistress! The relic map showed a spike—a flare of divine and forbidden mana. It lasted only seconds."
"Where?"
"Velden. The Slums."
She stood instantly.
"Then he's there."
She turned to her scribe.
"Send word to the Adventurer's Guild. Tell them we're activating the Watcher Contract. The Tower has a new target."
---
Aayu's Shelter – That Night
He sat alone, reviewing status notes and movement routes.
> [Known System Users: 3 in Velden]
— Unknown Gravity Woman
— Church Spear Wielder
— Possible Seer (Passive System?)
> Objective: Survive. Grow. Discover the truth of the Shop.
He opened the Store again.
Still locked traits. Still out of reach.
But the flame inside him burned hotter now.
Not fear.
Anticipation.
Let them come.
He would not run.