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Chapter 8
A fine rain fell over the rooftops of Calvenne, a bustling trading city where the scents of leather, spices, and hot metal mingled in a thick haze.
The glistening cobblestones reflected the flickering lanterns, and in the busy alleys, voices rose and fell, lost in the constant murmur of a city that never truly sleeps.
Kael moved through the crowd, cloaked in a dark mantle with his hood pulled low. Around his face, strips of cloth soaked in shadow powder—a rare magical substance that absorbed light and blurred the perception of anyone trying to discern his features.
His face seemed to melt into the shadows, like a shifting silhouette rather than a defined shape.
In this city, where glances were rare and secrets plentiful, Kael was a shadow among shadows.
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The whispers of the taverns
In a smoke-filled tavern, among the scent of alcohol and burnt wood, Kael settled at a secluded table.
With a simple cup of spiced wine in hand, he let his ears drift, catching rumors escaping from conversations.
"You heard about Noxterra?" a man whispered to his neighbor.
"They say the city has changed hands… a new master has taken control."
"And the old heroes? Lyra, Eldrin, even Ser Aelric…"
"All dead. They say a traitor was among them, a cold and relentless mage who executed them one by one."
Kael felt a bitter smile slip behind his mask.
The truth twisted in the tales, but the fear was growing.
"The bounty on his head's gone up to one hundred and twenty thousand Golden Orions."
"Bounty hunters are already flocking from all corners of the kingdom."
"Who'd be crazy enough to hunt him? They say he took down three heroes in a single fight."
The cold wind made the crowd shiver outside, and Kael stood, ready to disappear into the night once more.
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A calculated meeting
As he slipped away, his thoughts focused on a name often whispered in Calvenne's power circles: Selene, a woman known for her extensive network, skilled in espionage and negotiation.
The battles of Noxterra had left his body fragile, wounds hidden but aching in his muscles and breath. He needed discreet support, a steady hand to watch his back while he slowly recovered.
One evening, in a dimly lit inn, he found her.
Selene sat alone, her piercing gaze sweeping the room with cold assurance. A dark red cloak wrapped her shoulders, her slender hands playing absentmindedly with a crescent-shaped pendant.
Kael approached, his voice low and controlled:
"I'm looking for someone who understands that power is built in the shadows."
She looked at him, intrigued but wary.
"And why should you be the one to know how?"
"Because I've broken those who thought themselves invincible, and I know Calvenne is a key piece in this game. I can offer protection, resources, and a future if you help me."
Selene smiled, a calculating smile:
"You speak like a man who knows the value of alliances. Show me what you offer, and maybe I'll let you into my circle."
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Manipulation and complicity
Over the following weeks, Kael and Selene wove a relationship made of subtle exchanges and unspoken agreements.
Kael used his magic to hide his weaknesses, but relied on Selene to gather information, infiltrate influential groups, and prepare his next moves.
Selene, in turn, saw in Kael a powerful tool—a man capable of tipping the balance.
She offered contacts, access to closed circles, and strategic insight to compensate for his injuries.
In the shadows, their alliance formed, fragile yet formidable.
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The real game begins
Calvenne was no longer just a refuge.
It was a new arena, fertile ground for sowing fear, loyalty, and domination.
Kael felt his strength slowly returning, his mana armor ever ready to protect the body he rebuilt day by day.
He was no longer the fugitive of yesterday, but the strategist preparing his rise.
And while his wanted posters spread across the city walls, he knew soon the whole kingdom would be at his mercy.
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