The Shadow Brewery opened its doors to Night City under flickering lanterns and the smell of smoke. At first, only drunks and dockhands stumbled in, desperate for cheap swill. Klaus stood behind the bar, white hair falling into his crimson eyes, wings hidden under a glamour Selene wove around him.
To them, he was just another barkeep.
But the drinks weren't ordinary.
[SYSTEM ALERT] Shadow Venom Ale Sold. +20 Credits.[DIMENSIONAL TRADE] Elven Realm Demand Rising. Price Surge: +15%.
Klaus smirked faintly as dockhands swayed under the effects. Even the poorest could taste the difference—foxfire illusions dancing in their cups, venom warmth burning their veins.
But then, the door opened.
The Stranger
A woman entered, tall and radiant, her hair silver-blue, her eyes glowing faintly like moonlight. Her cloak was travel-worn, but Klaus saw the truth immediately: her skin shimmered faintly, like starlight on water.
A Celestial Elf.
Every patron turned to stare. She ignored them, gliding to the bar and sitting across from Klaus. Her voice was soft, melodic, but carried an edge of steel.
"Bartender. Pour me what you think I can handle."
Selene, perched on a shadowed seat, narrowed her eyes. "Careful, Klaus. That's no ordinary elf. Celestials bind stars into their blood."
Klaus poured a glass of Shadow Venom Ale, setting it down without a word. She lifted it, sipped—and her eyes widened faintly.
"…Poison and moonfire, fused. Who taught you this craft?"
Klaus leaned forward, lips curling. "Self-taught. Interested?"
Simp Resonance
The Simp System chimed.
[SIMP SYSTEM: New Target Detected — Liora, Celestial Elf.]Charm Resonance: 47% → 61%.Unlock Condition: Serve her three times without asking questions.
Klaus's crimson eyes narrowed. "So that's how you want to play it."
He poured her a second drink, this time a weaker Dream-Sealed brew, sweetened with foxfire. Liora drank, watching him with curious eyes.
"You're not what you seem, bartender. I can feel… shadows clinging to you."
Klaus smirked. "And you're not what you seem either."
The Gift of the Stars
On her third glass, she set the cup down with a sigh. "You intrigue me. Few mortals dare mix poison and dreamfire… fewer still survive it. Consider this a gift."
She raised her hand, brushing her fingers lightly across his wrist. Starlight surged into his veins.
[SIMP SYSTEM: Resonance Achieved — 95%.]Cashback 10% Activated.Skill Resonance Unlocked: Starstrike (C-Rank).
[NEW SKILL] Starstrike — Condense celestial energy into a piercing spear of light. Ignores armor. Consumes stamina.
Klaus exhaled sharply, eyes blazing crimson-silver. "Interesting."
Selene's tails flicked irritably, but she smiled faintly. "Seems our Crown-Bearer just bought himself another goddess."
Lucifer's Whisper
[Lucifer]: "Stars, shadows, foxfire, venom… you weave too many threads, Crown-Bearer. Careful, or they'll strangle you. But oh, what a tapestry it will be when you tighten the noose."
Cliffhanger
The Celestial Elf stood, lowering her hood. "Night City is dangerous, stranger. If you mean to survive here, you'll need allies… and enemies worth fearing. Come find me when your brewery is more than a hole in the docks."
She left, starlight trailing behind her.
Klaus leaned against the bar, crimson eyes gleaming, starfire still burning in his veins.
"Night City just got interesting.