The northern plains stretched endlessly, a patchwork of golden grass and sparse clusters of twisted trees. The wind swept over them, carrying the faint tang of riverbeds and distant stone cliffs. Himmel rode at the front, ash-colored skin catching the sunlight, his new level 3 sword strapped to his back, the large scissors dangling at his side like a peculiar twin. Recon rode beside him, a grin spreading across his face as he swung Himmel's old sword in one hand, now level 2 and surprisingly sturdy in his grip. Texan brought up the rear, his gauntlets glinting, eyes scanning for predators or bandits.
The air smelled faintly of dust and adventure. As the trio pressed north, Recon could feel his strength grow. The awakening of level 2 had sharpened his reflexes; his swings carried more weight, his steps more assured. Himmel couldn't help but glance at his friend, the pride of seeing him grow and the quiet reassurance it brought settling his chest.
Hours passed before the outlines of a village emerged against the horizon. Unlike the scattered teepees of previous settlements, these homes were structured, rectangular, their sun-dried mud walls glowing a warm ochre in the sun. Timber reinforcements framed the corners, while clay chimneys released gentle smoke, curling lazily into the sky. Even from a distance, the careful symmetry of streets and courtyards spoke of a people who valued stability and permanence.
As the group approached the entrance, two guards clad in reinforced leather and bronze bracers stepped forward, halting them at the gate. Their expressions were stern, hands resting on the hilts of their short spears.
"Halt," the taller guard barked, eyes narrowing at Himmel's glint of his weapons. "State your business. Where are you from, and what is your purpose here?"
Texan glanced at Himmel. Himmel's voice was blunt. "We're traveling north. Selling materials, resting. Nothing more."
The second guard frowned. "Materials? What kind? And from where exactly do you come?"
Recon raised his sword slightly, resting the tip on the ground. "Beast hides, some loot. From villages south of here. Not looking for trouble, just a place to rest."
The first guard's gaze lingered on Himmel's large scissors and level 3 sword. "You speak true?"
"Yes. We have no interest in your village, only your market." Himmel's voice was calm but firm.
The guards exchanged glances, murmured briefly to each other, then the taller one finally stepped aside. "Very well. Enter, but keep to the market and streets. Don't cause problems."
The trio entered, and the village unfolded in intricate detail. Streets paved with hardened clay formed neat lines, with small fountains at intersections that glimmered in the sunlight. Children chased one another between houses, and merchants called out from open-front shops. Every building bore the careful imprint of sun-dried mud construction; even the roofs had terracotta tiles, far more advanced than anything Himmel had seen.
They explored cautiously, sniffing the air, watching villagers cook, clean, and trade. The group found a general store filled with all manners of goods: weapons, trinkets, rare herbs, and small magical items. Himmel laid out the extra hides and loot from previous adventures. The shopkeeper weighed them carefully, exchanged a few words in the local dialect, and handed them 50 silver for the collection.
While counting the coins, the group's attention was drawn to the village entrance. A line of orcs was emerging from a nearby dungeon, their armor glinting, weapons strapped, and packs bulging with loot. They strutted with purpose, showing off their haul.
Most notable was a female orc atop a jet-black horse, its mane flowing like liquid night. Her skin was dark, a deep contrast to her gleaming silver bracers. Himmel's eyes narrowed; he could feel the aura of a dark orc, subtle yet unmistakable. On her hip hung a book, bound in dark leather, embossed with strange runes that shimmered faintly in the sun.
Recon whispered, "That's no ordinary book… and she's no ordinary rider."
Texan's eyes widened. "She's… powerful. And the chief's daughter, I'd wager."
They followed quietly, keeping their distance, until the orcs entered an adventurers' building. Himmel and Texan took seats by the corner, listening. Voices murmured, laughter and gossip filling the air.
"She's promising," one orc said. "Spoiled, yes, but her dark magic… incredible for someone her age."
"Her father's pushing her too hard," another added. "That book on her hip—worth more than most dungeons' entire loot."
Recon wandered, curiosity leading him along the shelves. He overheard part of the conversation about the dungeon they had just cleared.
"This dungeon… already looted? By someone else?" a young orc complained.
Recon's eyes narrowed. "That's our dungeon. They're talking about the exact same one we raided. Best we leave, quickly."
Himmel smirked. "Maybe… but I'd like a look at that dark magic book first. We stay, but not in the village."
They slipped out quietly, hiding in the dense forest nearby. The canopy filtered sunlight, casting mottled patterns on the forest floor. Shadows stretched long as the group found a clearing.
Himmel tested his weapons. He slashed into a tree with the scissors; sparks flew and a small magical explosion rippled through the bark. Frowning at the scissor's unconventional shape, he struck again with force, aiming at the center. The scissors split cleanly when his rock hit the joint.
Texan laughed, "You didn't have to force it, man."
Himmel grinned, tossing the rock at Texan. Texan deflected it with his club; it shot across the clearing, surprisingly fast. They experimented further: Recon threw a rock, Texan hit it with the club—it flew across the forest. They tried again with a normal sword—the distance was far shorter.
Satisfied with the results, the group settled down for the night. The forest whispered around them, leaves rustling, distant animals calling. Himmel placed the scissors beside him, sword and axe at the ready. Texan and Recon laid nearby, eyes half-closed but alert.
The night grew deep and quiet. For a moment, the world felt still. Tomorrow, the village, the dark orc, and the magic book awaited.