Ash Town stood on the edge of the Eternal Dusk, a gray trading hub in the ungoverned lands. Low buildings crowded together haphazardly, various signs hanging under the eaves—some written in Common, more using symbols unique to different races.
When Len entered the town, his worn cloak pulled tight, he keenly sensed several unfriendly gazes. Here, lone strangers were always the easiest targets.
Ignoring the prying eyes, he headed straight for the general store he remembered, "Old Gimpy's Corner." The shopfront was shabby, the windows thick with dust, but Len knew the owner was one of the few merchants who asked no questions and judged only by the goods.
Pushing open the creaking wooden door, a bell rang harshly. The interior was dim, the air a mix of herbs, metal, and mildew. Behind the counter, a white-haired old man was polishing a dagger by an oil lamp.
"Take a look yourself if you need anything. Prices are marked," the old man said without looking up.
Len placed his pack on the counter with a heavy thud. "Selling."
The old man finally looked up, his murky eyes scanning Len before settling on the pack. He slowly opened it, his eyebrows lifting slightly at the sight of the Shadow Wolf claws and fangs.
"Good quality. Clean wounds." The old man picked up a shadow metal fragment, examining it closely under the light. "Where'd these come from?"
"Found them in the Darkwood." Len's voice was calm.
The old man gave him a meaningful look but didn't press further. In Ash Town, prying too much into others' secrets was a good way to get killed.
"Shadow Wolf materials, thirty silver. These fragments..." He weighed them in his hand. "The shadow energy is pure. Two gold."
The price was higher than Len had expected. He nodded, then pulled the books from his pack. "What about these?"
The old man's expression changed for the first time. He put on glasses, carefully turning the pages, his fingers gently tracing the ancient text and magical symbols.
"'Theory of Shadow Resonance'... Didn't think I'd see a copy of this forbidden book again." The old man muttered to himself, then looked seriously at Len. "Young man, these things will bring you trouble."
"Name your price."
The old man pondered for a moment. "I won't take the books, but I'll trade you some information—the Twilight Cult has been active in town lately. They're looking for a similar ancient text. And these marks on your metal fragments..." He pointed to a barely noticeable symbol on the edge of a fragment. "That's the Cult's emblem."
Len's heart tightened. The cave's former occupant was likely the Twilight Cult's "Former Seeker."
"I'll take the information." He put the books back in his pack. "Do you still want the fragments?"
"Of course. Why not?" The old man showed a cunning smile. "The Cult pays well. I can turn a profit."
Transaction complete, Len carefully stored the gold and silver coins. With this money, he could buy some decent equipment and supplies.
"Some advice," the old man said suddenly as Len turned to leave. "If you want to live long in the Darkwood, best learn to hide your aura. The dark energy on you... it's too pure. Like a beacon in the night."
Len paused slightly, then nodded.
After leaving the general store, he circled the town a few times, making sure no one was tailing him, then entered a equipment shop. With his newly earned money, he bought a decent short sword, a light leather armor, and some essential dry rations and medicine.
Just as he was about to leave, a commotion erupted in the town center.
A group of people in gray robes were going door to door, questioning everyone. The emblems on their chests were identical to those on the metal fragments—the Twilight Cult.
Len pulled his hat down low and quickly ducked into a nearby alley. He could sense the dark aura emanating from the Cult members. Though not as pure as the power within him, it was far more massive and dangerous.
"They're looking for a book," a hoarse voice came from behind him. "And a half-breed."
Len spun around, short sword in hand. From the depths of the alley, a short figure in a tattered cloak emerged. The person pushed back the hood, revealing a wrinkled face and unusually bright eyes.
"Easy there, kid. I'm with the 'Night Crows.'" The man grinned, showing a few gold teeth. "We noticed you coming from Old Gimpy's place, and... your scent is special."
The Night Crows—Ash Town's largest intelligence organization, and the only one daring enough to oppose the Twilight Cult.
"What do you want?"
"Our boss wants to see you." The gold-toothed man gestured. "About that... Night Origin on you."
Len's pupils contracted. This organization was more resourceful than he'd thought.
"Lead the way."
They wound through a maze of alleys, finally stopping before an inconspicuous building. The gold-toothed man knocked on the door in a specific rhythm. It opened.
Inside was a stark contrast to the shabbiness outside—luxuriously and comfortably decorated. A fire in the hearth drove away the Eternal Dusk's characteristic chill. A middle-aged man in fine robes sat in an armchair, sipping wine.
"Welcome, Child of Night." The man stood, his smile warm. "I am the leader of the Night Crows. You may call me Raven."
Len watched him warily. "How do you know that title?"
"We have our sources." Raven gestured for him to sit. "Let's be direct. We know what the Twilight Cult is after, and we know you're carrying what they want. More importantly... we felt the energy波动 when you awakened."
He walked to the window, lifting the curtain slightly. "The Cult has the town surrounded. You can't get out."
Len tightened his grip on the short sword. "So?"
"So we need to cooperate." Raven turned, his gaze sharp. "The Cult is our common enemy. They want to devour the Origin to become so-called 'true gods.' If they succeed, the entire Eternal Dusk—no, the whole world—will fall under eternal dark rule."
"Why should I trust you?"
"Because you have no choice." Raven spread his hands. "And..." He pointed to Len's chest. "The Origin chose you. That's enough."
Just then, a loud crash came from outside, followed by panicked screams and the sounds of fighting.
A bloodied Night Crows member rushed in. "Boss! The Cult is attacking! They found us!"
Raven's face changed. "So fast..." He looked at Len. "Now, choose. Fight your way out with us, or stay and let the Cult take you for experiments?"
Len could feel several powerful dark auras approaching rapidly. One felt familiar—similar to the metal fragments from the cave, but dozens of times stronger.
He didn't hesitate.
"Which way?"
Raven smiled in satisfaction, pressing a mechanism under the armchair. The fireplace slid aside, revealing a hidden passage behind it.
"Welcome to the resistance, Child of Night."