They rode their horses along the paved roads of Ashmorg, passing through rows of active forges.
The deeper they went.
The louder the world became.
The sharp, rhythmic clang of hammer striking metal echoed endlessly through the streets. Sparks flew in bursts of orange and gold, while the air grew thick with the scent of iron, ash, and burning coal.
Julian's eyes lit up.
"Kael, look at that!"
He pointed excitedly at a display of weapons laid out before a forge, blades polished to a mirror sheen, axes with intricate engravings, and armor pieces still glowing faintly from recent forging.
"They actually make all of this here?"
He barely waited for a response before pointing again.
"And that! That one looks insane, look at the edge on that sword!"
Kael glanced around, his expression calm as always.
But even he couldn't deny it.
Ashmorg was impressive.
The craftsmanship.
The scale.
The sheer intensity of production.
"…It lives up to its reputation," Kael murmured.
As they continued forward, the density of forges began to thin.
Replaced by larger, more structured buildings.
Eventually,
They stopped before a grand structure.
The Information Guild.
A massive marble building stood tall before them, its polished surface gleaming under the sunlight. Engraved symbols lined its pillars, representing its authority and reach.
It was an organization recognized across various kingdoms,
A place where information held as much value as gold.
They bought and sold knowledge.
Delivered goods.
Issued and received quests.
And for those willing,
They revealed truths others could not.
In simple words it was place that could provide one with anything they needed as long as they had the required funds,
Kael and Julian dismounted.
They had come for a reason.
Dorian.
More specifically,
His daughter.
They needed information.
And while they were here, they also needed to send a report to the council regarding their recent mission, so that the academy would grant them additional time.
Kael turned to Julian.
"You handle the letter."
Julian nodded.
"Got it."
Without wasting time, Julian headed toward the writing section, where several desks were arranged for messengers and clients.
Kael stepped forward alone.
The interior of the guild was vast.
Clean.
Organized.
People moved with purpose, scribes carrying documents, adventurers negotiating contracts, merchants exchanging sealed information.
At the front desk stood a staff member, neatly dressed, expression neutral.
Professional.
Kael approached.
"I need information," he said calmly.
The staff member looked up.
Measuring him in a single glance.
"…What kind of information?"
Kael's gaze remained steady.
"I'm looking for someone."
A brief pause.
"…Dorian Grey's daughter."
The atmosphere shifted a bit,
Just slightly.
Enough to notice.
The staff member's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.
"…We can look into it, but the information won't come cheap."
Kael didn't hesitate.
"That won't be a problem."
A soft clink echoed as he slid a gold coin across the desk.
The staff member's eyes flickered downward for just a moment before returning to him, her expression smoothing into a polite, practiced smile.
"May I know your name, kind sir?"
"Kael Dravenheart. From the Dravenheart family."
Her posture shifted instantly.
Subtle.
But noticeable.
With a respectful bow, she replied, "Please wait for a moment, Sir Kael. We will look into the matter immediately."
She gestured toward the seating area behind him, where several individuals sat in quiet anticipation, mercenaries, merchants, and cloaked figures whose intentions were best left unasked.
Kael nodded and turned away.
As he sat he thought to himself, "Money really does make the world go around."
By the time he took a seat, Julian had already returned, brushing ink from his fingers.
Julian flashed a wide grin and raised a thumbs-up.
"All done," he said. "Letter's sent. So, did you find anything?"
Kael leaned back slightly, arms resting on the chair.
"Working on it."
Julian dropped into the seat beside him, glancing around with curiosity that hadn't faded since they entered the city.
"This place gives me a creeps dude," he muttered. "Like everyone knows something they shouldn't."
Kael didn't respond.
His eyes were fixed ahead.
Calm.
But alert.
Then.
"Mr. Kael, please come forward."
The voice cut cleanly through the low murmur of the hall.
Kael stood.
A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he glanced at Julian.
"Bingo."
Julian leaned forward slightly, excitement flashing across his face.
"Already? That was fast."