The cool air outside was a stark contrast to the warmth of the inn. The rain had stopped, leaving behind a freshness that was almost palpable. The cobblestone streets glistened, wet and reflective under the overcast sky. I took a deep breath, feeling the mist settle on my face as I walked down the quiet path.
Greth’s question lingered in my mind. Was I truly a creature of the Beyond, or just a person with different abilities? The thought was unsettling, yet it stirred something deep within me—a desire to understand what made us different.
Another question soon took root. Monsters are feared because they hurt humans. But are humans also enemies? Why do humans fight each other?
My boots echoed against the cobblestones as I walked through the deserted street. The rain had washed away the town’s usual scents, leaving only the faint aroma of wet earth and dampened leaves. The silence was broken by the distant caw of a crow.
My thoughts spiraled. If fear was the root of humanity’s divisions, then understanding might be the bridge to unity. But was that even possible? Could humans ever truly comprehend the power of an Awakener? Or would we always be feared, labeled as creatures of the Beyond?
“I’ve never met someone who feared or hated me,” I mumbled aloud. Passersby gave me strange looks as I talked to myself.
Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I looked ahead, wondering what to do next. I had come to investigate the potion and the incident in my village, but I didn’t know where to start.
*Maybe I should ask around,* I thought, taking a step forward.
****
The bench was damp, but it didn’t bother me as I sat down. Tucked away in an alley, out of sight from the bustling street, it was the perfect spot to gather my thoughts and plan my next move.
Gangs were everywhere in the shadows of society, and they had a knack for acquiring things most couldn’t—or wouldn’t. If anyone knew about the potion or the monster attacks, it would be them.
But asking around had proven more challenging than I’d anticipated. At the mention of “illegal potions” or “creatures of the Beyond,” people’s eyes would widen. They’d either clam up or scurry away, as if the words themselves painted a target on my back.
''Ugh, my head hurts just thinking about it,'' I rubbed my temples, contemplating my next move.
''Things were much easier in Sefron. Why is this city so hard to navigate?'' I thought. Back there, I’d had so much help. Everyone I met was generous and kind. All I did was fight like a wild beast with no future.
But here in the city, things were different. People had their own lives to live.
I sat there, watching rainwater dribble down the cobblestones, forming tiny rivers that flowed into the gutter. The droplets sparkled like jewels in the dimming afternoon light.
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“Sigh, how am I supposed to collect money, you bastards?” a man sighed heavily as he slumped down beside me.
He was about my age, with a lean build that suggested he’d gone days without a proper meal. His dirty blonde hair was plastered to his forehead, and his brown eyes held a hint of sadness. He wore a rough white shirt and pants, with a bandana tied tightly around his waist. His voice was gruff, but there was a weariness that made him seem more like a lost soul than a threat.
I turned to face him, curiosity piqued. “You talking to yourself or me?”
He studied me from head to toe, then frowned. “Who the hell are you?”
“A traveler. I’m new to this city,” I answered, keeping my voice steady.
He narrowed his eyes, looking at me suspiciously. “You don’t look like the usual sort that comes around here. What brings you to this part of town?”
I tilted my head. ''Not the sort of person to come here?'' What did that even mean?
“Just taking a stroll. What’s troubling you, buddy?” I asked, hoping to glean something useful from him.
“Why would I tell you that?” he frowned again, then sighed. “Well, the task I’ve been given is... impossible.”
His words caught my attention. “What task? Maybe I can help,” I offered, trying to sound casual.
“To get money back from some people... an Awakener, to be exact.” His face twisted in disgust.
He was probably cursing whoever gave him such a task.
I inspected him again and realized the cause of his troubles. ''He’s a mundane human. Sending him to collect money from an Awakener is insane. Whoever came up with this must really hate him.''
I chuckled internally at the absurdity. ''I’ve found myself a sacrificial lamb.''
“I can help, actually. But who gave you such a ridiculous task?”
The man’s eyes lit up with hope. “Really? You know someone? Someone who can... deal with Awakeners?”
“I can deal with them. I’ll take a cut from the money and some extra help in return, though,” I said.
He looked at me doubtfully. “A pretty face like you can fight? Do you think I’m a fool?”
*Yes, I do,* I thought but kept it to myself.
With a sigh, I used ''Static'' on him and moved to his other side. With a snap of my fingers, I released him from its effect.
His eyes widened as he shouted, “Where did he go?”
Tapping his shoulder, I made him look toward me.
His eyes nearly popped out of his head as he screamed and fell to the ground. “How did you do that?” he pointed at me, his voice trembling.
I chuckled, extending a hand to help him up. “I’m also an Awakener, as you can see. So, do you think I can help now?”
His face cycled through shock, amazement, and skepticism in seconds. “But... why would you help me?”
“I have my reasons. Don’t worry, I won’t scam you.” I really needed this guy. No one in town was willing to help with my investigation, but this idiot might be useful.
He sat beside me again, thinking for a moment before speaking. “Albert,” he said. “That’s my name.”
I smiled. “I’m Asher. Nice to meet you, Mr. Sacrificial Lamb.”
“What did you say?” he asked hurriedly.
Realizing my slip, I corrected myself. “Nothing. You must be hearing things.”
“No, you called me something like ‘sacrificial’—”
I cut him off. “That’s not important right now. Anyway, you didn’t answer me earlier. Who gave you this task?”
Albert looked around nervously, then leaned in closer, whispering, “The boss of the local gang, the Riven Hands. They control the illegal money-lending business around here.”
I raised an eyebrow. “And why would they send you after an Awakener?”
He laughed nervously, scratching his cheek. “Well, I also have a debt to pay back... so I ended up taking this job.”
''This idiot took the job himself!'' I almost slapped him for his stupidity.
Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I extended my hand. “Meet me here tomorrow morning. If you’re late, I’ll leave,” I said sternly.
Albert nodded vigorously. “Okay, okay! I’ll be here.” His handshake was surprisingly firm for someone in his condition.
''Did I make the right choice?'' I wondered, but it was too late to second-guess now.