Chapter 5: The Underground
The streets of Asphar have been starting to experience greater acquainted, however that didn't cause them to any less chaotic. I wandered aimlessly, looking for something—some thing—to occupy my time. After the incident with the pickpocket, I turned into determined no longer to allow my defend down again.
I changed into passing via a specially crowded alley once I noticed a small signal putting crookedly on a wall. It study: "The Gilded Griffin – Enter in case you're not terrified of a bit problem."
"Well, that appears like a place I want to test out," I muttered, squinting on the sign.
The alley was slender, with slightly sufficient room for 2 human beings to stroll side by aspect. I squeezed thru and driven open a door at the quit, which creaked ominously. Inside turned into dimly lit, with low ceilings and a haze of smoke within the air.
The room became full of a combination of tough-searching patrons and lively conversations. A few tables have been scattered round, and a long bar stretched alongside one wall. A bartender with a grizzled beard wiped down the counter, casting an occasional wary glance on the buyers.
I made my manner to an empty table inside the nook and sat down, hoping to combo in. The noise was a mix of laughter, shouting, and clinking glasses. It wasn't long earlier than a burly man with a scar running down his cheek approached me.
"New face," he grunted, plopping down in the chair contrary me with out watching for an invite. "Name's Garret. You look like you're seeking out some thing."
I raised an eyebrow, stunned. "Uh, yeah. I'm Kaito. Just looking to discern matters out round here."
Garret's eyes narrowed. "Figuring things out, huh? You don't appear like you're from round here."
"No kidding," I said dryly. "I'm just new on the town."
Garret nodded slowly, as though weighing whether or no longer to believe me. "Well, if you're looking for some thing particular, you may find it here. The Gilded Griffin's were given a reputation for connecting humans with… possibilities."
"Opportunities?" I repeated, intrigued. "Like what?"
Garret leaned in, lowering his voice. "Depends on what you're into. There are jobs, information, and every now and then even humans searching out a bit muscle."
"Muscle, huh?" I said thoughtfully. "Well, I'm not precisely a employed thug, but I'm open to thoughts."
Garret grinned, revealing a gold enamel. "Perfect. If you're fascinated, I might recognise someone who can use a hand. Follow me."
I hesitated for a moment, glancing around the smoky room. "Sure, why no longer?"
Garret led me via a hidden door in the back of the bar, down a dimly lit staircase. The air grew chillier, and the sound of the bustling tavern dwindled away. We reached a heavy wood door marked with a purple symbol that gave the look of a dragon's claw.
Garret knocked two times earlier than pushing open the door. Inside became a room that appeared greater like a mystery meeting vicinity. A spherical desk ruled the center, surrounded by way of some those who seemed like they belonged in a noir film—a combination of shady figures, adventurers, and mercenaries.
"Everyone," Garret introduced, "that is Kaito. He's new round right here and searching out a few paintings."
A female with quick black hair and piercing blue eyes regarded up from the desk. "New, huh? We don't get lots of those round right here."
"I'm simply seeking to get my bearings," I stated, looking to sound casual. "I'm no longer right here to reason trouble."
The female eyed me for a moment earlier than nodding. "I'm Jenna," she stated, presenting a mild smile. "If you're searching out work, you would possibly need to speak to Thorne."
She gestured to a massive guy sitting at the quit of the table. Thorne had a grizzled beard and an intimidating presence. He seemed up from a map unfold out in the front of him, his darkish eyes assessing me with a combination of interest and skepticism.
"Thorne," Jenna said, "that is Kaito. He's looking for some thing to do."
Thorne studied me for a moment before gesturing to the chair across from him. "Sit down, Kaito. Let's see if you're well worth our time."
I took the seat, seeking to forget about the extreme gaze of the room's occupants. "So, what form of paintings are we speakme about?"
Thorne spread the map out similarly, revealing a series of places marked with crimson X's. "We have some jobs that want doing. Most of them involve getting statistics or dealing with sensitive topics."
"Delicate subjects?" I requested, elevating an eyebrow.
"Yeah," Thorne said, leaning returned in his chair. "Sometimes we want human beings to cope with… unsavory factors. If you're good with your hands or have a few precise competencies, you is probably able to help."
I couldn't assist but think about my new abilties. "I might have a few abilities that might be useful. What's the capture?"
"The trap is that you need to prove yourself first," Thorne stated bluntly. "We don't simply hand out jobs to anyone who walks within the door. You need to expose you may cope with your self."
"Fair sufficient," I stated, nodding. "So, what's the first task?"
Thorne's eyes gleamed with hobby. "We've got a bit hassle with a few neighborhood thugs inflicting trouble. They've been stealing from merchants and causing loads of grief. If you can deal with them and convey again proof, you'll earn a place in our employer."
I taken into consideration this for a second. Dealing with thugs sounded manageable, and it'd give me a risk to check out my abilties in a extra controlled environment.
"Sounds like a plan," I stated subsequently. "Where do I locate those thugs?"
Thorne surpassed me a small slip of paper with an deal with written on it. "They're holed up in an old warehouse on the brink of the town. Be careful. These guys aren't pushovers."
I took the paper and stood up, making ready to leave. "Got it. I'll contend with it."
As I grew to become to go away, Jenna called after me. "Hey, Kaito. If you need any advice or backup, you could find me right here. I don't normally get worried in these items, but I'm inclined to help if vital."
"Thanks, Jenna," I said, giving her a nod. "I might take you up on that."
With the cope with in hand and a new task ahead, I made my manner out of the underground meeting room and back into the busy streets of Asphar. The night time became falling, casting long shadows throughout the city, and I knew I needed to move speedy if I wanted to complete the task before an excessive amount of time surpassed.
As I navigated the crowded streets, I couldn't help however sense a aggregate of pleasure and apprehension. This was a hazard to prove myself and make a call for myself on this ordinary new international.
And who knew? Maybe I'd even get to reveal Elara that I wasn't just a few clueless newcomer in any case.
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