Inside a tavern, central district, City of Blue...

  "Are you crazy?! Talking to the dy like that! Are you trying to get me killed?!", Bazran shouted at Leyon.

  The inn was a busy pce. Their voices, all be it loud, are nothing more than some quiet rustling in the back. This tavern is the go-to spot for travelers and merchants. The interior resembles that of any other ordinary inn. Wooden walls, some hardened ground with the occasional crack here and there, and an eversting smell of freshly cooked meals. Some might call this hectic pce a nightmare, while others call it home. A rexing spot to forget the daily troubles and start the next day fully charged.

  In one of the many corners, Leyon and Bazran shared a meal. The sight of them devouring the dishes was a bizarre one. Some might think that they have been starving for weeks, as if manners had been cast aside. This food is so delicious...I can't remember the st time I had a proper meal. My replicated food doesn't even come close in taste, eating fresh like this is still the best! The atmosphare made Leyon shiver, a pleasant feeling that is the embodiment of warmth. This...is what I came for!

  "Why are you so worried? Just enjoy the meal in front of you, it's not like anything happened.", Leyon pointed towards the table, chugging down a mug full of fresh water. Nothing comes close to the taste of cold water, I realy missed this...

  "What are you talking about?! You dared to open your mouth to spout some nonsense! Aquiring a fme? Are you crazy?! What is that even supposed to mean? Did you try to flirt with her? Are you that tired?!", Bazran smmed his mug on the table, his eyes wide open out of anger. Yet, Leyon felt no ill intend. It was just another emotion.

  "Come to think of it, who is this so all important dy of this city? I get that she is a royal princess, but why are you so worked up about it?", Leyon tried to shift the mood into a more serious tone.

  Bazran sighed. "Lady Rose, of House Rose. Her name being the same as her House should speak in itself. She is not the head of the House, but the King treasures her immensely. She is the only princess of this kingdom, an extremely beautiful one at that." Bazran, now leaning into the table, continued while whispering. "I know I said, that I never saw this city sturggle financially. However, ever since she was appointed as the Lady of the city, progress has stagnated. Building projects have been cancelled, taxes started to rise and, for a short time, there was even a food shortage. Of course, no one talks about these topics, the city of Blue has an upstanding reputation, it can't be ruined because of some mistakes...", Bazran stopped talking, feeling the cold presence of someone standing behind him.

  "Talking so much again, eh?", said a soft voice in an annoyed tone.

  Leyon gnced over. "Aaaargh, not you again!", Bazran replied in an annoyed tone. Leyon then took a good long look at who Bazran was talking to. A blonde elf, triple the height and half his width. Sky blue eyes with ears so pointy that she probably has to tuck them away most of the time. She is...massive...in more than just one sense... He continued observing, listening to both of them arguing over some trivial matter. They look so funny together, it's almost as if they were a couple. Their attitudes do match...maybe they are?

  "Arrghh, she is this inns owner. She likes to be annoying, just ignore her.", Bazran said while pointing his finger at her. Leyon smiled. You are the most annoying person I have ever met, to hear such a thing from you? Ironic. "Look who's talking. Just pay up and leave already, I told you many times that today the inn is fully booked. You are taking up my precious space.", she snickered. Bazran sprung up. "You! You just ughed didn't you?! You are doing this on purpose! I told you already, I was just trying to sell some items. My craft involves talking to people, am I not allowed to do that?!", he shouted in an almost defeat-like tone. "I didn't know that ughing at her jokes is part of your job.", she answered without hesitation.

  What is this turning into? Are they realy a couple? I better get out of here, I don't want to listen to this nonsense. "I'll be taking my leave then. Thank you for the food Bazran, I'll handle my stay at the city. Once I'm done settling, I'll come find you again.", Leyon stood up and stepped out of the inn, quickly leaving Bazran and his troubles behind. I might be good at fighting, but women...that is not my expertise. I believe in you my friend, you got this. An almost brotherly connection has sparked in that moment, Bazran understood without Leyon having to be there.

  What a beautiful night, I can't get enough of this ocean breeze. Leyon sat down on a nearby crate, admiring the central district and city port. His eyes wandering off, his posture unusually rexed and his mind clearer than the night sky.

  However, old habits are hard to get rid of.

  A noise.

  His hand immediately grabbing the grip of his sword.

  Eyes wide open.

  Nothing.

  This feeling of unease, something he has not been able to let go of. Nothing...again. This happened multiple times during my travels...am I really safe here? I surely wasn't followed, right? No...my senses were never wrong before. Maybe it's instinct? The cruel and intense training, reminding me of who I realy am...it'll be hard to get rid of such reflexes. The question is...do I want to get rid of them? He leaned back on the stone wall behind him, trying his best to rex again. No, it's fine. I'll just have to get used to this now. Right, I came here to find some peace. To live my life in luxury, using my unique replicate ability. This city should be out of their reach...

  The City of Blue, a free city in the eastern part of the continent. It's the biggest port-city, using its geographical location to its advantage and utilizing the centuries old infrastructure for maximum profits. Although this city is a well known location, Leyon chose to come here for another reason: The city is so strong, that not even its kingdom can fully control it. With so many merchant groups fighting over the city, it has become a mess to manage. Officially, House Rose is the managing House, with Lady Rose as the assigned dy. However, due to some unknown reasons, the cities management is in decline. Problems have been arising left and right, the locals are not pleased.

  While in House Lion, Leyon had access to all kinds of restricted information. One of them being the truth of the City of Blue: the real lords were an union of merchant groups. Since they controlled all imports and exports, as well as major local events, House Rose was basically powerless. Striking a deal with the merchant union was more benefitial than spending years to get rid of a working system.

  This city is perfect for me. The distance, chaos and politics of this pce make it an easy hideout. Even if they figure it out, there is nothing they can do about it. I outcss half the council, not that they would have the time to even visit this pce. On top of that, I'll use my ability to my advantage and build my own intelligence and resource system. Leyon unsheated his sword, admiring the moons reflection on the bde. I'll make this work, even if I have to take matters into my own hands again...

  Leyon sighed, seemingly growing impatient with something.

  "How long do you pn on hiding?", he said, pointing his sword towards a dark alleyway on the side.

  A moment of silence.

  "Impressive, I had guessed that you were not an ordinary man.", a deep voice said, now stepping out into the light.

  Hmm? Weird...his aura has completely disappeared. Did he reveal it to me on purpose? Leyon got up from the crate, turning to the man and lowering his sword. "And who might you be?", Leyon replied in a serious tone.

  A slender young man, blue long hair and pointy ears. An elf. However, something felt off. His sharp eyes, coupled with a wide smirk and an attire that screemed nobility. Upon closer inspection, Leyon noticed the fan in the mans right hand, with details simir to the royal wagon he saw earlier. Nobility? Or maybe royalty? Why is he here? What does he want?

  "My...how impatient. Then, I'll get straight to the point.", the man snickered, extending his right arm towards Leyon. "Please don't disappoint me.", with those words, the whole atmosphere had changed. The quiet and calm night, has transformed into a storm within the second. Something is not right...a magic user! With this distance between us...

  Leyon didn't hesitate. Feeling the surge of danger, he sshed the air before him, sending a powerful arc of force hurtling toward the stranger. But it was useless. With a single movement, the man deflected the strike, revealing sharp bdes hidden within his fan. He pointed it at Leyon, smirking, beckoning him to try again.

  This guy...is he underestimating me?

  Irritated, Leyon charged, aiming to close the distance and nd a decisive blow.

  "My... such dangerous speed," the man mused, swinging his fan. Razor-thin sshes of wind cut through the night, ripping at Leyon's clothes. Pain nced through his arms and legs, slicing through even the hidden armor under his shirt. Still, Leyon pushed forward. Gritting his teeth, ignoring the sting . Just a little closer!

  "This might be a bit too close for my taste," the man said zily. He raised his left hand toward Leyon.

  "Kneel."

  The voice hit like a hammer. The ground beneath Leyon shattered as an invisible force smmed into him, driving him to his knees mid-charge. His body screamed in protest; the air itself felt heavy, crushing.

  "Better," the man said, his tone almost amused. "Although, I must appud you. Most don't survive my wind sshes." He hadn't moved an inch.

  Leyon strained against the pressure, barely managing to lift his head. His hands trembled against the cracked ground, and every bone in his body vibrated under the crushing weight.

  "The Lady wants to meet you. You ought to visit her residence tomorrow morning.", the man said, slowly releasing the force. Leyon tried catching his breath, his body beyond exhaustion.

  Without another word, the stranger turned and walked back into the shadows. "I'll be watching," his fading voice murmured. "If you fail to appear... I doubt you'll survive another meeting. Be grateful. The Lady wants you alive...for now."

  The...Lady? Leyon slowly got up, still breathing heavily from this almost fatal encounter. He then remembered her words. No...if she wanted me dead, I wouldn't be breathing right now. This woman...is dangerous.

  Leyon gazed up to the sky, admiring the bright moon once again. Who was that man? He didnt look that much older than me, yet the difference in strength is immense...and the Lady...what is she pnning?

  He then noticed the crowd that's been forming around him. The noise has drawn too much attention. I better get out of here, I need to recover before I face the dy tomorrow.

  Even though Leyon faced a difficult situation, he did not feel fear or despair. Instead, his heart got occupied by excitement and curiosity. I better get going. Leyon left the scene, now searching for a pce to spend the night.