A New Mission

After Jace and Nick left the guild master's office, the air in the guild hall settled once more. Garros Hensley, the guild master, leaned back in his chair, a faint smile lingering on his face.

"Claire," he said, addressing his trusted aide who stood nearby. "Keep an eye on them, and don't let them mix with dirty politics. Those are some good kids."

Claire tilted her head slightly, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Is there any specific reason for your favoritism, Guild Master Garros?"

He chuckled, the sound rumbling from deep within his chest. "Favoritism? Nah. They just remind me of my youth. Haha."

Claire's lips curled into a slight smile. "You don't have to worry. I already knew you'd like them, so I made the arrangements beforehand."

Garros grinned. "You know me quite well, Claire."

She nodded respectfully. "That I do, Guild Master. That I do."

The conversation faded, but the warmth of Garros's laughter lingered as the bustling guild hall continued its daily rhythm.

The Road to Dravonfall

The next morning, Jace and Nick set off toward Dravonfall, one of the largest cities in Aranthor. Known for its fortified walls and vibrant trade markets, Dravonfall stood as a testament to the resilience of humankind. Yet rumors whispered of darker things lurking beneath its bustling facade.

The guild had assigned them a mission: investigate reports of strange disappearances on the outskirts of the city. Some claimed it was the work of bandits, while others spoke of shadows moving unnaturally in the night.

"Dravonfall," Nick mused as they rode along the cobbled road. "Never been there, but I hear the city's taverns are the best in all of Aranthor."

Jace kept his eyes ahead, his mind still lingering on the faint pulses of steel energy that coursed through him. Ever since his last battle, the power felt more stable—a bond slowly forming. With each heartbeat, the steel responded, no longer thrashing wildly as before.

"I heard from Claire , it has the biggest black market, too," Jace said dryly.

Nick grinned. "Which makes it all the more exciting."

Arrival at Dravonfall

The towering gates of Dravonfall loomed before them, guards clad in silver armor standing watch. The city's streets were alive with merchants, travelers, and locals going about their day.

"Let's find the contact first," Nick suggested. "The guild mentioned a merchant named Alden. He's the one who reported the disappearances."

They wound their way through the market square, passing rows of colorful stalls. Jace remained alert, every shadow and passing gaze keeping him on edge.

The Investigation

Alden's shop was a small, cluttered establishment filled with trinkets and goods from distant lands. The merchant, a wiry man with graying hair, greeted them with wary eyes.

"You're the adventurers?" Alden asked, his voice low.

"We are," Jace replied. "Tell us what happened."

Alden glanced around nervously before continuing. "It started weeks ago. People vanishing without a trace. First, it was travelers. Then villagers. Some say they saw figures cloaked in shadows before the disappearances."

"Shadows?" Nick frowned. "You mean like specters?"

"Perhaps," Alden said. "But others speak of twisted forms, not human, not beast."

To be continued...

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