Hollow Ascension

Chapter 2: First Impressions

Kael descended the stone steps of the guildhall and stepped onto the cobblestone street. The chill of the night air was bracing, a stark contrast to the stale heat inside the bustling hall. His eyes scanned the cityscape before him, a blend of towering buildings and winding alleyways, dimly lit by flickering torches and lanterns.

The city was alive even at this hour, with merchants packing up their stalls, and groups of adventurers swaggering through the streets, laughing and talking loudly. Kael stood at the edge of the guild's entrance, observing the flow of people. It was a chaotic, vibrant scene, and chaos was something he had learned to exploit well in his previous life.

But first, he needed information. He knew nothing about this world, its rules, its power structures, or how he was supposed to navigate this so-called "System." He needed to get his bearings and find out what this city—Valens, he recalled—had to offer.

"Play the part," he reminded himself quietly, adjusting his posture to appear uncertain and hesitant. In this world, his body was weak and inexperienced; it was best to adopt a persona that matched. Let them underestimate you, his instincts whispered.

He ambled down the street, taking in the sights and sounds while maintaining an aura of harmlessness. Merchants shouted out last-minute bargains, hawking everything from weapons to strange potions and talismans. Adventurers swaggered by, boasting about their latest conquests or bickering over the distribution of rewards. Kael's ears perked up, his sharp mind parsing through the chatter for useful snippets of information.

"...heard the Western gate's getting more dangerous. More monsters creeping in from the wilds..."

"I'm telling you, if you're not at least bronze-ranked, you're a nobody in this city!"

"...Lysandra's got her claws in the market. You cross her, you're as good as dead..."

Kael filed each bit of information away, mentally mapping out the city's threats and power dynamics. There were adventurer ranks, with clear status distinctions between them. There was also mention of someone named Lysandra, who seemed to have influence over the city's commerce. Useful details, but he needed more.

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He approached a bustling market stall selling various weapons and armaments. The stall owner, a middle-aged man with a grizzled beard and a wary eye, looked up as Kael neared.

"Interested in something, lad?" the stall owner grunted, his eyes glinting with both suspicion and curiosity. "You don't look like much of a fighter, but I've got a few daggers here that might suit you."

Kael forced a nervous smile, playing into his role. "Ah, yes, um... just looking," he stammered. "I'm new here, and, well, I don't really know what I need."

The stall owner snorted, his suspicion softening into mild amusement. "Figures. New to the adventuring scene, huh? Better learn quick, or this city'll chew you up and spit you out." He gestured to a line of daggers. "If you want to survive, start small. Get a feel for things. It's not just about the weapon; it's about how you use it."

Kael nodded eagerly, masking his internal irritation at the condescension. He picked up a small dagger, turning it over in his hand. The blade was sharp, well-balanced. He'd wielded countless weapons in his past life, but this body was frail and clumsy. He would need to adapt. For now, he tucked the dagger into his belt, sliding a few coins across the stall to the merchant.

"Smart choice," the stall owner grunted. "Keep your head down and your eyes open, especially around here. Valens is a city of hunters and prey. You better figure out which one you are."

Kael nodded, feigning an earnest look of concern. "Thanks for the advice. I'll, um, keep that in mind."

As he turned to leave, his senses pricked up. He felt a faint tug at his waist, where he had just tucked the dagger. Kael's hand shot down instinctively, his fingers closing around a small wrist. He spun around, yanking the wrist upward to reveal a young, scruffy boy with wide, startled eyes.

"Trying to lift my purse, are you?" Kael said evenly, keeping his voice low to avoid drawing unwanted attention.

The boy—no older than fifteen—twisted in Kael's grasp, eyes darting around for an escape. "Let go!" he hissed, struggling to free himself. "You've got the wrong idea!"

Kael held on, tightening his grip just enough to make a point. "Quiet. I'm not going to turn you in," he murmured. "But you're not walking away either. You're going to tell me something useful, and then maybe I'll let you go. Deal?"

The boy stopped struggling, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. "What do you want to know?"

"Everything," Kael replied smoothly. "Start with the guild. How does one make a name here, and who holds the real power?"

The boy hesitated, glancing around nervously before sighing in resignation. "Fine, just let go of my wrist. I'll talk."

Kael released him, keeping his eyes locked on the boy as he massaged his wrist. "Name's Finn," the boy muttered. "If you're new, you've got a tough road ahead. The guild's full of ranks, from bronze to gold. Bronze means you're a nobody. You want respect, you've gotta make silver at least."

"Who decides the ranks?" Kael asked, already piecing together the hierarchy in his mind.

"Guild master and his lieutenants," Finn replied, rubbing his wrist. "But they're not the only power here. There's the nobles too. They fund expeditions, control resources, and they've got connections to the magical circles. Step outta line, and they'll crush you."

Kael nodded thoughtfully. "And this... Lysandra I've heard about?"

Finn's face paled slightly at the name. "Lysandra Valen. She's not a noble, but she might as well be. Runs a lot of the underground trade, has eyes everywhere. If you're thinking of crossing her, don't. People who try... disappear."

Kael's mind raced, absorbing the information. It seemed that the guild's ranks were just one part of the power dynamic in Valens. Nobles and shadowy figures like Lysandra wielded influence both openly and in the dark corners of the city.

"Useful," Kael murmured. "Very useful. Consider yourself lucky, Finn." He glanced at the boy's worn clothes and thin frame. "You look like you could use a few coins. If you keep feeding me information, maybe I can keep those pockets of yours filled."

Finn eyed him warily, calculating the risk. "You want me to be your informant?"

"Call it a partnership," Kael replied with a faint smile. "You tell me what I need to know, and I'll make sure you stay out of trouble. Simple as that."

The boy hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. I'll help, for now. But if you cross me—"

"You'll run back to the shadows," Kael finished, his eyes cold. "I know the game, Finn. Trust me, you don't want to cross me either."

Finn swallowed hard, clearly unnerved. "Got it."

Kael gave a brief nod, his eyes scanning the street around them. He had gathered a sliver of information, just enough to get started. There were players here—nobles, the guild, Lysandra. And then there was the System, hanging over him with its cryptic contracts and demands.

His gaze drifted to the guildhall's entrance, where adventurers came and went, oblivious to the danger brewing within their midst. Kael's eyes narrowed. Cause disorder, the contract had said. With the information he had just gathered, he now had a rough blueprint of how the guild operated—and how it might be disrupted.

"Stick close, Finn," he said, starting toward the guild. "There's work to be done."

As they walked, Kael's mind whirled with possibilities. This world was a game of power and manipulation, a web of influence that he intended to weave himself into. They think I'm weak, he thought, a slow, calculating smile creeping onto his face. Let them think it. It will make the fall all the more satisfying.