Morning dawned over the Forest of Death-Angel, casting a warm glow over Moonlit's makeshift camp with Aliana.
Moonlit stretched his healed body, feeling nearly back to normal thanks to Aliana's mysterious medicine.
Aliana sat beside him, already packed and ready to move. "Today, we head to Brindlemark – a town on the forest's edge."
Moonlit's curiosity piqued. "What's special about Brindlemark?"
Aliana smiled. "It's a diverse community – humans live alongside demons, dragon descendants, and even Godbeast offspring.
You need to blend in, find a job, and a place to live. Laying low will help you avoid Interhater's minions... for a while."
Moonlit nodded thoughtfully. "Makes sense. But won't demons in town recognize you – a demon princess – and suspect my presence?"
Aliana chuckled. "Brindlemark values anonymity. Many demons here have... complicated histories. My presence won't raise eyebrows, and yours might even gain some interesting friendships."
As they walked towards Brindlemark, Moonlit observed the town's outskirts – bustling with activity:
* Dragon descendants pulled carriages with scaled horses.
* Godbeast offspring worked as blacksmiths, forging powerful weapons.
* Demons and humans mingled freely, engaging in lively market conversations.
Moonlit's mind raced with questions about this harmonious chaos.
Upon entering town, Aliana led him to a large notice board filled with job postings and rental ads.
"What skills do you have, Moonlit, besides surviving my forest?"
Aliana burst out laughing at the notice board, clearly entertained by Moonlit's blank expression.
"It seems you have... no marketable skills whatsoever," she teased.
Moonlit shrugged sheepishly. "Surviving your forest was a full-time job."
Aliana grinned mischievously. "I have an idea. Register as an adventurer – hunt monsters, collect bounty rewards, and sell their parts for profit."
Moonlit's eyes widened. "That's genius! And brutal."
Aliana nodded. "Exactly! As an adventurer, you'll have a legitimate reason to carry weapons, travel solo, and even gain a false background identity. No one will suspect your... true circumstances."
Moonlit thought for a moment before asking, "But won't I, you know, die doing this job?"
Aliana patted him reassuringly. "You've survived my forest and Gravian's attack – you might just have a talent for not dying. Plus, I'll... guide you from afar."
At the Adventurer's Guild registration desk, Moonlit filled out the paperwork:
**Name:** (he hesitated before writing) "Kai Renn"
**Occupation:** Adventurer
**Skills:** (he left this blank, earning a curious glance from the clerk)
The clerk handed him a leather-bound badge. "Welcome, Kai Renn. Your first mission board postings are over there. Choose wisely... or not at all, considering your skill section."
Moonlit turned to Aliana, who was hiding behind a nearby pillar, stifling laughter.
Aliana sneaked up beside Moonlit and whispered, "Choose the mission for the 'Shadow Stalkers' – giant spider creatures infesting old ruins east of here.
It's relatively low risk, and I have information about those ruins... that might benefit your true quest."
Moonlit raised an eyebrow but nodded discreetly before heading to the mission board to accept the "Shadow Stalkers" job.
**Mission Details:**
* Location: Eastern Ruins of Eldarath
* Targets: Shadow Stalkers (giant spider creatures)
* Reward: 100 gold coins per carcass
* Danger Level: Moderate
As Moonlit prepared to head out, Aliana handed him a small pouch containing potions and a map with hidden notes.
"Be careful, Kai Renn. Eldarath ruins have... unexpected history. Meet me back here tonight – I'll be watching from shadows."
Moonlit nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation as he set off towards the ruins.
Upon arrival, he noticed:
* Crumbling stone structures overgrown with vines
* An eerie silence, except for faint scratching noises
* A massive stone entrance with ancient runes spelling out: "Beneath darkness, evil awaits"