The warm morning sun bathed the cobbled streets of the capital as the trio made their way through the bustling marketplace. Merchants shouted their wares, the air filled with the mingling scents of fresh bread, spices, and the sharp tang of steel from the smithy nearby. Rev, still recovering but visibly more composed, led the group with purposeful strides.
"Alright," Rev said, scanning the surroundings. "If we're going to stick together, we need a plan. And first, I need to check in with someone."
Akemi glanced up at him. "A friend?"
Rev shook his head, a wry smile playing at the corner of his lips. "Not exactly."
Fink's eyes lit up as they passed a stall overflowing with rare herbs. He stopped to inspect a bundle of vibrant blue flowers, inhaling deeply. "Ah, Elysian Dreamroot! Perfect for calming nerves… or inducing wildly vivid hallucinations." He chuckled to himself and tossed a coin to the vendor. "You never know when you'll need a little creativity in your life."
Rev arched an eyebrow. "Is this how you plan to contribute—with fancy weeds and milk?"
Fink grinned as he slipped the bundle into his satchel. "Plants are powerful, my friend. Besides, milk keeps the bones strong." He reached into his pack, pulling out a small flask and taking a long swig. "Want some?"
"No." Rev marched ahead, his tone leaving no room for debate.
They reached a narrow alley that opened into a secluded courtyard. The air felt heavier here, as though the shadows themselves were alive. A man stood in the center of the space, leaning casually against a stone pillar. His sharp eyes tracked their approach with a calculating gaze.
"Commander," the man greeted. "It's been a long time."
"Not long enough," Rev muttered. "I need information. What's been going on in the kingdom—and why did I wake up in a dungeon with no memory of how I got there?"
The man's lips curled into a thin smile. "You always ask the wrong questions." He glanced at Akemi and Fink, eyes lingering a moment too long on the latter. "Interesting companions you've picked up. A dungeon crawler masquerading as a cook, and… is that a biologist drinking milk in the middle of the city?"
"We all have our quirks," Fink said with a wink. "Some of us even have useful skills."
The man ignored him, focusing back on Rev. "The kingdom is in chaos. Power struggles everywhere. But your situation… That's something different. Someone powerful wanted you out of the way."
Rev turned to Akemi, his gaze sharp. "Show him the map," he instructed. "I need him to see exactly where you found me."
Akemi nodded, retrieving a rolled parchment from his pack. He spread it out on a crate, tracing a path with his finger. "It was here," he said, pointing to a dark mark deep within a forested area on the edge of the kingdom. "The entrance to the dungeon was hidden under layers of stone and vines. I nearly missed it."
The man leaned closer, his eyes narrowing as he studied the map. Recognition flickered across his face. "This makes sense now… My scouts found some strange items there months ago. I dismissed it—thought it was just another failed expedition. But finding you there changes everything."
The man tossed a small, black crystal to Rev. "This was found near where you were discovered. It's a conduit for dark magic. Whoever sent you there is playing a dangerous game."
Rev caught the crystal, his eyes narrowing. Dark energy seemed to pulse within it, cold and malevolent. "How do I find them?"
"You'll need to start at the Arcane Council. They've been unusually quiet—too quiet. If anyone knows who's behind this, it'll be them."
Rev turned to leave, motioning for Akemi and Fink to follow. "Thanks for the tip. Try to stay out of trouble."
The man chuckled. "Trouble is what I live for."
Back on the main road, Fink examined the crystal over Rev's shoulder. "Fascinating. I've seen something like this before in a rare species of subterranean fungi… but this isn't fungal. It's raw energy, concentrated and malevolent."
"I don't need a botany lesson," Rev grumbled. "I need answers."
"Knowledge is power," Fink said with a grin. "Besides, if we're dealing with dark magic, my expertise might just save your life."
Akemi adjusted his sword, his expression serious. "If this is tied to the Arcane Council, we're walking into dangerous territory." He mentioned with fear in his voice.
"Danger is nothing new," Rev replied, clenching his fist. The crystal in his hand seemed to pulse in response, a faint crackling sound emanating from it. "But whoever did this will learn… I'm not someone to be trifled with."
With the path ahead uncertain but their resolve unwavering, the trio marched onward—a strange, mismatched group bound by fate and a shared journey into the unknown.