The morning sun skitted through the gaping hole in the room meant for ventilation. A boy lay on the bed, his chest heaving up and down in a calm rhythm, his eyes open.
Adrian was awake for some time, and now that the sun has risen, he pondered over his options.
The time limited quest was the obvious one with which he should start his day and his journey.
The biggest problem he would be facing in this would be the initial stage of planning and the time period....only 4 days were left till the quest was completed.
Not knowing the sources of this 'corruption' it wouldn't be an easy task to sniff out the moles and expose them. The time period was the biggest restriction though. Adrian always loved doing his works with precise timings and the least calculated risks. However, it seemed that he would actually have to take reckless steps to trap his prey.
Sighing, he rose and stretched his body. His bones pressed itself to the muscles as a sweet satisfying pleasure coursed through his body.
On his way downstairs, he noticed most of the rooms were empty. The few occupied ones either had their doors closed or could be seen out in the corridor chatting with other occupants.
The atmosphere here struck a chord of harmony within Adrian.
What is capable of even bringing people together? Same race, relatable moments, the same standard of living, the shared path various people take in their life, their work? Maybe; their way of living might be different but when your vision of society resonates with others, you find the true harmony.
And Adrian couldn't describe the scene around him in any other better expression. Only his comprehension could probably do a better job.
Lost in his thoughts, he passed by them and found himself an empty spot at the corner of the the dining room of the inn. He got himself a plate of crossaints accompanied with a cup of steaming coffee.
A soon to be grumpy morning, but atleast with a hearty meal.
He soon slipped in the daily crowd, at first contemplating about how he should start his day.
Looking down at himself, he decided to get himself a new pair of clothes. Your inner bearings come to play only when your outer appearance matches the finesse in other's eyes.
And the quest demanded a show of confidence.
One hour later, he was out of the modest shop. His budget was low anyway, and thus it wouldn't be suitable for him to go for higher quality of clothes.
'Now where should I start with? It won't do any good to mindlessly wonder at every place, looking around suspiciously for clues.
Assuming it's a case of money laundering, this much gets clear that the Evenstar Bank branch would be a part of it since it's absolutely necessary and also a compulsory mandate for every organisation to record their transactions through the banks. Surprisingly, this also applies for the common masses, though their process involves a yearly calculation rather than a routine record.'
Adrian stood, one hand on his hips and the other intertwining through his hairs. He was currently at the central market of Woodrock City. Merchants hawked their products and the huge sales everyday earned them a decent amount of money.
A large fountain stood at the centre of this market,the statue of a lady holding up her right palm, water droplets streaming gently in a downpour. A shawl draped over her shoulders sucked the water back in and created a mesmerizing cycle of water flow. The sight was endeavoring.
Shops have opened up circling the fountain. Though they did maintain a certain distance from it. The bustling crowds in the early morning usually looked an absolute mess. Adrian smiled internally knowing he slept while the world bargained with these merchants.
Beside him, a merchant sold varieties of vegetables. His stall was nearly empty. People generally didn't buy vegetables around here after 1 pm. And it was already past 1:30 pm.
"Lad, have no work?" The old man asked Adrian with mild curiosity.
Looking sideways at the man, he replied, "I am searching for a job. Say...do you have any good recommendations?"
The man in response pursed his lips and thinking a bit, he said, "I don't exactly know much on the jobs available around here. I don't need to, as well." Adrian raised an eyebrow at that flex.
But then the old man continued, "But what type of work are you searching? I mean what skills do you have,lad?"
"I have worked as a guard before" Adrian replied.
"I see...ahh right! Go and try your luck at this new restaurant few blocks away. They are also in need of a guard."
Thanking the old man politely, Adrian walked away. He had come here for two reasons and he was glad both of them went smoothly.
A little away, at a four way intersection, he stopped a carriage. These were the standard mode of transportation in most of Zenim. Run by a horse, this lightweight carriage can carry upto 6 people. Though people generally didn't buy their services until they needed to travel a long distance. The prices were a bit expensive... although affordable by middle classes.
Inside the carriage, there were two more people excluding Adrian. One was wearing a black suit, his big moustache almost touching his ears.
'Doesn't that tickle?' was the first thought Adrian had as he gazed at the man.
The other occupant was a middle aged woman, gently cradling her child. The woman nodded to Adrian and he returned the gesture. The man meanwhile, simply stared outside through the slight gap in the curtains endorsing the walls of the carriage.
Nobody talked which was good with Adrian. He didn't like talking much, it used too much energy for his own liking.
As if his peace was an affront to chaos itself, his system dinged.
[What's up, friend?]
Now, replying internally didn't work, leaving him with only one choice,i.e., to speak. But he couldn't even mutter right now. It would make him look like an insane lunatic, which he already was.
Wait... people didn't need to know that...
[Hmm? Not replying to dear me...how arrogant!]
[Lalalala~
The weather is good right? Well it's raining here you know. Oh a thunderstorm. Hear that? Ahh right you can't hear that.]
Adrian's lips twitched.From that tone, it wouldn't take a genius to understand that she was currently messing with him, knowing well enough he wouldn't even be able to reply.
Evelyn kept on yapping, as Adrain felt his mental exhaustion stack with an unseen burden.
Very fortunately for him, the resturant came into his view after a continuous one-sided yapping for over 30 minutes. The mother-child duo had already reached their destination before his.
As Adrian twisted the knob of the carriage door to get out, the other man in the carriage coughed a little drawing his attention.
Then holding out his hand, he said, "I am Robin. It's nice to meet you...Second Seat."