In a shadowy alley off one of Rivermark Kingdom's bustling streets, Aldric kept most of his body hidden in the darkness. He peered cautiously toward the city gate. This was the third one he'd scoped out. Each had Nightshade Clan thugs posted, scanning the crowds coming and going, some obvious, others blending in.
Aldric knew stepping out would paint a target on his back. Getting out of the city was his biggest hurdle right now. At least this gate led away from Arcane Spire Academy, so the clan's presence was thinnest here.
Glancing at the lively market inside and the steady stream of people at the gate, a grin spread across his face. He had an idea. Slipping deeper into the alley's shadows...
Soon, a group of kids, barely teens, wandered out of the city like they were off to play. Not long after, they raced back, each clutching a silver coin, heading straight for the crowded spots.
"Mom! There's silver coins in the grass outside! We found some—I want chicken!" one shouted as he ran.
People stared, jaws dropping. A woman selling snacks grabbed her own kid, snatched the coin, and bit it. "Ouch—it's real silver!"
"Where'd you find it?" she demanded.
The kid pointed outside, bragging, "In the woods just beyond the walls! Mom, buy me chicken!"
The woman pocketed the coin without a word—one silver could feed her family for a month. Chicken? Maybe not.
Word spread like wildfire. Quick thinkers bolted for the gates. Slower ones caught on when they saw the rush, and soon a mob surged outward, yelling and shoving.
The Nightshade goons scratched their heads, clueless. With the flood of people, checking anyone was impossible.
In minutes, the market cleared out, leaving vendors cursing as they scrambled to pack up.
Half an hour later, Aldric emerged from behind a big tree in the woods. He'd blended into the chaos, the whole thing his doing. He'd given the kids the coins and coached their lines, promising another if they pulled it off.
He'd even scattered a few more in his old hiding spot for them to "find" later.
With one last look at the city gates, his eyes steady and intense, Aldric slung Brant's twin swords over his back and headed toward Sanctara City.
He avoided main roads, sticking to trails or cutting through forests. Partly to dodge Nightshade trackers, partly to hunt beasts and build his strength—Sanctara Academy demanded Warrior third stage for entry.
But beasts were scarce. Bandits, though? They popped up everywhere, trying to rob him.
At first, he'd hold back, not killing them. That changed when he stumbled on a gang brutalizing a poor girl no older than Lysandra, leaving her dead. After that, he cut down bandits without a second thought. Killing them saved lives—he got it now.
Late one night, by a forest stream, blue-haired Aldric roasted a wild wolf for dinner.
He'd always loved experimenting with food; back home, any critter he caught ended up on the menu. Wolf meat? A far cry from that, and not tasty at all.
Three months out from home, he'd been pushing hard, no breaks. Sleeping rough and taking out scum had given him a wild edge. His old mischievous grin had twisted into a sly, devilish smirk.
He'd broken through to Warrior second stage, like it was nothing.
Wilderness life taught him plenty, but the loneliness gnawed. A social guy like him hadn't had a real conversation in ages.
It tempered his impulsiveness; he handled things coolly now.
Staring at the moon, he sighed, "Wonder how everyone's doing? Has Grandpa Cedric come back? Can he fix Dorian's legs? Is Ophelia still waiting?"
Muttering to himself, he leaned against a tree and drifted off. He missed home bad.
Next morning, as the sun peeked over the horizon, Aldric stirred, stretched, and set off toward Sanctara. Today's goal: Lanxi Town.
He'd slipped the Nightshade net by now. Trekking cross-country on foot wouldn't get him to the academy in time. He needed a mount from town to speed things up.
Lanxi was a small spot, named for a stream said to flow from a hidden spring. Drink it, and you'd gain strength, live longer—or so the legend went.
Curious as ever, Aldric hit the stream, dropping to his knees and gulping it down. Lifting his head, he spotted a pig doing the same nearby. Mood ruined.
At the mount dealership, a wiry man in his forties with a curly goatee hustled over. The kid's plain clothes didn't fool him—this was some rich family's son, judging by the vibe.
Bowing low, he said, "Sir, name's Uriel. Honored to serve. What can I get you? Satisfaction guaranteed!"
Aldric glanced at him. "Show me the mounts."
Uriel led the way eagerly. "Right this way, sir!"
The yard was packed: horses of every breed, plus tamed beasts like wind wolves, earth drakes, unicorns, even flying birds.
Beast mounts needed breaking in, then collared with a control ring to curb their aggression and make them obey.
Higher-tier beasts were tougher to tame unless raised from birth. Weak owners got no respect.
Big clans bred their own, loyal to the bloodline for riding or fighting.
Aldric eyed the beasts enviously—riding one would be badass. But he lacked the power to handle them, and it might draw unwanted attention.
Straight to the point, he told the goatee guy, "I need a fast dragon horse for travel. The quicker, the better. Got anything?"
Uriel hid his disappointment—this wasn't the big spender he'd hoped for. But he perked up. "Sir, we've got a stunner: a dragon horse that's a real mile-eater. Untamed still, full of spirit. Interested?"
Aldric's interest piqued. "Lead on."
In a stall, a massive black steed stood roped up, its coat pure ebony, majestic as hell. Two burly guys took turns whipping it, drawing defiant whinnies.
Aldric waved them off and circled the horse, intrigued.
The black horse snorted twice at this black-haired kid eyeing it, staring down with contempt.
Aldric chuckled, genuinely smitten with the beast. Taming it? A wicked plan formed.
He turned to Uriel. "You guys step out. I need a chat with the horse."
Uriel blinked but complied, herding the trainers away.
Aldric grinned mischievously at the horse, who suddenly felt uneasy.
"You understand me?" Aldric tilted his head. The horse just tossed its mane.
Undeterred, Aldric pulled out a bundle. "Picked up some medicine as a kid. Got these silver needles here. Not sure if they work on horses, but cooperate, and I'll show you the joys of acupuncture!"
The horse, smart enough to get words, didn't know acupuncture. Torture device? Pain to break its will?
Aldric drew a needle. "First one: numb your left hind leg!"
Before it could react, he flicked it into an acupoint.
No pain, but the leg went dead, nearly toppling the horse.
Terrified, it watched as Aldric pulled another with a smirk.
"This one's for the right hind."
Another flick, and the back legs buckled, dropping it to a sit.
The horse struggled to rise.
Aldric drew a third, laughing. "Next, your front... wait, no—forgot you've got one more leg back there! This'll numb your... well, that one down below!"
He raised his hand to throw.
But the horse clamped its teeth on his sleeve, eyes wide with fear and pleading.
Slowly, it knelt its front legs...