Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 288: Adrian's Next Step

Adrian left the Valerian Hall after finishing his meal. He didn't want to deal with or get involved with other people right now. Heck, he knew if he didn't leave soon the Black Widow would 'attack' him again.

Surprisingly, after he left, he saw the same carriage he came standing not far away. It seems the driver was probably waiting for him.

As soon as Adrian left through the gate, the carriage door opened as if by some unseen signal. The driver, the middle-aged man gave him a respectful nod.

"Where to, sir?" He inquired, his tone polite but neutral, revealing nothing of his thoughts.

Adrian hesitated for a moment, his mind racing. "I will say the location later, just drive slowly."

"Yes, sir."

The evening's events had been taxing, and the weight of his new alliance with Evangeline was still fresh in his thoughts. He knew that in this world, power and influence were both vital, but he also understood that, alone, he was just a young man with money.

It's true that money could buy many things, but it was also true that it couldn't fight for him. It couldn't protect him from the dangers lurking in the shadows of this city.

As he climbed into the carriage, closing the door behind him, Adrian leaned back against the plush seat, deep in thought. He needed protection — someone strong, reliable, and above all, someone he could trust. But trust was a rare commodity in his world, and he had always been cautious about placing it in others.

His mind began to sift through the characters from the novel, searching for someone who fit the criteria. A powerful individual who was in need of money, someone who could be trusted with the job... Then it clicked.

In the novel, there was a character who had recently arrived in the city around this time. A Stellar Savant Tier Awakener, known for his exceptional skills and a reputation that preceded him.

However, he had fallen on hard times and was seeking employment to rebuild his life. He was a man of honor, someone who valued his word above all else—a rarity in these circles.

Adrian recalled the name: Dorian, a former knight who had left his post due to political intrigues and now worked as a mercenary. He had a reputation for being fiercely loyal to those he served, provided they earned his respect. He was exactly the kind of person Adrian needed—a powerful ally who could protect him without the burden of mistrust.

'If I'm not mistaken, he would save Aurelius and his group when they were on a mission about a month later, then they would become acquaintances... Then, I need to search for him...'

Adrian's thoughts solidified into a plan. He would seek out Dorian and offer him a position as his personal bodyguard. With the right compensation, Dorian would be more than willing to take the job, and Adrian could rest easier knowing he had someone trustworthy by his side.

He turned to the driver, his decision made. "Where can I find a trustworthy and powerful bodyguard?" he asked, his voice calm but determined.

The driver raised an eyebrow slightly, clearly surprised by the question, but he quickly recovered. "There are a few places where skilled mercenaries and bodyguards gather, sir. The Ironclad Tavern is known to be a spot where many such men and women can be found. It's not too far from here, just a short ride."

"The Ironclad Tavern, then," Adrian said, nodding. "Take me there."

The driver inclined his head in acknowledgment and flicked the reins. The carriage began to move, its wheels rolling smoothly over the cobblestone streets as they made their way to the tavern.

As the cityscape passed by outside the window, Adrian's mind was already working on the next steps. Securing Dorian's loyalty would be the first step in strengthening his position. After all, in the dangerous game he was playing, a well-chosen ally could mean the difference between life and death.

Not to mention the potential and experience Dorian had.

The carriage rolled to a stop in front of the Ironclad Tavern, a medium-sized building with a weathered wooden sign hanging above the entrance, the name "Ironclad Tavern" carved in bold letters and framed by ornate metalwork. It looked exactly like the kind of place where mercenaries and adventurers would gather—a haven for the rough and the strong.

Adrian paid the driver and stepped out, the cool evening air brushing against his face. He took a moment to steady himself, mentally preparing for the task ahead. This was no high society gathering; this was the world of warriors and mercenaries, a world where strength was the only currency that mattered.

He pushed open the door and stepped inside. The tavern was dimly lit, with the smell of ale and roasting meat hanging heavy in the air. The place was bustling with activity—conversations, laughter, and the clatter of mugs filled the room.

Most of the patrons were indeed mercenaries, their rugged appearances, well-worn weapons, and battle-scarred armor marking them as such. Muscles bulged beneath their sleeves, and the women present carried themselves with the same air of toughness as their male counterparts

Adrian didn't draw much attention as he entered, which suited him just fine. He moved to one of the empty tables near the corner, his eyes scanning the room as he walked. He wasn't here just to search for Dorian—he was here to gather information, to feel out the atmosphere, and to understand the kind of people he was dealing with.

As he took a seat, a young boy around 15 approached him, slightly hesitant in his movements. The boy's skin had a soft brown tint, and his short blue hair framed a face that was almost girlish in its delicate features. The boy seemed nervous, his eyes flickering up to meet Adrian's gaze before quickly darting away.

"W-what can I get for you, sir?" the boy stammered, holding a notepad in one hand.

'Even his voice is girlish...' Adrian commented inwardly.

Then he smiled reassuringly. "Just a cool juice. I'm not very hungry right now." Stay updated via m-v l|-NovelBin.net

"A-Alright."