The Dreamer's POV

Chapter 104: Further Investigations

[00 Months: 09 Days: 13 Hours]

The cloak of night had descended on the city, moonlight casting a gentle glow on the cobblestone streets.

The daytime clamor had dissolved into a quiet murmur, only a few scattered souls remaining. It was the perfect time to be someone who didn't want to be noticed.

And I was that someone.

Each step I took was as silent as a breath against the cool stone, my movements swift and precise.

Wrapped in a cloak of shadows, a mask concealing half my face, I was a figure swallowed by the darkness. My eyes, hidden under the hood, took in everything. I was careful, leaving no trace of my presence.

The city was a maze, but one I was accustomed to. And so, I easily navigated through its winding streets till I found the place I sought — the Information Guild.

This was not my first time here, and just like the previous occasion, I was here as Luke.

Though, thanks to the mask I had on, and the hooded cloak I donned, I was nothing but a shadow, a phantom in the night.

An anonymous presence.

Despite the late hour, the Information Guild was a hive of activity. Its dim interiors hummed with hushed conversations, a pulse of underlying energy.

The place was a melting pot of varied individuals, from battle-hardened mercenaries to knowledge-thirsty scholars, all seeking information.

Of course, they all did well to hide their identities.

I got in the same as last time, and my entrance went largely unnoticed except for someone who seemed like the keeper of the establishment.

His eyes flickered with intrigue as he gave a subtle nod of understanding.

An unspoken agreement was formed — this was a place of discretion, and he would honor that.

My second venture into the Information Guild had begun. Hidden behind my cloak and mask, my air of mystery drew intrigued glances.

Yet, no one could recognize me.

'No one except the workers, I guess. They're not the Information Guild for nothing…'

Thanks to my experience the last time I was here, I was confident that I'd get the information I was looking for.

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Wrapped in the cloaking darkness of my attire, I made my way to the room where the official led me to.

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We both arrived, and he showed me where to sit before sitting down as well.

I took a seat, my masked face revealed under the soft glow of the room's lamps.

Even through the shroud of darkness, I could tell the difference from my previous visit.

The room was lavishly furnished, a stark contrast to the sparsely decorated office I'd been in last time. Posh rugs covered the floors, and intricate paintings of distant landscapes adorned the walls.

Behind the desk sat the informant, a dark cloaked personality a stern but professional demeanor.

I took in the change of surroundings and personnel and realized this was not the same person who attended to me before.

'This one is slightly taller. That's not all…'

There was a subtle air of prestige to this one. Their poise and articulate speech made it clear that they were someone of a higher rank within the Guild.

I tilted my head slightly, curiosity piqued. "What happened? Why the change in location and informant?"

"You've made quite a reputation for yourself in Terance, sir. As a valued customer, it's only fitting we provide you with the best service. As for the change in informant, let's just say I'm more... equipped to handle your queries."

I leaned back, my lips curling into a smile under my mask.

So, they did know of my identity as Luke.

This Guild had eyes and ears everywhere, it seemed. But, it was not the time to panic or worry.

'I already guessed as much anyway…' My thoughts flowed as I maintained my calm demeanor.

"I see," I said, my tone light. "Well then, I hope you won't disappoint."

Resting my elbows on the armrests, I steepled my fingers together, a sense of anticipation tingling within me.

"Let's begin, then. I have some very specific information I need."

********

[00 Months: 09 Days: 14 Hours]

The cloaking shroud of my Concealment Cloak blended effortlessly into the hushed night, making me nearly invisible to the naked eye as I strolled through the lantern-lit streets of Terance.

The sounds of the city's nightlife faded into the background as I went over the information I had gathered from the informant in my head.

The Nine-Headed Dragon Union wasn't only a pest to the Southern Kingdom, as I had initially thought.

Their influence and power extended beyond our borders, spreading like a malignant cancer into the other human territories.

The fact that it was rumored to have members from the other races only added fuel to the fire, exacerbating the distrust and animosity that humans already harbored toward the non-human races.

Further on, I had delved into the depths of the Southern Kingdom's politics, and more specifically, into the dynamics of the Lyma Family and their governing region.

A puzzle picture had been gradually forming in my mind as I dissected each piece of information.

A soft chuckle escaped my lips, partially masked by the mask covering my face.

"So, that's how it is..." I muttered under my breath, a content smile curling up beneath my mask.

My steps echoed lightly off the cobblestone streets, a soft rhythm to my thoughts. After taking into account all the information I had received tonight, my decision regarding Seraphina's proposal had solidified.

Satisfaction coursed through me. The hooded informant had done an exceptional job, certainly much more efficient and detailed than the previous one.

It felt like I'd gotten every penny's worth from this visit. As a final mental note, I stored away the impression of the informant's skilled capabilities.

With the echo of my soft laughter reverberating in the quiet night, I continued my walk down the streets of Terance, armed with a newfound resolve and a clear path forward.

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[A/N]

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