Absolute Cheater

Asher and Serena moved through the crowded streets, taking in the city's unique atmosphere. Unlike the well-structured cities of other kingdoms, Myid City had a more rugged, chaotic feel—a mix of medieval fortifications and lawless frontier towns. The streets were uneven, with cobbled roads turning to dirt paths at random, and the buildings looked old but sturdy, reinforced with black stone and iron.

Serena nudged Asher. "So, where do we start?"

"A tavern," Asher said immediately.

Serena raised an eyebrow. "Really? You need a drink that bad?"

Asher smirked. "No, but taverns are where information flows the fastest. If there's anyone who can tell us about Volfang or the Blood Cross, it's someone who drinks for a living."

Serena rolled her eyes but didn't argue. "Fine. Lead the way."

The Wolf's Fang Tavern

The tavern they found was exactly what Asher expected—dimly lit, filled with the scent of alcohol and sweat, and packed with all sorts of rough-looking individuals. Adventurers, mercenaries, and bounty hunters filled the room, drinking, gambling, and exchanging stories.

Asher and Serena made their way to the bar, ignoring the occasional glances sent their way. They weren't exactly trying to be discreet, but Asher knew it was best to avoid drawing too much attention until they had a better grasp of the city's dynamics.

A burly bartender, a scarred man with one eye and a thick gray beard, leaned forward. "You two new around here?"

"Yeah," Asher admitted. "Looking for work and information."

The bartender smirked. "Well, you're in the right place for both. Depends on what kind of work you're lookin' for."

Serena leaned on the counter. "Anything that pays well and doesn't get us killed."

The bartender chuckled. "Not much of that around here, sweetheart. But I like your attitude."

Asher slid a few silver coins across the counter. "What do you know about the Blood Cross?"

The bartender's smirk vanished. The room didn't go silent, but Asher noticed a few nearby drinkers stiffen at the name.

"You got a death wish, kid?" the bartender muttered, taking the coins anyway.

"Just looking for answers," Asher said, keeping his tone calm.

The bartender sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Listen, I don't know what rock you crawled out from under, but the Blood Cross ain't just some backwater cult. They're serious business. If they've got their eyes on you, you'd best leave Myid City before you end up with a dagger in your back."

Asher exchanged a look with Serena. "And what about Volfang? How does he view them?"

The bartender snorted. "Volfang?" He glanced around before lowering his voice. "The Dark God ain't fond of Malfus or his fanatics. They've tried to gain influence here before, but they never get far. Doesn't mean they don't have spies, though."

Asher tapped his fingers against the wooden counter. "So, you're saying they have no real foothold in this kingdom?"

"Not yet," the bartender admitted. "But that doesn't mean they aren't trying. You're best off keeping your head down and staying out of it."

Serena crossed her arms, leaning closer. "What if we wanted to do more than just 'stay out of it'?"

The bartender gave her a long, calculating look before shaking his head. "If you're looking to pick a fight with the Blood Cross, you'd best be sure you can handle what comes after. I ain't gettin' involved in whatever mess you two are planning."

Asher gave a small smirk. "Fair enough. Thanks for the warning."

The bartender grumbled but took the coins without further protest. "If you want a guide, go talk to a man named Ronan Kess. He knows more about the city than anyone. You'll find him near the eastern marketplace—assuming he's not passed out drunk somewhere."

Asher nodded. "Appreciate it."

With that, he and Serena left the bar, heading toward the marketplace.

Serena sighed. "We're really going to get involved in this whole mess, aren't we?"

Asher chuckled. "Serena, we were involved the moment Gideon sent those assassins after us. Now we just need to make sure we're not the ones getting hunted."

She nodded. "Then let's make some trouble."

And with that, they disappeared into the crowded streets, searching for Ronan Kess.

Navigating through Myid City's eastern marketplace, Asher and Serena kept their guards up. The market was noisy and chaotic, filled with merchants shouting their prices, customers haggling, and the occasional pickpocket slipping through the crowds.

Asher scanned the area, looking for someone who fit the description of Ronan Kess—a man likely drunk, yet still aware enough to know the city's secrets.

It didn't take long to find him.

Slumped against a stack of wooden crates near a food stall, a scruffy man with messy dark hair and stubble sat with a half-empty bottle of some cheap liquor in his hand. His tattered cloak and rough appearance made him look like just another vagrant, but Asher could tell there was something more to him—the way his eyes subtly watched the crowd, the hidden tension in his posture, as if he was always ready to move.

Serena sighed. "Great. Our guide is a drunk."

Asher smirked. "We've dealt with worse."

He walked over and kicked the crate Ronan was leaning against, jolting him awake.

Ronan groaned, rubbing his face. "Unless you've got a drink to replace this one, piss off."@@novelbin@@

Asher crouched down, holding out a silver coin. "We're looking for information, not trouble."

Ronan raised an eyebrow, then snatched the coin from Asher's hand. He examined it lazily before tucking it away. "Fine. What do you want?"

"The Blood Cross," Asher said.

Ronan's relaxed expression immediately hardened. He took a swig from his bottle before muttering, "I don't talk about them."

Asher wasn't surprised. He leaned in slightly. "Then what about Volfang's stance on them?"

Ronan exhaled. "You people are either insanely brave or incredibly stupid." Your next read awaits at My Virtual Library Empire

Serena smirked. "Little bit of both, actually."

Ronan gave her a tired look, then sighed. "Alright, listen. The Blood Cross wants influence here, but they don't have it. Volfang doesn't play well with other gods, and his kingdom doesn't tolerate cultists. But that doesn't mean they aren't trying. Rumor has it, they've been making deals with nobles, bribing officials, and even smuggling in their own people."

Asher narrowed his eyes. "So they're infiltrating the kingdom from the inside?"