Morning Preparations The sun was still rising over Portland, casting long shadows across the city's stone streets as Ethan moved through the bustling marketplace. They were leaving for the outpost at noon, and Gareth had given everyone a simple task—gear up, stock supplies, and meet back at the Guild. It felt almost routine. Except it wasn’t. Because this time, they weren’t just hunting monsters. They were walking into the unknown. And Ethan wasn’t sure they’d all walk back out.

  A Weapon Worthy of the Hunt The Hollow Fang Forge was quieter than the rest of the market, its front sign worn but sturdy. Inside, the scent of burning metal filled the air, and a massive, scarred blacksmith was hammering away at a glowing-hot blade. Ethan stepped forward. The smith, Boros, glanced up. “Back again?” he grunted. Ethan nodded. “I need something better than this.” He set his old dagger on the counter. Boros barely spared it a glance. “That thing’s barely worth scrap metal.” Ethan exhaled. “I need a real weapon.” The blacksmith rubbed his jaw. “You’re a Shadowcaster, right?” Ethan tensed slightly. “How’d you know?” Boros snorted. “You walk quiet, your stance is balanced, and you’ve got the look of someone who fights better in the dark.” He turned and grabbed a case from behind the counter, setting it down with a heavy thud. Inside were a pair of daggers—sleek, black steel with faint purple runes carved along the blades. [Twin Shadowfangs – Uncommon] Forged from shadow-infused steel. Grants +5% bonus damage in darkness. Slightly reduces enemy perception of the user when in low-light environments. Ethan felt his pulse quicken. These were perfect. “How much?” he asked. Boros eyed him. “450 Gold.” Ethan winced. “I have 65.” The blacksmith sighed. “Look, kid. You’re not walking out of here with those for that price.” Ethan gritted his teeth. He needed those daggers. But before he could speak, Boros tapped the counter. “I’ll make you a deal.” Ethan looked up. “What kind of deal?” Boros smirked. “I’ve got a job that needs handling. You take care of it, and I’ll knock the price down.” Ethan hesitated. “What kind of job?” The blacksmith leaned forward.

  Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

  “There’s something lurking in the sewers beneath the city—something that’s been attacking workers.” Ethan frowned. “A monster?” Boros shrugged. “Could be. Or it could be something worse.” He folded his arms. “You bring me proof it’s dead? I’ll cut the price in half.” Ethan exhaled. A side job right before heading back to the outpost? But… He glanced at the daggers. He needed them. And this was his only chance. “…Deal.” Boros nodded. “Then I suggest you don’t waste time.”

  A Descent Into Darkness The entrance to the sewers was at the edge of the marketplace, a rusted iron grate leading down into the tunnels. Ethan crouched, gripping the bars. The air was stale and damp. Whatever was down there, it had been lurking for a while. He exhaled, activated Shadow Cloak, and slipped inside. The tunnel walls were lined with stone and old pipes, the sound of dripping water echoing through the darkness. Step by step, he moved deeper. Then he saw it. A trail of blood leading further into the tunnels. Something was waiting for him. And he was about to find out what.