The towering walls of Veltras loomed ahead, their sheer size a testament to the city's power and wealth. Beyond the gates, bustling streets stretched in every direction, filled with merchants hawking exotic goods, adventurers clad in gleaming armor, and travelers from all corners of the empire. The city was a hub of activity, its atmosphere vibrant and chaotic.
Adam and Seren approached the main gate, their journey through the wilderness finally at an end.
"This place is massive," Adam said, her eyes scanning the crowds. "If we can't find leads here, we're in trouble."
Seren nodded, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. "Let's just hope the guild here is as well-connected as they say."
Adam stepped forward, his golden eyes narrowing slightly as he surveyed the city. "We'll start at the adventurers' guild. If there's anyone who knows where to find a mentor, it'll be them."
The Adventurers' Guild of Veltras
The Veltras Adventurers' Guild was a sprawling building of stone and timber, its high ceilings. The guild hall was bustling with activity, adventurers of all ranks and races filled the space, exchanging stories, collecting rewards, and preparing for their next quests.
As Adam and his group entered, the conversations briefly quieted, several heads turning to take note of the newcomers but the scrutiny didn't last long. The adventurers quickly returned to their own business, their curiosity satisfied.
A tall, broad-shouldered man behind the counter greeted them with a practiced smile. His name tag read Garren, and his sharp eyes held the scrutiny of someone who had seen his own fair share of trouble
"New faces," Garren said, his deep voice cutting through the noise. "Looking to register or just passing through?"
"Neither," Adam replied. "We're looking for information."
Garren raised an eyebrow. "Information costs, friend. What are you looking for?"
Adam stepped closer, lowering his voice. "We're searching for a mentor. Someone who can teach us how to use our abilities better and make us stronger, I need to learn aura, whatever it takes."
Garren studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. "That's a tall order. Not many around here who can teach something like that. You're better off looking for a mage's academy or something. Most masters worth their salt don't advertise."
"I'm not looking for just anyone," Adam said, his tone firm. "I need someone who can handle… unconventional abilities."
Garren frowned, his gaze shifted to Adam's golden eyes and the faint nuclear hum that surrounded him as if scanning him. "Unconventional, huh? You've got my attention."
After a moment's consideration, he leaned forward.
"There's a man, A man who goes by the name of Kaelrik Stroud, Ever heard of him?
Seren leaned forward, brows furrowed. "Kaelrik? The Scarlet Blade Kaelrik? I thought he disappeared years ago."
"You know him? Adam asked with a puzzled look
Seren nodded. "Used to be one of the strongest swordmasters in the continent. They called him the Dancing Blade in his prime."
"Used to be?" Adam asked, arching an eyebrow.
Garren nodded grimly. "He went off the grid years ago after his family was wiped out by the schemes of some corrupt nobles. I heard all he does now is drown himself in booze and regret. Word is, he's holed up somewhere in the Shadowspire Mountains, living as a recluse. People say he's gone mad, but if anyone knows how to push someone past their limits, it's him."
Adam's expression hardened. "Do you know how to find him?"
"Vaguely," Garren admitted. "There's a village at the base of the mountains, Drakenfell. If anyone knows how to where to find Kaelrik, it'll probably be them."
"Be careful though, I hear he is very hostile to anyone who approaches him. The man still swings a sword like a god when sober." Garren warned