**Chapter 7: Stepping into Human Lands**
The village seemed a distant memory as Azaryon, Ragnor, and Liora stood at the outskirts of the human capital, the city sprawling before them. The teleportation had been smooth, bringing them just outside the bustling city gates, where they could avoid immediate suspicion. With their beastly traits diminished under the Forest Deity’s blessing, they looked like mere travelers.
"Let’s stay cautious," Azaryon murmured, eyeing the grand stone walls that towered over them. "Our goal is information, not confrontation."
The trio made their way into the city, passing merchants, farmers, and guards. Ragnor’s towering figure still caught a few glances, but Liora’s quick thinking guided them to less-crowded streets, avoiding direct scrutiny. She led them to a side gate, used mostly by traders and common folk. Her charm worked wonders with the guards, who allowed them to enter after a brief exchange, believing them to be merchants.
Inside, the city opened like a maze of narrow streets and towering buildings. They could hear the distant cries of market vendors, the clinking of horse hooves on cobbled roads, and the occasional chatter about local troubles.
Azaryon’s eyes scanned the people. He noticed a tension in the air—a feeling of unrest hidden behind forced smiles.
“We’ll split up,” Azaryon decided. “Ragnor, head to the central district. Your presence will keep trouble at bay. Liora, gather what you can from the markets and inns. I’ll scout the noble district.”
The two nodded and dispersed into the throng of citizens.
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**Ragnor's Investigation: Power Lies in the Shadows**
Ragnor walked confidently toward the central district, his large frame helping him blend into the bustling crowd of traders. His ears perked up at the talk of taxes and military presence. Many citizens complained of over-taxation to fund the lavish lives of the nobles and their own personal guards. It was clear that wealth was concentrated among the aristocrats, while the people bore the brunt of their luxury.
One elderly shopkeeper, seeing Ragnor’s inquisitive gaze, pulled him aside. “You’re new here, eh? Let me tell you something, traveler. The ruler may wear the crown, but it’s the nobles who pull the strings. The king… He’s a puppet, I tell you. They say the real power lies with the council of nobles—those greedy dogs.”
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Ragnor thanked the man and moved on. The kingdom's issues ran deeper than he had expected.
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**Liora's Skillful Probing: Whispers in the Market**
Liora’s footsteps were light as she moved through the crowded marketplace, her ears catching snatches of conversation among merchants and passersby. Disguised as a humble traveler, she easily blended in with the masses. She overheard complaints of rising prices, and some quiet rumors about corruption in the king's court.
Approaching a fruit vendor, she struck up a casual conversation. "Things seem tense here," she noted as she picked up an apple.
The vendor grumbled, "Tense? That's an understatement. It's the nobles, I tell you. They bleed us dry with taxes, and there's no one to stand up to them. The king is too weak—if he ever tries, the council pushes him down."
Liora filed the information away, realizing that the kingdom’s ruling structure was even more fractured than they had anticipated.
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**Azaryon’s Solo Venture: Watching the Nobles**
Azaryon, meanwhile, took a more direct route into the noble district. He could sense the wealth immediately—fine carriages drawn by sleek horses, silk banners fluttering from polished estates, and guards dressed in fine armor, much more formidable than those at the city gates.
He passed unnoticed as a traveler, keeping his eyes and ears open. The nobles didn’t mingle with the common folk but spoke in hushed tones to one another. From what he gathered, they were deeply involved in controlling the kingdom’s laws and taxes, ensuring their own wealth while keeping the king isolated and powerless.
At one point, he noticed a gathering at one of the larger estates. Nobles gathered for some event, whispering about politics and recent developments. He heard the name "Council of Shadows" mentioned—a group within the noble class rumored to secretly control the kingdom’s fate.
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**Regrouping at the Inn: Planning the Next Steps**
That night, they reconvened at a quiet inn, where they could speak without prying ears. Azaryon listened carefully as Ragnor and Liora shared their findings. The common people were suffering under the rule of greedy nobles, while the king seemed to be little more than a figurehead.
Azaryon leaned back in his chair, considering. “It seems the kingdom’s true power is hidden in the council of nobles. We can’t approach the king directly—he’s too closely watched.”
Liora nodded. “And from what I gathered, the common folk are ready to rise up if things don’t change soon.”
Ragnor crossed his arms. “If we’re to make any impact, we’ll need leverage. Perhaps we start by finding allies among the people—merchants, lower nobles, or even military figures who oppose the council.”
Azaryon agreed. “We’ll need a plan to approach the king, but for now, let’s learn more about this Council of Shadows. They seem to be pulling the strings behind the scenes.”
Their plan began to take shape: they would infiltrate the kingdom's political landscape through the common folk and work their way up, finding allies and uncovering the secrets of the council. Azaryon, with his growing abilities and wisdom, would be able to gain the trust of those who wanted to see change. But for now, they would bide their time, learning and observing before making any decisive moves.
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**End of chapter 7**