The journey to Velrath stretched on for several more days, the plains eventually giving way to a sprawling cityscape surrounded by fortified walls. The sight of the city stirred mixed emotions in Kaelen. On one hand, it was a welcome change from the wilderness; on the other, Velrath was notorious for its tangled web of intrigue and danger.

The trio approached the city gates just as the sun began its descent. The streets were already bustling with activity, merchants hawking their wares, children darting through the crowd, and guards keeping a watchful eye.

“Keep your coin close,” Nessa muttered, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd. “This place eats fools alive.”

Kaelen smirked. “Good thing we’re not fools.”

Sigrid didn’t respond, her gaze distant. AFactured City

The inner city was a stark contrast to its walls. The lower districts were a chaotic jumble of ramshackle buildings, narrow alleys, and open markets filled with the clamor of trade. The air was thick with the smells of roasted meats, unwashed bodies, and something distinctly metallic.

“Welcome to the lower circles of Velrath,” Nessa said, gesturing dramatically. “Where your life is worth as much as the coin in your pocket.”

Kaelen laughed. “I like the charm.”

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Their first stop was a modest tavern on the outskirts of the market. It was a dingy place, the kind where one could find both information and trouble in equal measure.

Inside, the air was heavy with smoke and the murmur of voices. A few heads turned as they entered, but most patrons quickly returned to their drinks and conversations.

Nessa led them to a corner table. “We’ll need supplies and information before we tackle this monster hunt. The guild here might have what we need.”

Sigrid raised an eyebrow. “If they’re willing to help.”

“They will,” Kaelen said, leaning back in his chair. “For the right price.”

The Velrath Hunter’s Guild was housed in a towering stone building that loomed over the surrounding shops. Inside, the atmosphere was tense, with hunters gathered around maps and reports of beast sightings.

The guildmaster, a wiry man with a weathered face and sharp eyes, greeted them curtly. “Kaelen, Sigrid, Nessa. Your reputations precede you. I assume you’re here about the beast in the upper districts?”

“That’s right,” Kaelen said. “What can you tell us?”

The guildmaster sighed, sliding a report across the table. “It’s no ordinary beast. The nobles are terrified, and they’re offering a fortune to whoever can kill it.”

Nessa’s eyes gleamed at the mention of payment. “We’ll take it.”

Sigrid scanned the report, her brow furrowing. “This... isn’t a beast. It’s a Drakren. They’re ancient and deadly.”

The guildmaster nodded grimly. “It’s been years since one was last sighted. If you’re going after it, you’d better be prepared.”

Armed with new information and supplies, the trio set out for the upper districts. The once-lavish homes were now abandoned, their windows shattered and walls scorched. The streets were eerily quiet, the usual hustle replaced by an oppressive stillness.

Kaelen tightened his grip on his sword. “Stay sharp. If it’s anything like the Varagul, it won’t give us much warning.”

They moved cautiously, the ruins providing ample cover for an ambush. The faint sound of movement echoed through the streets, putting everyone on edge.

“Over there,” Sigrid whispered, pointing toward a collapsed building.

A low growl rumbled from the shadows, and the Drakren emerged. It was a massive, scaled creature, its body shimmering with a dark, iridescent hue. Its glowing eyes fixed on them, and it let out a bone-chilling roar.

Kaelen stepped forw

ard, his blade gleaming in the dim light. “Alright, let’s dance.”