As the dawn broke over the city of Dawnhaven Port, casting its warm rays upon the bustling streets, the sounds of birds chirping and merchants haggling filled the air. Sunshine descended upon the city, its golden light illuminating every corner, including the spot where Haizen lay sleeping.
Yet, amidst the gentle glow of morning, Haizen was roused from his slumber by a faint whisper, a voice calling out to him.
"Haizen," it murmured softly, beckoning him to awaken from his dreams.
Haizen slowly opened his eyes, finding himself face to face with Urilo, a friend and fellow member of the underground world. Urilo, a second-tier mage, wasted no time in reminding Haizen of their pressing duties.
"What are you doing here? It's not time for sleeping. We have work to do, or we'll starve to death," Urilo chided, his tone urgent.
Haizen nodded in acknowledgment, grateful for the reminder. "Thank you for reminding me. Let's go then," he replied, determination flickering in his eyes.
Together, Haizen and Urilo ventured out into the bustling streets, disguised in cloaks adorned with a crest. Their destination? A tavern, a common meeting place for those involved in less-than-legal activities.
Once inside, they donned their disguises and followed the tavern manager into a storeroom, where wine barrels lined the walls.
As expected, the tavern manager revealed a hidden passage behind a seemingly ordinary wall, activated by pulling a lever. With torches in hand, Haizen and Urilo ventured into the underground tunnel, navigating its twists and turns with practiced ease, as this was the route they took every day.
After a time, they emerged into a chamber filled with fellow members of their organization, all clad in similar cloaks. At the center of the room stood a figure in armor, known as Carlos, a leader within their ranks. He addressed the assembled members, detailing plans and assigning tasks for the day.
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As the meeting concluded, Urilo voiced his frustration at nearly missing it, citing Carlos's lack of empathy for their tardiness. Carlos, a formidable figure known for his sword skills and mastery of tier 3 magic, remained unmoved by Urilo's complaint.
With the meeting adjourned, Haizen and Urilo parted ways, each embarking on their respective missions.
Haizen, however, had one more task in mind. He made his way home, his thoughts consumed by the search for his brother, Nova, hoping to find him safe and sound amidst the chaos of their clandestine lives.
Upon returning home, Haizen found Nova engrossed in the pages of a history book concerning Emperor Vixor. Nova's dedication to his research was evident, his focus unwavering as he delved into the turbulent past of the human kingdoms.
"Hey, Nova," Haizen called out softly, not wanting to startle his brother.
Nova looked up from his reading, a faint smile gracing his lips at the sight of Haizen's return.
"Welcome back," Nova greeted warmly, setting the book aside. "How was your morning?"
Haizen shrugged, a hint of weariness in his voice. "Same old, same old. You know how it is." He took a seat beside Nova, the dim light of their underground sanctuary casting long shadows across the room.
"I do," Nova replied with understanding, his gaze lingering on his brother's face. "Did everything go smoothly?"
Haizen nodded, though a flicker of concern crossed his features. "Mostly. We had a bit of a close call, but nothing we couldn't handle."
Haizen glanced at the book in Nova's hands, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Can you do it?" he asked, his tone filled with a mix of curiosity and hope.
Nova considered for a moment before responding, "I think I can, but there are some things I don't understand yet. I'll need to do some more research before I can start making the replica."
As an artist renowned for his skill in forgery, Nova had the ability to create perfect replicas of almost anything. It was a talent that had proven invaluable to them in their line of work, with Haizen handling the selling of these replicas.
With a nod of understanding, Haizen acknowledged Nova's need for further research. "Take your time," he said reassuringly. "We want it to be perfect."
As Haizen settled onto the couch in their underground sanctuary, he took a moment to survey the surroundings. The room, meticulously crafted by him and his brother Nova, bore the marks of their clandestine endeavors.