In the distance, obsidian peaks loomed against the star-studded night sky. Varying hues of orange and red dyed the landscape a warm canvas of color. At the highest peak of the island was an incandescent horizon, creating a rising sun in a world veiled in perpetual darkness. Glowing lava coursed like veins through the flesh of volcanic rocks, giving a semblance of life to the mountain.

As the waves lapped against the hull of the ship, Argo was lost in the majestic landscape of Blackrock Island. He overheard Blackrock Island was formed from the ashes and magma of an active volcano, creating a source of light that had been long lost. Layers and layers of sediment had formed a large island, eventually giving life to nature and vegetation. Despite its beauty, outside the city walls were Abhorrents roaming with incessant bloodlust.

Nearing the shoreline, Argo could make out a vast city sprawled at the foot of the volcano and nestled at the shoreline. While it most likely wasn't very large compared the biggest cities in the human domain, its scale shocked Argo.

'Could such a city actually be created in the Tower?'

And yet, such a monument of humanity was before his very eyes.

A domineering wall encapsulated the city within its confines, serving as a bastion of obsidian against any leviathan daring enough to attack. Carved from volcanic rock, towers and buildings stood like creations of a master sculptor in intricately sectioned districts. Adopting gothic architecture as its primary style, the structures exuded an asymmetrical beauty. Torches and lanterns decorated the streets and houses, basking the city in a mellow orange reminiscent of the setting sun.

The city was an eternal respite of light among the sea of darkness and creatures of corruption. It fostered an ember of hope within his heart. Humans were capable of adapting to anything, somehow making a home in a place devoid of light.

Overhearing steps behind him, Argo turned watching Captain Reid's familiar figure approach. Clad in his familiar trench coat, and reeking of booze. He swaggered over nearly stumbling multiple times.

"How do ya like the view kid? That over there is the City of Selene, one of the four major cities of the isles," Captain Reid asked, struggling to stay upright. He leaned against the railing, trying to play off his intoxication. Unfortunately, his cheeks were also reddened and his eyes were glazed.

"City of Selene?" Argo returned with a question.

Captain Reid nodded, his cheeks flushed as his breath produced mist in the cold night air. "Legends say the city was founded by a hero who came when the sun was still in the sky. Though, I don't know if such a hero still exists outside."

The captain glanced at him, prompting him to speak.

"I'm a country bumpkin from a remote village, I don't know of any heroes." Argo could only respond, receiving a disappointed look. He wasn't too knowledgeable about world affairs and news.

"Bah! Curse my luck, just when I thought I could get some news about the outside world I'm gifted a kid from the boonies." Taking a swig from his canteen, Captain Reid complained about his poor luck.

"You could ask Faye, she would probably know much more then me," Argo offered, slightly guilty. Many of the crew had asked similar questions, wondering about the current state of the outside world. Argo could only respond with disappointing answers.

Captain Reid scoffed, a trace of seriousness hiding his drunkenness. "We both know how that will turn out."

They shared a laugh, agreeing over Faye's aloofness. Most of the pirates had warmed up to Argo, partly because of the strength he showcased against the kraken. But when they tried interacting with Faye, they were met with cold looks. Whether it was because they smelled, had disagreeable personalities, or she didn't like talking with others, it was all a mystery.

Argo had yet to learn more about Faye's many expressions besides interest and irritation.

Captain Reid's expression turned serious, "Thought I'd like to thank ya for saving my arse back there. I'll compensate you thirty silver for the spoils of war. I'd say that's fairly decent considering my crew and ship played a decent part."

He handed Argo a fairly heavy pouch before leaving, "I'm going to be busy preparing the ship for docking and unloading. It was nice knowing ya kid."

He stopped, "And if ya become some prominent hero how about you buy me a drink? Haha!"

Before Argo could retort, he had disappeared behind the backs of his crew. Argo peaked inside the pouch, where metallic circles reflected the light around him. He had never seen a silver coin, much less so many in one place. From what Argo could recall it was ten copper to one silver, and ten silver to one gold? He was thankful he wouldn't be penniless for a little bit.

Inside the bay, dozens of schooners manned by guards served as a powerful deterrent against unruly pirates or waterborne leviathans. With such a sizable force, Argo surmised they could kill the Deep Kraken with fair ease. As the galleon neared the dock, patrol ships formed an escort bringing them into the nearest available pier.

A main road ran parallel to the pier, filled to the brim with people and vendors creating a lively atmosphere. From adventurers wielding swords, to common folk carrying baskets of food, the main road was bathed with light and activity. It seemed even the endless night and swarms of monsters could do nothing to dampen their spirits.

Appearing next to him like a shadow, Argo nearly jumped.

Faye's cloak billowed in the salt-laden breeze, tousling her long black hair. Her obsidian eyes absorbed all sources of light, with irises an inky pool of shadow. Before he could voice his complaints, she spoke.

"How's your progress?" Her question was blunt, but he had grown used to it.

Argo sighed, "I've become better with using mana reinforcement, and my sword technique is making decent progress."

She nodded, "Good. We'll continue practicing when we find a place to stay. Hunting monsters will also be good experience."

Following her line of sight, they watched children play a game of tag as they chased each other down the main road. The shadows danced as the two, a brother and sister, laughing happily sprinted past the lampposts.

"What's the plan?"

Argo sensed her watching them with focus, finding it strange. Did she have a sibling she missed? Noticing she didn't respond, he repeated his question.

"Should we start asking around about the quest?"

With every adventurer inside having the same quest at the moment, there was bound to be information about it. Their highest priority at the moment was gleaning any clues about how to get started- and if they would have to team up with others.

Faye displayed a thoughtful expression before nodding, "There should be a tavern or bar on the main street. Those are usually good information hubs. We'll meet back at this pier in an hour."

***

After walking down the main road for a couple of minutes, Argo had arrived at a particularly loud tavern. Boisterous laughter, the clang of mugs, and the incessant shouting caused the walls to shake.

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The building in front of him represented a casual architectural style reminiscent of the outside world, with simple arches and parapets. Carved of volcanic rocks and bricks, it exuded a rustic air and a classical aesthetic despite its dark exterior.

Entering, Argo was met with a mix of odors, among them were sweat, alcohol, and roasted meats. He had grown used to such odors from the ship, but it was still nonetheless jarring. The hot air quickly warmed his body, and he could feel his cheeks redden as he tried to make his way to the bar. He hoped his age wouldn't be an issue as he dodged waiters carrying plates of food and drunkards flailing about.

Nearly exhausted, Argo collapsed onto a vacant stool by the bar. The bar wall was lined with a variety of glass bottles filled with different concoctions. From dark brown ambers to clear white liquids, they sported a multitude of drinks. Due to a lack of connection with the outside world, the drinks must be something exclusive to the Isles of Endless Night.

"You look new around here, kid," a voice remarked. Polishing a glass carved of dark rock, a man approached him from the other side of the bar.

He was a slim man wearing a dark vest, and gold rimmed glasses. He sported short dark brown hair, neatly groomed in a combover paired with dark brown eyes similar to aged wood. With a short mustache, he exuded an air of wisdom and amicableness.

Argo nodded, "Do you know how I could get information about the quest? I've just arrived to the First Floor." He decided to get straight to the point, eager to find a place to sleep for the night. Sleeping on the galleon had been rough on his mind and body.

The pirates partied hard into the night, and were incessantly loud in anything they did. Paired with the rocking of the waves, and the occasional Abhorrent attack, he was always tired.

The man nodded, seemingly used to such bluntness. He slightly rose the cup in his hand, speaking an unspoken message.

"Ah."

Argo took out a silver coin, sliding it over. "Whatever is local and non-alcoholic please." He was relatively familiar with such gestures, observing exchanges like this at the bars at Mardon. Nothing was ever free.

"My pleasure."

Taking the silver coin, he rolled five copper coins to Argo before getting to work. He couldn't help but internally gripe about using money on a drink, but he assured himself it was also for information. It would save a lot of time and effort by asking a professional, then listening in on conversations.

Grabbing a nearby bottle filled with a luminescent white liquid, he filled a black glass before placing it before Argo. With experienced diligence, he topped it off with a beautiful white flower and an ice cube.

Looking at the liquid placed before him, it was if someone had squeezed the moon like a fruit, and collected its juices. It has the consistency of milk, but contained the luster of liquid silver. It exuded an aroma of sugar, and wild flowers making Argo feel sleepy.

"Lunar Elixir," the barkeep explained. "Its made from a particular fruit that grows in the forests northeast of the city. It absorbs the moonlight and ambient mana to produce a flavorful liquid."

Taking a hesitant sip, Argo felt the liquid seep into his tastebuds as his body relaxed. It had hints of milk and sugar, combined with hint of sourness creating a harmonious blend that soothed his soul. It was truly flavorful, exceeding anything he had tasted on the outside world. Albeit he didn't really have much experience in the realm of drink tasting.

Watching Argo relax, the barkeep continued. "Lucky for you I happen to be a quite informed man myself. Name's Sullivan but most just call me Sully."

"Argo," he responded bluntly.

Sully smiled, "Well first things first, you know about the eternal night time right?" It was an obvious question, and Argo wanted to rebuke the man. But the sweet drink in his hand had calmed his mind, and he reluctantly nodded.

"And how you can use the Records to tell the time?" With a nonchalant expression, he proceeded to wipe the counter.

Argo froze, his mouth slowly drooping open. You could do something like that? He thought the Records were only capable of displaying your status screen and storing items. He had neglected to fully look into its capabilities!

Sully chuckled, which was quickly swallowed by the clamor inside the tavern. Judging by his demeanor, most novices must've had the same issue. Otherwise he probably wouldn't have brought it up. On the other hand did he really look that clueless?

He continued, perhaps trying to alleviate Argo's embarrassment. "The City of Selene was founded by Selene, a hero who had entered the Isles of Endless Night while the sun was still in the sky. No one knows what the land was called when the sun was here unfortunately."

"As one of four major cities, its main allure is the active volcano that is a nearly limitless source of light. The main export is the fruit I told you about that makes Lunar Elixir, as it possesses medicinal properties."

Argo nodded along, convinced as he felt his soreness slowly alleviate and his mind reach a state of calmness. If brewed with more potent ingredients he had no doubt about its significance to adventurers and Exhalted alike.

"The four major cities are the primary bastions of human civilization in the isles, on four main islands they each lay in the cardinal directions. The rest of the islands are sparsely populated and mostly comprise of corrupted creatures. They're about a couple of days of travel from each other."

"As for the adventurers inhabiting this accursed land, they can be grouped into three people." Sully began polishing a new cup, "Those that have given up, those that haven't, and pirates."

'Those that have given up? Those that haven't?'

Watching a confused expression dye his face, Sully spoke.

"It's self-explanatory. There are people who have given up on clearing the trial, and live a peaceful life in the trial as if they were on the outside. Others have continued to explore the isles and seek to find the sun though they're split among many groups and factions."

He paused, "And then there are pirates a mix of both. They adopt a life of leisure, pillaging and looting on whims as they stray in the waters between the four cities. But they will also contribute against monster attacks and anything quest related."

"A necessary evil?" Argo finished. He found this new piece of news unnerving. He couldn't wrap his head around the idea that those who willingly entered Halcyon would give up, and live the rest of their life in the trial. Nor could he understand pirates who stole and pillaged from others. He thought Captain Reid and his crew were an oddity, but he was wrong.

Sully nodded, "There isn't much publicized information about the quest. Most groups with information keep it to themselves."

His eyebrow raised, "You seem young so I'll share a little. A rough consensus had been made that in the middle of the four islands where a deadly storm rages is where the sun is."

His expression darkened, "But anyone adventuring into the eye of the storm has never returned or been heard from ever again, and the sun still hasn't been freed." To accentuate his point, he gestured to a wall plastered with missing posters.

Argo's expression darkened, feeling unease gripping his heart . If the quest was so perilous that it caused people to give up on attempting the trial his aspirations of returning to the outside world would be slim.

"Oh, and I'd be careful of the Pirate King if you ever hear word of him close by," Sully whispered, which was nearly lost in the loud din of the tavern. "He rules the waters, and is arguably the strongest person on the First Floor."

Pirate King? Argo found such an exaggerated title slightly embarrassing. But he deduced from Sully's tone he wasn't someone to get involved with. Argo couldn't help but wonder why the current quest hasn't been completed yet with someone so strong lurking in the waters?

"Could you tell me about the people seeking to clear the quest?" Argo prompted, finding their conversation was drifting. Sully seemed more interested in talking about the conspiracies and hidden powers of the Tower.

"Ah, right. The adventurers organize them into their own parties, or groups. Their naming scheme goes by a color, making it easy to distinguish and identify each other. They all work independently, but will sometimes work together for certain things."

Sully contemplated for the moment, "You're better off making your own group then joining one. Usually existing parties are ironclad in their members, and aren't willing to take on more people. Much less newcomers."

Argo contemplated, finding things a little bit complicated. With Faye's personality, he had expected it to be difficult joining an established group. Working together with people experienced with the First Floor would be vital in growing their strength and knowledge. Unfortunately, reality wasn't so kind.

'Looks like it will be just me and her for a while,' he silently complained. While he didn't dislike Faye, and was actually quite indebted to her- she was hard to talk too. He was unsure if it was a result of her upbringing or personality, but she avoided conversation. While he was the same, it found it hard to connect with her. Maybe she preferred to keep things surface level, they were only using each other in her eyes.

"Are the cities run by the people who've given up?" He voiced one last question, deciding he was too tired to continue. He could always return whenever he wanted, anyway.

Sully nodded in confirmation, "The guards, workers, storeowners, and everyone else are mostly people who've decided against clearing the quest. Can't say I blame them, as I've given up myself. If you can't join up with strong and experienced people, it's impossible to get into the circle of powerful groups knowledgeable about the quest."

Downing the rest of his Lunar Elixir, Argo thanked Sully before heading to the door.

"I'm always here, let me know whenever you need information." Sully called out, as Argo exited the building.

Met with the cold breeze of the ocean, and the serene moonlight, Argo's expression betrayed his relaxed body. In the time it took for four major cities to develop, no one had managed to clear the trial. Unless they were constructed as each quest was completed and changed, he could only wonder how long the current quest had been existing for.

'Maybe I should've asked about that. Whatever I'll probably be here for a while.'

Accessing the Records, and figuring out it was about eight at night, he started to make his way back to the pier.