Helios and Nyx hurried toward the chaos, their eyes catching sight of human bandits attempting to force their way into Rivercross Village's gate. The villagers panicked as the rough-looking men caused chaos.

"What should we do?" asked Helios, telekinetically lifting a few rocks, preparing for an attack.

"We need to be fairly precise while stopping them to avoid harming the villagers," Nyx considered their options.

Before they could formulate a plan, a female elven archer emerged from the terrified crowd. Her brilliant green eyes and confident air belied her slender frame. The bandits laughed at the lone elf, clearly underestimating her. "A pretty little elf thinks she can stop us!" one jeered.

The elven archer smirked, drawing an arrow from her quiver and notching it on her bow. "You should have stayed in the forest where you belong," another bandit taunted.

Unfazed by their mockery, the archer chanted softly, causing vines to sprout from the ground and immobilize the bandits. "Tch. An Arcane Huntress. Just our luck," the bandit leader, a burly man with a scarred cheek, growled in frustration.

The Huntress released an arrow that split mid-flight, shattering the bandits' weapons. "Don't ever underestimate the power of nature," she warned.

Helios and Nyx watched in awe as she neutralized the threat. The villagers, once cowering in fear, now emerged, their faces filled with gratitude and admiration for their elven savior.

The vines tightened their hold on the bandits, who whimpered and begged for mercy. The Huntress ceased aiming her bow and neared the ensnared trespassers, her intense green eyes narrowing. "Depart from this village and never come back," she warned. "Otherwise, my arrows will strike a more... agonizing target."

Fearfully, the bandits nodded, their faces drained of color. With a wave of her hand, the Huntress commanded the vines to relinquish their grasp, allowing the bandits to stagger away from Rivercross Village, defeated and humbled. A well-dressed man in his late 20s approached the Huntress from behind, wearing a satisfied expression as if the event was merely a source of amusement for him.

Turning to Helios and Nyx, the Arcane Huntress wore a self-satisfied smile. "A task well executed," she remarked. "However, I believe it's time we discuss compensation."

Kael struck the back of the Huntress's head. "Not now, Althea," he reprimanded. "We have more urgent matters to address."

Pouting, Althea rubbed the back of her head. "Oh, lighten up, Kael," she complained, a playful sparkle in her eyes.

"Kael? As in Kael Silverwind?" inquired Helios.

The Arcane Huntress nodded, a faint smile gracing her lips. "Indeed, that's him," she confirmed. "And who do we have the pleasure of addressing?"

"I'm Helios, and this is Nyx," Helios introduced themselves.

Kael exhaled, directing his gaze at Helios and Nyx. "I must apologize for Althea's antics. She can be... quite a handful. However, it appears you two have garnered some fame," Kael remarked, nodding knowingly. "I've heard tales of your adventures."

Exchanging a surprised look, Helios and Nyx asked, "You have?"

Kael laughed. "Not really. Tymora informed me of your predicament last night while I was 'attending' to Althea."

Helios and Nyx exchanged glances, uncertain how to respond to Kael's statement.

"In any case, why don't we carry on our conversation at a nearby tavern over some drinks? It seems you're embarking on quite the quest," Kael proposed.

Grateful for the opportunity to rest and regroup, Helios and Nyx concurred. They trailed Kael and Althea through the vibrant village, absorbing the sights and sounds of market stalls and animated taverns. Despite the recent turmoil, the villagers seemed to be in a buoyant mood, their concerns momentarily forgotten.

Upon entering a tavern named 'The Slumbering Serpent', the aroma of freshly baked bread and succulent roasted meats enveloped them. The cozy, dimly lit space buzzed with laughter and the clinking of glasses, fostering a sense of fellowship. A few villagers appeared to be celebrating their victory over the bandits, even though it was still midday. Helios and Nyx suspected that these individuals might have a penchant for alcohol.

Kael guided them to a secluded table in a corner, where they sat and ordered beverages. While waiting for their drinks, Helios and Nyx shared the details of their mission with Kael and Althea, describing how they were charged with hunting down the numerous Demon Lords afflicting Alderan.

Althea leaned in, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "That sounds thrilling," she remarked. "And perilous."

Kael rubbed his chin contemplatively. "True, without the Goddesses' assistance, I'd consider it a fool's errand. However, if the Goddess of War is intervening, it seems they're genuinely exploring alternative strategies."

Helios agreed, "We've been granted divine powers to support us in our endeavor."

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Just then, the tavern door burst open, and a group of amusing performers entered. Their vibrant attire and exaggerated makeup suggested they were a roving comedy troupe. The principal performer, a portly man sporting an oversized mustache, confidently approached the stage.

"Attention, ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages! Brace yourselves for an evening of laughter and delight! We are the Marvelous Misfits, here to entertain and amuse you!"

The crowd burst into applause as the performers began a variety of slapstick acts, sketches, and jokes. Even Althea found herself laughing at the absurd spectacle.

As the night progressed, the mirth continued, and Helios, Nyx, Kael, and Althea became fully absorbed in the spirited ambiance. For a brief moment, the burden of their quest seemed to lighten, allowing them to simply relish the companionship and entertainment.

During an especially hilarious scene featuring a bumbling knight and his loyal mount, Kael turned to the others with a smile. "You know, this might be precisely what we need to tackle the obstacles ahead—a hearty laugh to maintain our morale."

Althea lifted her glass in concurrence. "To laughter and friendship! May they sustain us through the most challenging times."

They clinked their glasses, each taking a swig of their beverages as they reveled in the solidarity of their newfound alliance. When the night came to an end and the Marvelous Misfits took their final bow, Helios, Nyx, Kael, and Althea departed the tavern feeling rejuvenated and invigorated.

With their spirits buoyed and their connections deepened, the party of four emerged into the moonlit village. The mirth and happiness from the tavern poured into the streets, blending with the soothing sounds of the nearby river.

Kael stretched his arms overhead, releasing a satisfied sigh. "I haven't laughed like that in ages," he confessed.

Nyx offered a gentle smile. "We all need a respite from the gravity of our journeys occasionally. For you, I suppose it would be the trading business."

Helios surveyed the village, observing that the people continued their activities, seemingly unfazed by the day's earlier events. "It's remarkable how resilient these villagers are. They've already recovered from the bandits' assault."

Althea agreed, her green eyes glistening in the moonlight. "That's the charm of Rivercross Village. Its inhabitants are robust and united. They refuse to let fear hinder them."

As they strolled through the village, they came across a group of children engaged in a game of tag in the town square. One child, a young girl with pigtails, dashed over to Althea and pulled on her sleeve. "Miss Althea, Miss Althea! Could you demonstrate your awesome archery trick again?"

The elven huntress chuckled, tousling the girl's hair. "Not tonight, little one. It's getting late, and you should head home."

The girl pouted but acquiesced, scampering back to rejoin her friends. Helios couldn't help but smile at the exchange. "It appears you're somewhat of a local hero, Althea."

She shrugged humbly. "I merely do what I can to safeguard this village. For a fee, naturally!"

Kael rolled his eyes, a teasing smirk gracing his face. "You're always the same, aren't you, Althea?"

She grinned, unrepentant. "Well, a girl has to earn a living."

As they proceeded through the village, they eventually arrived at the outskirts, where the cobblestone streets transitioned into a dirt path extending into the horizon.

Nyx regarded Kael with a furrowed brow. "So, you're genuinely prepared to accompany us to the next city?"

Kael nodded, his expression serious. "Absolutely. It's the least I can do after all you've experienced. Moreover, I'm intrigued to see how this unfolds. Goddess Tymora assured me several significant perks in return for aiding you, so it's an offer I can't pass up. These perks could potentially propel me towards becoming a Market Leader. The merchant business is essentially an oligopoly, in which 80% of the economy is predominantly controlled by a group of eight influential and powerful merchants, referred to collectively as the Sovereign Merchants. We each possess considerable wealth and influence, which is likely why your Goddesses approached me personally."

Helios grinned, patting Kael on the back. "We're grateful, Kael. Your expertise and connections will undoubtedly prove invaluable to our mission."

Kael offered a half-smile. "I'll do my best. Just bear in mind that I'm primarily a merchant. While I'm glad to assist you, I'll also be watching out for my own interests."

Nyx nodded, understanding the balance Kael needed to maintain. "Fair enough. We'll do our utmost to ensure our mission doesn't interfere with your business."

Kael nodded appreciatively. "Well then, let's get some rest. We have a lengthy journey ahead of us."

(...)

[Extra Information on Kael Silverwind and the Currency of Alderan]

Kael Silverwind was a remarkable figure, with contrasting features that set him apart in any crowd. Despite being only 29 years old, he exuded an air of confidence and sophistication, indicating that he had experienced and accomplished more than most.

His dark skin was a rich, deep brown, suggesting ancestry from a warmer, sunnier region. His white hair was thick, wavy, and short.

His eyes remained concealed due to the peculiar helmet he donned, but his features were sharp and angular, boasting a strong jawline and a nose that appeared to have been broken in the past.

Kael's attire was costly and well-crafted, alluding to his prosperity as a merchant in this new world. He favored dark, opulent colors like black, gold, and white, often donning a long coat or cape that billowed dramatically behind him as he strode.

His most distinguishing feature, however, was the special helmet he wore, which covered most of his face except for his mouth. The helmet was crafted from a rare, magical metal and intricately engraved with unique patterns that seemed to shimmer in the light.

As they waited for their meal, Kael seized the chance to explain the basics of the coin-based economy they were part of:

[Currency Information]

Silver Coins (Goddess of Fortune's profile): The lowest denomination in the currency system, these coins bear the profile of the Goddess of Fortune on one side and a city's emblem on the other. They have minimal value and are used for minor purchases, such as food, drink, and basic services.

Gold Coins (Goddess of Fortune's full figure): The medium denomination in the currency system, these coins feature the full figure of the Goddess of Fortune on one side and a nation's emblem on the other. They are worth considerably more than silver coins and are employed for more substantial purchases, like weapons, armor, and luxury goods.

Adamantite Coins (Goddess of Fortune's crown): The highest denomination in the currency system, these coins showcase the crown of the Goddess of Fortune on one side and a dragon image on the other. They are extremely rare and valuable, utilized only for the most lavish purchases, such as estates, rare artifacts, and magical services.

Goddess of Fortune's Medallions: These large, intricate medallions are not used for currency exchange but serve as a form of investment. They are minted with a 3D depiction of the Goddess of Fortune on one side and the medallion's production year on the other. Made from a blend of gold and adamantite, they are highly coveted by collectors, who believe they bring good luck and fortune to their possessors. (Sovereign Merchant Kael owns several of these.)