Chapter 8 - The Weight of Power
The battle’s aftermath left the air heavy with silence. Jae-Hyun stood still for a moment, his breathing steadying as the weight of his unleashed power began to settle in his mind. His shadows, once chaotic and untamed, had receded into calm obedience. His sharp blue eyes scanned the area, ensuring no further threats lingered. Nearby, Ahri wiped blood from the edge of her sword, her confident stance betraying no sign of weakness despite the battle’s toll.
“That was reckless, even for you,” she said, sliding her blade into its sheath. There was no fear in her tone, only sharp observation. Her voice carried a balance of concern and respect, reflecting her unshakable confidence.
Jae-Hyun glanced over his shoulder, his hood casting shadows over his face. “We’re almost out of here. Save the lecture for when it matters.”
Ahri crossed her arms, leaning slightly on one hip. “You’re not off the hook. But fine, let’s focus on getting out first.”
She seemed unshaken, but deep down, a flicker of fear lingered. Though Ahri had kept her composure, she couldn’t shake the memory of Jae-Hyun’s shadows turning toward her. If he hadn’t regained control… She quickly dismissed the thought, unwilling to let it show. Her strength wasn’t just in her swordsmanship—it was in her resolve to never falter, even when fear clawed at her.
Reaching into his satchel, Jae-Hyun retrieved two small vials of glowing liquid. Without a word, he handed one to Ahri. She accepted it with a nod, uncorking the potion and downing it swiftly. A faint glow spread through her body, the dull aches and wounds from the fight vanishing. Jae-Hyun drank his own potion with the same efficiency, the two falling into step as they began moving again.
The forest around them remained dense and unwelcoming, the twisted trees clawing at the faint light of morning that filtered through the canopy. Shadows danced unnaturally along the ground, but neither of them showed any sign of hesitation. Jae-Hyun walked ahead, his gaze sharp and unwavering. Only he could see the faint system interface flickering in his vision:
System Notification: Objective: Reach the city. Progress: 80%.
A voice followed, cold and taunting, resonating in his mind. “Ah, don’t forget to maintain control. Wouldn’t want to hurt anyone, now would we?”
Jae-Hyun’s jaw tightened as he dismissed the notification with a sharp blink. The system’s mocking tone was the last thing he needed.
As they moved through the Vale, the two encountered several monsters lurking in the shadows. Wolves with glowing eyes, twisted serpents slithering from beneath the roots, and even a hulking beast that emerged from the mist. However, these creatures posed no significant challenge. Jae-Hyun’s shadows struck swiftly, while Ahri’s precise swordsmanship and well-timed skills made quick work of the threats. It was clear they worked seamlessly as a team, their movements efficient and confident.
“Nothing but fodder,” Ahri remarked as the last of the creatures dissolved into mist. She flicked a strand of hair from her face, her tone carrying a hint of amusement. “You’d think the Vale would offer more of a challenge.”
Jae-Hyun’s gaze shifted toward her, his voice cutting through the moment. “Did you forget that you almost died?”
Ahri raised an eyebrow, her tone firm but laced with dry humour. “Almost. But almost isn’t dead, is it? Besides, I trusted you to handle it.”
Her expression didn’t falter. “I didn’t forget. But I’m not about to let one moment define me, Jae-Hyun. Besides,” she added with a smirk, “I was never out of the fight.”
As the trees began to thin, revealing the incline ahead, Ahri’s gaze shifted to the faint skyline visible through the mist. The city’s spires rose like distant sentinels, a reminder of how close they were to their goal. She glanced at Jae-Hyun, noting his unrelenting focus.
“What’s the plan once we’re there?” she asked, her voice calm, with a slight edge of curiosity.
“Information first. About the gates, the Tower, the Silver Talon Guild…” He paused for a moment, his voice lowering. “And my sister.”
Ahri tilted her head slightly, her brow furrowing. “Your sister? You keep mentioning her, but who is she? What’s her name?”
Jae-Hyun’s expression shifted, a flicker of something unspoken crossing his face. “Her name is Mi-Rae,” he said finally, his tone soft yet edged with resolve.
Ahri’s eyes narrowed slightly, her lips pressing into a thoughtful line. “Mi-Rae… I think I’ve heard that name before.” Ahri’s brow furrowed deeper as she searched her memories. The name tugged at something distant in her mind, a half-formed connection she couldn’t quite place. “Maybe from a guild report or a passing conversation... I’ll need to think about it.”
Jae-Hyun’s gaze snapped toward her, but she shook her head quickly. “I’ll need to think about where. It’s familiar, but I can’t place it.”
Before he could respond, she asked again, her tone sharp but not accusatory. “And the Silver Talon Guild? Why them?”
Jae-Hyun’s voice hardened, though he kept it measured. “I’ll explain when the time comes. For now, I need to gather information about their leader and vice-leader. They’re tied to everything.”
Ahri frowned slightly but nodded. She could tell there was more to his story, but she respected his silence. For now.
They crested the ridge, the clearing offering a momentary reprieve. Ahri rested her hand on the hilt of her sword, her sharp gaze scanning their surroundings. Despite her relaxed posture, there was no mistaking the readiness in her stance. She exuded confidence, her presence a quiet yet undeniable force beside Jae-Hyun’s more brooding demeanour.
After a moment, she spoke again, her tone softer but firm. “You’re stronger than you think, Jae-Hyun. But you’re not the only one carrying weight here. Don’t forget that.”
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He didn’t respond immediately, his eyes fixed on the city in the distance. Finally, he said, “I know. And I won’t let either of us falter.”
The silence that followed wasn’t tense but filled with unspoken understanding. They both knew the challenges ahead would test them—physically, emotionally, and morally. But for now, they allowed themselves a brief moment of peace.
As the faint sounds of birdsong broke the stillness, the two reached the edge of the Twilight Vale. The dense, suffocating forest was behind them now, and the open plains leading toward the city stretched out before them. The crisp air of the plains felt like a breath of freedom after the Twilight Vale’s oppressive grip. Golden grasses swayed gently under the soft breeze, their path clearer now but no less daunting. The light of the city ahead offered the promise of answers—and perhaps, hope.
The open plains leading to Seoul stretched out in golden waves, swaying gently under the soft afternoon breeze. The oppressive weight of the Twilight Vale was behind them, and for the first time in days, the horizon felt vast and free. Despite the respite, Jae-Hyun’s mind remained fixed on the challenges ahead.
The city’s towering walls stood proud and imposing, gleaming faintly with the residual energy of the barrier that encased it. Beyond those walls lay Seoul, a city rumored to have retained some of its pre-Cataclysm vibrancy despite the ever-present shadow of the gates. Jae-Hyun led the way, his hood drawn low to shield his features, while Ahri followed a step behind, her eyes wide with wonder.
System Notification: Objective Complete: Reach the city.
Reward: Quest Enhancer Unlocked.
The notification flickered briefly in Jae-Hyun’s vision. He dismissed it for the moment, though curiosity tugged at him. What exactly was a “Quest Enhancer”? The faint smirk in the system’s voice lingered in his mind, as if mocking his anticipation.
As they approached the city gates, Ahri couldn’t contain her amazement. “This is incredible,” she murmured. “I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s like the Cataclysm never happened here.”
Before heading further into the city, Jae-Hyun motioned toward a nearby electronics shop. “We’ll need these,” he said curtly.
Inside, as they browsed the phones, Ahri couldn’t help but look at her torn and bloodied outfit in the shop’s reflection. “We look like we just crawled out of a dungeon,” she muttered.
Jae-Hyun barely glanced at himself. “That’s because we did. We’ll deal with it after this.”
Ahri rolled her eyes but returned her focus to the phones. She couldn’t hide her curiosity, running her fingers along the sleek designs. “I haven't used one of those in a while” she admitted.
Jae-Hyun picked out two basic models, handing one to her. “It’s simple. I’ll set it up for you.” He swiftly activated both phones, inputting their contact details and linking them through a private system interface. “Now we can stay in touch. Remember to call me if anything happens.”
Ahri grinned slightly as she saved his number. “Don’t expect me to call you just for fun.”
“Good,” Jae-Hyun replied, sliding his phone into his pocket. “Next stop—clothes.”
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The pair soon found a boutique nestled on a quieter street, its display showcasing both stylish and functional clothing tailored for adventurers. Ahri’s eyes lit up as she stepped inside, immediately drawn to the racks of pristine garments.
“This is… definitely better than what we’re wearing,” she said, her fingers brushing over a tailored jacket. She held it up against herself, the sleek design accentuating her figure while still looking practical. “What do you think?”
Jae-Hyun glanced at her briefly. “Functional.”
Ahri groaned. “Functional? I’m asking about how it looks, not if I can climb a mountain in it.” She rolled her eyes and disappeared further into the store.
While Ahri tried on outfit after outfit, Jae-Hyun approached a clerk. “I need something practical but refined. Dark colors, durable.”
The clerk nodded quickly, pulling a few options from a nearby rack. Jae-Hyun settled on a sleek black overcoat paired with fitted pants and sturdy boots, the ensemble understated but exuding a quiet sophistication. It was something that wouldn’t draw attention yet reflected a sense of purpose.
Meanwhile, Ahri returned with a playful smirk, showing off another choice: a fitted leather jacket paired with a stylish blouse and sturdy dark boots that complemented the look. “Now this, this has to be better than functional,” she teased, twirling slightly.
Jae-Hyun glanced up and, after a brief pause, said simply, “Better.”
Ahri snorted. “I’ll take that as high praise from you.”
At the counter, she hesitated as the total was calculated. “This is a bit much,” she murmured, glancing at Jae-Hyun.
He stepped forward, handing over the system-linked card without hesitation. “It’s fine. We can’t walk around looking like we just crawled out of a battlefield. People will notice.”
Ahri sighed but nodded, watching as the shopkeeper processed the transaction. “Thanks. You’re surprisingly generous when it comes to appearances.”
Jae-Hyun shrugged. “It’s not about appearances. It’s about not being bothered. Looking like we belong here keeps people from asking questions.”
She smiled faintly as they exited the shop, now both looking far more presentable amidst the bustling city. “Still, thanks. Even if your reasoning is as cold as always.”
“Don’t mention it,” Jae-Hyun replied, his tone indifferent but his steps lighter as they blended into the crowd.
Ahri slowed her pace slightly, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. She stepped closer to Jae-Hyun, tilting her head as she studied his expression. “You know, I didn’t really hear a proper compliment or praise from you about my clothes,” she teased, her voice lilting with mock indignation.
Jae-Hyun stiffened, his usually stoic demeanor cracking as a faint flush crept up his neck. He glanced away, clearly flustered. “You look…” he hesitated, struggling to find the right words before finally muttering, “You look pretty.”
Ahri’s playful expression faltered, her cheeks tinging pink as she blinked at him in surprise. She hadn’t expected him to actually say it. “Oh,” she managed, her teasing tone replaced by something softer. “Thank you.”
For a moment, the air between them felt lighter, charged with an awkward but genuine warmth. Ahri cleared her throat, regaining her composure. “You’re still bad at this, but I’ll take it,” she said with a small laugh, breaking the tension as they continued walking.
Ahri’s eyes darted around, taking in every detail. “I’ve only heard stories about cities like this,” she admitted. “It’s so... alive. It almost feels normal.”
Jae-Hyun handed her a slim black card, its surface faintly gleaming with an almost otherworldly quality. “Use this.”
Ahri frowned slightly, slipping the card into her pocket. “Alright, but what should I look for? Apartment, house, hotel?”
Jae-Hyun glanced around briefly before answering. “Something close to the city center. The closer, the better.”
She raised an eyebrow. “That’s going to cost us.”
He shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. Just make it work.”
Ahri sighed, though there was a faint smile on her lips. “Fine. But don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone.”
“I’ll be careful,” Jae-Hyun replied, his tone clipped. “Meet me at that central fountain when you’re done.”
Ahri turned and disappeared into the crowd, her confident stride making her blend seamlessly with the bustling throng. Jae-Hyun watched her go, his phone buzzing briefly as she sent a quick message: "Let me know if you get into trouble." He smirked faintly at the irony before ducking into a shadowed alley. It was time to gather information.