10 Years Later

The morning sun cast a gentle glow over the mountain cliff where Tookami and the Odyssey Calamity had established their camp. The crackling campfire breathed warmth into the chilly morning air as they gathered around, their eyes fixed on the panoramic view of the sprawling city of Ironforge below.

Tookami's resonant voice cut through the quiet ambiance, carrying the weight of their collective journey and purpose. He addressed his companions with a blend of determination and caution, outlining their intent to peacefully introduce their vision for a new city while emphasizing their unwavering stance against any form of aggression.

Tookami says to the group "My friends, for 10 years we trained and put our personal lives beneath us. We have an opportunity to forge our own city and world. As requested from you guys, we will take the approach of civil request, this way we can see if anybody is interested. However, like I mentioned, if our requests are denied or we are approached with violence, I won't hold back my natural retaliation. Now, let's make our way to the city, Rowan, shall we start by going to your humble abode?"

Seraphina, Percival, and Rowan nodded, a silent affirmation of their commitment to Tookami's approach. Rowan, being the local guide, assured the group of a smooth passage to his dwelling within Ironforge, a place that had become a sanctuary for their discussions and planning sessions over the years.

As the group rose from their makeshift campsite, the remnants of their training journey lingered around them—a silent testament to the trials they had overcome and the power they now wielded. They packed their belongings efficiently, shouldering their gear with practiced ease, and descended the mountainous path toward the city gates.

The entrance to Ironforge greeted them with towering stone walls adorned with intricate engravings, an architectural testament to the city's history and resilience. The sounds of bustling activity emanated from within as merchants set up their stalls, citizens traversed the streets, and guards patrolled the area, casting cautious glances at the newcomers.

Rowan, leading the way, navigated through the narrow streets and winding alleys, weaving through the city's heart toward his residence. Ironforge was a patchwork of cultures and races, a melting pot where different beings coexisted amidst the vibrant tapestry of life.

Finally, they arrived at Rowan's home—a two-story house tucked away in a quiet corner. The quaint exterior belied the rich repository of knowledge and magical artifacts that resided within. Rowan welcomed them in, the interior exuding an air of tranquility and scholarly comfort.

"This is our base of operations," Rowan explained, gesturing to the array of magical tomes, arcane artifacts, and intricate diagrams adorning the walls. "We'll start here and craft our strategies for presenting our proposition to the city. I guess it is a good thing I paid for my home and taxes in advance for the next twenty years." Rowan says as he chuckles.

Tookami nodded in agreement, his gaze shifting between his companions. The weight of the task ahead loomed over them, but an unspoken determination radiated from the group—a collective resolve to forge a new path and establish a haven in Evermore, where they could shape their destiny.

Tookami surveyed the room with a thoughtful expression, his eyes scanning the gathered companions. "So, we split into two teams," he began, "to cover more ground and gauge the city's response to our proposal."

Seraphina nodded in agreement. "We can explore the workers' district. They might be more receptive to a new opportunity."

Rowan interjected, "And Percival and I will head to The Milked Dragon tavern. It's a spot where many gather to unwind and discuss the city's happenings."

Tookami nodded approvingly. "Understood. Remember, diplomacy first. We're presenting an opportunity, not imposing it."

Percival shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "Should be interesting to see how the locals react to our little proposition."

"Indeed," Rowan agreed. "Hopefully, they're more inclined to hear us out."

The group split into their designated pairs and ventured into the bustling city. Rowan and Percival set off, navigating the lively streets towards The Milked Dragon tavern. The tavern's wooden sign swayed gently in the breeze, depicting a dragon milking a cow—an odd and humorous sight.

As they entered, the tavern's atmosphere enveloped them—a harmonious blend of boisterous laughter, clinking tankards, and muffled conversations. Rowan and Percival found an empty table in a corner and settled in, keen on observing the patrons' reactions to their presence.

Meanwhile, Tookami and Seraphina navigated the narrow alleys leading to the workers' district. Dilapidated buildings and weary faces greeted them as they traversed through the area. Seraphina's empathetic gaze swept over the hardworking individuals toiling away, their lives etched with tales of struggle and hardship.

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"Perhaps here," Seraphina murmured, her voice laced with empathy. "These are the ones most in need of a fresh start."

Tookami nodded, his gaze scanning the area for a suitable spot to initiate their proposition. "Let's approach them gently, offer hope rather than a decree."

They began engaging with the locals, their conversation centered around the promise of a new opportunity—a chance to build a new city in Nexus, a place where their skills and efforts would be valued and rewarded.

Back at The Milked Dragon tavern, Rowan and Percival engaged in casual conversations with the patrons. They subtly introduced the idea of a new city, gauging reactions and observing the general sentiment towards the proposal.

As they all worked towards their goal, each pair encountered various responses—curiosity, skepticism, and even outright dismissal. Yet, amidst the mixed reactions, there was a glimmer of hope—a few individuals intrigued by the idea of a new beginning.

Their first foray into the city's response had commenced, setting the stage for the subsequent steps in their grand undertaking.

Rowan and Percival were engaged in conversation, their voices animated yet diplomatic as they discussed their proposal, when the clamor of a ruckus interrupted the tavern's lively atmosphere. A group of rowdy individuals had caught wind of their conversation.

The loud, slurred words echoed through the tavern, drawing curious glances from patrons. Rowan exchanged a glance with Percival, an unspoken acknowledgment of the brewing trouble.

The group of inebriated men approached, their expressions contorted with anger and resentment. One of them, with a fiery glint in his eyes, pointed an accusatory finger at Rowan. "Betraying scum!" he spat, his voice carrying across the tavern. "Your proposal is nothing but a child's fairytale! This is the only world that exists!"

Another, emboldened by the first, chimed in, "You're nothing but traitors to our kind! We won't let you play with our lives, toying with the very existence of Ironforge!"

Percival's jaw tightened, his eyes flashing with a mix of frustration and restraint. "We're here to offer an opportunity, not to manipulate or threaten," he responded, his voice calm yet firm.

The drunken group seemed unfazed, their words growing more aggressive. "Our loyalty lies with Ironforge! You'll regret trying to lure away our people with your foolish ideas!"

Rowan, maintaining his composure, attempted to diffuse the situation. "We're not here to threaten or coerce anyone. We merely wish to extend an opportunity for those who seek a new path."

But the group was beyond reason, fueled by alcohol and an unwavering loyalty to their city. They continued to hurl insults and threats, their intentions clear—they were prepared to resort to violence to protect their perception of loyalty.

The tension in the tavern escalated, patrons either watching with curiosity or averting their eyes to avoid the brewing confrontation.

Rowan glanced at Percival, silently communicating a plan to defuse the situation. Percival nodded in agreement, ready to handle the confrontation with restraint but prepared for any further escalation.

The situation had reached a critical point, leaving Rowan and Percival with a choice—to diffuse the conflict peacefully or to prepare for a confrontation that might disrupt their peaceful intentions.

Reacting swiftly to the escalating hostility, Rowan and Percival made a hasty decision. "Anyone willing to join us, follow us out! Our business here is done," Rowan called out over the din, his voice rising above the commotion.

As the anger in the tavern simmered, tankards and dishes became projectiles, hurled with disdain and fury. Rowan and Percival managed to evade the onslaught, ducking and weaving to avoid the airborne debris.

"We need to move, now!" Percival urged, his voice strained with urgency. The pair bolted towards the door, but the angry mob, fueled by intoxication and animosity, surged after them, their shouts and curses echoing through the tavern.

The chaos spilled into the streets of Ironforge as Rowan and Percival raced through the winding alleys, the angry crowd in hot pursuit. The alleys were a maze, offering temporary concealment amidst the labyrinth of buildings, but the mob was relentless.

Desperate to escape the brewing conflict, Rowan and Percival darted around corners, seeking refuge. Their hearts raced, adrenaline pumping as they searched for a place to evade their pursuers.

Percival glimpsed a secluded alcove between two towering structures and gestured urgently to Rowan. "This way!" he shouted, his voice almost drowned out by the uproar behind them.

With quick strides, they veered into the alcove, crouching low and holding their breath, their eyes scanning the streets for any sign of their pursuers. The sounds of the crowd echoed in the distance, gradually fading as the mob lost their trail.

Taking a moment to catch their breath, Rowan and Percival exchanged a tense glance, a silent acknowledgment of the narrow escape. The streets remained eerily quiet, the distant sounds of the city a stark contrast to the pandemonium they had just left behind.

"We need to regroup with Tookami and Seraphina," Rowan panted between breaths, his voice laced with urgency. "Let's find a discreet location until we can locate them and ensure their safety."

Agreeing in silent accord, the pair cautiously ventured out from their hiding spot, navigating the quiet streets with caution, keeping an eye out for any sign of their companions while remaining wary of further confrontations.