The hustle and bustle filled the cobblestone streets of downtown Elker, where the famous bar known as Aventus stood majestically. From its ornate wooden facade to the high leaded glass windows, the establishment exuded a history as old as the city itself and a well-earned reputation.

Upon entering Aventus, visitors were greeted by a cacophony of sounds, aromas, and emotions. The public area, spacious and bustling, housed solid wood tables and rustic benches where nobles, merchants, artists, and peasants mingled in a lively social backdrop. Laughter filled the air as patrons raised their tankards of beer and shared stories at the top of their lungs.

Abigail watched it excitedly. It was her first time in a bar. When her master had told her about such places, she had imagined dingy dens filled with ruffians, floors slick with spit, fights breaking out every moment, and corpses turning up now and then. But Aventus was nothing like that. It seemed like a cheerful place where one went to brighten their evenings. Friends enjoyed buffets, people cheered on the bards' songs on the stage at the back, and some men ogled the maidens of the place, casting lascivious glances as they ran their fingers over their bodies, eager for the next corrective slap they would receive.

That last part was the most vulgar aspect of the place, Abigail confronted her master about it. He remained indifferent to her reproach, but the lieutenant decided to speak up.

—If you think that's vulgar, never go to the upper floors.

Abigail watched a man put his arm around a woman's waist as they climbed a wide staircase in the back. Her master explained to her what was happening. Upstairs there were rooms where men had meetings with women. He explained it to her almost as delicately as a mother would to her daughter, but the lieutenant felt the need to elaborate on her explanation.

—Rooms where people have encounters with other people —he said, emphasizing the word "people".

It wasn't a new concept for her. Her master had explained it to her before as well. No topic seemed to embarrass him, in fact. If he didn't speak so openly in public, it was to maintain decorum. Her master glanced at the lieutenant, but said nothing. "Thanks for the clarification," he would have said sarcastically if he weren't trying to blend in.

It was a cheerful place, that was undeniable, but it harbored an open secret behind a heavy red velvet curtain in a secluded corner of the room. Those seeking privacy and confidentiality knew exactly where to go. The discreet area of Aventus, better known as "The Refuge," was a space reserved for those willing to delve into darker and more dangerous matters.

Upon crossing the crimson curtain and descending the stairs, one entered a completely different world. The atmosphere became dimmer, conversations turned into whispers, and furtive glances crossed amidst shadows. In this private area, characters of dubious reputation and dark intentions gathered to discuss illegal matters and conspiracies that should not see the light of day.

Clandestine businesses flourished in The Refuge. Illicit contracts were sealed with whispers as mysterious clients exchanged bags of coins and carefully wrapped packages. Discretion was a crucial requirement in that place.

As soon as they reached that area, an elegant man emerged accompanied by a giant nearly three meters tall who guarded him. Abigail was so awestruck by such a monster that she ended up bumping into a patron.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

She apologized immediately and quietly. The man had an irate reaction, but froze upon feeling the stares of the lieutenant and Asmodeus, gritted his teeth, and left.

They proceeded to reveal the encounter code to the guard. It consisted of random letters and numbers that linked the guests to an assigned table. It was something written at the end of the letter the mysterious young man had sent them. The guard glanced briefly at it and, without needing to consult any book to corroborate the information, proceeded to escort them to a table at the back.

The furniture in The Refuge was more elegant, with velvet chairs and polished tables, illuminated by oil lamps that cast a soft and mysterious light illuminating the heads of those present, but shrouding their faces. Guards were stationed in every corner. They couldn't inconvenience the cautious clients with their presence, but they would be able to spring into action in case of an emergency.

Fights were prohibited. The Refuge had earned its prestige for its guarantee of not being silently murdered in one of its corners. Each table had a fairly large exclusive space delineated by both curtains and wooden walls. The walls, covered in heavy curtains and tapestries, absorbed the secrets that floated in the air, supported by quality seals that contained sound and protected against shyvian attacks.

Despite the duality of Aventus, both in its bustling public area and its discreet private area, the establishment maintained an untouchable reputation. Its fame as a meeting place for all kinds of characters, from wealthy nobles to crime lords, attracted those in search of unique information and opportunities.

Not long after their arrival, a hooded figure appeared at the entrance. Abigail caught sight of him through her indiscreet glances. If she had been caught trying to spy on the place, they could have been thrown out, but she wasn't aware of that. The hooded figure approached the same guard as they did, handed him his code, and was then escorted to the back of the room.

He moved cautiously, avoiding eye contact with the others present and trying to blend in among the occupied tables. His steps were hesitant, as if he were unsure of his own place in that dark and intrigue-filled environment.

The hood that covered his face gave him an air of mystery, but it also seemed to shield him from prying eyes. His hunched shoulders and tense posture revealed a lack of self-confidence, as if he were aware of being a stranger in that place.

The guard didn't look around. He was well-trained to prevent his destination from being known. If he were seen passing by, there would be no way to guess where he would stop. Abigail was only sure it was her appointment when the guard stopped in front of their table and closed the curtain.

The enigmatic individual sat down clumsily. His restless eyes scanned the surroundings, as if he were alert for something or someone, but finally settled after a few seconds.

—Good afternoon —he said in the calmest voice he could muster—. I am the one who has offered you information.

Lieutenant Roldus introduced himself cheerfully. Abigail felt the desire to speak, but she didn't want to be imprudent. Surely her master wished for her presence to blend into the conversation and for her to limit herself to listening to what was said. A fleeting glance between them confirmed what she thought.

—You study at the Grand University of Elker —her master said.

The young man's face froze.

—No —he said, dismayed, then glanced at the others present—. How did you know?

—I know now.

The lieutenant chuckled quietly.

—He assured us that you would be young, poor, and a good student —the lieutenant said, then looked at the scabbard of his sword hanging on his left side—. Also, skilled.

—How could you know such a thing? —the boy asked.

—There are only two universities in Elker— Abigail said—. You chose the most prestigious one, and he guessed right.

Her master introduced himself. "I am Asmodeus," he said solemnly, locking eyes with the boy.

The young man was intrigued. It was said that Mr. Asmodeus was a master, but he had blue eyes. Some asserted that he had no mastery over shpabisshys, but many others refused to believe it because of his feats.

The mystery behind that man excited me as much as it did many others, and knowing that I could help him in that case filled me with pride. That was the day I met L'Asmodeus, his pupil Abigail, and Lieutenant Roldus, in that place that gave me chills, mainly motivated by the desires of my friend Caisam.