They didn't wait long before a figure strode into the room. This was Captain Stormheart, a woman of striking presence. Despite her youthful appearance, her bearing spoke volumes of a seasoned warrior. Clad in gleaming, enchanted armor, she exuded an aura of power and authority. A playful smirk curved her lips as she regarded Robert, "You could've just used Identity on me, you know," she teased. Robert chuckled. "Well, I wasn't exactly 'checking you out', just sizing you up, but sure."

Name: Kaelan Stormheart Class1: Guardian Knight(E) Health: 1240 Affiliates: Guard(Lunaris), Royal Family Race: Human, Tier G Mana: 1257 Title: Guardian of the Wall, See List Gender: Female Profession1: Knight Commander(R) Stamina: 840 Feats: See List Level: 80 Traits: See List Strength: 71 Intelligence: 30 Endurance: 12 Perks: See List Dexterity: 50 Wisdom: 28 Speed: 10 Inventory: See List Constitution: 62 Charisma: 33 Resistances: All 12 Skills: See List

Robert reviewed the results and replied, "A level 80 Guardian Knight, Epic. So, you're Captain Stormheart, I presume? It's a pleasure to meet you." Captain Stormheart, surprised, responded, "An Identify skill of Tier 6 or higher, I see. And judging by the limited information revealed—just Robert Williams—your protection skills must surpass my own. Your young companion, however, is an open book. So, tell me, Mr. Williams, what's the story behind traveling with a level 4 girl? She's clearly not your daughter, or she'd be much stronger." Robert chuckled, "She's not my daughter, but she is my student. You can call me Robert."

Kaelan paused, then replied, "Her student, huh? Well, Robert, call me Kaelan. By her skillset, she's leaning towards a powerful mage build. So, why bring her here?" Robert shrugged, "I didn't plan it. I was supposed to be soloing a dungeon, but the System issued her a quest to join me, and well, she decided to come." Kaelan raised an eyebrow. "She decided? Most teachers don't let their students make such decisions." "Then they're bad teachers," Robert retorted.

Kaelan chuckled. "Fair enough. But that still doesn't explain why you're here. The nearest dungeons are level 70 and above, far too dangerous for her." Robert nodded. "I agree. We were in a dungeon when the System changed the exit portal, forcing us here." Kaelan considered this. "The System's quests are undeniable. But this chain quest is unusual. They often bring trouble to the location." Robert hesitated. "This is my first chain quest. I'm not sure what to expect."

"Normally, I'd turn you away," Kaelan admitted. "But you intrigue me. I'll allow you to stay, but expect to be watched." "I'd expect you to keep an eye on strangers," Robert replied. "Perhaps one of your guards could act as a guide?" Kaelan chuckled. "Don't push your luck. You'll find a guide soon enough. Good luck, Robert. I'll see you around."

As Kaelan left, she approached a cloaked figure. "What did you see?" The figure replied, "Much like you. His protection is at least Tier 7. I couldn't penetrate it." Kaelan narrowed her eyes. "No one has that level of protection unless they're trouble or powerful. Which is he?" The figure pondered. "Both, I think."

Shortly after, Robert and Elara were released from the guardhouse. As they stepped into the bustling city, the towering walls and bustling streets were a stark contrast to the quiet countryside. The air was filled with the clamor of merchants, the clinking of coins, and the general hubbub of city life. Following the flow of the crowd, they headed towards the shopping district. Suddenly, Robert halted, his grip tightening on a young boy's wrist. The boy, no older than twelve, had been attempting to pickpocket Elara. Caught red-handed, the boy's eyes widened in fear. A nearby guard noticed the commotion.

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"Good eye, milord," the guard remarked. "I didn't even spot him. You must have a keen perception. Want me to take care of him?" "Please, sir, I'm sorry!" the boy pleaded. "I didn't mean to steal anything. I was just going to look." Robert chuckled. "We both know that's not true. However, rather than handing you over to the guard, perhaps you could be of service to us." The boy's eyes lit up with hope. "What service, sir?" "We're new to the city," Robert explained. "A local guide could help us find the best magic and inscription shops." "I know those places, milord," the boy offered eagerly. "But I can't go inside. They don't let street urchins like me in." "Fair enough," Robert replied. "Just lead us there."

Ash waited for a moment before asking, "No disrespect milord, but what do I get out of this?" Robert laughed, "Boy I think keeping you away from the guard would be reward enough, but I understand your need to earn something, so how about a silver upfront and a silver when we are done, and I'll buy lunch and dinner?" At the mention of silver Ash's eyes got large and he was quick to reply, "Yes milord that would be more than fair."

After thanking the guard for his time Robert handed Ash a silver coin and asked them to take him to the best inscription shop in town. Taking off Ash guided them through the crowd into a more well-to-do section of the city where they approached a small well-kept building with a sign on the front designed to look like a scroll with a pen over it. below the sign was the name The Scrivener's Sanctum as Robert went to enter the shop he noticed Ash standing off to the side and asked the boy to join him. "Sir shops like this do not like people like me," Ash said with a conflicted sound to his voice. "They don't like street rats?" asked Robert. "No sir, they do not like poor people," Ash answered. "Ah, well the good news is that you are currently in my employ, so if they want my coin they will ignore your presence," Robert replied.

Entering the shop Robert took note of Its dimly lit interior, filled with the soft glow of enchanted lamps, exuded an air of ancient wisdom. Shelves lined the walls, groaning under the weight of ancient scrolls, quills, and mysterious inks. A large, ornate desk sat at the back of the shop, where a wizened old man hunched over a book, his quill scratching across the parchment. As Robert and Ash entered, a small bell above the door tinkled, alerting the old man to their presence. He looked up, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Welcome to the Scrivener's Sanctum," he greeted them with a warm smile. "What brings you to my humble shop?"

Robert explained his need for inscription supplies. The old man nodded, his eyes lighting up with interest. He led them through the shop, pointing out various items: shimmering inks, enchanted quills, and a variety of strange and wondrous tools.

"While I will not ask for exact details, can you give me a Tier range, I have supplies for up to Tier 6," The old shopkeeper asked. Robert was careful to reply but answered with, "Let's say Tier 4 to 5." With a nod, the shopkeeper started to point things out. "This quill, for instance," the old man said, picking up a feather quill with intricate silver inlays, "is enchanted to ensure perfect handwriting and clarity of thought." He then showed them a small, unassuming vial. "This ink, a concoction of ancient herbs and starlight, can imbue your words with a subtle magic, enhancing their impact."

"What kind of documents are you looking to create?" the shopkeeper inquired, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. Robert pondered for a moment, then replied, "Spell scrolls, for now." "Ah, spell scrolls," the old man mused. "A lofty goal indeed. But you've come to the right place." He paused, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Such magic requires rare and potent ingredients. Let's see what we have..."

The old man turned and began rummaging through a drawer filled with strange, glowing objects. "This parchment," he said, holding up a sheet of paper, "is treated with a special enchantment to prevent your scrolls from disintegrating. And this quill, made from a Phoenix feather, is the finest tool for inscribing spells." Robert listened intently, his interest piqued. "What about the ink?" he asked. "Ah, the ink," the old man replied, a mischievous glint in his eye. "The soul of the scroll. This special blend, a secret recipe passed down through generations, is infused with the essence of ancient magic."

"How much would all that cost?" Robert asked, curious about the price. The old man paused, considering his answer. "A hefty price, I'm afraid. But the power of your scrolls will be worth it." "So, what's a 'hefty price'?" Robert pressed. "Well," the old man began, "the parchment is one gold per scroll, the ink is fifteen gold per bottle, and the quill is ten gold. For thirty scrolls, three bottles of ink, and two quills, that would be ninety-five gold. But as a first-time customer, I'll give you a small discount so we will say ninety gold." Robert smiled, satisfied with the price. After paying and storing his purchases, he thanked the old man and left the shop, eager to begin his magical endeavors.