The Fortress Chamber – One Week Later
In the heart of the capital's fortified military district, the stone walls of the command chamber stood silent as a cloaked figure entered. The room was dimly lit, the air cool with the scent of parchment and steel.
At the far end, seated in a high-backed chair of dark ironwood, Captain Gael leaned forward. His gloved fingers tapped a slow rhythm on the armrest.
"You're back," he said without looking up. "I hope you bring more than footprints this time."
The spy dropped to one knee. Dust lined the hem of his cloak, and his hood was speckled with forest debris.
"Yes, Captain Gael. A full seven-day report. I've gathered all I could through local inquiry and close observation. The targets—Zaydan and Rehan—are… unusual."
Gael raised an eyebrow. "Unusual how?"
Spy Report: Observation Log – Day 1 to 7
Spy: "They arrived at the Adventurer's Guild and completed standard registration. Nothing strange at first glance—until Zaydan touched the Job Stone."
Gael: (Eyes narrowing) "Yes?"
Spy: "Too many lights. The stone flared in a way that startled even the Guildmaster. I couldn't hear the titles it displayed, but the receptionist whispered something about it being a rare phenomenon."
Gael: "A sign of either divine favor… or someone hiding true power. And the other?"
Spy: "Rehan selected a Knight class and made a joke about being 'the tank.' He's brash, but disciplined in combat. Zaydan, on the other hand, seemed cautious—like he didn't want to stand out."
Gael: "Cunning. The quiet ones always worry me more. Continue."
Spy: "Their first mission was standard—slime extermination. I shadowed them from a hill above the southern woods. Rehan charged in with brute strength. But Zaydan…"
Gael: "Go on."
Spy: "He just stood there at first. Then he flicked his wrist, and the slimes were sliced cleanly in half by wind. No chant, no visible spell circle. Precision casting like that suggests high-tier training."
Gael: "So one hides behind humor, and the other behind humility."
Day 3 – Dwarven Incident
Spy: "They returned to the forge district. Rehan got into an argument with a dwarf, mistaking him for a child. The shouting drew a crowd."
Gael: (Amused) "Let me guess—the dwarf was not amused."
Spy: "Not in the slightest. He insulted Rehan's weapon, called it 'polished garbage.' But Zaydan diffused the tension and impressed the dwarf enough to get invited to his personal forge—'Ironroot Forge.' I overheard the name from passersby."
Gael: (Leaning back) "Dwarves don't offer invitations lightly. A sign of respect, perhaps."
Day 4 – Merchant Guild Observation
Spy: "They visited the Merchant Guild with a crate of unfamiliar goods. I entered shortly after, posing as a minor trader. The items were food—wrapped, colorful, none I've ever seen before."
Gael: "And the Guild's reaction?"
Spy: "Overwhelming. The appraiser cried after tasting one. The Guildmaster praised the 'butter of the heavens' and 'crystals of joy.' Prices were set in three tiers: 30 copper for singles, 1 silver for small boxes, up to 5 silver for luxury assortments."
Gael: "So they plan to sell in bulk. To whom?"
Spy: "Everyone, it seems. Zaydan insisted on keeping prices low so commoners could afford them. The Guildmaster was surprised—most would aim for nobles."
Gael: (Grimly impressed) "A dangerous kind of idealism."
Day 6 – Unusual Behavior
Spy: "They vanished after closing shop each night. No one knows where they go. I attempted tailing them, but lost the trail. There's no sign of an inn stay, and no reports of them renting a home. Locals suspect they sleep inside the shop, but I found no entry point."
Gael: (Frowning) "Curious. And the shop itself?"
Spy: "Transformed overnight. Cleaned top to bottom with no staff. I suspect a cleansing spell—walls gleamed, air smelled of pine. One customer claimed it was 'as if the gods bathed the walls.'"
Gael: "So they've secured a base of operations, gained favor with both a dwarf and the Merchant Guild, and launched a product line... all in one week."
Spy: "They've also spoken—casually—about future goods. I overheard rumors from neighbors. They mentioned chilled drinks in metal cans, sweets that need freezing, and puffed corn that 'pops like firecrackers.'"
Gael: "And what of their origins? Anything from the locals?"
Spy: "No one knows. Most think they're from a distant kingdom. One man said he heard Rehan mention a place called 'India,' but no one's heard of such a realm."
Captain Gael's Conclusion
Gael stood, clasping his hands behind his back.
Gael: "They are planting roots. The moment they draw noble attention, we'll lose control of their influence."
He turned toward the open balcony, gazing over the capital rooftops.
Gael: "We must remain watchers, not actors… for now. Keep speaking to locals. Pretend to be a merchant yourself. Learn which nobles are showing interest."
Spy: "Actually, sir… one noble has already taken notice."
Gael: (Turns sharply) "Who?"
Spy: "Lord Alvane. He overheard a Guild merchant raving about 'Earth chocolates.' He's dispatched his butler to find the source and prepare an exclusive contract."
Gael: (Darkly amused) "Then the game has truly begun."
Spy: "Orders, Captain?"
Gael: "Let the noble play his part. Stay in the shadows. If their influence spreads to the court… we act."
Back at the Shop
The evening glow warmed the clean shelves. Zaydan was unpacking a box of imported snacks when he paused.
Hic.
Rehan, half-lounging on a beanbag with the shop ledger, glanced up.
"Hic."
They looked at each other.
Zaydan smirked. "Someone's talking about us."
Rehan laughed. "Yeah. Let's hope they're saying we're handsome."
Zaydan grinned. "That, or we're about to become famous."
The doorbell jingled as another customer entered—one of many. The Earth Snack Shop was now on the map. And from the capital to the noble courts, eyes were watching.