Cloaked in the semi-transparency shroud of the Chaleon Veil, Erik moved like a ghost through the neon-lit streets of the city.
June padded silently at his heels in his dog form, his leash-less state unnoticed by the people they passed.
The surrounding city was a marvel of modern technology, a testant to the progress of humankind. Sleek skyscrapers, like giant shards of glass, pierced the night sky, their reflective surfaces mirroring the city's vibrant neon lights.
The glow from the buildings bathed the streets below in an ethereal light, casting long shadows on the cobblestone pathways.
Yet, despite its modernity, the city nestled amidst a mountainous landscape showed signs one was unable to see elsewhere. The towering peaks lood over the cityscape, their jagged silhouettes stark against the starlit sky.
The mountains were a constant reminder of the city's roots and of the dangerous monsters that dwelled outside of the cities. Life there was not easy, as testified by the huge amount of animals roaming the streets.
People bought these animals either to eat or to help with farming. It was weird knowing people still used animals for farming purposes, but Erik guess that was the best they could afford to.
Despite the city's futuristic facade, the people of the city deeply rooted their customs in their mountain heritage.
This was clear in the many food stalls that lined the streets, their aromas wafting through the air. Erik saw people selling ats or animals he never thought of eating.
He was used to pork, chicken and cows, but here you could see ducks, horses and many other kinds of ats. It wasn't weird for them, but it was for Erik, despite him having eaten Thaids' at for months back in the White Desert.
The food stalls were more than just places to grab a quick bite; they were social hubs where people gathered after a long day.
Laughter and chatter filled the air as people huddled around the stalls, their breaths fogging up in the chilly mountain air.
Despite the late hour, the stalls were bustling with activity, their custors ranging from weary workers to marry revelers.
But people weren't the only things around. The city was abuzz with activity, despite the hour. Hover cars humd past them, their anti-gravity engines making weird sounds that sotis scared people.
Drones flitted overhead, their chanical whirring blending into the city's cacophony. Yet, amidst this symphony of sounds, June followed Erik's scent easily.
Not everything was good, though, at least from Erik's point of view. rcenaries littered the city, scanning the crowds to search for him. Both he and June had to pay attention not to raise suspicions, but that wasn't easy, even with the aid of the Chaleon Veil.
Erik, shrouded in the semi-transparency provided by the Chaleon Veil, observed an unfolding scene from a safe distance. A group of rcenaries cornered a man, his face obscured by a mask.
The man was tall and broad-shouldered, his posture radiating defiance despite the situation. His attire was rugged and worn, the patches and insignia on his jacket a clear sign of his rcenary background.
But he was a lone wolf and wasn't actively finding Erik. He was just a soone who ca out to eat sothing.
The man's protests reverberated through the streets, his voice laced with anger and defiance.
"This is a violation of my privacy!" he said, his fists clenched at his sides.
His words echoed off the cold, hard walls of the surrounding buildings, a desperate plea for justice in a city that seed to have forgotten the aning of the word.
The rcenaries, though, had other ideas. "Orders from the guild," he said, his voice devoid of sympathy.
"We must check and identify anyone wearing a mask. I'm sure the guild sent you all a ssage about this, no?"
"Yes, but…"
"If you received it, then there is just fewer reasons for you to protest. Unless you have sothing to hide…"
The other rcenaries closed in on the man, their hands on their weapons, ready-to-use force if necessary. But the masked man stood his ground.
Erik and June pressed forward, their footsteps echoing on the city streets. The distant cries of the masked man diminished, becoming re echoes as they got closer to the rcenary guild.
These fading shouts were soon enveloped by the symphony of the city's nocturnal life—the distant hum of traffic, the occasional barking of a dog, and the subtle rustle of wind through the leaves.
After so ti walking, the administrative offices of the rcenary Guild lood ahead, a towering edifice of steel and glass.
The building had a heavy fortification, with rcenaries stationed at every entrance and patrolling its periter. The sight was daunting, but it wasn't the first ti Erik did sothing like that.
June and Erik paused in a nearby alleyway, taking in the sight of the fortress-like building.
The young man's gaze landed on a side entrance to the administrative offices, guarded by fewer rcenaries than the main entrance. Erik turned to June, his eyes eting the dog's intelligent gaze.
he said through his instability brain crystal power.
With a last glance at June, Erik moved toward the building. His form shimred under the effect of the Chaleon Veil as he moved stealthily towards the side entrance.
However, Erik faced a predicant with the guards stationed at the entrance. While he could easily neutralize them, his concern lay in the potential aftermath.
Engaging the guards risked causing a commotion that could draw unwanted attention. The noise and disturbance might prompt the guild to tighten security around the area and broadcast his whereabouts to enemies.
Such a developnt could escalate into a large-scale confrontation, sothing Erik was keen to avoid. He needed to be careful.
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