Evercrag, the Next Day
The morning in Evercrag was shrouded in thick fog. The mountain air was cold and piercing, but the town remained bustling. The stone streets were clean, the vendors had already set up shop, and the bells from the town's central tower rang softly, signaling the beginning of a new day.
Damian walked ahead, carrying a folder containing official documents bearing the Kade family crest. His steps were calm, while Liam, Tessa, and Rin followed behind, taking in the sights.
Tessa yawned softly as she said, "So, are we going on another interview tour?"
"Yes," Damian replied without looking up. "We need detailed information about the monster attack in Evercrag. Just think of it as an academy report."
Liam raised an eyebrow. "It's actually a secret mission, isn't it?"
Damian immediately shot him a sideways glance with a blank expression. "That's why I said 'just pretend.'"
Rin covered her mouth to suppress a laugh, while Tessa simply snorted lazily. "You're really good at covering things up."
Damian smiled faintly. "That's a skill anyone working under Professor Limbert should have."
Liam chuckled. "Then it seems we've all advanced to the level of professional liars."
Damian glanced over with amusement. "As long as the lie is for a good cause, the Professor will understand."
The morning mist thinned as they walked across the stone bridge toward the central district. Beneath the peaceful routine of Evercrag, their new mission slowly began.
The First Noble House
A mansion with blue marble walls stood majestically on the edge of Evercrag's upper district. Two fully armored knights stood guard at the main gate. Damian approached and showed the official Frostvale seal of permission. After respectfully inspecting it, the guards immediately opened the large doors.
Inside, the scent of wood filled the room, filled with expensive paintings and furnishings. A nobleman in long robes greeted them with a polite smile.
"Ah, Damian Kade. It is a great honor to receive the son of Frostvale's hero."
Damian bowed slightly in respect. "Thank you, sir. We have come to inquire about the security of Evercrag."
The nobleman took a deep breath before answering. "Monster attacks have indeed become more frequent. Two weeks ago, a group of wyverns tried to breach the southern gate. But of course, our defenses are too strong. No one can penetrate this fortress."
Liam glanced at Damian, then asked casually, "So Evercrag has never fallen?"
The nobleman puffed out his chest proudly. "Never. Even Frostvale surrendered once."
There was a moment of silence. Damian simply smiled politely. "Of course, I won't forget that history."
Liam lowered his head slightly, trying to hide a small smile. Tessa looked away, while Rin stared at Damian in admiration—how easily he could maintain his composure even in such an awkward situation.
The Second Noble House
The house they arrived at this time wasn't as large as the first, but it felt warmer. The scent of tea and wood filled the room. A noblewoman greeted them with a friendly smile and invited them to sit in a simple living room lit by soft light from a large window.
"Those monsters… are strange," she said quietly, pouring tea into their cups. "They usually come from the west side. But lately, they've been appearing without any clear direction. It's as if…" She paused, looking at Damian thoughtfully. "…someone is directing them."
Rin looked at Damian with furrowed brows. "Directing them?"
The woman nodded. "Yes. As if being controlled by something… or someone."
Damian jotted down notes quickly in his small notebook, his expression turning serious. "Thank you for your time, my lady. This information is very helpful."
The woman smiled gently. "I hope your journey goes well. And be careful, young man. In Evercrag, not everything that seems peaceful is truly safe."
After saying their goodbyes, they stepped out into the chilly air of Evercrag. The cobblestone streets were silent, the sound of their boots the only sound audible.
Liam whistled softly. "Monsters being controlled, huh? That doesn't sound like a normal attack."
Damian nodded slowly, his eyes fixed straight ahead. "I thought so too. Something's wrong here."
Tessa crossed her arms. "If they're being controlled, then we're not just dealing with monsters… but someone behind them."
Damian closed his book and tucked it into his coat. "Yes. And I have a feeling that person isn't far from here."
They continued walking under the Evercrag sky, which was beginning to be covered in dark clouds, a sign of an approaching blizzard.
Evening – Evercrag Main Market
That afternoon, Evercrag's main market was bustling with activity. Vendors shouted out their wares—from silk fabrics and jewelry to brightly colored magic stones. The air was filled with the scent of hot metal, grilled food, and the chilly mountain breeze.
Rin and Tessa were busy asking locals about the recent monster attacks. Meanwhile, Damian stopped near a large information board in the center of the market.
Dozens of notices were posted on it: job offers, mission announcements, and security news. However, one large poster caught his eye.
Granholm Weapons Shop – Evercrag's Largest Weapons Maker
Specializing in metalwork and war artifacts. Ordered directly by the kingdom!
Beneath the sign was a picture of a long-bearded dwarf wielding a large hammer.
Several people around the board joined in the conversation.
"They say the weapons there are of exceptional quality."
"Yes, Granholm is one of the main suppliers of weapons for the royal army."
"I hear even noble families order their equipment there."
Damian stared at the poster for a long moment, as if trying to remember something. But before his thoughts could develop, Liam's voice broke his reverie.
"Master Damian! Look!" Liam exclaimed, running over. He pointed at the poster with exaggerated enthusiasm. "That's the shop I was talking about last night! Let's go there, I need a new weapon!"
Damian frowned. "We're investigating, not shopping."
"Shopping is part of the investigation!" Liam pleaded, his face full of anticipation. "Besides, it's a dwarven shop! Dwarves always make beautiful things. I just want to see—well, maybe buy one… or two."
Tessa folded her arms and looked at Damian with a bored expression. "If he keeps whining like this, we might as well just give in. I'm curious about the quality, too."
Damian looked at the three of them, then sighed. "Okay. But remember, we're not here to shop."
Liam immediately cheered. "Yes! I know you have a heart, too, Master Damian!"
Damian gave him a flat look. "I do. But my patience, that's what's wearing thin."
They left the market, walking up the stone path that led to the industrial district of Evercrag—where the sparks of blacksmithing and the sound of metal clanking filled the air.
Before following another step, Damian took one last look at the poster he was still holding.
Granholm Weapons Shop.