The morning sun filtered through the narrow alleys of Clanda City, casting long shadows that danced across the cobblestone streets. Aryan and Kale moved with purpose, their footsteps echoing softly as they navigated the labyrinthine pathways. The city was alive with murmurs—whispers of the elusive Blade organization that had become the focus of their quest.
Their journey led them to the heart of the city's underbelly: the infamous black market. Hidden beneath the veneer of everyday commerce, this clandestine network thrived, dealing in goods and information the World Government preferred to ignore.
As they descended into the dimly lit corridors of the market, the air grew thick with the scent of oil and metal. Stalls lined the walls, each displaying an array of illicit wares—from forged documents to exotic contraband. But it was the weapon shop at the end of the corridor that caught their attention.
The shop's entrance was adorned with a faded sign, its letters barely legible. Inside, the atmosphere was oppressive, the walls lined with an arsenal of weapons that glinted menacingly under the flickering lights.
Aryan stepped forward, his voice steady. "We're looking for information about Blade."
The room fell silent. Conversations ceased, and all eyes turned toward them. The shopkeeper, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, narrowed his eyes.
"Why would you want to know about them?" he asked, his tone laced with suspicion.
Kale met his gaze. "We have our reasons. Just tell us what you know."
The shopkeeper's expression darkened. "You'd do well to forget that name. Speaking it here is dangerous. Now, get out before I make you."
Aryan opened his mouth to respond, but Kale placed a hand on his shoulder. "Let's go," he said quietly.
They exited the shop, the weight of the stares following them. As they stepped back into the alley, a figure emerged from the shadows—a man cloaked in a tattered robe, his face obscured by a hood.
"If you truly seek knowledge about Blade," he said, his voice a raspy whisper, "follow me."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and disappeared into the maze of alleys. Aryan and Kale exchanged a glance before trailing after him.
The path he led them down grew darker, the walls narrowing until they reached a secluded courtyard. The man stopped, turning to face them.
"Why do you seek Blade?" he asked.
Kale stepped forward. "We have business with them. Tell us what you know."
The man hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Very well. I know of Blade."
The chapter ends, leaving Aryan and Kale on the cusp of uncovering the secrets of the Blade organization.