Kael spent his remaining weeks in relative ease, indulging in quiet moments of reading and relaxation. Time moved quickly, slipping through his fingers like sand, and before he knew it, only a few days remained before his departure. The looming mission was never far from his thoughts, but for now, he allowed himself this brief respite.
With a quiet sigh, he stretched and stood, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the stillness.
"I should probably head into the city and buy a few things before I leave," he muttered to himself.
His gaze drifted toward the neatly arranged equipment.
His cane rested at the center, its black wood polished to a faint sheen. Beside it lay a pair of worn gloves, folded neatly. A small lantern sat next to his boots, both showing signs of long use. A few other essentials were laid out around them. Nothing flashy, but each item was chosen with care.
For a Luminaire, especially one like Kael whose memory had been exceptional even before his awakening, this kind of preparation was unnecessary. He could recall every item with perfect clarity.
But still, he did it.
It had become sort of a routine for him.
He let his eyes linger on the neatly arranged items for a moment longer, quickly making a mental note of everything he would need in the months ahead.
After a moment, he grabbed his coat and cane before stepping out of his cabin, setting off toward the city. The walk took nearly forty minutes, but Kael didn't mind. In fact, as a Luminaire, he could easily cover the distance in less than ten minutes without even breaking a sweat. But he chose not to. He preferred the slow pace, the quiet rustling of leaves, the crisp morning air.
His boots tapped steadily along the cobbled path, each step echoing faintly in the stillness of morning. Sunlight filtered through the canopy overhead, casting shifting shadows across the road.
Kael glanced down at a small purple flower pushing through a crack in the cobblestone, reaching for the light with desperation. He stopped, bent down, and gently plucked it from the ground.
He turned it between his fingers, studying the delicate petals.
'A crocus…'
The thing was fragile, persistent, clinging to life in a place it didn't belong. Kael's gaze lingered on it for a moment longer before he tossed it aside.
It caught the breeze and spun slowly to the ground, dancing through the air like a fading thought.
'Seems like it's officially spring now.'
Without another glance, Kael rose and continued on his way.
Soon enough, houses began to appear more frequently along the roadside and the dense tranquility of nature gradually gave way to the distant bustle of civilization, the distant murmur of voices, the occasional creak of a cart wheel, and the scent of fresh bread drifting from unseen bakeries.
The road he walked was paved with worn cobblestones, small plants sprouting between the cracks, subtle signs that summer was approaching at a steady pace. The warmth in the air was gentle, carrying with it the earthy scent of sun-kissed soil and the distant fragrance of blooming flowers.
'Farkath has definitely had prosperous years these last few years.'
Kael glanced around the city, noting the signs of growth. the freshly paved roads, new stonework on once-cracked buildings, and the bustle of well-stocked market stalls. Even the people moved with a kind of lightness, dressed in colors a little brighter than he remembered.
As Kael continued down the cobbled path, the city slowly unfolded before him. The scattered houses grew into tightly packed buildings, streets winding between them like veins of a living entity. The sounds of nature faded, replaced by the steady rhythm of city life. Merchants calling out their wares, blacksmiths hammering away at metal, and the occasional burst of laughter from children running through the crowd.
Navigating through the familiar streets with ease, Kael made his way toward his destination. A small but well-regarded shop known for its handcrafted coats. It wasn't the most extravagant place in the city, but its craftsmanship was second to none. If he was going to brave the wilds, he would do so properly outfitted.
The motes in this world took the form of countless things, some even manifesting as clothing infused with power. However, Kael had never managed to get his hands on anything of the sort. For now, all he could do was rely on the work of skilled craftsmen.
As he opened the door and stepped inside, a small bell chimed above his head, signaling his arrival to the shopkeeper. The air was rich with the scent of freshly worked leather and layered textiles.
Kael looked around. The shop was small, no bigger than his cabin, but every part of the wall had been put to use. Crafted coats hung from sturdy wooden racks. Despite its modest size, the sheer variety of designs and materials spoke volumes about the craftsmanship behind each piece.
"Glad to see this place is still running."
Kael offered the shopkeeper a courteous nod, acknowledging his presence before shifting his attention to the array of clothes displayed throughout the shop.
The coats on display ranged from those meant for formal occasions to ones suited for everyday wear. Kael stood with his arms crossed, studying each one, a clear image already forming in his mind of what he was after.
'This should do.'
Kael's gaze settled on one of the coats as he reached out and picked it up.
A black trench coat crafted from sturdy, weather-resistant material, built to withstand wind and harsh conditions. It was both practical and well-made. He took it from the rack and made his way to the counter.
The price was steep, but he had no intention of cutting corners on something this essential. After all, the sole reason he earned money was to spend it. And out in the wilderness, a good coat could mean the difference between comfort and misery.
Handing the payment to the shopkeeper, Kael draped the newly purchased coat over his arm and stepped out of the shop.
The sun had climbed higher, casting stretched shadows across the cobbled streets. He adjusted his grip on the coat, his thoughts already turning to his next stop. There were still a few more things he needed before he could consider himself fully prepared.
—
His errands weren't finished just yet. A coat alone wouldn't be enough for the journey ahead. Not that he truly needed much else. As a Luminaire, his strength far surpassed that of an ordinary person. A weapon felt more like a formality than a necessity.
And yet, sometimes, it was to one's advantage to let others think otherwise. Let them believe he was just another mercenary, someone who relied on steel and training rather than something far greater. There was power in being underestimated, in appearing weaker than he truly was.
That was why he carried his cane. To most, it was a simple, unremarkable object. But it was crafted from an exceptionally dense black wood, sturdy enough to endure far more than it seemed. It served its purpose well, helping him maintain the image he wanted while keeping the truth hidden.
"Good morning, sir! Would you like to buy a newspaper?"
Kael turned his head toward the voice. A young teenager stood there, waving a folded newspaper with a warm smile.
Kael simply shook his head and gave a small gesture of thanks before continuing on his way.
The streets stretched out ahead, alive with the steady rhythm of midday life. People moved in every direction, voices blending into the familiar noise of the city. A cart rolled by, its wooden wheels clattering over the cobblestones as the vendor in back did his best to keep a stack of crates from toppling.
Kael moved through the shifting crowd with ease, not in any rush. He had a destination in mind, but that didn't stop him from taking in the city around him.
A tanner's shop had its doors wide open, the sharp scent of treated leather spilling into the street. A little further down, a pharmacist had rows of brightly colored vials lined up behind the glass.
The road started to narrow as Kael left the busy market streets behind, heading into a part of the city where the air felt thicker, carrying the smell of oil, metal, and freshly cut wood. This was the practical side of town.
Smithies lined the street, their forges glowing softly inside shadowy workshops. A group of workers passed by, hauling a heavy crate full of mining tools toward a supply post, their voices low and focused as they talked.
Kael made his way down the street, eyes scanning ahead as the path led deeper into familiar territory. His coat was slung over one shoulder, and he held his black wooden cane loosely in one hand. He knew this part of the city well, it's where mercenaries, travelers, and hunters came to gear up.
Eventually, the shop he was looking for came into view. It was modest but well-known, tucked between a blacksmith's forge and a supply shop. A wooden sign hung above the door, carved with a simple blade and compass.
Kael stepped forward, pushing the door open and stepped inside.
He took a look around the shop. He'd been here plenty of times. Whenever he held back from using his Luminaire abilities on a job, he relied on a regular blade, and each time, he came back here to pick up a new one.
It wasn't just to keep his weapon skills sharp. Swapping blades made it harder to trace any of his work back to him. After enough visits, he'd gotten to know both the shop and its owner pretty well.
The shopkeeper looked like he was in his late forties, with sharp black hair and a build that came from years at the forge. Some customers might have mistaken him for someone younger, maybe even underestimated him, but Kael knew better.
He wasn't a smith himself and didn't pretend to know all the finer details of the craft. But he knew the difference between how a good blade and a bad one handled in a fight.
As soon as the owner spotted Kael, he greeted him warmly.
"Here to buy a new blade again, Kael?"
Kael offered a friendly smile as he made his way toward the counter, tucking his cane under his arm.
"Ah, you know how it is. Blades come and go, and today, I need a new one."
The shopkeeper let out a hearty laugh, already confident he'd make at least one sale before the day was over. Kael had never come out and said what he did for a living, but the man wasn't clueless. He knew the kind of work Kael was involved in.
Still, he never asked.
They exchanged a few pleasantries before Kael described the type of weapon he was looking for this time. The blacksmith listened intently, rubbing his chin as his gaze drifted, lost in thought.
After a brief pause, he gave a small nod. "Wait here a moment," he said, before turning and disappearing into the back of the shop.
Kael gave a small nod and turned, leaning back against the counter. With his weight resting comfortably and his arms loosely crossed, he glanced toward the entrance, watching the occasional passerby through the open doorway.
'I wonder what he'll bring out today.'
Kael hadn't given much of an explanation, and that was intentional. He preferred it that way. Getting comfortable with all kinds of weapons was part of the point.
Soon enough, he heard the sound of steady footsteps approaching from behind. Pushing off the counter, he turned to find the blacksmith holding a small knife, his expression unusually proud. There was a certain gleam in his eye, the kind a craftsman had when presenting a piece of work they were particularly satisfied with.
The blacksmith began explaining his thoughts and process behind creating the blade, detailing the materials, balance, and finer intricacies of its design. Kael listened intently, his gaze fixed on the weapon, nodding occasionally. He seemed interested, not just out of politeness, but because he genuinely valued well-made tools.
The blacksmith turned the blade in his hands, his fingers running along the metal grip as he spoke.
"This one's built for speed and precision,"
he said, his tone almost absent-minded, as if still lost in the craft of it.
The knife was long and slender, its double-edged blade tapering to a needle-like point. There were no embellishments, only clean, purposeful design.
The edges were sharpened, but not meant for wide, slashing cuts. Its shape and weight were made for precision Ideal for slipping between ribs, through joints, or past gaps in armor with minimal resistance.
The blacksmith held the knife out for Kael to take.
Kael reached for it, gripping the handle firmly as he tested its weight and balance. Just as the blacksmith had said, it was exceptional, well-proportioned, neither too heavy nor too light.
There was a feeling that came with holding a weapon that truly fit. Not something you could easily explain, more instinct than thought. The moment Kael wrapped his fingers around the handle, he knew.
It wasn't exactly what he'd expected to walk out with today, but it was a welcome surprise. More than that, it suited him. The knife's design matched his combat style perfectly. Cold. Efficient. Calculated.
"Now, treat it well, Kael!"
The blacksmith let out a low shout, his voice carrying a mix of emotions. Part pride, part reluctant farewell, as he watched Kael leave with the blade in hand.
As Kael walked out of the shop, he raised a hand in silent thanks to the blacksmith, not bothering to look back.
Along with the knife, he had included a sturdy leather sheath, crafted to secure the blade and allow it to hang from a belt. It was a simple but well-made addition, ensuring the weapon would always be within reach.
Kael glanced toward the sun as it dipped beneath the rooftops.
It was only two items, yet the day had already begun its descent into evening. The once-bustling streets had settled, the usual chatter and movement giving way to a slower, more relaxed pace.
The city was bathed in golden light, the sun casting its final rays across the rooftops. Windows caught the glow, reflecting it in shimmering pools that gave the streets an almost ethereal feel.
He walked without tracking time, his thoughts drifting as freely as his steps.
Kael's gaze lifted to the sky, where the first stars had begun to break through the darkening blue. The golden glow of the setting sun had long since faded behind the treetops, leaving him surrounded by the stillness of nature.
The city was far behind now, its distant lights swallowed by the dense forest. Out here, the only sounds were the whisper of leaves in the evening breeze and the occasional rustle of unseen creatures moving through the undergrowth.
It was peaceful, in its own way, but Kael's mind was somewhere else, turning over the day's events, what he'd picked up, what still needed doing. He walked on without really thinking about where his feet were taking him, until something ahead broke the rhythm of his steps.
A shadow moved. Fast.
Kael's attention snapped forward. His expression didn't change, calm and unreadable, as his eyes locked onto the creature stepping into his path.
It looked like a wolf, but far too big to be anything natural. Its heavy frame was rigid with tension, thick fur rising along its back as it crouched low. Its lips curled, teeth bared, breath steady and slow.
Kael didn't move, his eyes fixed on the beast. It wasn't the creature's presence that gave him pause, it was the fact that it had made it this far at all.
The outskirts of the city were patrolled regularly. Hunters, Luminaires, someone should've noticed. Beasts weren't supposed to get this close.
And yet here it was, pacing within reach of his own cabin.
Kael rested a hand on the knife hanging from his belt, staring at the beast with a cold, indifferent gaze. His posture stayed calm and steady as he stopped holding back his Luminaire presence.
The shift was subtle but undeniable. An unseen pressure pushed outward, rolling over the creature like an unrelenting tide.
The beast hesitated. Its muscles tensed, and its breathing slowed. The snarl on its face wavered. It froze mid-step, instinct kicking in and pushing down whatever aggression had brought it this far.
It might have been stronger than Kael, physically. But in the end, it was still just a beast. And a beast, no matter how fierce, fears what it cannot understand.
A final, uneasy growl rumbled from its throat before it turned and bolted, disappearing into the forest without looking back. Within moments, the sound of its footsteps faded, swallowed by the trees and the dark.
Kael stood still, listening.
No rustling. No movement. No sign of the beast.
He exhaled slowly, letting his hand fall from the knife. His shoulders eased, just a little.
'It's gone.' He pushed his hair back, glancing toward the trees. 'Strange that no Luminaires picked up on it.'
Without another word, he turned and continued down the path, the forest quiet once more behind him.
Finally, the night was his again.