The massive iron gates of Ravenfell groaned open, and the city sprawled before us like a living, breathing beast. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, merchants hawked their wares with fierce urgency, and adventurers strutted past us, clad in polished armor or threadbare cloaks, boasting loudly of kills I was almost sure they'd never made. I couldn't help but smirk in the reflection of Kaito's eyes staring back at me.
We made our way through the crowded streets, the dirt and noise overwhelming compared to the dungeon's damp silence. Maren broke the silence, her heavy boots thudding on cobblestones.
"Alright, Kaito. What's the plan? We can't wander in here with busted gear and empty pockets."
I cleared my throat, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "I need to sell some mana cores I've got to buy better equipment. The stuff we have won't cut it in Ravenfell."
Maren's eyes narrowed, suspicion flickering in them. "Mana cores? Are you sure you want to do that?"
"Yeah, I know. But it's not like we have much choice. We need armor, better weapons… Maybe some potions." I shrugged casually, hoping my tone convinced her.
Lio, shuffling behind us with his ever-present book strapped to his belt, nodded eagerly. "Mana cores are a vital resource. If you sell them, it's a good investment. Just be careful. Ravenfell's market is competitive."
Rynn gave me a sidelong glance, smirking. "You better not be hiding any secrets, Kaito. This city eats lies for breakfast."
I forced a laugh, heart pounding behind the borrowed face. "No secrets here. Just trying to survive like everyone else."
They didn't suspect a thing. Later that night, after everyone had settled into their rooms at the Rusty Lantern Inn, I slipped out. The city was quieter now, damp cobblestones gleaming under the pale moonlight. I pulled out the small pouch of mana cores I'd been carrying, the orbs glowing softly like captive stars. No one knew what I was about to do. I swallowed one, feeling the familiar surge ripple through my veins like lightning chasing a storm. With each core, my limbs grew lighter, my senses sharpened. The hunger that gnawed at me retreated, replaced by an electric clarity. Back in the shadows of my room, I concentrated, coaxing mana into Kaito's sword. The blade hummed faintly, a blue shimmer tracing the edge, not an aura blade, but enough to feel the difference in my strikes. Not bad for a first try. Morning light filtered through grimy windows as I rejoined the party. The inn's common room buzzed with morning chatter, travelers sharing tales, merchants counting coin and adventurers nursing bruises from last night's fights. I slid into the worn wooden bench beside Maren.
She poked at the scalding stew in her bowl, grimacing. "This place's cooking could kill a man faster than any goblin."
Lio, perched on the edge of the table, launched into a passionate explanation about mana resonance and its effects on sword enchantments.
"if you can manipulate the mana flow precisely, the blade's cutting power multiplies exponentially. It's all about control."
I nodded, trying to keep up. Magic had never been Kaito's strong suit, but I could feel it, faint, a thread I was learning to pull.
Rynn lounged in the corner, arms crossed, eyes glinting with amusement. "You're really buying all this, huh?"
I chuckled nervously. "Trying to. Makes me sound smarter."
Just as the mood was warming, a loud, obnoxious voice cut through the din. A drunk noble, flushed with ale and arrogance, swaggered over to our table.
"Is this your champion?" he sneered at Maren. "The mighty tank? Looks more like a puddle of muscles without a brain."
Maren's scowl deepened. "Careful or I'll make sure you regret those words."
The noble laughed, taking another swig. "And what can you do? Cook a better meal?"
The tension crackled. Before anyone could react, the noble shoved Maren hard enough to make her stumble. Instinct flared. My fist twitched, mana bubbling beneath the skin. I clenched tight, trying to hold it back. Then the noble shoved her again. Something snapped. I threw a punch. Mana surged through my knuckles like a thunderclap. The noble's head snapped back, and he collapsed in a heap, out cold. The inn went deathly silent. All eyes on me.
Maren's glare could have withered a tree.
"Kaito! What the hell was that? Control yourself" she barked.
I raised my hands, trying to look innocent. "Sorry, got carried away."
Lio looked wide-eyed. "That was impressive, but dangerous."
Rynn just smirked, shaking her head. "You're lucky you didn't start a massacre."
I swallowed hard, heart pounding. Too much power too soon. Later, in the solitude of my room, I stared at the face that wasn't mine. Kaito's eyes met mine, steady and real. For the first time, I felt something like belonging. Maybe this borrowed skin wasn't a prison, maybe it was opportunity and a home.