Chapter 9: Wake Up Call

  As the group packed up, preparing for the final stretch of their journey, Grek took the lead, organizing their supplies and giving last-minute instructions. The sun was beginning to rise, casting long shadows across the camp as he addressed the group with his usual energetic tone. But this time, there was a subtle seriousness to his words.

  "Xenor," Grek started, his voice almost reverential, "it’s not like the places you’ve been. It’s a city of opportunity, yes, but you’ve got to be prepared for the politics, the factions. If you don’t watch your back, you’ll find yourself on the wrong side of things real quick. It’s a city where everyone’s got an angle."

  Boruk, who had been absent-mindedly sharpening his axe, chimed in with a knowing grin. "Xenor's a beast, that’s for sure. Been there a few times myself. The place runs on coin, muscle, and a whole lotta deals in the shadows."

  Grek nodded, tapping his nose. "That’s right. Xenor might look like a bustling, proud city from the outside, but underneath? It’s got layers. You’ve got the Merchant Guild, the Church of Illidum, and plenty of other players in the game. If you want to get ahead, you need to know who controls what, and who you can trust."

  Vira folded her arms, eyeing the horizon as she listened. "The Merchant Guild’s got their hands in everything. If you’ve got goods, they’ll get you top prices—but they won’t give you a second look unless you’re carrying something worthwhile." She paused, her voice dropping. "And if you can’t afford the right connections, they’ll squeeze you dry."

  Marcus raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like it’s all about who you know."

  "Exactly," Grek said, his grin sharp. "Take the Church of Illidum, for example. Elven and elitist. They hold a lot of sway in Xenor, especially with the nobles. But they’re not the only game in town. There’s a certain tension in the air between them and the other factions. Many in Xenor prefer to keep their distance from the Church—they’re not exactly beloved by the common folk."

  Boruk snorted. "And don't forget the underground. The black market thrives in places like that. You can get almost anything if you know the right people. Some say the best gear comes from the hands of folks who don’t care about laws or taxes."

  Grek’s eyes gleamed as he continued, "Then you’ve got the mercenary companies. Most of ‘em have bases in the city. Not all of them are as honorable as they claim. Some are just looking for a quick coin, but others? They're more like private armies. You’ve got to be careful who you make deals with—there are mercenaries out there who will work for the highest bidder, no questions asked."

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  Marcus felt a buzz of excitement stir in him. He had heard of Xenor’s fame, but hearing these details firsthand made it feel much more real. There were opportunities everywhere—but also threats.

  "And what about you, Grek?" Marcus asked, genuinely curious. "I take it you’ve made some deals in Xenor."

  Grek’s smirk widened, and he gave a theatrical bow. "Grek’s been around, yes. Made plenty of contacts—some good, some bad. But don’t worry, human, Grek’s always come out ahead." His eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint. "I’ve sold all kinds of things there, from enchanted trinkets to rare herbs. Goblins, you see, we’ve got a knack for trading. We know how to haggle, how to spot a good deal. A goblin without a good bargain is like a fish out of water."

  Vira snorted. "You’ve got that right. But not all goblins are as smooth as Grek. Some are just... pests. We’ve seen them trying to sell fake potions or stolen goods, always undercutting others just to make a quick buck."

  "But not Grek!" Grek said, puffing his chest. "Grek knows his business, and everyone knows that. In fact, there’s a few folk in Xenor who owe me favors." He grinned again. "And I’ve always got a plan for when the chips are down."

  Boruk grunted in agreement. "Xenor’s a place for survival. If you’ve got your wits about you, you can thrive. It’s how I made my way there years ago. Spent a lot of time working as a mercenary for a few different companies—did my share of jobs, from guard work to handling disputes between guilds. Made a lot of connections, too. Can’t get far in Xenor without those."

  Marcus couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder as the group spoke. All these experiences—each one seemed like a step toward some greater purpose, some larger game. He felt like he was finally on the verge of something big, and for the first time since he arrived in this world, he wasn’t just along for the ride—he was starting to understand the game.

  "Sounds like you’ve all had your fair share of adventures," Marcus said, trying to wrap his head around it. "But what’s the real draw of Xenor? Why do you keep going back?"

  Grek looked thoughtful for a moment, and for once, his usual playful demeanor seemed to soften. "Xenor’s a place of opportunity, Marcus. You’ve got to work for it, sure, but there’s no shortage of ways to earn coin, find allies, or make a name for yourself. Some folks go to get rich, others to find something—power, knowledge, whatever they’re chasing. For me? It’s about the deals, the thrill of it. You never know who you’re going to meet, what kind of trouble you’ll get into, or what you might walk away with."

  Vira leaned in slightly, her voice quieter. "Xenor’s also a place where you can disappear if you need to. No one will look too hard if you’re just another face in the crowd. But you have to know where to go to hide, who to trust."

  "And that’s why we keep going back," Boruk added, grinning. "There’s always something new, something to learn. Even after all the years I’ve spent there, I still find surprises."

  Grek’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he added with a touch of caution, "But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, Marcus. There are dangers. The people who thrive in Xenor are sharp, clever. If you’re not careful, you’ll get lost in the shuffle. And trust me, the streets are full of folks who’ll take advantage of someone like you, if you let them."

  Marcus nodded, feeling a surge of excitement. Xenor was everything he’d hoped for—dangerous, filled with opportunities, and the perfect place to test his skills and make his mark.

  "Alright," Marcus said, standing up and adjusting his gear. "Let’s get moving. I’m ready for whatever’s ahead."

  With the group packed and ready, they set out once more, the road stretching ahead of them. Xenor was closer now, and with it, the promise of a future full of uncertainty, danger, and endless possibilities.