On the seventh day of the group travelling, the scenery began to change. The wild forests gave way to more maintained roads and open fields.
And eventually... the group reached a small city. It was called the City of Sionann.
This time, they had no choice but to enter. The city was built in a strategic location that acted as a gateway. It was the only place separating them from the final stretch toward their destination. To go around it would take another week of travel through nearly impassable mountains.
Verc felt a bit anxious about it.
Two weeks had already passed since the Zore incident, and he figured the heat might have died down a bit. Besides, he looked at the seven kids behind him. They needed proper items— sturdy boots, better cloaks, and weapons that weren’t falling apart. It was about time he bought them what they needed.
’I can’t have them looking like beggars.’
Verc thought.
He approached the city gates with a calm expression. And when the guards stopped him, he didn’t flinch.
"Name and business."
The guard said, leaning on his spear.
"My name is Ren. I’m just a traveler passing through on my way to the northern territories."
Verc used a fake name without hesitation. He reached into his pouch and pulled out the plaque given to him by the Adventurer’s Guild. It was a special plaque.
The guard took the plaque, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of it. He looked up at Verc, then at the group behind him.
The seven beastmen-vampires didn’t look like typical refugees anymore. They were standing tall, their expressions neutral.
They were hiding their animals parts, and even though shabby, they were wearing untattered clothes now that they got from the bandits two days ago.
"And these people?"
The guard asked, pointing at them.
"They are my servants."
Verc answered smoothly.
"They handle my gear and take care of my horse. I picked them up during my travels."
Verc was wearing a very nice and expensive-looking outfit. Combined with his sharp looks and the naturally cold, imposing aura, he didn’t look like a normal person.
’Just let us pass, ugh....’
Verc thought.
The guards looked at the expensive fabric of his coat and the way the "servants" stood perfectly still behind him. In their minds, only high-ranking nobles or very successful merchant lords had servants this disciplined. They assumed he was a noble traveling in secret, perhaps on a private mission.
"I see. You all may enter. Everything seems to be in order."
The guard said, handing back the plaque. He straightened his posture and signaled for the other guards to open the gate wider.
"Welcome to Sionann. Please enjoy your stay."
Verc gave a small, polite nod, and led Bong forward.
Tap- Tap- Tap-
The seven followed closely behind him, their footsteps silent on the cobblestone streets. As they passed through the tunnel of the gate and into the city, Verc let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding.
’That was easier than I thought.’
Verc thought, not knowing the reason why he was let through easily.
... ... ...
*****
The city of Sionann was bustling with people. There were stalls selling fruits, blacksmiths hammering away at their anvils, and groups of commoners chatting by the fountains. It was a stark contrast to the quiet, bloody forests they had been living in for the past week.
"Listen up."
Verc said in a low voice, making sure only the seven could hear him.
"Stay close to me. Don’t stare at anyone, and don’t draw attention to your eyes. We’re here to get supplies and leave. Nothing more."
"Understood, Lord Verc."
Tatum whispered back.
The group moved through the streets like a small parade. Verc could feel the eyes of the citizens on them. People were whispering, likely wondering which noble family he belonged to. He ignored the stares and kept searching for stores they can buy items from.
’First, we need some boots.’
Verc thought.
’Then, we find some heavy cloaks to hide their features better. Once we have the basics, we’ll get out of here before the sun goes down.’
He led them toward the commercial district, the sound of Bong’s hooves clicking rhythmically against the stone. He was still worried about being spotted, but for now, he decided to focus on their goal.
"Lord Verc, look there."
Jai whispered, pointing toward a large shop with a sign shaped like a golden boot.
"That looks like a place that would have what we need."
Verc nodded.
"Good eye. Let’s go there."
As they walked, Verc noticed a group of people standing near a guild board. They were looking at a "Wanted" poster. For a split second, his heart skipped a beat, but he kept his face neutral and continued walking. He didn’t even glance toward the board.
’Just keep moving.’
Verc thought.
’We’re almost to the forest. Just a little more.
He walked into the store, the chime of a bell announcing their arrival.
The shopkeeper, a middle-aged man with a monocle, immediately stood up and bowed.
"Welcome, Customer! How can I assist a man of your stature today?"
Verc looked around the well-stocked shelves.
"I need seven sets of high-quality traveling gear. Boots, cloaks, and sturdy tunics. They need to be durable enough for long-distance travel through rough terrain."
Verc said, his voice commanding.
The shopkeeper’s eyes lit up at the prospect of such a large sale.
"Of course! Right away! I have just the thing. Please, have the others step forward so I can take their measurements."
Verc gestured for the kids to follow the man. He stood by the door, watching the street through the window while Onyx sat at his feet.
’Once this is done, we’ll hit the blacksmith. Then we’re gone.’
Verc mumbled in his head.
... ... ...
*****
The process took some time, but eventually, the seven were outfitted in brand-new gear. They chose dark, forest-green cloaks and black leather boots. The new clothes made them look even more imposing. They no longer looked like servants; they looked like a small, elite squad now.
Verc paid the shopkeeper with a handful of gold coins he had from the dungeon. The shopkeeper was so happy he almost tripped over himself trying to open the door for them.
"Thank you, My Lord! Come again!"
Verc didn’t look back. He led the group toward the blacksmith at the end of the street. He could smell the coal and the hot iron from a block away.
’Just one more stop.’
Verc thought.
’Then, we finally head for the base.’
The blacksmith was a burly man with soot-covered arms. He didn’t care much for noble titles, but he did care about gold. Verc bought seven well-crafted daggers and two short swords for the group. He also picked up a few sets of sharpening stones and extra oil.
And just like that...
"Everything is ready."
Verc said, looking at his group.
They were now fully equipped and armored. They stood ready, their eyes reflecting the orange glow of the blacksmith’s forge.
"Let’s go. We’re leaving the city now."
Verc said, mounting Bong.
The nine of them made their way back toward the northern gate. The sun was beginning to set, casting long, orange shadows across the city walls. The guards at the exit didn’t even give them a second look, simply waving the "noble" and his servants through.
As the gates of Sionann closed behind them, Verc felt the weight on his chest finally lift. They were back in the wild.
"How are the new boots?"
Verc asked, looking back at Neit.
"They are very comfortable, Lord Verc. Thank you."
Neit said, a small, rare smile appearing on his face.
Verc turned his eyes toward the horizon. In the distance, the sky was dark and moody. The silhouette of a massive, tangled forest was just barely visible against the twilight.
The [Cursed Forest].
He smiled and urged Bong into a faster trot. The seven vampires kept pace easily, their new cloaks fluttering in the wind. They were no longer running from anything. They were running toward a future they were going to build with their own hands.
"Tomorrow, we enter the forest."
Verc said.
"Get ready. The real work starts then."
"WE ARE READY, LORD VERC!!!"
The seven answered in unison, their voices filled with a new kind of strength.