Chapter 10 Into the Shadows （1）
As I stepped out of the blacksmith shop, the weight of my two new swords comfortably stored in my item box, I decided to explore more of Altheria.
The city was larger than I expected-bustling with life and energy in every direction.
Buildings of stone and timber lined the cobbled streets, colorful banners fluttered in the summer breeze, and the sounds of conversation, commerce, and clashing steel filled the air.
But something felt... off.
He's still following me, I thought.
Though I didn't look back, I could sense him-the same man who had been trailing me since I left the Adventurers guild. His presence didn't feel threatening yet, but I stayed alert, keeping my senses sharp just in case he tried anything stupid.
I decided not to confront him immediately. Better to let him show his hand.
After a while, I reached the town center-a wide, open plaza paved with smooth stone and framed by decorative arches.
In the middle stood a massive fountain carved from white marble, with water cascading from the mouth of a stone lion.
Children laughed as they ran past it, and travelers gathered to rest at its base.
To my right, the town's market stretched out in a maze of color and noise.
Fresh fruits, meats, accessories, tools, trinkets-I could see hundreds of stalls lined up in every direction.
Some of the items I couldn't even name. Others seemed magical, or at least enchanted with minor effects. I'd have to browse later.
Then it hit me-I hadn't eaten anything since morning.
With my stomach grumbling, I made my way toward the market. The smells grew stronger with every step: roasted vegetables, sweet pastries, sizzling meats. I pushed past a crowd and caught a scent that hooked me immediately-rich, smoky, mouth-watering.
I followed the aroma like a bloodhound until I reached a food stand run by a burly, middle-aged man with grease-stained gloves and a friendly face. He looked up as I approached.
"Well now," he said, grinning, "you look like a hungry young mage. Fancy a bite?"
"Yeah," I said. "I'll take three of those skewered meats."
"Good choice," he nodded. "One copper each."
I handed over the coins, took the skewers, and stepped aside. The meat was still steaming hot. I took a bite and immediately smiled. Perfectly grilled-crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and seasoned with something spicy and savory that left a tingle on my tongue.
Better than I expected, I thought, and I didn't even have to pull out my own spices.
As I walked and ate, I continued wandering through the market, eventually finding myself near a towering structure of gray stone-tall and slender, capped with a copper dome that glinted in the sun. The town's bell tower.
Its entrance stood wide open, unguarded and inviting. I glanced around. No one seemed to be watching. The follower was still behind me, keeping his distance.
Let's see how far you're willing to go, I thought.
With that, I stepped inside.
A spiral staircase greeted me-old but sturdy, carved into the interior wall of the tower. I felt a jolt of excitement as I started climbing. Each step echoed off the stone, the air growing cooler as I ascended. Finally, after several minutes of steady movement, I reached the top.
The view was worth every step.
From the bell tower's upper balcony, I could see the entirety of Altheria laid out before me.
Red-roofed buildings stretched in every direction.
Smoke curled from chimneys. The distant silhouette of the Adventurers Guild rose like a monument.
Beyond that, forests, plains, and mountain ranges painted the horizon.
I sat on the edge, finished my food, and pulled a chilled bottle of water from my online shop skill. The breeze tugged gently at my cloak. For a moment, I let myself relax.
Then my skill pinged-a warning.
[Hostile presence approaching - Target identified: Unnamed man - Threat level: Low to Moderate]
So, you decided to follow me up here too, huh?
I stood slowly, brushing off my cloak put the water in my item box and turning my attention toward the stairwell. Just as expected, the man who had been tailing me emerged at the top. His eyes locked onto me-and without a word, he drew his sword.
I didn't hesitate.
In one smooth motion, I drew my old sword and blocked the incoming strike. Steel clashed with a sharp ring, echoing across the tower's stone walls.
The man took a step back, clearly surprised I was ready.
"I knew you were following me," I said, finally facing him fully. "But attacking me in broad daylight? That's a new level of stupid."
He growled and launched forward again, swinging wildly. I blocked every strike with ease. My skill highlighted his movements before they even began. He was predictable-sloppy. Nothing like the dungeon creatures I'd faced.
After a particularly clumsy swing, I parried and shoved him backward. He stumbled, nearly losing his balance near the ledge.
"Why are you even doing this?" I asked calmly.
His face twisted with rage. "You think you're better than me!? Just 'cause you beat me once doesn't mean I'll let it go!"
That's when I recognized him. The same man I had humiliated yesterday. Guess he didn't take it well.
"You're still sore about that?" I said, sighing. "You brought this on yourself."
With another roar, he charged again. Our blades collided-and this time, both shattered on impact, the metal exploding into shards.
We both stepped back, stunned.
The man looked down at the hilt in his hand, then threw it aside with a snarl. "You brat! If I can't kill you with a sword-I'll do it with my bare hands!"
I raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that? Do you even remember what happened yesterday?"
His face turned red with fury. He lunged again, fists flying. I dodged each strike with ease, weaving around him as he grew more desperate. He didn't land a single blow.
Annoyed, I finally countered-three swift punches to the gut, chest, and jaw. The last one sent him flying into the stone wall with a dull thud. He crumpled to the ground, coughing and groaning in pain.
"You... you won't get away with this," he spat. "Our boss... he's way more dangerous than any of us. If I tell him what you did, you'll be dead by tomorrow!"
I stepped toward him, grabbed his collar, and lifted him off the ground until our eyes met.
"Then tell him," I said coldly. "Or better yet-why don't you tell me where to find him? I'll pay him a visit myself."
He blinked, surprised by my response. Then, slowly, he began to grin.
"You've got guts, I'll give you that. Fine. You want him? He's in the abandoned district-not far from here."
He started laughing. I threw him to the ground.
He stumbled to his feet, still laughing. "I'll make sure the boss knows you're coming. You're making a big mistake, challenging him on his own turf!"
Without another word, he turned and ran, disappearing down the stairwell.
I stood there in silence, watching the direction he fled.
After the man vanished down the stairwell, I lingered at the top of the bell tower for a moment longer. The sun was beginning to dip toward the horizon, casting long shadows over the rooftops of Altheria. The wind had grown cooler, and the city was starting to settle into its evening rhythm.
I made my way down the tower and walked back through the town, blending into the crowd. The streets had quieted slightly, the noise replaced by the distant ringing of bells and the chatter of merchants closing their stalls. My mind stayed sharp, replaying the encounter and the man's final words.
The abandoned district... That's where their boss is.
Still, it would be reckless to go in unprepared. First, I needed to regroup.
By the time I arrived back at the inn, the sky had turned a warm shade of orange. The front doors creaked open as I stepped inside, and the scent of stew and fresh bread greeted me.
Behind the counter stood the same girl from before-the innkeeper's daughter. Her face lit up when she saw me.
"Welcome back!" she said cheerfully, waving. "You're back later than usual. Everything alright?"
I gave a small smile and nodded. "Yeah. Just exploring the town."
She nodded back, satisfied with the answer. "Dinner's almost ready if you're hungry."
"Thanks," I said. "I'll grab some later."
With that, I made my way up the stairs and into my room.
Once inside, I shut the door behind me and let out a quiet breath. It was peaceful here. No fights, no tailing enemies-just silence and soft evening light slipping in through the window.
I sat down on the bed and opened my hand, summoning my item box. Normally, a small dimensional portal would appear, allowing me to reach in and pull out anything I stored. But this time, I focused my mind and tried something different.
Instead of opening a portal, I simply imagined the item I wanted-a health potion.
Flash.
In an instant, it appeared in my hand without any visual effect or delay. No portal. No lag.
My eyes widened slightly.
Instant item retrieval? Without summoning the box?
I tested it again-this time with one of the water bottle I'd saved from earlier. Once again, it appeared in my hand instantly.
I muttered under my breath, "This changes everything."
If I could summon items directly without opening a portal, I could swap weapons, use potions, I can change any weapon I want mid-combat with no warning-no wasted time.
This wasn't just an improvement. It was a game-changer.
A slow grin crept across my face as I stared at the item in my hand.
I should test this more. Maybe... later tonight.
I stood up and walked over to the window, watching the sun dip behind the rooftops of Altheria. The light faded into shades of violet and blue.
The abandoned district. That man's boss. I'll pay them a visit-tonight.