"You're back," Noa said. "From wherever you disappeared to?"
Selene tilted her head. "You certainly got famous while I was gone."
Noa smirked. "Can't blame them. It's only natural, since I'm so handsome."
She blinked once, then let the silence hang for a moment. "…And here I was worried the hive beast had bruised your ego."
"Oh, it did. Right after it melted half my pants....so you know what happened in the ruins."
Selene, walked toward him with slow, measured steps. "You're drawing attention. The kind we should be avoiding."
"And yet, here you are. Following me. Uninvited."
"I go where I please."
Noa let out a soft chuckle. "So what, did you report back to your demon overlord and decide I'm still useful?" His voice was light, but his eyes weren't.
Selene paused in front of him, her expression unreadable. "Azmyra is… interested. And watching. But I make my own decisions."
He raised an eyebrow. "And what's your decision now?"
"That you're more trouble than you're worth… and somehow still worth watching."
Noa chuckled. "Careful. That almost sounded like a compliment."
She didn't smile, but the corner of her lips curved slightly. "Don't get used to it."
Selene turned back and walked, then glanced over her shoulder, her eyes glinting with something unreadable. "Let's have a walk."
Noa raised an eyebrow. "Where?"
She smirked. "I brought some coins with me."
The mention of money sparked a light in Noa's eyes. "Alright, lead the way."
Without another word, Selene stepped into the winding streets beyond, her stride confident and unhurried. Noa followed eagerly, curiosity bubbling beneath his calm exterior. Whatever she had planned, it was better than sitting around waiting for trouble to find him.
The cool night air was thick with the mingled scents of spices, roasting meats, and the faint tang of sea salt from the distant harbor. Lanterns swung gently above narrow cobblestone streets, casting pools of warm light over colorful market stalls. The town was alive, even after dusk.
Noa walked beside Selene, watching her glide through the crowd with practiced ease. She seemed at home here, though only a day ago she hadn't known much beyond the inn.
"You sure know your way around," Noa said, his voice low, matching the calm rhythm of their steps.
Selene's lips twitched in something close to a smile, the first genuine warmth Noa had seen from her in days. "I had to learn fast. This town isn't exactly a tourist destination."
They paused at a stall where an elderly vendor flipped sizzling skewers over glowing coals. The smell was irresistible.
"Try this," Selene said, plucking a skewer and handing it to Noa. He took it without hesitation. There was a strange trust forming, though neither of them spoke it aloud
He took a bite, the juicy meat bursting with smoky sweetness and a hint of garlic. His eyes flickered up to her.
Is she trying to win me over by buying me food and stuff? The thought teased him, but as he chewed, he found himself smiling despite his usual guarded nature. If so, it's working.
"This is good," he admitted. "Better than the rations I've been living on."
Selene's eyes gleamed in the lantern light. "I'm not completely useless."
Noa laughed softly. "I never said that. You're full of surprises."
Noa felt a flicker of something strange — a mix of caution and a childlike excitement. Yeah, she's useful. Didn't even know the town before, now she knows half of it. Could be a partner… or a pawn.
He pushed the thought away for the moment. Right now, the night was quiet, and for once, he didn't mind company.
They sat on a low stone wall, sharing sweet fried dough dipped in honey. The sticky sweetness stuck to Noa's fingers, and Selene handed him a cloth to wipe it off.
"Now we're stuck together," she said with a sharp glance. "We better get to know each other."
Noa met her steady gaze. "Sounds fair. You start."
She hesitated, then said quietly, "I'm not very good at this."
Noa smiled, his voice softer than before. "Neither am I."
The moment stretched between them — two warriors from different worlds, bound by necessity and something unspoken.
Selene's cold exterior softened, a flicker of attachment blooming beneath the surface.
Noa thought, Maybe this won't be so bad after all.
They stepped inside a small clothing shop, the warm light spilling out onto the cobblestone street. The shopkeeper, a middle-aged man with a friendly smile, nodded at Selene as she spoke quietly.
"Black pants, boots, shirt, and a coat," she said, her voice calm and precise.
Noa raised an eyebrow but didn't argue. The clothes were sleek, practical—perfect for blending into shadows and slipping through crowds unnoticed.
The black boots fit snugly, the pants comfortable but sturdy, and the shirt and coat wrapped around him like a second skin — all in shades of deep black.
As they walked back to the inn under the soft glow of the street lamps, Noa adjusted the new coat and glanced at Selene.
"Sooo, all black? Trying to tell me something?" He asked, curiosity tinged with amusement.
Selene's eyes flicked toward him briefly, expression unreadable. "It suits you."
Noa grinned, nudging her lightly. "That's pretty vague. You're not giving me much to work with."
She shrugged, lips twitching ever so slightly. "It's practical. No flashy colors to attract unwanted attention. Besides, it fits your… nature."
Noa's grin softened, a flicker of something like approval in his gaze. She's not just picking clothes—she's shaping an image. It's like she likes seeing me in these.
Noa stared at selene from behind for a movement. Black suits me— I can even hide some of the smoke from Tenebris in it, to a degree. Does she know I have that kind of a skill?... She's sharp. If she doesn't know, she suspects. I'll have to watch what I show her
They continued walking, the night cold but comfortable, and for a moment, the strange partnership between the cautious, calculating Noa and the cold, quietly attached Selene felt a little less like a game—and a little more like… something else.
Noa gave her a sideways glance and broke the silence first. "So," he said with a slight smirk, "mind teaching me a bit about this world? Starting with the basics."
Selene arched an eyebrow. "Right, I almost forgot you're an otherworlder." She uncrossed her arms and shifted her weight, slipping into a more informative tone. "Alright. Let's start with currency. Simple, but important."
She held up one finger. "Ten copper coins equal one silver. Ten silver make one gold. Standard in most kingdoms."
Another finger. "There's also platinum — worth ten gold — but that's rare and usually used by nobles, big guilds, or smugglers who don't want heavy bags."
She leaned slightly against the column again. "Aside from coins, rare metals are accepted in trade: mithril, orichalcum, sometimes dragonbone if you're dealing with certain circles. Their value fluctuates depending on the region, though."
Noa listened, his expression unreadable, though his eyes glinted with quiet interest.
Selene continued, smirking faintly. "Oh, and watch out in merchant cities — they love fancy local currencies. Obsidian chips in the west, pretty tokens made from shells— pretty useless outside the region. It's all just an excuse to charge tourists extra."
"Sounds like a headache."
Selene smiled faintly. "It is. That's how they profit."
Noa tilted his head slightly. "So... gold's not always gold."
"Exactly." Selene nodded. "If you're smart, you trade in value, not coins. A rare beast fang, a sealed scroll, even a flask of clean springwater in a desert town — all worth more than a pouch of coin in the right place."
She gave him a sideways look. "But I figure you already know how to get by. Just don't flash gold around unless you're trying to get followed."
Noa let out a quiet chuckle. "Noted."
Noa nodded, absorbing her words. After a short pause, he added,"What about the kingdoms? I should probably know who's who before I accidentally offend someone important."
Selene chuckled lightly. "Smart of you to ask. Most adventurers don't bother until it's too late."
She pushed off the column and began walking slowly, hands behind her back — her tone now taking on a more serious edge.
"There are five major kingdoms on this continent." She raised one finger. "First, Ashvalen. This is where we are now. Known for its knights, scholars, and stubborn nobility. Princess Faelina is part of the Windrider line—an old bloodline tied to the founding of this kingdom. They pride themselves on order, law, and shining armor."
A second finger. "To the north, there's Viremont. Cold, mountainous, and rich in minerals. Their people are tough, and their army's even tougher. A militaristic monarchy, ruled by King Garrik the Ironfist — not the most subtle man, but he's kept their borders safe for decades."
She raised a third. "Then there's Thalara. A lush kingdom wrapped in forests and ancient ruins. Their royalty works closely with druids and mystics. It's the place to go if you're after enchanted relics or ancient spells… or if you want to get lost forever. Outsiders don't last long in their woods."
A fourth finger. "South of here is Sorentia. Desert lands, merchant empires, and politics so thick you could choke on them. Wealth flows there like water — if you can survive the noble backstabbing. The current ruler is Queen Rehema, a woman whose words are deadlier than daggers."
Finally, she raised her thumb. "And last, the Dreadlands — Nekros. Not a kingdom in the traditional sense. It's the demon continent. Ruled by various demon lords. Most humans avoid it like the plague."
Noa's eyes narrowed slightly at that last name."Nekros…"
Selene noted the shift in his expression but didn't comment. Instead, she added, "There are smaller states and neutral zones between the big five, of course — but they're usually caught in the crossfire when wars break out. Alliances shift, peace treaties are made and broken every few years. Standard noble drama."
She looked at him over her shoulder. "Any place catch your attention?"
Noa studied her as they walked. Her graceful steps, unnaturally fluid. The glint in her golden eyes. Something about her never quite felt normal.
"So…" he said casually, "I'm guessing you're not human. Since you're from Nekros?"
Her lips curved with faint amusement. "Took you long enough to ask."
She didn't deny it. But she didn't confirm it outright either.
"You're sharper than most," she added. "That place doesn't exactly raise farmers and tailors."
Noa raised an eyebrow. "So what are you, then?"
She glanced at him sideways, her smirk deepening. "Does it matter?"
Noa tilted his head, unbothered. "Not really. Just curious if I should start worrying."
Noa couldn't tell if that smirk meant danger or amusement—but somehow, both options intrigued him.
Selene gave a low chuckle. "If I wanted to kill you, I wouldn't have helped you back in the labyrinth. Besides…" She leaned in slightly, voice just above a whisper. "You're far more interesting alive."
***
As they continued walking, a subtle tension began to settle over the air.
Noa's eyes narrowed. Selene's step slowed almost imperceptibly.
Both felt it—A presence trailing them. Too quiet. Too deliberate.
They glanced at each other. No words. Just a shared look…A silent agreement.
Selene veered down a narrow alley without breaking pace. Noa followed a breath later, both vanishing into the dim corridor between buildings.
Moments passed.
From the shadows at the alley's mouth, a figure emerged — cloaked in black, face obscured beneath a cloth mask. His steps were careful, predatory. He crept deeper into the alleyway, hand resting lightly on the hilt of a dagger.
But the alley was empty.
He froze, sensing too late the trap he had walked into.
A voice whispered behind him, close enough to send a chill down his spine.
"Looking for someone?"
The man spun around—Only to find Noa behind him—smirking, crimson eyes gleaming like coals in the dark.