Chapter 273 Reencounter with Faim
Shadow's Edge.
This was the name of the city that was a captivating place nestled near the border of the Shaikai kingdom, acting as the last gateway into the ever-prosperous Lunarim kingdom.
It emanated an intriguing aura, subtly interweaving magical elements into its very infrastructure. The city's architecture showcased intricate carvings of mystical symbols, their soft glow hinting at the hidden powers that lay within.
Despite residing on the outskirts of the Shaikai kingdom, where its influence waned, Shadow's Edge thrived with an eclectic mix of inhabitants. Veiled within its labyrinthine streets were the elusive demonic rankers, shrouded in secrecy and perpetually concealed in the shadows.
Their presence added an undercurrent of mystique and danger to the city's atmosphere, attracting those who were drawn to the allure of the forbidden.
Positioned as the final threshold before entering the Lunarim kingdom, Shadow's Edge served as a magnet for wanderers, hunters, and daring adventurers. Travelers were enticed by the city's proximity to the renowned Kolaver Forest, a mystical wilderness teeming with diverse ranking resources and formidable mana beasts.
Here, the brave-hearted sought treasures tested their mettle against ferocious creatures and harvested valuable materials that fetched exorbitant prices in the market.
Though aware of the city's reputation for harboring demonic rankers, intrepid individuals continued to flock to Shadow's Edge, undeterred by the risks. Their insatiable thirst for adventure and the allure of the untamed wild drew them like moths to a mesmerizing flame. In this city of duality, where darkness and light intermingled, the relentless pursuit of power and wealth intertwined with the ever-present specter of the demonic.
As the day faded into night, Shadow's Edge revealed its true essence, casting an enchanting spell upon those who dared to wander its streets. It was a place where shadows danced, secrets whispered, and the allure of the arcane beckoned the intrepid souls who dared to step foot within its enigmatic embrace.
The sun remained hidden behind the thick blanket of clouds, casting a somber hue upon the city of Shadow's Edge. The morning air was heavy with moisture, a constant drizzle veiling the streets in a misty gray. Eren and Sofiya walked side by side, their footsteps muffled by the wet cobblestones as they navigated the labyrinthine paths of the city.
The gloomy atmosphere seemed to seep into every nook and cranny, lending an air of melancholy to the bustling streets. The sound of raindrops pattering on the rooftops formed a rhythmic symphony, blending with the distant echoes of murmured conversations and the occasional creak of rusty signs swaying in the breeze.
As they ventured deeper into Shadow's Edge, the aroma of damp earth mixed with hints of herbal essences wafted through the air. The streets were lined with shops, their windows adorned with an assortment of magical artifacts and potions. Eren's gaze was drawn to a particular herbal shop, its weathered sign bearing the name "Mystic Flora."
With a quick exchange of glances, Eren and Sofiya approached the entrance. Eren turned to his companion, his voice barely audible above the rain's steady rhythm. "Wait here, Sofiya. I'll see if they have what we're looking for." Sofiya nodded, her hood drawn tightly over her head, protecting her from the persistent drizzle.
Eren pushed open the creaking door, revealing a dimly lit interior filled with shelves upon shelves of jars and vials containing an array of magical herbs. Soft rays of light filtered through stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the worn wooden floor. The air was heavy with the scent of rare botanicals, a mix of earthiness, and a faint tinge of enchantment.
A man stood behind the counter, his features obscured by a shadowy hood. His eyes glimmered with peculiar intensity as he scanned the room. His appearance hinted at a life filled with arcane practices, his aura brimming with the unmistakable energy of an Awakened Ranker. By day, he served as the humble shop owner, but by night, he delved into the realms of demon magic.
Eren approached the counter, his gaze locked with the enigmatic shop owner. "You are Latovin, right? I seek a particular item," he began, his voice steady but tinged with an underlying unease. "Adelman's Ring. I believe it was given to you by Ariadne a few years ago. I did that so she could find something substantial about the artifact. But since Ariadne or I didn't get any response from you, I'd like it back."
Latovin's lips curled into a knowing smile, revealing a glimmer of mischief. "Ah, Adelman's Ring," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of intrigue. "A precious artifact indeed. Hmmm... I think I heard about it. But why do you think I have it, my young friend? I don't know you, and I don't know this Ariadne girl you speak of. Now... if you'd excuse me..."
Eren's heart sank as his fears were confirmed. He knew that getting demonic rankers involved to know more about the ring's details was a bad idea. Latovin might have respected Ariadne if she had come to ask him for it. But he was an outsider.
Eren already knew that Latovin was a demonic ranker. And that this entire city was filled with many demonic rankers. As such, he wanted to avoid trouble if he could. He tightened his grip on the edge of the counter, and his voice laced with a threatening edge. "Please, I need that ring. It holds great sentimental value to me. Is there anything I can offer in exchange?"
Latovin's gaze bore into Eren's, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Ah, sentimentality. A fragile bond, isn't it? But just as I said, I don't know about the artifact. Are you perhaps calling me a liar?"
"Eren, we should reconsider our position and find another location. I sense a multitude of formidable forces converging upon us," Sofiya cautioned Eren just as he was preparing to address Latovin.
At that moment, Eren became aware that the demonic shop owner had summoned reinforcements upon discovering his intent to reclaim the ring.
The Last Spider's grip tightened on his fists, his gaze filled with determination as he locked eyes with Latovin. His words held a resolute tone, promising an unfavorable outcome for the shop owner.
"You see, Latovin, there will be no escape. I will retrieve that ring by any means necessary," Eren warned, his voice carrying the weight of his unwavering resolve.
With their purpose clear, Eren and Sofiya swiftly made their way out of the city, their hearts pounding with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. As they rode their magical colts through the rain-soaked streets, the atmosphere seemed to thicken with each passing moment. Sofiya's instincts warned her of the looming danger, a sense of pursuit that pushed their urgency to escape.
Eren's lips curled into a knowing smile as Sofiya relayed the presence of their pursuers. 'Hehe. It's just as Aleph had said. Almost everyone's a demonic ranker in that city. It's good that they took the bait,' Eren said to himself as he also sensed the signs of being followed. He then looked towards Sofiya before relaying to her, 'I anticipated this, Sofiya. Just let them follow us,' he reassured her before urging his colt to increase its speed, with Sofiya closely trailing behind.
***
Unbeknownst to Eren, Latovin's motives were not as they seemed. He had merely sought to intimidate Eren and discourage his pursuit of Adelman's Ring by calling upon reinforcements. Among those reinforcements, however, lurked a figure harboring a deep personal grudge against Eren. He had seen Eren's face just as he was about to pass through the city gates.
This figure was Faim, a tall and muscular man with a pallid complexion. His shoulder-length red hair framed his sharp features, while his piercing red eyes, devoid of sclera, exuded a malevolent aura. His prominent ears marked his heritage as a beastkin.
Years ago, Faim had been a member of the Stardust Guild, but a fateful encounter with Eren had left him broken and defeated. Their duel had escalated to a point where Eren's cruel and bloodthirsty emotions, fueled by the side effects of the Hex gear, had driven him to deliver a devastating blow.
Faim had lost his limbs in the brutal clash, leaving him physically and emotionally shattered. The subsequent recovery drained his savings and tested his resolve.
It was in the depths of despair that Faim chose a different path, forsaking his former ambitions to embrace the dark arts of demonic ranking. In the shadows of Shadow's Edge, he honed his newfound powers, fueled by his innate beastkin heritage that facilitated his rapid progress as a demonic ranker. Over the years, Faim had ascended to the formidable 9th level of the Awakened Rank, standing on the precipice of the coveted Arch Rank.
As the chase continued, Faim's burning resentment fueled his pursuit. The memories of his defeat at Eren's hands had etched deep scars upon his psyche, driving him to seek retribution. The power he had acquired as a demonic ranker would serve as his weapon to settle the score once and for all.
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AN: Faim was first introduced in chapter 181.
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