EXQ sat across from the man in the dark coat, his sharp eyes scanning every movement. The dimly lit tavern buzzed with low conversations, but in this corner, only tension remained.

  The man took a slow sip from his drink before speaking. "You’re not from around here. That much is clear."

  EXQ didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he leaned back, tapping his fingers against the table. "And you’re not just some drunk looking for a chat. So, let’s skip the small talk."

  A smirk crossed the man’s face. "Fair enough. I’ll get straight to the point. The city isn’t kind to outsiders, especially those who carry themselves like… well, you."

  "And what exactly do I carry myself like?"

  "A predator." The man’s smirk didn’t fade. "Which means you’ll either thrive in this pce or die very quickly. I have an offer that could help you avoid the tter."

  EXQ remained silent, waiting.

  "The city guard has been looking for fresh blood. But not the kind that follows orders like a mindless dog. They need someone… capable. Someone willing to do what others won’t."

  EXQ raised an eyebrow. "And why would I care about working for them?"

  The man chuckled. "You wouldn’t. But this isn’t about wearing a uniform. This is about power. Influence. You get in, and suddenly doors open for you—doors that lead to the kind of strength you seem to be looking for."

  EXQ’s fingers stopped tapping. "And if I say no?"

  The man’s smirk widened. "Then you’ll find out just how unfriendly this city can be to lone wolves."

  A pause.

  EXQ met his gaze, unblinking. "I’ll consider it."

  The man finished his drink, then stood up. "That’s all I needed to hear. You’ll find the city’s captain in the main square tomorrow night. Make your choice then."

  Without another word, he disappeared into the crowd.

  ---

  EXQ stepped out of the tavern, the night air cold against his skin. The streets were dimly lit, casting long shadows that flickered with the occasional movement. He could feel it—eyes watching him from the darkness.

  He didn’t slow down.

  A few minutes passed before it happened.

  "Stop."

  EXQ smirked, not bothering to turn. "I expected you to wait a bit longer before making a move."

  Two figures stepped out of the alley—bandits, no doubt sent to test him. Their worn leather armor and dull knives betrayed their status. One of them, a scarred man gripping a rusted bde, sneered.

  "You’re new here. That means you don’t understand how things work. Hand over whatever you have, and maybe we’ll let you live."

  EXQ finally turned to face them, his expression unreadable. "If you want what I have… take it."

  The bandits exchanged gnces, their sneers widening into grins.

  "Your funeral."

  The scarred man lunged first, bde fshing under the weak mplight. But EXQ had already moved. His body still felt sluggish, but his instincts were sharper than ever. He sidestepped the attack with ease, catching the man’s wrist and twisting—hard.

  A sickening crack echoed through the alley as the bone snapped. The bandit howled in pain, his weapon cttering to the ground.

  The second man hesitated.

  EXQ didn’t.

  With cold precision, he grabbed the fallen bde and drove it into the man’s throat. Blood sprayed as the body crumpled, lifeless.

  The remaining bandit scrambled backward, clutching his broken arm. "W-Wait! I can tell you something useful!"

  EXQ loomed over him, his stolen bde still dripping. "Talk."

  "The city guard’s captain… he knows about you. He expected you to come. This isn’t going to be a simple meeting."

  EXQ’s grip tightened. "Where is he now?"

  "In the main square. He’s waiting. But you’re walking into a trap."

  A cold smirk crossed EXQ’s face. "That makes it more interesting."

  With a swift movement, the bde found its mark.

  EXQ wiped the blood off the weapon, stepping over the corpses without hesitation. The city’s captain wasn’t just another obstacle—he was the first real test.

  And EXQ had no intention of failing.