Chapter 300
As the group finally made their way back to the inn through the side alley entrance, the cool midnight wind brushed against their faces. The scent of sewage still lingered faintly on their clothes, but no one complained—they were alive, and that was more than enough.
The moment they entered their room, Vic flopped on a chair and let out a dramatic groan.
"My Lord... what kind of mess did you make this time?"
Kael, who was unbuckling his cloak and wiping his sweat-soaked brow, turned to respond but was interrupted by Barrett’s proud and cheerful voice.
"As expected of my Lord. Everything you do has to be high profile. It hasn’t even been a full day, and the entire city is already in a state of lockdown."
Everyone turned to look at Barrett, unsure whether he was being sarcastic or genuinely impressed. The lad, however, stood with his arms crossed and a sincere, almost awestruck expression. He seemed completely earnest.
Kael’s lips twitched at the remark.
"Aren’t you speaking too much?" he muttered, tossing his cloak aside. "Now stop this bullshit and get some sleep. We’ve been out for too long. We might fall under suspicion if we keep moving around."
No one argued. The adrenaline that had kept them sharp and nimble during their escape was beginning to fade, leaving behind only the dull ache of exhaustion.
Ariana quietly retreated into the inner room and locked the door behind her. From her satchel, she pulled out a small pouch and opened it carefully. Inside was a powdery, pale-blue substance that was dense, cold to the touch, and emanating a strange herbal aroma.
She stared at it, conflicted.
This was the tempering compound she had retrieved from the vault—the one said to reinforce the flesh, harden the skin, and push one’s stamina to near superhuman levels when dissolved in hot water.