Chapter 41: THE SYSTEM’S REVELATION
The next few hours passed in a flurry of preparation as they searched through the Ravager base for anything useful. Hidden compartments yielded a meager cache of coins, fifty copper pieces and two silver marks. It was barely enough to fund their journey to the capital, let alone secure decent accommodations once they arrived.
Kira discovered clothes that actually fit her small frame, while Yomi found himself examining Raiven’s wardrobe. The dead mercenary’s clothes were well-made and practical, a hooded cloak in muted greys and browns, a leather harness system for carrying gear, sturdy boots, and fitted trousers that allowed for ease of movement.
The style was foreign to him, lacking the flowing elegance of his homeland’s garments, but he could appreciate their functionality for someone who lived by the sword.
As he donned the outfit, Yomi caught sight of himself in a cracked mirror. The transformation was striking, he looked less like a former slave and more like what he had always been: a predator disguised in human form.
In a quiet moment away from the others, Aeloria made one final attempt to reach her friend.
"He’s changing you," she said urgently, grabbing Lirien’s arm. "Can’t you see that? This isn’t who you are."
Lirien’s response was calm but firm. "Maybe I needed to change. Maybe the person I was before wasn’t strong enough to survive in this world."
The words hit Aeloria like a physical blow, confirming her worst fears. She was losing Lirien to Yomi’s influence, watching her closest friend transform into someone she barely recognized.
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