Terms & Clauses

“I think,” Nathan said quietly, “something is trying to get through.”

Kieran was silent for a few seconds.

“That means nothing to me,” he said at last.

Nathan huffed softly. “Right. Well. Access blocked. That’s what it said. Sounds like something… or someone, tried to access my interface.”

The bed creaked as Kieran shifted. “Do you mean it was being attacked?”

“I don’t know,” Nathan said. “I can’t even tell what it was.”

“Is there a way to prevent it?”

Nathan let out a quiet laugh. “Sir, I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

Kieran exhaled slowly. “After that memory, I am even more wary of these interfaces.”

“No kidding. To be honest, I still feel on edge. If I think too much about it I’m worried about falling down the rabbit hole.”

"What do you mean, rabbit hole?"

“An expression. Falling into a pit I can’t crawl back out of. Nightmares.” Nathan paused. “Makes it hard to sleep.”

I'd like to not think about Mal tonight.

They stayed quiet.
No other notifications appeared.

Guess that’s it. For now.

Pretty sure it won’t be the last time I see it.

The interface intrusion happened before the memory too. Before Mal.
So maybe they’re unrelated.

…Maybe.

No. That doesn’t track.
They have to be.
Right?

Why, though?
Would knowing even help us get out of here faster?

Am I being watched?
Are we?

That’s a creepy thought.

By what? Who?

No. For what purpose?

How would that even work?
For what gain?

Nothing ever makes sense.

Memory means past.
How far back are we talking?
How is any of this relevant—

Ugh.
Down the rabbit hole.

Nathan barely shifted and immediately remembered.

Right. I’m in bed next to Kieran.
That’s… weird.

Me under the blanket.
Him on top of it.

Boundaries.

But seriously. I did not see this coming.
I might have imagined this scenario at some point.

Though…
In my imagination there was a little more to it.

Nathan felt a smile creep across his face.

Ah. Stop.

The mattress shifted.

“I can hear you thinking,” Kieran said quietly. “Loudly.”

Nathan tensed. “Right. Sorry.”

What the fuck are you apologizing for? He can’t literally hear your thoughts.
He can’t.
…Right?

Let’s just be grateful he can’t.

“Get some sleep,” Kieran said. “I have a feeling we’ll have a busy day tomorrow.”

“Yeah,” Nathan said. “You should try to sleep too, sir. I have a feeling you’ll be busier than I will.”

That fucking Meru. He better be useful.

Kieran didn’t answer.

Nathan closed his eyes, letting his thoughts blur at last.

“Tch,” Kieran muttered. “Can’t believe you bartered me to that man.”

Nathan wasn’t sure if Kieran had actually said that…
or if it was just his imagination as he finally drifted off.

***

Nathan lay there for a moment after waking, eyes closed, stretching without thinking. One leg slid out across the bed, comfortable, loose.

Warm.

Then his brain caught up.

Oh—
Kieran.

Nathan opened his eyes and snapped his leg back, his heart giving a stupid little kick.

He blinked twice.

The other side of the bed was empty.

Kieran stood by the window, already dressed, unmoving.

Nathan exhaled, slow.

Did I move in my sleep?

He sat up, rubbing a hand over his face, suddenly very aware of the bed, the space, himself.

Kieran didn’t look back.

"Mornin', sir. Did you sleep?"

Kieran turned back toward him.

"You move too much in your sleep."

Oh shit. I did kick him then.

"You two snore loudly as well."

Two? Right, Zam.

Nathan looked around. Zam's bedroll was tucked neatly against the wall along with his pack.

"Where is Zam?"

"He went to find food."

"Ah."

"I was going to let you sleep a little longer. If you are up. We can go find him."

"He wasn't going to bring food back?"

"He probably was, but I am certain he will be talking somebody's ear off around the food stalls."

Nathan smiled. Truth.

He stood up, pulled clean clothes and light armor out of his inventory.

It still amazed him that whatever clothing he put into inventory came out like he'd sent it to be laundered.

Crazy.

He pulled on his boots, fastened his belt, attached his sword.

"I think you should take some coin out of the inventory and keep it on you."

Nathan paused.

"That way you don't have to open it in front of people. Most don't seem to have inventories like you do."

"That's really smart, sir."

"I have my moments."

Nathan raised his eyebrows. Is he trying to make a joke again? "Yes, sir."

Kieran nodded and turned back toward the window.

Nathan opened his inventory and pulled a pouch from his pack.

He settled on one silver and fifty copper.
Should be enough.

He grabbed Zam’s things and slipped them into the inventory before closing it.

Nathan glanced around.

"Ready, sir."

Kieran nodded and they headed downstairs.

The innkeeper was still behind the counter.

Kieran handed him the room key.

“No second night?” the man asked, syrupy sweet.

Ugh. This guy.

"No." Kieran turned.

“Sorry to see you go so soon.”

I bet you are. No more silver from us.

Nathan glared at him and followed Kieran out.

The street was crowded. Loud. Alive in a way that suggested it hadn’t slept at all.

Steam curled from food carts, voices overlapped, boots scraped stone in every direction.

Nathan glanced instinctively toward the edges of the street. The alcoves and doorways had already been claimed by people who looked like they’d simply stayed, with nowhere else to go.

He looked away.

“So,” Nathan said. “Any guess where Zam went?”

“There are several food stalls further up and two streets over,” Kieran said. “He mentioned noodles yesterday.”

Nathan huffed. “Noodles?”

They have noodles? Like real noodles?

His stomach rumbled.

They didn’t have to search long.

Nathan heard Zam's laugh before he saw him.

Zam stood near a wide wooden cart braced on iron wheels, a massive pot sunk into its center over glowing coals. Steam rolled up in thick, wet waves, carrying the smell of broth and salt and something savory Nathan couldn’t place.

A few low stools were scattered nearby, already occupied, while most people ate standing.

Mismatched bowls sat along one edge, ladles hanging from iron hooks. Bundles of sticks lay stacked beside the bowls.

Chopsticks?

Thick noodles curled in the bowl Zam held, pale and glossy in a clear broth, weighed down with sliced greens and something dark that might have been seaweed or mushrooms.

It could have been moss.

Whatever it was, it still smelled good.

Zam was mid-conversation with two adventurers who looked far too invested for people who’d just met.

Nathan stopped a few steps back. “You know,” he said, “if he ever goes missing, we should just check wherever people are talking and laughing the loudest.”

Kieran inclined his head. “Efficient.” He held out his hand. "Coin."

"Huh?" Nathan said, then remembered. He handed the coin pouch to Kieran.

Zam noticed them and brightened immediately. “Oh! You found me! I was going to head back to the inn if you didn't show soon.”

Nathan stared at the bowl in front of the man to Zam’s right. Thick noodles lay coiled in a steaming broth, the colors and shapes tugging at something half-remembered.

He thought he might drool.

Zam grinned. “You should eat. It’s good.”

Nathan closed his mouth. “In a minute,” he said.

"Did you—" Nathan started to ask, but Kieran had returned and was pushing a bowl into his hand. "Oh, thanks."

Nathan looked down. Steam rose up. Noodles and chopsticks in the bowl.

What the hell? They really are chopsticks? Wow.

Nathan couldn't help himself. He immediately dug in.

He groaned. Took a few bites. Then he noticed Kieran struggling with the chopsticks.

Nathan was about to intervene when Kieran started drinking from the bowl instead.

Eh, it works.

He turned back to Zam.

“Have you heard anything useful?”

Zam’s expression shifted, just a little. “Not sure if it's useful.”

Nathan straightened. “Go on.”

“Golden Vengeance is in town,” Zam said.

Nathan’s jaw tightened. “Already? Those douchebags are quick.”

“Douchebags?" Zam asked.

Nathan waved for him to continue and lifted a tangle of noodles with the chopsticks, slurping them down.

He caught Kieran watching him, brows faintly raised, like this was somehow noteworthy.

Zam shook his head. "And not just them,” he added. “A few high-ranked parties too. Argent-tier, Gold-tier, even a Mythrilon-tier. Some of them headed out toward Rennick before sunrise, others have already been there for a week or more.”

Kieran’s gaze sharpened. “They’ve already entered?”

Zam nodded. “The new levels have people rushing. No one wants to be left behind.”

Nathan exhaled through his nose. “Great. A crowd.”

“Oh,” Zam said, almost as an afterthought, “and Meru is definitely causing a stir.”

Nathan shot him a look. “What are people saying?”

“They keep asking if he’s contracted,” Zam said. “And with who.”

Kieran glanced toward the direction of the guild hall. “Then we should not delay.”

“Agreed,” Nathan said. “Let’s go make this official before today gets any more complicated.”

Zam downed the rest of his bowl and set it aside. “Ready.”

***

The guild hall was louder than it had been the day before.

Not chaotic. Focused. The kind of noise that came from too many people trying very hard to look casual while watching and murmuring about the same thing.

Nathan felt it the moment they stepped inside.

“…Oh,” he muttered.

Kieran slowed beside him.

Near the back of the hall, a loose crowd had formed. Not a line exactly. More like orbit. People leaned against pillars, pretended to check boards, lingered too close to one another while their attention stayed locked on the same point.

Meru.

He stood near a table, posture relaxed, arms folded loosely as he listened to someone speaking far too earnestly at his side. His tunic was open again, jewelry catching the light every time he moved. Someone laughed at something he said. Someone else touched his arm and didn’t pull away.

Nathan felt his stomach twist.

I hate this already.

Zam let out a low whistle. “Wow.”

“Nope,” Nathan said immediately. “I don’t like that.”

Kieran glanced at him. “He seems well liked with all the attention he gets. Could be a positive.”

“I dislike this attention,” Nathan said. “There’s a difference. What's it going to be like in the dungeon?”

Meru laughed again, head tilting back slightly.

Nathan took a step back without realizing it. “We can still leave.”

Zam blinked. “What?”

“We could just—” Nathan gestured vaguely behind them. “Not do this. Find another mage. A quieter one. A less… whatever that is.”

Kieran didn’t answer.

Because Meru had turned.

His gaze cut through the crowd with unsettling precision and landed on them instantly. On Kieran first. Then Nathan.

Meru smiled.

“Oh no,” Nathan muttered.

Meru excused himself smoothly, murmuring something that made the person beside him beam, and then he was walking toward them, the crowd parting like it had been waiting for permission.

“Ten minutes early,” Meru said pleasantly. “I like that.”

Nathan crossed his arms. “We like punctuality.”

“Of course you do,” Meru replied. “Come. Let’s not do this in the open.”

He turned and waved once toward a side counter.

A clerk was already there. Waiting.

Nathan frowned. “Exclusive service, huh.”

Meru smiled wider. “Exclusive? Being a man in my position does have its perks. I do favor efficiency.”

They followed despite themselves.

The moment they reached the counter, Meru placed a document down between them, smooth as a practiced trick.

“Terms,” he said. “Read them.”

Nathan didn’t hesitate. He picked it up immediately.

Zam leaned in over his shoulder. Kieran stayed just close enough to read without crowding.

Nathan scanned the top.

Independent Arcane Services Agreement
Engagement: Rennick Dungeon
Term: Conditional

“…Conditional term,” Nathan said.

“Yes,” Meru agreed. “I don’t commit until I’m satisfied.”

Nathan kept reading.

“Evaluation period,” he murmured. “Two preliminary floors. No binding beyond that.”

“Correct,” Meru said. “I want to see you operate.”

“And you want to see him,” Nathan added, not looking up.

Meru didn’t deny it. “Among other things.”

Nathan’s mouth tightened.

“No exclusive rights,” Nathan continued. “You can walk.”

“So can you,” Meru said. “After the evaluation.”

Nathan flipped the page.

“This,” he pointed. “Participation clause.”

“Oh, yes.” Meru smiled. “That’s important.”

“It says,” Nathan read slowly, “the benefactor party agrees to continued recreational engagement in Pogo for the duration of the agreement, including rematches, experimental variants, and social play when requested.”

Zam blinked. “Social play?”

Meru nodded. “I need to play. It relieves stress.”

Nathan looked up. “You’re going to make us play a board game with you. In the dungeon.”

“While camped,” Meru corrected lightly. “It is a requirement. You specifically were intriguing.”

Nathan pinched the bridge of his nose.

Meru added pleasantly, “This is a hobby clause.”

Nathan flipped to the next page harder.

“Meal accommodations,” he muttered. “Private lodging preference. Front-line positioning veto. Whenever you feel like it?”

Meru waved a hand. “I only prefer front when it's something new and exciting. Otherwise, I get bored there.”

Nathan continued, eyes narrowing.

“…Dietary requirements?” He looked up. “You’re eating dungeon rations like the rest of us.”

Meru winced. “Absolutely not.”

Nathan read again, slower this time.

“Imported spirits. Aged. Minimum quality—” he squinted. “Is this a rating system?”

Meru brightened. “I’m glad you noticed. The local stuff gives me headaches.”

“And this—” Nathan flipped the page. “Personal effects. Silk bedding. A luxury tent.”

Zam leaned closer. “That sounds expensive.”

“That is expensive,” Nathan snapped. He stared at the parchment like it had personally offended him. “We’re going into a dungeon. Not hosting you at a resort.”

Meru tilted his head. “Comfort is a survival tool.”

Nathan looked up. “Are you serious right now?”

“Completely.”

Nathan dragged a hand down his face. “You’re sending us on a shopping trip before we even leave.”

Meru smiled. “I like to be prepared.”

Kieran spoke mildly, as if this were merely inconvenient. “We will need to acquire these before the caravan departs.”

Nathan shot him a look. “You’re on his side now?”

“I am on the side of not listening to him complain that we didn’t honor the agreement,” Kieran replied.

“A wise observation,” Meru said mildly. “I do tend to complain when agreements aren’t honored.”

Zam snorted and abruptly found the floor fascinating.

Nathan forced himself to keep reading.

“And your fee,” he said. “…No. Absolutely not.”

Meru leaned closer. “Say it out loud.”

Nathan jabbed a finger at the number. “That’s obscene.”

“And still less than I usually charge,” Meru said serenely. “I am the most sought-after mage you know.”

“You want gold?”

“You’ll earn it once the new level is cleared. I’ll take payment then.”

Nathan frowned. “Unless something happens to our party before completion—then it says we’re in debt to you.”

Meru smiled faintly. “I’m sure an intelligent man like you can pay it off quickly. I doubt we’ll find ourselves in such a predicament.”

“You’re getting paid in loot, resources, priority stakes in artifacts—”

“Don't forget the coin,” Meru said gently. “I like coin.”

“Who doesn’t?” Nathan snapped. “This is insane, you diva.”

Meru tilted his head, amused. “Diva.” He considered Nathan for a moment. “You might not have the power that one does”—he gestured lazily toward Kieran—“but you are fun.”

Nathan opened his mouth.

Closed it.

Dammit.
What is wrong with this guy?

He exhaled sharply. “You’re bleeding us.”

“I’m worth it.” Meru smiled like a man being complimented on his tailoring. “And I prefer to think of it as incentive to keep you alive. With proper guidance.”

“We know how to handle ourselves,” Nathan said, staring him down.

“I’m sure you do,” Meru replied pleasantly. “Try not to disappoint me.”

He reached out and poked Nathan’s hand.

Nathan jerked back immediately, a shiver crawling up his arm.

Meru smiled.

I have a very bad feeling about this guy.

Meru tilted his head. "Your party is comprised of the three of you?"

"Yes."

"All swordsman? No long range?"

Nathan fidgeted. Not very balanced. “Yup.”

“Hmm. I suppose, for now, I will serve as your long-range reinforcement,” Meru said. “Only when absolutely necessary.”

Nathan didn’t like the emphasis on for now.

Or necessary.

Meru watched his reaction with open amusement, then laughed, delighted. “You’ll do just fine.”

Nathan looked at Kieran and Zam for agreement.

They both nodded.

Guess we're doing this.

Nathan exhaled, long and controlled, and reached for the quill.

“Fine,” he said. “But if you screw us over—”

“Screw over? Me? Never,” Meru said lightly. “I am a man of my word.”

Said every con-man ever.

Nathan sighed. Then signed. “There,” he said. “Happy?”

Meru glanced at the signature, then hummed in approval. “Delighted.” He pushed the document over to the clerk.

Nathan had expected something more to happen.

This was different from the temporary alliance document they’d signed with Golden Vengeance before.

There was no link.
No glow.
No magic involved at all.

The clerk signed and stamped the page without ceremony.

Just a standard signed contract.

Nathan frowned.
Not sure if that was better.

Notifications popped up.

[ Signed Independent Agreement with Meru Oglivos +3 Commerce ]
[ Objective: Complete Rennick Dungeon floors ]

Nathan waved them away. Shut up.

Meru leaned forward on the counter. The clerk looked up.

“Be a dear and file that here for me, hmm?”

The clerk flushed. “C-certainly.”

Nathan stared.

Seriously?
Is he casting some kind of charm spell or something?

Meru winked at the clerk, then looked at Kieran. “Rennick, then,” he said. “We’ll depart shortly.”

Kieran nodded. “We’ll head to the caravan line and wait for you there.”

Meru turned. “Only a carriage. No wagons.”

“What? What are you, the sultan of—” Nathan started.

Kieran clamped a hand on Nathan’s shoulder.

“A carriage, then,” Kieran said flatly.

Meru tilted his head and smiled. “Such a good boy. I'm going to enjoy you.” He turned again.

"Who do you think you're talking—"

Kieran leaned close to Nathan. “Ignore it. And what have I said about you being stingy?”

Nathan’s cheeks flushed. “Who does that guy think he is?”

“The man that might be able to teach me magic,” Kieran said calmly. “I also would not mind a carriage.”

What is with everyone?
Do they think coin grows on trees?

Magic training. Right. If he’s a fraud, it won’t take long to show.

Nathan balled his fists, then let his shoulders slump. “Fine.”

He watched as the crowd reformed around Meru the moment he stepped away.

“…I already regret this,” Nathan muttered.

Zam grinned. “I don’t. He seems like fun.”

“He does seem to be highly revered,” Kieran observed.

“Traitors,” Nathan said, crossing his arms.

Zam laughed.

Kieran glanced at Nathan. “You read the contract thoroughly.”

“Yup,” Nathan said. “Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

***

Kieran had procured the carriage.

Nathan hadn’t had it in him to pay for one more thing they didn’t actually need.

He had lost track of how many errands they’d run in the last hour. How many vendors they’d visited. How many times he’d stared at a price and felt something in his chest quietly die.

Silk bedding.
Alcohol.
A tent that looked nicer than the room they’d just left.

Seven silver.

They still had coin left. Enough. But it hurt.

All of Meru’s items were secured in two large trunks. They had agreed it was best not to use Nathan’s inventory. Plus, the glutton could look at it all and give approval.

Meru showed up within ten minutes of having the trunks loaded. He strolled, his entourage behind him.

How did he even know we were ready?

Nathan stood at the side of the carriage, arms crossed, watching Zam chitchat happily with other would-be passengers milling about. Kieran was up front speaking with the driver.

Meru stepped up like this was a promenade instead of a muddy roadside, cloak immaculate, expression bright.

“Everything acquired?” he asked.

“Yes,” Nathan said flatly. “Your traveling palace is secured.”

Meru smiled. “Excellent. I do hate to be a bother, but can you show me what spirits you purchased?”

Nathan grumbled. This guy.

Zam excused himself from a conversation and hustled over. “I’ll grab the trunk, Mr. Oglivos.”

“How polite. Just call me Meru. Oh, and pack my things, would you?”

He pointed at two men carrying two large packs.

Nathan turned around and rolled his eyes.

The fuck he thinks is going to carry those in the dungeon?

A minute later, he heard Meru click his tongue. “Was this the best you could find? And only six bottles?”

Nathan spun around.

“Those are jugs! What are you planning, to drink yourself into a coma in there? And yes, the man who sold them said it was the best he had.”

“You got scammed.”

“If you could do so much better, then you should have procured your own spirits.”

Meru chuckled. “You rile so easily. It is quite fun to tease you. Also, it’s wise to bring alcohol to share with other adventurers. You can glean information about floors and monster types.”

Nathan stared at him. That actually didn’t sound dumb. “Oh. I see.” Nathan looked at the jugs.

Meru followed his gaze. “This will be fine for now.” With that, he waved goodbye to his fan club and climbed aboard.

Zam reloaded the trunk.

Then all four of them were inside the carriage.

It was immediately too cramped.

Armor knocked. Knees bumped. A sword hilt pressed uncomfortably into Nathan’s thigh. Zam wedged himself opposite him with zero concern for personal space, while Meru stretched out like the seating had been designed specifically for him.

Kieran had sat next to Nathan.

Nathan shifted once. Twice.

This is hell.

The carriage jolted forward, wheels rolling over stone before settling into the dirt road beyond the city.

The city noise faded slowly as they rolled on. Buildings gave way to trampled fields and well-worn tracks carved deep by traffic going the same direction they were.

Meru sighed contentedly. “There’s something about travel that feels promising, don’t you think?”

“No,” Nathan said.

Zam chuckled.

Kieran said nothing, posture straight, gaze already fixed on the window beside him.

Nathan leaned back and shut his eyes briefly.

Seven silver and whatever this carriage had cost.

He felt it again. That hollow ache in his chest. Not panic. Not fear.

Just offense.

At least there are cushions.

The road grew rougher the farther they went.

The carriage rocked and swayed, suspension protesting every rut. Nathan braced a hand against the wall as Zam nearly slid into his knee for the third time.

“Sorry,” Zam said cheerfully. He did not move.

Meru, infuriatingly, looked comfortable.

He had one arm draped along the backrest, long legs stretched just enough to make it everyone else’s problem. He peered out the window with interest, as though the countryside were something to be evaluated.

“How far is the dungeon?” Nathan asked.

“Fifteen, maybe twenty miles,” Meru said. “Depending on which access route we take.”

Nathan grimaced. So. A while.

Kieran shifted beside him, just enough to steady himself as the carriage lurched. His shoulder brushed Nathan’s.

Nathan froze for half a second.

Then forced himself to relax and let it happen.

Too cramped. Don’t make it awkward.

He closed his eyes again, only to open them a few seconds later when Meru hummed under his breath.

“You’ll smell it before you see it.”

Nathan frowned. “What?”

“The shanty town that’s appeared just outside the dungeon entrance,” Meru said. “You’ll smell it. All those people. Desperation. Well. The garbage and the shit.” He smiled and looked back out the window.

Okay. Why even bother saying anything?

Nathan only realized later when the smell hit him.

Holy shit. Is this toxic? Should there be gas masks?

Even with Meru’s warning, there was no way to be prepared for it.

The first thing Nathan actually saw was smoke. It hung heavy in the air. Thick. Acrid.

“The garbage burn piles,” Meru said.

Burn piles?

“Burning trash is a good way to get rid of it,” Zam said, his face pressed to the window, “but I think they built these too close to where people are living.”

Nathan glanced at Kieran.

He looked to be feigning sleep.

He must be miserable. He hates strong smells.

Nathan noticed one of Meru’s knees resting against Kieran’s.

He looked up.

Meru was smiling at him.

The fuck? Is he trying to get a rise out of me?

Nathan turned back to the window.

Eat a dick.

The carriage finally slowed but didn't stop.

Nathan peered out the window. His stomach sank.

People.

Clusters of them stretched across the landscape. Tents packed tight. Makeshift stalls. Canvas and burlap strung between poles. Fires burning everywhere. Merchants shouting over one another. Adventurers in various states of readiness or exhaustion. Wagons pulled up in lines that didn’t bother pretending to be orderly.

To his bewilderment, the carriage kept a slow and steady pace.

“Carriages get to go to the front, bypass the wagons,” Meru said.

“S’that right?” Nathan said, not taking his eyes off the insanity outside.

It looked like a town, not just a campsite.

A bad one.

“What the hell,” Nathan muttered. “It’s a dungeon, not a festival.”

“New floors,” Meru replied. “Screams profitability.”

Nathan watched a group of people argue over something glowing on a table, then another drag a bloodstained burlap toward a fire.

“How many people are camping out here?” Nathan asked.

“Thousands, I’d guess,” Meru said lightly. “Rotating in and out.”

“This will complicate entry,” Kieran said.

Nathan turned toward him. Kieran was staring out the window now, posture rigid, one hand resting on his sword hilt.

Always vigilant.

“Ordinarily,” Meru said with a faint smile, “you would be correct. Today, however, you are with Meru Oglivos.”

Kieran’s gaze flicked toward him. “What does that mean?”

Meru’s smile widened. “You’ll see shortly.”

About ten minutes later, the carriage rolled to a stop.

“This is us. Come along,” Meru said, exiting first.

Nathan stepped down after him.

A large tent stood directly ahead, canvas stretched taut and marked with a sign indicating Onsite Guild Operations.

Meru was already striding toward the entrance.

The area around it was unusually open. Soldiers were stationed along the perimeter, spaced evenly, alert. This wasn’t part of the shanty town sprawl. This was controlled. Temporary, but official.

Nathan caught the sound of murmurs as they passed.

Meru’s name, spoken quietly. Repeated. Followed by looks that lingered too long.

All eyes on him.

He clearly enjoyed it.

Nathan, Kieran, and Zam lingered near the carriage for a moment longer.

Meru stopped and turned back toward them. “Are you coming or not?”

Nathan’s gaze flicked to him.

His earrings glinted even in the dull light. Tall. Fit. Effortlessly magnetic. The kind of charm people gravitated toward whether they meant to or not.

Yeah. I get it. That’s why he has a fan club. Plus, he must actually be talented.

He better be damn talented and not all hype.

Nathan stepped forward first.

Kieran and Zam followed. The carriage didn’t leave.

Nathan noticed when they started toward the tent and the driver merely shifted his weight, reins still in hand.

“Zam will need to unload,” Meru said lightly, as if it explained everything.

Of course it did. For him.

Nathan looked at Zam.

Zam pointed at himself. “Of course, Mr. Meru. I’ll get it unloaded in a jiff.”

“Thank you.”

“My pleasure.”

Meru let Nathan and Kieran pass him.

They stepped into the tent.

The noise dropped immediately.

Not silent, but muted. Canvas walls dampened the chaos outside, turning shouts into distant hums. Rows of tables filled the interior, each staffed by clerks bent over ledgers and forms. Fewer adventurers. More order.

The clerks looked tired. Dead-eyed. Just as they had in every guild hall Nathan had entered.

Then Meru walked in.

Nathan watched it happen.

Heads lifted. Spines straightened. One clerk’s eyes actually widened before she caught herself. Another sat up a little taller, suddenly attentive.

Ah. He wants this reaction. I see.

A man in a well-cut vest hurried over, smile already fixed in place.

“Mr. Oglivos,” he said warmly. “How wonderful of you to have come.”

Meru smiled back, effortless. “Please. Call me Meru.”

The man beamed. “Of course. Of course. We received word to expect you.” He gestured broadly. “If you’ll follow me, we’ve prepared everything.”

Must be nice to have connections.

Nathan glanced at Kieran.

Kieran gave nothing away.

They followed.

The manager spoke as they walked, clearly delighted with himself. “We’ve been staggering party entries into the dungeon. Helps give people breathing room.”

“That’s a smart way to handle it,” Meru said.

The man nodded enthusiastically. “Without structure, things became… difficult. Most lower-tier parties have had to wait days. Sometimes a week.”

Nathan stopped walking. “A week?”

The man laughed nervously. “Rennick Dungeon is suddenly very popular.”

That’s one word for it.

The man continued, eyes bright. “Your entry will be expedited, of course, Mr. Meru.”

Of course it will.

“That is very kind of you,” Meru said pleasantly. He glanced back at Nathan and smirked.

So full of himself. Nathan sighed. I guess I can’t complain.

“Oh please! We would never have Mr. Meru wait!” the manager gushed.

Get a fucking room, guy.

A notification glowed.

Hint: It helps to have friends in high places.

Nathan stared at it.

Useless as ever.

The manager clapped his hands together. “Please, make yourselves comfortable. Refreshments are available while final entry documents are prepared.”

A nearby clerk moved quickly, already pouring from a pitcher into simple cups.

Meru accepted one immediately, nodding in approval after a sip. “My thanks.” He winked at the young man, who promptly blushed.

Nathan started screaming internally.

Not sure how long I can stand this guy.

“Uh, hello,” Nathan said, waving at the clerk with the pitcher. “We’ll take three.”

The man straightened and nodded once, unenthusiastic.

Nathan took the first two cups without comment and passed them to Kieran.

“For Zam,” Kieran said quietly.

Nathan nodded and took one more.

They didn’t linger.

Nathan glanced back at Meru. “We’ll be outside, diva.”

Meru blinked, then smiled, clearly pleased. He laughed softly. “Diva. I like that word.”

“Uh huh,” Nathan muttered, already turning to follow Kieran.

Outside the tent, the carriage was gone.

Zam stood beside the stacked trunks and gear, hands clasped behind his back, posture polite and painfully awkward. He rocked on his heels twice.

Nathan snorted quietly at the sight.

Kieran handed him a cup.

“Oh,” Zam said, brightening instantly. “Thanks!”

Kieran nodded, already scanning the perimeter.

Nathan’s gaze dropped to the pile beside Zam.

All that gear. All his.

“He’s not seriously expecting us to carry all of that, is he?” Nathan muttered.

“I believe he is,” Kieran replied.

“Maybe I should just put it into inventory,” Nathan whispered.

“Somewhere with fewer eyes would be preferable.”

Nathan nodded.

Which means we’re hauling all that shit deeper first.

He scanned the area.

Several tents nearby. Supply staging. Temporary. Thin canvas walls.

Maybe there.

Before he could decide, Meru emerged from the operations tent, looking entirely too pleased.

“We’ve been cleared for entry within the hour,” he said. He pointed across the perimeter. “That tent will serve as our departure waiting area.”

He turned and started walking.

Then paused.

Glanced back at them.

“Well?” he said lightly. “Gather the supplies.”

"This piece of shit." Nathan said under his breath.

He turned to glance at Kieran.

“I also do not like his attitude.” Kieran stared after the man. “That aside, we did need somewhere secluded.”

Nathan laughed.

Ridiculous.

"True."

He walked toward the pile.

Zam was already happily humming and slinging packs over his shoulders.

Nathan grabbed a trunk.

Aren't I supposed to be the main character here?

Fuck it. Whatever.