Ten barbarians moved in a proper formation behind Kane, marching deeper into the heart of Sylvandar.

Silver spires pierced the sky like needles, connected by vine bridges that stretched for miles.

Floating lanterns drifted through the air, reflecting a golden glow over the bustling avenues.

Sylvandar was not just a border town; it was a sprawling metropolis that seemed to stretch endlessly toward the place.

Different races mingled everywhere Kane looked.

Graceful high elves in silk robes walked with arrogant poise.

Busty beastwomen with fox ears and powerful thighs laughed near food stalls, their revealing leather outfits barely containing their ample breasts.

Curvy human merchant girls called out to customers, their dresses cut so low their cleavage was practically spilling out.

A few succubi with swaying tails moved seductively, licking their lips as they eyed strong males.

Wealth, beauty, and opportunity fill every corner of this city.

Lirael was already taken away by two of her men. They secured her in a quiet alley outside the main avenues, keeping her hidden until they actually needed her to prove their sponsorship.

As they passed a busy corner filled with fresh bread, roasted meats, and sweet fruits, Grieselda silently reached out.

She caught Kane’s arm, her violet hair swaying gently.

Pointing toward the stall with her other hand, she fixed him with calm, expectant golden eyes.

"What?"

Kane looked at her, then glanced back at Sira and Thora.

Grrrrrr...

Both women’s stomachs let out embarrassing growls at almost the same time. Thora flushed slightly, pink color touching her cheeks.

Sira immediately looked away, pretending she heard nothing at all.

Kane let out a genuine laugh.

"If you want something, just ask," he said, looking between them with clear amusement.

"You are mine now. If I am not spending my gold on you two, then who the hell am I supposed to spend it on?"

Thora smiled softly, appreciating his words. Sira muttered something under her breath but offered no argument.

They approached the first food stall, looking over the steaming pastries.

The elven owner immediately wrinkled his nose in disgust.

"Barbarians?" he sneered.

"We don’t serve your kind here. Move along."

Kane didn’t raise his voice. He made no threats and simply moved to the next stall.

"Get away from my food," the next merchant snapped.

"Move along."

"Our stock just ran out."

Most shopkeepers refused to even look at them, and quickly whispers followed the group down the street.

"Look at those filthy savages..."

"They smell like blood and shit..."

"Keep your daughters away. Those brutes will fuck anything that moves."

Kane kept his expression perfectly calm.

He was not here to start a street brawl over a loaf of bread.

’Let them talk,’ he thought, brushing off the insults.

He finally stopped in front of a human woman’s stall.

She was selling fresh bread and steaming roasted beef.

Nervous sweat beaded on her forehead as she stared at the towering barbarian.

Kane reached into his pouch and dropped one gold coin on the counter.

Clink.

Her eyes widened, but she still hesitated, glancing around at the judging elves.

"Uhm..."

He dropped a second coin.

Then a third.

Clink. Clink. Clink.

People nearby started pointing and whispering.

Finally, Kane dropped fifty gold coins onto the counter with a loud, satisfying chime.

That amount easily covered a month’s profit for a small street vendor.

Greed instantly won over her fear. Her hands trembled as she stared at the shining pile.

"Th-thank you, sir," she stammered.

She quickly grabbed a large cloth bag. Packing it full of fresh bread, roasted meats, juicy fruits, and a bottle of sweet wine, she handed it over with a frantic bow.

[Transaction Complete]

[53 Gold Coins Deducted]

[Current Balance: 6,697 Gold Coins]

Finding a quiet spot near a bubbling fountain, the group sat down to eat.

Grieselda remained silent, yet she ate with surprising grace.

A small, rare smile touched her lips as she tasted the sweet bread.

Thora tore off pieces of meat and bread, feeding them to Kane with her fingers while licking sauce from her own lips, her eyes full of affection.

She occasionally licked savory sauce from her own lips, watching him with affectionate eyes.

Sira ate much more quietly.

She kept her new bow resting on her lap, constantly stealing glances at Kane between bites.

’Look at them go.’

Kane enjoyed the peaceful moment.

All the barbarians enjoyed the food that they couldn’t taste in the forest.

Chewing slowly, Kane observed the bustling city around them. It felt good to provide for his people, proving his worth as a leader outside of combat.

Once everyone finished eating, Kane stood up and wiped his mouth.

"Let’s find an inn. We need a proper base before we figure out the tournament registration."

They stepped back onto the main avenue, navigating through the sea of diverse faces.

Suddenly, a figure stepped directly into Kane’s path, forcing him to stop abruptly.

Kane’s eyes widened slightly as he took her in.

She was stunning.

Emerald silk clung to her perfect curves like a second skin. Long black hair framed a face of flawless pale beauty, but a white cloth completely covered her eyes. Despite being blindfolded, she faced him directly, as if she could see him perfectly.

[New Encounter Detected]

[Scanning Target...]

[Warning: Target possesses high-tier magical affinity.]

"You are a long way from the woods, Kane," she said. Her voice was smooth and captivated his attention instantly.

Kane froze for a fraction of a second. He never told this woman his name.

’A seer,’ Kane thought, assessing her relaxed posture.

’That explains the blindfold and the parlor trick.’

He offered her a grin and rested a hand on his belt.

"You know my name and my plans, yet I don’t know yours," he said, voice low and filthy.

"But I can tell you’re not here just to warn me. How wet does a blindfolded seer get when she smells a real man?" 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

She took a step closer, close enough for him to smell a faint scent of jasmine, and tilted her head as if she was listening to a distant song.

"Names hold power, but your path is written in spilled blood and broken crowns," she murmured, her tone simple but carrying a strange weight.

"You walk with too much confidence for a man surrounded by hidden blades. You seek the highest seat, but you will find only a cage unless you learn to see the invisible threads."

"I plan to break the cage," Kane replied.

"And I will break anyone who tries to lock the door."

A soft smile touched her lips. She did not argue or mock his arrogance.

"The threads are pulling tightly around you," she said.

"We shall see what remains when they snap."

She turned on her heel and walked away. Her hips swayed with a mesmerizing rhythm as she glided through the packed street.

The busy crowd parted for her naturally, and she disappeared into the sea of people without bumping into a single soul.

Kane watched her go in silence.

The brief encounter left a strange chill lingering on his skin.

[New Encounter Detected]

[Entity: Unidentified Seer]

[Warning: Fate alignment shifting. Proceed with caution.]