Last Months (3)

Sebastian wasted no time in leaving, catching a bus that whisked him away towards the bustling streets of Exidia's slums.

The sun was still high, and Sebastian had the time to complete the second of his tasks.

…

The vibrant life of the city center unfolded before him, with shops and businesses still open, eager for the day's last customers.

Among these, Sebastian had a specific destination in mind—an intermediary through whom he intended to purchase a home.

The idea of securing a home through the Black Market had crossed his mind, but Sebastian dismissed it as too fraught with danger.

The underground network, while resourceful, teemed with uncertainties and back stabbers.

The absence of guarantees was a concern; there was nothing to prevent a seller from betraying him, revealing his family's whereabouts to those with malicious intent. Especially if those were the Four Sacred Clans.

Sebastian was alone. Without the backing of an organization, his individual strength, however formidable it might seem to Auditors, lacked the weight to deter potential threats.

In the murky waters of the Black Market, loyalty was a rare commodity, and the ease with which individuals could vanish into the shadows left him vulnerable.

A lone figure, regardless of his or her capabilities, faced significant limitations in exerting influence or exacting retribution.

Thus, Sebastian opted for a legitimate intermediary, which at least offered a semblance of safety and anonymity that the Black Market could not guarantee.

The problem was, would The Hound's fake identity work?

Sebastian arrived in front of the towering building that housed the real estate agency.

He stepped inside, making his way to the elevator, which carried him upwards, towards the promise of a new beginning for his family.

The doors opened, and he was greeted by the bustling atmosphere of the agency, where dreams of homes were brokered.

After a brief exchange with a secretary, who eyed his attire with a mix of curiosity and professionalism, but not without a tint of disdain, Sebastian was escorted to an office.

Inside, a woman awaited him, her demeanor exuding confidence and expertise. They exchanged pleasantries.

"Good evening."

"Hello."

The woman gestured for him to sit down. Sebastian's gaze locked with that of the woman seated across from him.

She was a seasoned real estate agent, and it was clear she had plentiful experience navigating the complexities of international property transactions.

While her sharp suit spoke of professionalism, her eyes, a deep shade of hazel, hinted at keen intelligence.

A lock of silver streaked her otherwise chestnut hair, suggesting she wasn't that young.

"I'm looking to purchase a home in Pariorn."

The woman's eyebrow arched subtly at the mention of Pariorn.

"That's quite the distance from Starhaven," she said, her tone measured.

"Transactions over such distances can be... costly. Are you prepared for that?"

Sebastian met her gaze. "Cost isn't my primary concern," he said. "What matters is ensuring the area is as safe as possible. I'm willing to invest whatever it takes."

A moment of understanding passed between them, and the woman nodded.

She turned to her computer, pulling up images of properties in Pariorn.

As she turned the screen to face Sebastian, he leaned forward, his attention captured by the photographs displayed.

One by one, they scrolled through images of secluded estates nestled in lush landscapes, modern homes overlooking serene lakes, and rustic retreats hidden within verdant forests. All in different cities inside Pariorn.

Each property offered a glimpse into a life far removed from the dangers he wanted his mother and brother to stay away from, a place where his family could thrive and live in peace.

As they delved into the details of each property, the room seemed to shrink around them, the outside world fading away.

Discussions on features, security measures, and logistics flowed, the agent matching Sebastian's urgency with her expertise.

She pointed out the advantages of each location, her hazel eyes lighting up with each possibility she presented, her gestures animated as she outlined the logistics involved.

The time they spent engrossed in conversation felt both fleeting and endless. It was almost comical since he did nothing particularly hard.

Finally, settling on a property that promised both the security and the isolation Sebastian sought, he felt a weight lift from his shoulders.

The agent offered a small, genuine smile, a rare glimpse of the person behind the professional facade.

With the decision made, Sebastian stood, extending his hand across the desk.

"Thank you," he said, the gratitude in his voice echoing the enormity of the step he had just taken.

The woman shook his hand, her grip firm. "It's been a pleasure assisting you. Pariorn will be a wonderful new start for your family."

As Sebastian exited the building, the reality of his choice settled in.

He had just secured a place for his family in a distant land, a bold move towards a future free from the shadows of their past.

However, Sebastian parted with a significant portion of his accumulated wealth—800 thousand Starcoins—to secure a residence that promised peace and security.

The sum represented nearly all his resources, save for the 300 thousand Starcoins he had earmarked for his mother and brother's sustenance.

There was one additional problem, though. The agent detailed the time needed for making the house habitable, mentioning it would take a month to furnish and prepare the property and papers.

The deadline set the move-in date dangerously close to December 25th, a mere week after Sebastian's awakening.

Recognizing the tight schedule, Sebastian left additional funds with the woman, ensuring that no obstacle would delay the house's readiness.

With the transaction complete, Sebastian left the building, his mind a whirlwind of plans and possibilities.

He roamed without a particular destination. At some point, Sebastian reflected on the rest of his funds—approximately 20 thousand Starcoins. This sum, while not insignificant, seemed paltry against the backdrop of his recent expenditures.

Yet, it was perhaps enough for one final investment, not in property, but in something far more personal.

His thoughts turned to the volatile edge of his nature, the madness that whispered for him to leap before looking, to embrace risk with open arms.

It was this aspect of himself that the young man sought to tame, a desire to find a balance within the storm of his emotions.

With this goal in mind, he wandered the streets of Exidia, his eyes scanning for the signs of Artifact Makers' shops.

These establishments might hold the key to reigning in his impulses.

After some time, Sebastian's search brought him to the doorstep of one such shop.

The facade was unassuming, yet the promise of wonders within beckoned him forward.

He entered, the door chiming behind him, and was greeted by the rich aroma of newly crafted items and the sight of shelves laden with curiosities.

The shopkeeper nodded in greeting. Sebastian returned the gesture, his focus shifting to the myriad items that filled the space.

The shop was a treasure trove of the mystical and the mundane, each artifact imbued with magical properties that ranged from the practical to the peculiar.

Rings that promised warmth in the coldest of climates, masks that filtered the foulest of airs, coats that could turn as light as a feather or as heavy as stone at the wearer's will.

Among the everyday items, he found matches guaranteed to light up to ten times each, and bottles that purified any water poured into them—a thespian's dream for survival.

<As fancy and useful as these things are, I don't really need them for now.>

His interest lay in artifacts designed to temper the emotions. There were several that caught his eye, primarily aimed at quelling rage or soothing anxiety.

Yet, as he looked through the collection, Sebastian realized a glaring omission.

None of the artifacts specifically targeted the thrill-seeking excitement that often drove him to the brink of danger.

It appeared that controlling such a nuanced aspect of one's psyche was not that requested by Thespians.

Despite this, the visit was not in vain. The shop offered a glimpse into the possibilities of magic beyond combat, into artifacts that could enhance one's chances of survival in a world fraught with peril.

While he may not have found the perfect solution to his problem, Sebastian hoped that another shop, or perhaps a custom order, could solve his problem.