The Villain Professor's Second Chance

The towering gates of Theron's Rest loomed ahead, an imposing structure of weathered stone and iron that seemed to breathe authority. The steady hum of life echoed from beyond the gates—the clatter of carts, the chatter of voices, and the occasional bark of orders from guards. Kael felt his heart quicken as they approached. Beside him, Liora ambled forward with the ease of someone who'd walked this path countless times. His patched cloak swayed with each step, the rogue's grin unshaken by the imposing sight.

"Don't look so stiff, hero," Liora quipped, casting Kael a sideways glance. "You're making the guards suspicious already."

Kael adjusted his grip on the strap of his satchel, the leather digging into his palm as he fought to calm the knot tightening in his stomach. Two stern-faced soldiers stood like sentinels at the gates, their steel helmets gleaming under the sunlight. Their halberds were held with the kind of effortless precision that spoke of seasoned experience, each weapon gleaming with the promise of unyielding enforcement. The bustle of the gates—merchants shouting, travelers haggling, and the occasional barked order—felt like a living force, pressing against Kael's senses.

As Kael and Liora drew closer, the guards' scrutinizing gazes swept over them, lingering on Kael's travel-worn appearance and the sword at his hip. The weight of their attention made his steps falter slightly, but Liora's easy gait didn't waver. The rogue even offered a jaunty wave as if the imposing soldiers were old friends.

"State your business," one of the guards barked, his clipped tone carrying the authority of someone who had no patience for nonsense.

Liora, ever the charmer, stepped forward with a grin that could cut glass. "Just passing through, good sirs. My associate here"—he gestured with a flourish toward Kael, who froze under the scrutiny—"is my hired muscle. You know how dangerous these roads have become."

The guard's sharp eyes flicked to Kael, narrowing slightly. "Hired muscle? Him?" His skepticism was almost tangible.

Kael's mouth opened, a protest forming on his lips, but no words came out. He glanced at Liora, whose encouraging nudge was accompanied by a maddeningly confident wink.

"Doesn't talk much," Liora added smoothly, spreading his hands in a gesture of harmless honesty. "But you should see him swing that sword. The lad's got talent, I promise."

The corner of the guard's mouth twitched, perhaps at the audacity or absurdity of the claim. With a heavy sigh, he waved them through. "Fine. Move along. And keep your noses clean."

As they passed through the towering gates, Kael exhaled the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. His heart still pounded, the tension in his shoulders refusing to ease. Liora, on the other hand, seemed as carefree as ever, clapping him on the back with a chuckle.

"See? Nothing to it, hero," Liora said, his grin widening. "Though next time, maybe try not to look like you're walking to the gallows."

Kael's retort died on his lips as the city unfolded before him. Narrow cobblestone streets stretched into the distance, lined with colorful stalls draped in vibrant fabrics. Merchants called out their wares with practiced enthusiasm, their voices weaving together in a chaotic melody. The air was thick with the scent of roasted meats, spices, and something sweet he couldn't quite place. Children darted between the legs of harried traders, their laughter mingling with the clink of coins and the creak of cart wheels.

Towering buildings loomed overhead, their stone facades adorned with bright banners in hues of red, blue, and gold, each banner catching the breeze and snapping with an energetic life of its own. Iron signs creaked softly as they swayed, advertising everything from inns to smithies. The vibrant chaos of the city enveloped Kael, pulling his gaze in every direction at once. A street performer nearby drew a crowd, juggling flaming torches with a flair that earned gasps and scattered applause. Children darted around the edges of the circle, their laughter mingling with the occasional clang of a merchant's bell. Kael's eyes widened as he tried to take it all in, his head swiveling to follow the motion of a vendor slicing ribbons of roasted meat from a spit while colorful spices were tossed into the air like an artist splashing paint. The smells—charcoal, spices, and the faint tang of something sweet—wrapped around him, making his stomach growl despite himself. Nearby, a musician struck up a lively tune on a battered lute, the notes weaving effortlessly into the cacophony of voices, footsteps, and occasional shouts. It was overwhelming and exhilarating all at once, a sensory storm that left Kael momentarily frozen in awe.

"This… this is incredible," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the din.

Liora snickered. "You really are a country boy, aren't you?"
Stay updated with My Virtual Library Empire

Kael ignored him, his attention snagged by a towering statue in the distance. It depicted a warrior clad in elaborate armor, sword raised high as if ready to strike. He stepped closer to get a better look and stumbled into a merchant's cart, nearly toppling a display of brightly colored pottery.

"Watch where you're going, you clod!" the merchant barked, his face turning an alarming shade of red.

"Sorry!" Kael stammered, backing away hastily.

Liora's laughter rang out, drawing more attention than Kael would have liked. "Lost puppy strikes again. Don't worry, I'll keep you on a leash next time."

Kael glared at him, his cheeks burning. "I'm not a… just lead the way."

The rogue's grin didn't falter as he led Kael through the bustling streets. They turned onto a quieter lane where the noise softened to a low murmur. A modest inn came into view, its sign depicting a crescent moon over crossed keys. Liora pushed open the door, ushering Kael inside.

The inn's interior was warm and dimly lit, with wooden beams crisscrossing the ceiling and a faint aroma of stew wafting from the kitchen. The innkeeper, a stout woman with a no-nonsense air, glanced up from her ledger. Her sharp eyes swept over Kael, then shifted to Liora with a hint of recognition.

"Back again, are we?" she said, her tone dry.

Liora gave her a cheeky grin. "Miss me, Greta?"

"Hardly," she replied, though a faint smirk tugged at her lips. Her gaze returned to Kael, her brows furrowing slightly. "Who's the stray?"

Kael bristled, but Liora cut in smoothly. "My new partner. He's a bit rough around the edges, but he'll clean up nice. Two beds, one night."

"Three silver," Greta said, holding out her hand.

Kael's jaw dropped. "Three silver? For one night?"

"City prices, hero," Liora said, tossing a coin onto the counter. "Don't worry, you can pay me back later."

Greta handed them a key and gestured toward the stairs. Their room was small but tidy, with two narrow beds and a single window that overlooked the street. Kael sat on the edge of one bed, his muscles protesting the movement.

"This city is… different," he said finally, staring out the window at the bustling street below.

Liora leaned against the doorframe, his expression unusually thoughtful. "It'll chew you up if you're not careful. Trust no one, keep your coin pouch close, and never look too impressed. The city chews up the wide-eyed."

Kael nodded slowly, though the advice clashed with his natural inclination to trust. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

Liora smirked. "Good. Now get some rest, hero. You'll need it."

After a brief respite, Liora led Kael to their next destination: the Adventurer's Guild. The building loomed large and imposing, its stone walls marked by years of wear. A sign above the entrance depicted crossed swords, and the air outside was thick with the scent of sweat and metal. Adventurers of all shapes and sizes milled about, their presence as intimidating as the building itself.

Kael hesitated at the door, his heart pounding. Liora gave him a nudge. "Don't faint, hero. You're making us look bad."

Inside, the guild was a chaotic blend of noise and activity. A massive board covered in quest notices dominated one wall, while tables filled with rowdy adventurers lined the room. The scent of spilled ale mingled with the clink of coins and dice games. Hardened warriors, robed mages, and armored mercenaries filled the space, their scars and weapons telling silent stories of danger.

Kael swallowed hard. "This place is… intense."

"Welcome to the real world," Liora said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Try not to look like a scared lamb, though. They'll eat you alive."

Kael steeled himself and approached the counter, where a bored-looking clerk with sharp glasses barely glanced up. Liora stepped aside, smirking. "This should be fun," he muttered.

The clerk's monotone voice cut through the din. "Name, age, skills."

Kael stammered slightly but managed to answer. "Kael Aurenhart. Eighteen. Swordsmanship and basic survival."

The clerk raised an eyebrow but handed him a form. Kael filled it out carefully, his hand trembling slightly. When he returned it, the clerk barely looked at him before stamping it with an official seal.

"E-rank," the clerk said, sliding a small brass badge across the counter. "Low-risk quests only. Report back promptly. Your safety is your responsibility."

Kael took the badge, its weight feeling both humbling and significant. He pinned it to his tunic, his resolve hardening.

Liora leaned close, nodding toward a nearby table.

"Hey, kid. Looks like you've already got a fan club."