After leaving, Nova took a path outside of the city, leading to the location that was marked off for him to follow, where he would meet up with a few other members of the group, who? He had no idea as yet but would find out soon enough.
While walking, Nova could feel the subtle presence of Levan following him in order to ensure his safety, which he appreciated, since he was basically all alone in this and he did not want to get Soren or Crevan involved, that would only complicate things and drag them into something, even he was not certain of, but it was necessary.
However, when he was nearing the district, he could see the scars, marks of the incident from so long ago, on the surface of the earth, scorched as a reminder of what had once occurred and what was still possible; there were things they had no control of.
The area was slightly dark, due to limited access of light, other than the moons and a few broken lampposts on the side of shattered pavements.
He looked around while walking; parts of the ground were ruptured, and he could hear the howling of the wind, which only added to the intensity of the situation. The place had no humans, only monsters and the lingering essence of those from the past who once lived there.
"Be careful, there are many dark things here, ones from both the present and the past," Levan warned him from the shadows and he gave him a subtle nod, showing that he was listening and was aware.
"Where are the ones I am supposed to meet up with..." He muttered to himself as he played with the ring on his finger when he heard a slight commotion up ahead, deeper into the place.
'What was that?' He wondered as he was about to follow its sound, when suddenly, out of the shadows of one of the empty streets, someone grabbed him and yanked him aside.
He stumbled a bit, but easily regained his composure and his eyes began glowing, ready to defend himself.
"Whoa, whoa, calm down," A familiar voice said to him and his eyes narrowed, turning to see the person who pulled him aside clearly.
"You're working late."
Nova sighed when he turned only to see Sorev leaning against a post, arms crossed. His usual smirk and grumpy attitude were absent, replaced with something more serious than usual.
"I could say the same to you, old man," Nova replied casually, but his eyes showed interest, he knew the dwarf would not just show up all the way out there, for no reason.
Sorev pushed off the post, stepping closer to him. "I heard a few things, I was with Crevan, Nova, and I heard whispers. You are walking into something dangerous out here tonight, aren't you?" He asked, his voice stern but with a hint of concern.
"Well, that depends on what you define as dangerous," He responded, not wanting to get him involved, even though he appreciated it.
Sorev studied him for a long moment before lowering his voice a bit. "Alright, I think you know and get what I am saying. I do not know what you are up to, but be careful. The higher-ups are watching. Not just you—everyone involved in this whatever mission is, if you need help, know where to ask."
"Thank you, Sorev. I will be careful and keep that in mind," He added with a small smile, pleased that Sorev was not pushing him further and understood.
Soren sighed, giving him one last lingering look before walking off into the night, heading back to the city.
Nova stayed where he was, gripping his staff tightly as it appeared in the palm of his hand. By then, he knew this was no longer just a mission.
And the only way to survive was to play the game better than anyone else, better than those who believed they could best him, better than those who believed he was naive and walking into a place he did not belong. Nova was going to play to win, he was not going to risk losing, not now.
"He is right, but you already know that. It is kind of fascinating; these people who have not known you for that long yet trust you, well, begrudgingly I can admit I know why they easily take a liking to you, Nova. You shown them what they have not seen for a while, a passion to fight for what you want. It is why I decided to follow you as well," Levan said from within the shadow beside Nova.
"Thanks and I know, Levan, can you scout the area, see if there is an ambush or someone that is herethat is not supposed to be here, while I go check on the commotion I heard earlier and see if the others are here?" Nova asked.
"Sure, I will scout the area, it will be much easier for me to do, since no one who does not have an ability or similar one to you can sense me, other than that, be careful, I know that I am repeating it but it feels necessary," Levan responded and Nova chuckled with a nod.
Levan looked at him once more, before leaving to go do the task he was assigned and Nova exhaled deeply, then walked out of the alley, following the direction he had heard the commotion coming from earlier.
After a few minutes of walking, Nova arrived at an opening where he saw sparks flashing in the air and the loud roar of a creature, that shook the ground slightly and he came to an abrupt halt.
From a distance, he could see exactly what Dravon mentioned earlier happening, there were adventurers there as well as a few other folks, all trying to get to the monster, which was their target as well that night and his eyes narrowed, wondering what he should do next.
"Take advantage of their loss," Someone said and to his surprise, when he turned around, he saw Dravon, Zara as well as another member within the group behind him.