Shadows of Ascension

14. The Tavern's Secret

As Luca and Aiden continued their journey through the winding paths of the world, they eventually arrived at a certain tavern nestled in a remote corner of the land. The air was thick with the scent of alcohol and the sound of raucous laughter echoed through the dimly lit establishment.

Aiden couldn't shake the strange feeling that washed over him as they entered the tavern, a sense of foreboding settling in the pit of his stomach. But Luca seemed unfazed as he approached the bartender, his expression calm and collected.

"We're here to see the boss," Luca announced, his voice cutting through the din of the tavern.

The bartender regarded them with a knowing glint in his eye before nodding curtly and motioning for them to follow. Leading them through a maze of crowded tables and drunken revelers, he finally stopped in front of a heavy wooden door and rapped sharply on its surface.

The door swung open to reveal a dimly lit room, the air thick with the scent of cigarette smoke. Seated behind a massive desk was a menacing-looking man, his muscles bulging beneath the fabric of his shirt as he leaned back in his chair, a cigarette dangling from his lips.

"What is it that you seek?" he asked, his voice low and gravelly.

Luca stepped forward, his demeanor calm and composed. "I'm Luca, and this is Aiden," he said, introducing themselves. "We've come for the map."

The boss let out a booming laugh, the sound reverberating through the room like thunder. "You think I'd just hand over the map to any two-bit adventurer who walks through my door?" he scoffed.

But Luca remained unfazed, his gaze steady as he met the boss's gaze. "I know you have it, Viper," he said, his voice tinged with determination.

The boss's eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. "How do you know my name?" he demanded, his tone laced with suspicion.

As Aiden heard the name "Viper," a shiver ran down his spine. The name carried with it a reputation for ruthlessness and danger, and the realization that they were dealing with someone of such notoriety sent a chill coursing through his veins.

But Luca remained composed, his gaze unwavering as he explained. "My brother came here years ago to collect that map," he said. "And you refused to give it to him."

A flicker of recognition passed over Viper's face as he recalled the encounter. "Your brother was trouble," he admitted gruffly. "But he had guts, I'll give him that."

With a resigned sigh, Viper reached into a drawer and withdrew a rolled-up parchment, handing it over to Luca with a gruff nod.

"Here's your map," he said, his voice gruff. "But don't think this is the end of it. There are dangers out there that you can't even begin to imagine."

As they exited the tavern, Aiden couldn't help but feel a sense of unease lingering in the air. "What was all that about?" he asked Luca, his voice tinged with curiosity and apprehension.

Luca glanced down at the parchment in his hand, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "It's a treasure map," he explained cryptically. "And with it, our adventure is only just beginning."