The sun was already sinking toward the horizon when they descended from the hill toward the towering walls of the kingdom. The stone was still warm from the day, and a line had formed at the gates—merchants, mercenaries, wanderers. Shouts, metal clatter, and voices blended into a constant шум of life.

  Kael walked in silence. His thoughts kept returning to the old man, to the fresh earth, to words that could not be forgotten. The granddaughter stayed close, gripping his cloak, as if afraid to disappear in this new, unfamiliar world.

  “Stay close,” Rin said quietly. “Too many eyes here.”

  Nika scanned the surroundings, feeling tension hanging thick in the air. The city lived loudly, but beneath the noise lurked danger. Elf narrowed her eyes, watching the flow of people.

  “If things go wrong,” she said, “we have a contact here. Someone we know, closer to the inner district.”

  “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,” Kael replied.

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  At the gate, the guards stopped them. A quick inspection, a few short questions—and they were allowed inside. Beyond the walls, the world shifted instantly: narrow streets, torchlight, the smell of food and sweat, the clink of coins. There was no silence here—only life.

  “We need money,” Nika said calmly. “And fast.”

  “Then we find out what pays,” Rin answered.

  Not far from the main street, they noticed a notice board. Several fighters were gathered around it—arguing, laughing, cursing. Kael stepped closerand read the posting.

  “Reward for low-rank demon heads — 60 silver each. Turn in at the barracks.”

  “Sixty…” the granddaughter whispered. “Is that a lot?”

  “For a start, yes,” Elf said. “But even low-rank demons can kill an inexperienced fighter.”

  “At least we’re not alone,” Kael replied, tightening his grip on his sword.

  A man in worn armor standing nearby smirked as he overheard them.

  “If you think that’s easy money, you’re wrong,” he said. “Most who leave the walls at night don’t come back.”

  “At night?” Rin asked.

  “Demons are more active after sunset,” thewarrior replied. “But the reward stays the same.”

  The group stepped aside. Shadows stretched across the streets as torches were lit one by one.

  “We’re tired,” Nika said. “But if we wait until morning, others will take the jobs.”

  “We need shelter,” Elf added. “And a plan.”

  Kael looked at the granddaughter. She was exhausted, but not broken. Fear lived in her eyes—but so did resolve.

  “No fighting tonight,” he said firmly. “First, we find a place to stay. If that fails—we go to your contact.”

  Rin nodded. “That’s reasonable.”

  They moved deeper into the city, where the noise faded and the streets grew narrower. Above the rooftops, the moon rose—cold and distant.

  Behind them lay the old man’s grave.

  Ahead awaited a kingdom of gold, blood, and choices that could never be undone.

  Their journey had only just begun.