Drake stepped out of the Iron Resolve Guild Hall, a sense of pragmatic resolve replacing his earlier slight disappointment regarding the specialized training dummies. They were a long-term asset for the guild, not a quick fix for his personal SCR grind. His immediate priority, unchanged, was the [Legacy of the Twin Souls] quest and the journey to the [Echoing Forge]. The information he'd gathered from the Great Library about the specific, heavily guarded Explorer's League caravan being the only reliable way to approach the remote Serpent's Tooth mountain range was critical. That caravan departed once every seven days, and according to his internal chronometer and the system's day/night cycle, the next departure was alarmingly soon.
"The caravan... Librarian said it leaves from the Eastern Trade Gate. And the next departure... damn, that's tomorrow morning, early. Less than 12 hours from now in-game time. No more time for extended training or side ventures in Silverhaven. Need to get supplies now and head to that outpost."
His financial situation was a pressing concern. The initial 500 Gold from the Unbeatable Guardian clear had seemed like a fortune. However, learning [Relic Hunter], then the initial disastrous foray into Enchanting back in Oakhaven (burning through nearly 200 Gold just to learn and get a 63% CCR on one glyph), and his more recent purchase of the [Glyph of Minor Strength] recipe and another batch of enchanting materials in Silverhaven (another ~150 Gold) had severely depleted his savings.
"I don't have much left from the tutorial reward, plus whatever I looted from mobs and the small quest rewards since then... and the Sunken Reliquary Hard Mode clear."
He quickly checked his currency. The Hard Mode dungeon clear had indeed yielded a substantial amount of silver and a decent chunk of gold for each party member after the main loot distribution. His share, combined with his meager savings, brought his current total to approximately 220 Gold.
"Okay, 220 Gold. Not rich by any means, especially in a major city like Silverhaven where high-level consumables and gear repairs can be expensive. But it should be enough for essential travel supplies for a long, dangerous journey, and hopefully the caravan passage fee itself isn't exorbitant."
He headed straight for Silverhaven's main Market Circle, a sprawling, chaotic hub of player and NPC commerce. He bypassed the stalls selling flashy gear or exotic pets, focusing instead on vendors offering practical adventuring necessities. He needed to budget carefully.
First, potions. He found an apothecary stall run by a wizened gnome NPC. << Vendor: Grizzle's Curatives & Concoctions >> "Looking for reliable healing on the road, adventurer?" Grizzle chirped. Drake purchased a stack of [Standard Healing Potions] – better than the Minor ones he'd been finding, restoring a more significant chunk of HP. << Purchased [Standard Healing Potion] x10. Gold Deducted: 50 >>. He also bought a few [Basic Antidote Vials] and some [Stamina Refreshment Draughts]. << Purchased [Basic Antidote Vial] x5. Gold Deducted: 10 >> << Purchased [Stamina Refreshment Draught] x3. Gold Deducted: 15 >>
"75 Gold gone already just on basic potions. This journey is going to be expensive."
Next, repair kits. His [Initiate's Twin Blades] were high quality, but extended combat in remote areas would inevitably lead to durability loss. He found a smithy vendor selling [Journeyman's Repair Kits]. << Purchased [Journeyman's Repair Kit] x3. Gold Deducted: 30 >>
Finally, rations. He needed non-perishable food and water for a multi-day trek where foraging might be difficult or dangerous. He bought several packs of [Iron Rations] and a new, larger waterskin. << Purchased [Iron Rations] x7 (1 week supply). Gold Deducted: 14 >> << Purchased [Reinforced Waterskin]. Gold Deducted: 5 >>
His remaining funds were now just under 100 Gold. "Down to about 96 Gold. That has to cover the caravan passage and any unforeseen expenses. It's going to be tight."
After a final check of his gear – ensuring his armor was repaired – Drake left the Market Circle. He navigated through Silverhaven's eastern districts, following the signs for the Eastern Trade Gate. This gate was less grand than the northern one he'd entered through, primarily used for merchant caravans and trade expeditions heading towards the wilder, less settled eastern territories and the mountain ranges beyond.
Following the information from the Great Library and his [Cartographer's Route Maps], which had a small inset showing the general location of the Explorer's League caravan staging post, he traveled for another hour or so beyond the city walls. The path led away from the main trade roads, becoming a rough, infrequently used track heading towards a series of low, defensible hills.
As dusk began to settle, he arrived at the outpost. It wasn't a permanent settlement, more a temporary, heavily fortified encampment. Several large, reinforced wagons, clearly designed for hazardous journeys, were arranged in a defensive circle. Armed guards – a mix of stern-faced humans and rugged dwarves, all Level 30+ and clad in practical, well-maintained armor bearing the Explorer's League insignia – patrolled the perimeter or tended to equipment. A large central bonfire crackled, and the smell of roasting meat and strong trail coffee hung in the air. Several other adventurer-types, clearly other passengers, were gathered, their expressions a mix of anticipation and nervousness. This was clearly the unique, guarded caravan the Librarian had spoken of.
Drake approached the largest tent, where a grizzled, heavily scarred human NPC with a Captain's insignia (Captain Borin Stonebeard - Level 35) was overseeing the final loading of supplies. This had to be the caravan master.
"This is it. Looks serious. Hopefully, passage isn't more than 50 Gold, or I'm walking."
He stepped forward as Captain Stonebeard finished giving orders to a pair of guards. "Captain Stonebeard?" Drake inquired respectfully. "I was informed in Silverhaven that your caravan travels near the Serpent's Tooth mountain range. I seek passage with you. My destination is the Echoing Forge, within those mountains, on a matter of some urgency." He subtly let the faint energy of his [Initiate's Twin Blades] and the Alvari artifacts he carried be felt, hoping to convey the serious nature of his quest.
Captain Stonebeard turned, his eyes, sharp and assessing, taking in Drake from head to toe – his Rare blades, his mismatched but functional enchanted gear, his calm demeanor. "The Echoing Forge, eh?" the Captain rumbled, stroking his thick, braided beard. "Haven't heard that name spoken in years. A fool's errand for most, and a dangerous one at that. The Serpent's Tooth is no place for the unprepared." He paused. "Passage with this League caravan ain't cheap, lad. We guarantee security, but security has its price. Especially for those venturing towards 'sensitive' Alvari sites."
Drake met his gaze steadily. "I understand the risks, Captain. And I can pay my way, or contribute to the caravan's defense if needed." He hoped his remaining 96 Gold would be enough. The cost of this journey, and the challenges it promised, were just beginning.