The Dark Ascendant

The sun was high in the sky as Raj and Dorian strolled through the bustling streets of Ravendale. Merchants lined the market square, calling out their wares, and the smell of fresh bread and roasted meat drifted in the air. The town was alive, vibrant with the energy of people going about their daily lives.

"Let's grab something to eat," Dorian said, gesturing toward a cozy-looking restaurant with wooden shutters and a sign that read The Copper Hearth. "Best place in town. The stew's hearty, and the ale's cold. Trust me, you'll like it."

Raj nodded in agreement. After the ceremony, his mind was racing with thoughts of his next move, but a good meal sounded like a welcome distraction—and an opportunity to gather more information.

The interior of The Copper Hearth was warm and inviting, with polished wooden tables and a large stone fireplace crackling in the corner. The scent of herbs and simmering broth filled the air. Dorian led them to a table near the window, where they could watch the bustling street outside.

A waitress approached, her apron dusted with flour and a friendly smile on her face. "What can I get you two?"

"Two bowls of the house stew and some fresh bread," Dorian said, leaning back in his chair. "And a pitcher of ale."

The waitress nodded and hurried off, leaving Raj and Dorian in comfortable silence.

Dorian stretched, cracking his knuckles. "You'll like the stew. It's got a nice kick to it."

Raj glanced around, his eyes sweeping the room. The restaurant was half-full, with locals enjoying their meals and chatting quietly. It was the perfect place for a casual conversation—one that wouldn't draw too much attention.

"So," Raj began, his tone light but curious, "earlier, you mentioned something about acquiring Gems through the guild or the chapel. But what about… rarer Gems? Ones that aren't so easy to come by?"

Dorian raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Rarer Gems, huh? You're not wasting any time, are you?"

Raj gave a small shrug. "Just curious. The Scholar Path caught my attention. It seems… different. Not as straightforward as Warrior or Rogue."

Dorian chuckled. "Different is one way to put it. The Scholar Path's not for everyone. It's powerful, sure, but it's also demanding. Takes a sharp mind and a lot of patience. Most people don't have the stomach for it."

"And the Gem?" Raj pressed gently. "Where does one get a Scholar Gem?"

Before Dorian could answer, the waitress returned with their food. She set down two steaming bowls of stew, a basket of fresh bread, and a pitcher of ale.

"Enjoy," she said with a smile before walking away.

Dorian picked up his spoon, blowing on the stew before taking a bite. "Ah, that's good," he said, nodding in approval. "Anyway, about the Scholar Gem… It's not something you can just pick up at the market. The basic Gems—Warrior, Rogue, Archer—you'll find those easily enough. But Scholar? That's a bit trickier."

Raj took a bite of the stew, the rich flavors dancing on his tongue. "How tricky?"

Dorian leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "The Scholar Gem's usually found in places of learning—academies, libraries, ancient ruins. Sometimes the church has them, but they're rare. Most of the time, you'll need to get it through an auction or a private deal. The guild can help with that, but it'll cost you."

Raj nodded thoughtfully. "And what about… less conventional sources?"

Dorian paused, his spoon hovering over his bowl. "You're thinking about black-market deals?"

"Just exploring options," Raj said, his expression unreadable.

Dorian smirked. "You're bolder than you look, Raj. Yeah, there are… alternative ways to get a Scholar Gem. But it's risky. Those deals aren't always reliable, and the people you'll be dealing with aren't exactly friendly."

Raj sipped his ale, considering the information. "Good to know."

They ate in silence for a few moments, the clinking of spoons against bowls blending with the hum of conversation around them. Finally, Dorian spoke again, his tone more serious.

"Look, if you're serious about the Scholar Path, you've got to be careful. It's powerful, no doubt, but it's also dangerous. Knowledge is a weapon, and not everyone's ready to wield it."

Raj's eyes darkened slightly, the faintest hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I've always believed knowledge is the greatest weapon. The more dangerous, the better."

Dorian studied him for a moment before nodding. "Fair enough. Just promise me you won't get yourself killed chasing after it. I'd hate to lose a drinking buddy so soon."

Raj chuckled softly. "I'll do my best to stay alive."

The conversation shifted to lighter topics as they finished their meal. Dorian regaled Raj with stories of past adventures—some heroic, others downright ridiculous. Raj listened, occasionally offering a dry comment that earned a laugh from his companion.