The Dark Ascendant

The black market's hustle and chaos still echoed in Raj's mind as they stepped back into the dim streets of Ravendale. The cool evening air helped clear his thoughts, but his stomach soon reminded him of another pressing need—hunger.

"Let's get something to eat," Dorian suggested, patting his stomach. "After all that walking, I'm starving."

Raj nodded in agreement. "Good idea. I could use a break."

They made their way to a nearby tavern called The Wandering Stag, one of the more reputable places in town. The warm glow of lanterns spilled onto the street from its windows, and the scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread wafted through the air. Inside, the tavern was alive with the clatter of mugs and the hum of conversations.

A stout woman greeted them at the door with a welcoming smile. "Table for two?"

"Yes, please," Dorian said.

They were seated in a cozy corner near the fireplace. The heat from the fire was a welcome comfort after the chill of the evening. Raj glanced around, taking in the lively scene. A group of merchants laughed boisterously at a nearby table, while a bard strummed a cheerful tune in the corner.

Dorian leaned back in his chair, looking relaxed. "The food here's good. You'll like it."

A waitress appeared, and they ordered roasted lamb, fresh bread, and a pitcher of ale.

"So," Dorian said once the waitress had left, "now that you've got your Gem, what's your next move?"

Raj tapped his fingers on the table thoughtfully. "I was going to ask you the same thing. What should I expect when fusing the Gem? Any advice?"

Dorian grinned. "Ah, the fusion process. It's not difficult, but there are a few things you should know to make it go smoothly."

The waitress returned with their food, setting down steaming plates of roasted lamb and a basket of warm bread. Dorian tore off a piece of bread and continued speaking.

"First of all, when you fuse with the Gem, it's going to test your willpower. The Gem wants to know if you're worthy of its power. Stay focused, and don't panic if you feel a bit of resistance."

Raj nodded, absorbing the information. "Resistance, huh? What happens if I lose focus?"

"Nothing dangerous," Dorian said, chewing thoughtfully. "But if you fail, you'll have to start the process over. The key is to remain calm and embrace the Gem's energy. It'll feel strange at first—like a warm current running through your veins—but once you sync with it, you'll know it's done."

Raj took a bite of the roasted lamb, savoring the rich flavor. "How long does the process usually take?"

"Not long," Dorian said. "A few minutes, maybe. Once you've bonded with it, you'll feel a rush of knowledge and energy. Your senses will sharpen, and you'll instinctively understand the basics of your new abilities."

"That sounds... intense," Raj said, sipping his ale.

"It is," Dorian agreed. "But it's also exhilarating. The first time I fused with my Warrior Gem, it felt like I could take on the world."

Raj chuckled. "And look at you now, a Level 8 Warrior. Not bad."

Dorian leaned forward, lowering his voice. "One more thing. After the fusion, rest. Don't push yourself too hard. The first few days are crucial. Your body needs time to adapt to the Gem's energy. Some people try to train immediately and end up hurting themselves."

"Noted," Raj said.

Their conversation paused as they focused on their meal. The lamb was tender and perfectly seasoned, and the bread was warm and soft. Raj hadn't realized how hungry he was until he started eating.

"So," Dorian said after a few moments, "why did you choose a common-level Scholar Gem? You could have gone for something more powerful."

Raj wiped his hands with a cloth napkin. "I prefer to keep a low profile. Power attracts attention, and I'm not ready for that yet. A common-level Gem will give me what I need without drawing too much notice."

Dorian nodded approvingly. "Smart. Most people chase the grand or ancient-level Gems without thinking about the consequences. Power is great, but it comes with a price. You're better off taking your time and building a solid foundation."

Their conversation drifted to other topics as they finished their meal. Raj found himself enjoying Dorian's company more than he expected. The man was easygoing, with a wealth of knowledge about the world that Raj found invaluable.

As they left the tavern, Raj felt a renewed sense of purpose. The next step was clear—fuse with the Scholar Gem and begin his journey on the path of knowledge.