I Received System to Become Dragonborn-Chapter 823: Prep Time

The figure that emerged from the shadow was a young man — perhaps barely out of his twenties.

His height was average, even edging toward short, and his frame was thin. But beneath the fitted leather armor that hugged his form, the wiry muscles in his arms told a different story. This wasn't someone soft. He was built for speed and precision, for killing. freewёbnoνel.com

His eyes that always sharp and fierce, burned with a quiet violence. They didn't belong to someone who needed size to be dangerous. This was a man who would cut a throat at the slightest provocation and vanish before the body hit the ground.

Right now, though, those dangerous eyes were narrowed in a deep frown.

His thoughts tangled in confusion. Did that man really sense me?

Never before had this happened. His Magic is a technique honed to perfection that let him slip past even the highest wards and keenest instincts. That was why he was the Organization's best recon man. That was why he was their most lethal assassin.

No one detected him. No one survived once he chose them.

But tonight, that iron rule had wavered.

Or… had it?

Maybe he wasn't looking for me, the young man thought, chewing at the inside of his cheek. Maybe he just turned his head because of something else. A noise, a feeling, the wind… anything.

But could he afford to gamble on that?

The answer came sharp and cold: No.

Letting out a slow and controlled breath, the assassin quickened his pace, his boots silent against the alley stones. His pride as an undetectable killer burned at him but that pride meant nothing if he failed this mission.

Failure meant death. And not a quick, clean one. The Masters of the Organization had ways to make examples out of those who disappointed them. Ways that stripped away flesh, sanity, and soul.

Better to swallow his pride now and report this strange incident. Better to live.

With that thought anchoring him, the young man moved faster, slipping deeper into the maze of alleys. His destination is one of the many hidden safehouses scattered through the city, a den where the Organization's agents met in secret.

He would tell his leader every detail no matter how much it stung to admit.

---

Eccar remained outside for a while longer, his eyes sweeping the quiet streets and darkened alleys. The sensation from earlier still nagged at him, that brief cold prickle at the back of his neck, as if unseen eyes had locked onto him.

But the feeling had lasted only a fraction of a second, and now there was nothing but the hush of night and the dim lights flickering in distant windows.

"Maybe it's nothing," he muttered to himself. "Maybe it's the drink messing with my head."

With a shake of his head, Eccar turned away and made his way back toward the inn. He stepped through the creaking door and climbed the stairs to the room he shared with Mark and Thorne.

But when he pushed open the door, the sight that greeted him made him sigh.

Mark and Thorne were sprawled out on the floor in awkward, drunken heaps. Jan and Hund weren't any better — both collapsed in their own corners, snoring loudly. The stench of ale hung thick in the air. Even when Mark and Jan were not too drunk like the rest they still sleep carelessly.

Eccar let out a slow breath and stepped carefully over his unconscious companions, weaving his way between outstretched limbs and overturned mugs.

Finally reaching his bed, he lowered himself onto it with a groan and stretched out. His eyes closed almost immediately, and soon he drifted off to sleep, leaving the chaos around him behind.

---

Morning came, and with it, the golden rays of sunlight streamed through the window cracks.

The adventurers groaned and grumbled as they stirred awake, their heads pounding from the night's excess. One by one, they pulled themselves up and set about getting ready for the day.

Today was supposed to be the day they entered the forest — but as Jan rubbed his temples and looked around at his bleary-eyed companions, a thought struck him.

"We're gonna need more time to prepare," Jan muttered, voice hoarse but firm.

The others turned toward him, some nodding in agreement. The forest had always been dangerous, but after hearing Mark and his party's reports — and recalling his own past experiences — Jan knew this wasn't something they could rush.

Better to take an extra day, stock up on supplies, check their weapons, and make sure everyone was ready.

Mark agreed, clapping Jan on the shoulder. "Yeah. My lot needs to gear up too. No point charging in half-prepared."

As the group started discussing what they'd need, Eccar, sitting off to the side, crossed his arms and spoke up.

"I won't be joining the preparations," he said simply. His gaze was steady. "I've got everything I need already."

The adventurers glanced at him, but no one argued. They had seen enough of Eccar's strength to know he could back up his words.

"Alright then," Jan said with a shrug. "You take it easy. We'll handle the rest."

Eccar gave a small nod, leaning back in his chair as the others bustled about, gathering gear and making plans.

After that, the preparations began in full.

The adventurers — now eight in total, the ones who would join the upcoming quest — scattered across the city as they set about gathering what they needed.

Those who relied on Magic made their way to the alchemists and potion shops. Esther and Selene, the witches from each party, busied themselves selecting bottles and vials. They bartered for potions of healing, mana restoration, and a few rare brews meant to ward off curses or enhance spellcasting.

Annette, the only priest, took a different path. She walked to the church she often visited. There, she knelt to pray for guidance and protection before speaking with the clergy to stock up on holy equipments.

The rest of the group split off toward the blacksmiths and supply stores. They checked their weapons, tested blades, reinforced armor, and bought provisions that might be needed for a dangerous trek into the forest.

The day passed quickly as they moved from place to place, bargaining and preparing, the weight of tomorrow's journey pressing on their minds.

When night finally fell, and the sky darkened into deep blue, their preparations were at last complete.

The eight adventurers returned to the inn one by one. The day's work was done and tomorrow, their real trial would begin.

---