Two days after Garron’s fight in the night market rumors swept through Aerilon. Adventurers whispered about a battle against dark enchanters. Merchants reported damaged stalls. Healers treated victims who inhaled curse fumes. And mixed among these stories was one name repeated again and again. Crestfall Risk Shield.

Some people praised Evan’s involvement. Others claimed his insurance idea had attracted dangerous enemies. As the rumors spread the city council called for an emergency hearing. They wanted answers about the cursed contracts spreading through the city. They also wanted to question Evan’s methods. When Mira rushed into his office with the summons, Evan realized something important. His company had grown beyond adventurers. It now touched city politics.

The hearing was held inside a tall stone building near the city center. Evan arrived with Elira and Garron. Several council members sat behind a long table. Some looked curious. Some looked hostile. The head councilor, an older woman named Serayne, spoke first. Evan Crestfall she said. You have introduced a new concept to our world. Insurance. Many are uncertain about your intentions. We ask you to explain.

Evan stepped forward calmly. He described the purpose of Crestfall Risk Shield. He explained the risk index, the public demonstration, and the increasing curse danger in the western ruins. He turned toward a chart he brought and outlined the curse patterns. Then he displayed the cursed scrolls collected from the night market. The council members reacted with concern.

Serayne leaned forward. These scrolls are dangerous she said. But some citizens believe your company caused this conflict. They say the black market only responded because you created a new business. Evan replied with steady confidence. Change brings resistance. But we cannot allow criminals to define our limits. If we stop improving out of fear then we leave adventurers helpless.

A younger councilman raised an eyebrow. And how do you explain the violence in the night market. Garron stepped forward. Because of his risk warnings I survived a deadly trap he said. These black market sellers wanted to destroy his company. They attacked me when I asked questions. Evan did not order me. I acted on my own decision.

Another council member pointed at Evan’s device. This tool predicts danger he said. But does it create panic. Evan shook his head. Panic comes from ignorance. Knowledge creates stability. I give adventurers the information they never had.

Elira stepped beside him. Many healers support his work she said. We see the results of poor preparation every day. This system will save lives. The council murmured quietly. Serayne raised her hand for silence.

Then another voice spoke from the back of the hall. Draven entered wearing his armor and carrying his blade. He walked calmly to the center. Evan tensed, unsure of Draven’s intentions. The council recognized him as a veteran adventurer. Draven looked at Evan with a complicated expression. I still do not trust numbers he said. But I trust results. I went to the western ruins yesterday. The curse surge was real. His scores warned us. They saved two of my men.

The hall went silent. Even Evan was surprised. Draven continued. I will not follow his system blindly. But I cannot deny what works. If you shut him down more adventurers will die.

The council exchanged glances. Serayne finally spoke. Evan Crestfall she said. Your work is unconventional but promising. However we cannot ignore the threat caused by the Umbra Brokers. We will increase security in the night market. We will also monitor your company as it expands. But we will not restrict your operations.

Evan bowed slightly. Thank you councilor. Serayne nodded. But understand this. If your company becomes a danger we will intervene. Evan understood the meaning. He had won his first political battle but only barely. Acceptance came with scrutiny. Scrutiny came with pressure. Pressure could either forge or destroy him.

After the hearing Garron clapped Evan on the shoulder. You handled that well he said. Evan exhaled slowly. Today was important. If the council had banned my work it would have ended everything. Elira smiled gently. You were honest. People respect honesty even if they fear new ideas.

They walked back to the office. When they arrived Evan saw a crowd gathered outside. Adventurers of all ranks waited in line. Some held damaged gear. Some carried potions. Some simply wanted advice. Mira stood at the door managing the line. She waved at Evan. The demonstration worked she said. The hearing worked too. People want risk readings. People want protection.

Evan stepped inside and organized his notes. The company was growing faster than he imagined. But he also knew what this meant. More responsibility. More danger. The Umbra Brokers would not stop. The curse eruption in the western ruins continued to rise. And now the city council watched his every move.

He placed the Magic Risk Indicator on the counter and whispered to himself. This is bigger than a company now. This is a new system. A new order.

Outside the office the line kept growing. Adventurers talked nervously about the rising curse storms. Some mentioned a strange shadow moving near the ruins. Some spoke of missing travelers. Evan listened carefully. Each rumor was a data point. Each fear was a pattern.

The world was changing. And Crestfall Risk Shield stood at the center of that change.