As Michael and Gaya concluded their transactions, their collection of rare artifacts had grown impressively. The adventurers who parted with their treasures did so with a mix of relief and envy, the sting of their loss softened by the cure but sharpened by the sight of their now richer, more powerful benefactors.
"Damn, to think my family's heirloom just bought me a tiny vial of hope," one adventurer muttered, casting a longing look back at the duo who were preparing to leave.
"Should've been us making that killing," another grumbled, eyeing the treasures now in Michael and Gaya's possession with barely concealed envy.
Yet, those without the mark, who had watched the spectacle unfold, couldn't hide their jealousy.
"Lucky bastards, turning a curse into a fortune," one said bitterly, his words echoing the sentiment of many around him.
