As the day wore on, Caelum and Elara gathered a variety of items, some known to the vendors, others undervalued treasures. Caelum's strategy of relying on the System's insight proved effective, allowing them to acquire several key ingredients for their quest.
Caelum opened the list of items they had acquired, sorting them out with the help of his System. He carefully examined each object, the System providing detailed information.
[System Message: Mystic Crystal – Raw. Holds latent magical energy, unrefined but potent.]
[System Message: Enchanted Amulet – Enhanced. Increased protective aura, improved gem setting, and reinforced chain. Ready for enchantment and wearer's attunement.]
[System Message: Lodestone – Naturally Magnetized. Attracts iron and influences magnetic fields.]
[System Message: Star Iron Fragment – Celestial Metal. Resistant to corrosion, absorbs and channels mystic energies.]
[System Message: Phantom Vine Extract – Illusory. Creates visual distortions, enhances stealth capabilities.]
[System Message: Thunderbird Feather – Electrically Charged. Can store and release electrical energy.]
With their collection sorted, Caelum selected a few items to gift to the old Jewel Mistress, as per Ironhand's suggestion. "If she's as eccentric as Ironhand says, these should catch her interest," he thought, choosing the Star Iron Fragment and the Phantom Vine Extract for their uniqueness.
As they made their way to the Jewel Mistress's residence, the streets of the market thrummed with life. Vendors called out their wares, children ran through the crowds, and the aromas of spiced meats and fresh bread wafted through the air.
Upon reaching the Jewel Mistress's abode, Caelum knocked on the door, a sense of anticipation in the air. The door creaked open, revealing an elderly woman with sharp eyes and a shrewd expression.
"Good day, Mistress," Caelum greeted, presenting the Star Iron Fragment and Phantom Vine Extract. "I bring gifts, hoping to discuss a matter of mutual interest."
Caelum, standing at the doorstep of the Jewel Mistress's residence, activated the Observe function. He focused on the elderly woman, hoping to glean insights that might aid their interaction. The elderly woman who stood before Caelum appeared to be in her late seventies, her silver hair cascading down her back in a graceful braid. Her age had etched intricate lines upon her face, and her attire, a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and mismatched jewelry, spoke of a unique style that defied convention. Her eyes, however, gleamed with a sharp intelligence, hinting at the depths of wisdom hidden behind her eccentric facade.
[System Message:
Jewel Mistress Amaryllis.
Class: Gem Enchanter (Level 17).
Core Skills: Gem Affinity, Crystal Vision.
Abilities: Gem Lore, Mineral Intuition. ]
The System message didn't reveal any specific likes or dislikes, nor any taboo subjects. Caelum noted her high level and impressive abilities, indicative of a seasoned expert in her field.
As he mentally processed this information, the Jewel Mistress, Amaryllis, eyed the items in his hand with a sharp, calculating gaze. "What do you want, boy? I am busy," she snarled, her voice carrying an undertone of impatience, as she swiftly snatched the Star Iron Fragment and Phantom Vine Extract from Caelum's outstretched hand.
Caelum, taken aback by her abruptness but not showing it, quickly regained his composure. "Mistress Amaryllis, I come seeking your expertise and perhaps a trade. I am in need of a piece of Aerolite," he explained, his tone respectful yet confident.
Amaryllis examined the items in her hand, her expression softening ever so slightly. "These are not bad indeed. What makes you think I would have Aerolite, and why should I part with it?"
Caelum, aware that he needed to tread carefully, replied, "I was informed of your esteemed collection and your appreciation for unique items. I thought perhaps an exchange might interest you."
A glimmer of interest sparked in Amaryllis's eyes. "You've done your homework, boy. Fine, let's see what you have to offer." She ushered them into her abode, a place cluttered yet organized, filled with shelves of gems, minerals, and artifacts of various sizes and colors.
As they walked through the aisles, Elara whispered to Caelum, "Do you think she'll agree to the trade?"
Caelum responded quietly, "Let's hope so. Her collection is impressive. There's a good chance she has what we need."
Amaryllis led them to a worktable cluttered with gemstones and tools. She placed the items Caelum had given her onto the table and began examining them closely with a jeweler's loupe.
"These are fine pieces," Amaryllis conceded, her tone still gruff but with a hint of admiration. "The Star Iron Fragment is particularly intriguing. And this Phantom Vine Extract... very rare."
Caelum nodded, "I thought they might be of interest to someone of your expertise. In exchange, I seek a piece of Aerolite. It's for a project of great importance."
The woman's snarl cut through the air, her impatience evident. "Aren't these greeting gifts?" Amaryllis looked at Caelum, her expression dissatisfied. "Not everyone can enter my abode, boy."
Caelum maintained his composure, though internally he cursed under his breath. With a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, he responded, "Of course, they are greeting gifts, Mistress Amaryllis." His tone was respectful but strained. "I have more items to offer," he added, though he gritted his teeth at the thought of parting with more of his carefully gathered collection.
Amaryllis waved her hand dismissively, her gaze wandering over the cluttered shelves of her collection. "I don't want anymore. I have so many things, some worthless even. What would I need your trinkets for?" Her words carried a tone of nonchalance that belied her sharp mind.
Caelum, recognizing the challenge he faced, took a different approach. He leaned slightly forward, his voice steady. "Mistress Amaryllis, I understand the value of your time and expertise. What I seek is not just a trade of items, but an exchange of knowledge and craftsmanship. The project I'm working on is not ordinary, and I believe your contribution could be invaluable."
A glimmer of interest appeared in Amaryllis's eyes, though she tried to mask it with her gruff exterior. "Speak then, boy. What is this project of yours?"
Caelum glanced at Elara, who gave him a reassuring nod, and then turned back to Amaryllis. "We are crafting a magic staff, combining Lodestarite Ore and Luminescent wood. The enchantments require specific inks, and Aerolite is a crucial component for one of them."
Amaryllis raised an eyebrow, her interest now fully piqued. "A magic staff, you say? And you're using Lodestarite and Luminescent wood? That's ambitious. And you need Aerolite for the ink... Interesting."
Caelum nodded, "Yes, Mistress Amaryllis. We believe that with your expertise in gems and minerals, your contribution could make a significant difference in the staff's potency."
The woman, Amaryllis, chuckled eerily, a knowing glint in her eyes. "That fool Ironhand sent you, did he not? Still as arrogant as ever," she remarked, scrutinizing both Caelum and Elara with a sharp gaze.
"Air Ink? What do you need it for? Only a few rare classes can use it," she prodded, her interest clearly piqued.
Caelum, maintaining a neutral expression, replied, "That is not important, is it?" He was cautious, unwilling to reveal their classes or delve too deep into their purpose.
Amaryllis's grin widened, her eyes glinting mischievously. "If you want my stone, you will tell me," she insisted, leaning forward with a challenging air.
Caelum stood up, his patience wearing thin. "It was nice meeting with you," he said tersely, turning to leave. "Let's go, Elara."