Vyn left the Ironclad Guild house. There were no lingering regrets, only a burning resentment deep inside him. The anger and bitterness churned within him like a storm. He knew that if he managed to survive this ordeal, he would have to repay those awful guild leaders for their cruelty. They deserved nothing less.
Those scumbags had coerced him into signing a slave contract with them. After laboring for the guild for over two grueling years, they discarded him as soon as problems arose. The thought made Vyn grimace. It was as if all his hard work and sacrifices meant nothing to them.
He couldn't believe they would stoop so low as to use threats against him. His resentment for them ran deep, like a blood pact. It was a burning hatred that he carried with him.
It would probably take time, but one day, he would surely have his revenge. He would make them pay for their betrayal.
It was a shame that he couldn't say a proper goodbye to the guild members who had suffered alongside him. He thought of Melissa especially. Seeing how the guild house was empty, it was obvious that they had either gone for training or a dungeon raid.
They were probably out there, fighting and risking their lives. He hoped they were safe. They were surely bound to meet again in the future, but he couldn't tell when, given how vast Ravencrest was.
Right now, his determination was at an all-time high. He felt a burning resolve inside him. There was no room for failure in the grand plan he envisioned for himself. He had to succeed, no matter what.
With that thought, he boarded a carriage and made his way to the trade market. The journey was quite long since the market was located in the central region of Ravencrest. Upon arrival, Vyn handed forty copper coins to the rider according to their bargain. He had purposely boarded a low-budget mount as he only had one silver coin left. The quality of the mount and carriage was poor, hence the low fee he had to pay.
Vyn headed into the trade market. It was a vast, bustling place filled with energy and noise. People swarmed like flies to a rotten corpse. Vendors shouted out their wares, hoping to attract customers. The market was alive with activity.
He navigated the crowded area, ignoring the calls from merchants urging him to try their services. Without even batting an eye, he skimmed through the stalls, his eyes scanning for what he needed.
One had to have an attitude of focus and commitment in the trade area of Ravencrest because a moment of slacking off could prove to be detrimental. Vyn had learned this lesson the hard way when he arrived here two years ago.
He was cruelly banished by his wealthy and prestigious family. Initially, they had given him a huge amount of precious resources, including several gold coins that could have seen him live a life of luxury in Ravencrest. But just two weeks after arriving, he had lost it all, barely able to feed himself.
Vyn clicked his tongue as he recalled those painful moments. He had really suffered and endured a life of hardship. The most painful part of it all was how he was scammed out of a very precious gift he had received from his sister.
"This is my parting gift to you. I am giving this in hopes that you make the right decisions. Both of my gifts will help you, depending on what choices you make."
Those were her words when she handed it to him. As someone Vyn had always feared all his life, he didn't think much of the gift. He saw it as just another one of her mysterious gestures. But after he had lost all his resources, he didn't have a choice but to revert back to it. Desperation made him look at the gift with new eyes.
Actually, it took several months after he was banished to Ravencrest for him to even check what it was. He had been so consumed with survival that the gift had been forgotten.
Inside the beautifully crafted jade box, which was cool and smooth to the touch, were two elixirs in small, delicate bottles. Just from looking at them, Vyn could immediately tell they were worth a fortune. The glass was of the highest quality, clear and flawless, and the liquid inside shimmered with a magical light.
One fateful day, driven by hunger and hope, he headed to the Trade Market in high spirits. The market was bustling with activity, colorful stalls lining the streets, and the air filled with the sounds of haggling and laughter. He met a particular merchant who seemed reputable. The merchant had a shrewd look in his eyes as he appraised the elixirs.
After inspecting them carefully, the merchant commended how rare they were and proposed to purchase them for 1 gold coin. Vyn, despite his desperate situation, rejected the offer. He negotiated strongly with the merchant, who was taken aback by Vyn's determination. Eventually, they agreed on ten gold coins.
Ten gold coins were a huge prospect for him at that point, considering he had barely eaten for a whole week. His excitement was very palpable. He could almost taste the food he would buy.
But just after handing the elixirs to the merchant, the man's expression changed. He told Vyn he was going to conduct another appraisal to be certain of their value. Suddenly, the merchant accused Vyn of trying to defraud him, claiming the elixirs were fake.
Vyn was quite confused and scared at that moment. Before he knew it, he was surrounded by an angry crowd, their faces twisted with rage. He later realized the crowd had been arranged by the merchant. Vyn didn't waste time begging for his life. Even he started to doubt if his sister had actually given him fake elixirs.
The merchant then declared that, as a merciful person, seeing how Vyn looked like he hadn't eaten in years, he would kindly give Vyn two silver coins out of his own pocket.
Vyn thanked him fervently. Those two silver coins felt like a lifeline as he finally had the money to get some food.
Now, thinking back to the shock he received the following week, Vyn felt a deep bitterness. The entire Ravencrest was in an uproar. A god-tier elixir had been announced in the Monthly Auction! Vyn was shocked to the core after reading the auction banner. He couldn't believe his eyes when he saw the name of the merchant he had sold his elixirs to, along with a picture of the elixirs he had sold.
The elixirs turned out to be something even money couldn't buy!
"Tsk!"
Vyn clicked his tongue in frustration.
Just thinking of it, Vyn felt a wave of bitterness wash over him. Was there even a more villainous origin story than this? Even if he forgave everyone who had offended him in this life, he felt this was something he couldn't forgive in this life or the next.
Navigating his way through the bustling market, he quickly found his way to a particular large and beautifully decorated merchant store at the corner. The store was grand, with intricate designs and gold trimmings that spoke of wealth and success.
Entering, he was greeted by a young, beautiful attendant in flowery robes that rustled softly as she moved.
"Welcome, sir. How can I help you today? Are you here for a purchase or a sale?" she said politely, with a slight bow, her voice smooth and welcoming.
Not being flattered by her politeness, Vyn's gaze remained as cold and steady as ice. He stood tall and unwavering, his presence commanding the space around him. His voice was firm and demanding as he declared, "I'm here to see your shop master. Call him over this instant!"
The girl was quite taken aback by his words. She blinked rapidly, her surprise evident on her face. She stuttered, trying to regain her composure.
"S-sir, what do you mean? I can help you with what you want."
Her voice wavered, showing her uncertainty and nervousness.
Vyn's gaze remained unwavering, his eyes piercing through her attempts to placate him.
"Oh? I said I have business with your shop master. Why waste my time?"
His tone was sharp and unyielding, leaving no room for negotiation. He wasn't here to be delayed by formalities.
Although she could see Vyn's seriousness, the girl still looked hesitant for some reason. Her eyes darted around nervously as she continued, "B-but sir…"
Vyn quickly cut her off mid-sentence. His patience was wearing thin.
"Stop with the gimmicks and overly politeness. We both look the same age. Why do you keep calling me sir like I am some uncle? It seems I have to head to another merchant shop since you're not ready to do business."
His words were blunt, meant to shake her out of her hesitation.
A moment later, Vyn found himself seated in a luxurious room. The room was adorned with rich tapestries and opulent furniture, creating an air of wealth and sophistication.
Opposite him sat a man in glasses who seemed to be in his early twenties. The man rested his jaw on both hands, his elbows on the table, as he stared at Vyn intensely.
Vyn was quite satisfied with the impression he had managed to form from his conversation with the girl at the shop's entrance. He felt a sense of accomplishment.
Although elated, he didn't let a single trace of his satisfaction show on his calm and tranquil face. He maintained a straight and unwavering look at the man, who seemed to be trying to read him like a book.
"You said you wanted to see me?"
The man finally spoke, breaking the silence and tension that had saturated the room. His voice was calm, but there was a hint of curiosity in his tone.
"Ahem."
Vyn gave a slight cough, adjusting himself into his chair. He straightened his posture, preparing himself for the conversation.
"Of course. I'm here for business. I suppose you're not someone who is short-sighted and swayed by my simple appearance?"