In the year 14,450 of the Grand Magus era, the Grand Magus World, composed of three distinct continents, was buzzing with life. Each continent—Arcanis, Thaloria, and Valandor—offered its own unique magic and mysteries.
Lucas Veloria, now in this hidden world, sought to establish himself without drawing too much attention.
After absorbing the immense power of the Emptiness Ascension Realm and leaving the Fairy World behind, Lucas decided to lay low and build his influence in this new world.
His journey had brought him to Arcanis, a continent renowned for its powerful mage academies, magical creatures, and abundant arcane energy.
Among its many cities, Arcathia, the capital of the Kingdom of Illyria, stood as a beacon of magical research and practice.
Its skyline was dominated by towering spires, floating islands, and structures where the most prestigious magi gathered.
In this city, Lucas had set his plan into motion by opening "The Conclave of Relics," a shop meant to blend into the city's magical marketplace.
It was a fulfillment of a dream Lucas had harbored in his previous life on Earth—a dream of owning a shop.
But this was no ordinary shop.
The building itself was ancient, constructed from massive stone blocks that had weathered countless centuries.
The faded carvings on its exterior depicted forgotten gods, mythical creatures, and scenes of ancient trade routes.
Above the entrance, a banner displayed the name, "The Conclave of Relics."
The shop's sudden appearance in the inner district of Arcathia had drawn considerable attention.
No one had seen it being built, nor were they aware of its owner.
Rumors spread, and speculation grew about the shop's origins.
Some believed it was tied to an ancient, powerful lineage, while others suspected a connection to hidden magical forces. Regardless, no one dared interfere with it.
Just a day after the shop's mysterious appearance, the door creaked open.
A figure entered—a man of great renown within the magical community of Arcathia.
It was Arch Mage Edward, a powerful Tier 8 mage, known throughout the capital for his formidable abilities and deep knowledge of arcane arts.
Yet, as he stepped into the Conclave of Relics, he was struck by an overwhelming sense of unfamiliarity.
Behind the counter sat a youth, a strikingly handsome boy who appeared no older than twenty.
His features were so refined, so otherworldly, that Edward momentarily faltered.
There was something about the boy that was outside the bounds of this world, a beauty and aura that defied explanation.
But what truly unsettled Edward was his inability to discern the youth's magical strength.
As a Tier 8 Arch Mage, Edward should have been able to detect the magical power of anyone he encountered, yet with this youth, there was nothing.
It was as if the boy did not exist within the realm of magic.
Swallowing his surprise, Edward lowered his posture.
He was a man of wisdom and understood that strength did not always announce itself openly.
"Can I take a seat?"
Edward asked politely.
For a moment, there was only silence.
Then, the youth nodded, his voice soft but firm.
"Yes."
Edward sat down and composed himself.
He had come to investigate the shop's sudden appearance, but now he realized this was no ordinary visit.
There was something more at play, something far deeper than a simple magical establishment. He chose his words carefully.
"What is the purpose of your esteemed self in this place?"
Edward asked, his tone respectful yet curious.
The youth glanced up, his eyes cold and piercing.
"Can't you see the banner outside? Of course, it is to trade."
The bluntness of the response left Edward momentarily speechless.
For someone of his stature, used to formalities and grandiose declarations, the casual nature of the reply was unexpected. But there was no mistaking the subtle authority in the youth's tone.
Whoever this boy was, he was not to be trifled with.
Edward composed himself again. "I meant no offense,"
he said slowly.
"I am simply... intrigued. A shop such as this, appearing so suddenly, with no announcement, no fanfare. It has sparked curiosity among many, myself included."
The youth, Lucas, allowed a faint smile to cross his lips. "Curiosity is a double-edged sword, Arch Mage Edward. Sometimes, it's best not to know everything."
The use of Edward's name startled the older mage.
He had not introduced himself, and yet, this boy—this enigma—knew who he was. More importantly, Lucas knew things that even magic couldn't reveal so easily.
"What exactly is it that you trade here?" Edward asked, shifting the conversation.
Lucas's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement.
"Relics. Artifacts. Things from the past, from beyond this world, perhaps even beyond your understanding. Things that could alter the course of your magic, your life, your destiny."
Edward's heart skipped a beat.
He was no stranger to powerful artifacts, but there was something about Lucas's words that sent a chill down his spine.
The way he spoke, with such certainty, such confidence—it was as if Lucas held the keys to powers Edward could scarcely imagine.
"And what would one need to offer in exchange for such... relics?"
Edward asked cautiously.
Lucas leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving Edward's.
"That depends on what you seek and what you're willing to sacrifice."
The words hung in the air, thick with implication.
Edward knew that whatever game was being played here, it was one of the highest stakes. He would need to tread carefully. With a final, respectful nod, he stood.