I would like to remind everyone to take some of your money, ensuring that no more than forty gems each are allocated for this shopping trip. Please come forward, as I will be providing space storage bracelets. To register your ownership, press your thumb on the rectangular metal section of the bracelet; it will only release when you press your thumb again. It is crucial that you keep your storage space bracelets on, as they are extremely costly and difficult to obtain again. These bracelets were a generous gift from the kingdoms that united their resources to fund your summoning and this trip.
Everyone put on silver-looking bracelets that automatically adjusted the size to the wearer and then they pressed their thumb on the metal plate.
"What if someone tries to steal them?"
"They have a spell on them to make them unnoticeable to anyone except the owner. Now that they have registered owners, they will be completely safe as long as you keep them on your wrists. You can put living material inside them, but no more than twenty-four hours before the living material is automatically ejected," said Elek.
"Now that's what I call a win-win! Convenient travel and a snazzy accessory? I'm absolutely here for it!" said Nick while happily pressing his thumb to the plate.
They directed the carriage into the opposite corner as the guards saw them enter. "The carriage will be cloaked in the corner, so don't forget where we're parked because you won't be able to just look for it, it'll be invisible," said Inga.
The heroes along with Aria, Inga, and Elek left the carriage while the wisps, the fox, and Fin stayed behind.
"To begin with, we will conduct tests to assess your abilities. Following that, we will divide into two groups: the females will accompany Inga, while the males will join me," said Elek.
"Now let's hurry up and leave before they decide to investigate this corner too," said Inga.
Inga led the way, her familiarity with the city evident as she donned her seer cloak, the hood pulled up. It was amusing to see her like this again, especially since everyone had grown accustomed to her usual look. She had also lent one of her cloaks to Aria, mindful that not every part of the city welcomed beastkin. As they strolled along the cobblestone streets, vibrant potted flowers adorned the street lanterns, and twinkling lights danced among the small trees, each encircled by delicate metal fences. The streets bustled with an array of peculiar vehicles and unusual animals pulling carriages. Brown leather attire was common, with quirky gadgets clipped to belts. Androids roamed the pathways, and two metallic horses trotted alongside a carriage.
Towering buildings of copper, bronze, and glass formed a stunning skyline, crowned by a magnificent clocktower, its polished copper gleaming and gears on display behind a transparent shield. The streets thrummed with a colorful mix of characters, each sporting wands, weapons, or fascinating trinkets. Top hats sat stylishly on heads, while women wore small hats with veils that obscured their faces, complemented by elegant walking canes. Short dresses and tall boots mingled with lace, ribbons, and pocket watches, creating a whimsical ambiance. Goggles rested on foreheads, corsets hugged figures, and garters peeked from beneath skirts. Some sported long leather jackets, others short, while leather bags swung at their sides, and ruffles swayed with each step, painting a vivid picture of a true steampunk paradise.
A swirling white mist enveloped the ground, reaching everyone's ankles, and a slight chill hung in the air. The cobblestones echoed with the rhythmic click of boots and canes, while some figures moved swiftly in full cloaks, hoods were drawn tight, and others stopped to loudly chat in the street. There were many shops butted up against each other advertising things like spell scrolls, wants, potions, elemental weapons, clothing, and other things.
"Stay close to me; there's plenty of time for us to take in the sights—though perhaps not as much as we hoped," Inga said, casting her gaze toward an officer clad in dark blue, who was affixing a poster of her to the wall. He continued to put up a series of wanted posters, each one highlighting her and Elek alongside the heroes.
"What do we do?" Amy whispered.
"I will purchase veiled hats for all. I am the sole individual without wanted posters being displayed," Aria said.
"That's a wonderful Idea. Here, take these gems and purchase veiled hats for all of us and pick up three long leather jackets to cover up the men," said Inga.
"Aren't the veiled hats only for women?" said Paul.
"Congratulations, you're about to become a woman," said Inga.
Aria returned with the hats and jackets and handed them out before heading toward the testing facility, a building with a round clear dome for a roof. It had wide steps to enter and inside there was a round platform with a large clear ball on a pedestal and a man wearing a long white robe with the hood up. "There is a testing fee for anyone who isn't a citizen of Farnfoss. How many will be undergoing testing?"
"Six," said Inga.
"That will amount to one crystal in total, costing two geodes per person."
"Here you go!" she said with a grin, giving him a beautiful crystal. "So, who's stepping up first?" Inga said.
Paul moved ahead with determination, saying, "I'm ready to give it a try."
"To begin, place your hands on the testing orb and infuse it with some mana. Concentrate and visualize the mana streaming into the orb," the aide said.
Paul channeled his energy into the orb, and it illuminated with an image of him transforming into a colossal figure, only to shrink to the size of a fruit fly moments later.
"Size manipulation, with some practice you should be able to control that to enlarge or shrink at will easily. Size and Air elements.
With a quick look around at the others, Amy made her way to the plate, a nonchalant shrug of her shoulders indicating she was ready to take her turn.
As she placed her hands on the orb, a radiant light began to glow on its surface. Suddenly, an image of Amy emerged, showing her gently caressing a fox, and in an instant, she transformed into one herself.
"Mimicry, you can temporarily turn into other living things by touching them. Ghost and Illusion elements."
Brian approached the platform, a thought flickering in his mind that he might possess some control over acid or a similar force. With a surge of excitement, he placed his hands on the orb, eager to see what would happen next.
"You can heal. Healing and Light elements"
"So, healing—does it have any cool features or what?"
"You will have to obtain spell scrolls and assimilate their contents to discover the best way to wield your power, won't you?"
"Are you positive that you're not wrong in thinking I'm a healer?"
"No, you're definitely a healer, next please."
Jayla strutted onto the platform, confidence radiating from her as she grabbed the orb.
"Thermokinesis is the skill of manipulating and utilizing heat sources. You can produce your own fire, and if you can tap into other heat sources, you can increase the potency of your flames. Fire and Electric elements."
"Like that, why can't I have a power like that?" said Brian.
"I don't grant superpowers; I simply inform you of the one you possess," said the aide.
Next Nick walked up the platform and touched the orb.
"Telekinesis is defined as the power to move or change the shape of non-living objects through mental concentration. As you hone your skills, you will find that you can manage larger items effectively. Gravity and Sound elements," said the aide.
Then Olivia walked onto the platform and held the orb.
"Chlorokinesis, you have the ability to control plants. Terra and Water elements."
"Is there anyone else that you want to check?"
"No, thank you for your time," said Elek.
As the group exited the testing facility, each person was lost in thought about their newfound superpower and the impact it would have on their lives. While others pondered the best ways to harness their abilities, Brian sulked, feeling increasingly convinced that he needed a drink. Healing? It felt so mundane. Instead of being a hero on the front lines, he was destined to play the role of a mere supporter. He wanted to be a dashing hero wielding a sword.
The two groups went their separate ways agreeing to meet at Fieldsy, a restaurant near the base of the clocktower at six-pm.
Paul, Brian, and Elek went into a pub called Schnockered, while Inga, Amy, Olivia, Aria, Nick, and Jayla went to purchase weapons that matched their superpowers.
Coming Next Time: Drinks and Shopping
Free drinks for fine...ladies?