The next morning, I dashed down the steps of the inn, excitement bubbling within me. The innkeeper was conversing with another NPC who appeared to be a baker, discussing what to do with any excess bread or baked goods.
I took a seat in the hall of the inn. NPCs were eating and chatting with each other. The inn was relatively quiet, with the innkeeper clearing a young child NPC who followed her around, cleaning tables and taking care of various tasks. After I finished eating, I noticed the child in a corner, working on what looked like schoolwork.
WHOOSH
The sound of the doors being pushed open made me turn around. It was Viri, sent to retrieve me. Following her was Eli, who had a tired expression on her face. They approached my table, and Viri spoke loudly, drawing the attention of nearby NPCs.
"We need to go shopping," Viri commanded.
"Ok," I sighed, jumping to my feet, noticing Viri wearing black glasses. The woman who owned the inn came by and took away my finished plates. Tenshi and Viri helped her clear up before we left the inn.
"Meet us on Floor 2," Viri said sternly, as if she were annoyed with me.
CRACK
After warping to the teleport circle on Floor 2, I was greeted by a bustling scene. Hundreds of thousands of players were milling about, some talking with others, buying gear, or simply living on the floor.
As I walked through the crowded central section of the city, someone pulled on my arm. I drew my dagger instinctively. It was Eli. She apologized for startling me, and we made our way towards Viri, who stood out in the crowded city.
Viri led us into one of the quadrants with a green environment. NPCs here wore green armor and clothing. The area was vibrant with NPCs selling potions for stone skin and spell books featuring earth magic. The city's chaos and noise surrounded me. We wove through the crowded streets, my eyes scanning the bustling markets. The air was thick with the smell of freshly baked bread and various spices. Viri walked beside me, her expression focused as if on a mission. Eli trailed behind, hands in her pockets, her gaze fixed on the sky.
"So," I began, glancing at Viri, "What are we looking for?"
She replied immediately, "Supplies. Information." Her voice was low, almost distracted.
I had known Viri long enough to understand that when she mentioned supplies, she wasn't referring to food or gear—she was searching for something more. Eli caught up with us, walking in step.
"We're looking for mana bombs and skill books that can help with Floor 10."
"Why do you need mana bombs? Your guild is already so powerful."
"We want to see if we can replicate them," Viri said.
As we passed a stall selling peculiar trinkets, I noticed Eli eyeing a small glass orb. She seemed fascinated by it. She picked it up, and it glowed a pure violet.
"How much for the crystal?" Eli asked excitedly.
The NPC, a young man, thought for a moment before replying, "I'll give you this and the stones for 500 silver."
Eli eagerly purchased the orb and added it to a pouch. The salesman wore a sly smile—he had ripped her off. Viri, who had walked ahead of us, noticed we weren't with her and came running back.
"What's this?" she asked.
Eli showed her the stone. It seemed old and ragged, with unreadable runes on it. Eli tried wiping it down.
A blinding white light engulfed us.