The next morning, Aiden woke up feeling refreshed and eager for the day ahead. He joined his parents for breakfast in the inn's dining area, where the aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filled the air. Orin, his father, took a sip of his coffee and then addressed them. "Ayleen, you and Aiden should explore the city together today. I'll be busy with the wares—selling some and buying new materials."
Ayleen nodded, her gaze softening as she looked at Aiden. "That sounds perfect. We'll head out after breakfast."
Unlike the previous evening, their meal was undisturbed. The commotion caused by Ayleen's swift handling of the thugs had spread like wildfire. The locals and other guests now kept their distance, a mix of respect and curiosity evident in their gazes. Some whispered among themselves, wondering who this noble-looking family really was.
After breakfast, Orin headed off to the cart to sort his goods, while Ayleen took Aiden by the hand and led him out into the bustling streets. The city was alive with energy. Vendors shouted over each other, advertising their wares—everything from fresh produce to handmade trinkets. The scent of roasted meat and sweet pastries wafted from food stalls lining the road. Aiden's eyes sparkled with excitement as he took in the sights and sounds.
"Mom, where are we going?" he asked, his small hand clutching hers tightly.
"We're heading to the commercial district," Ayleen explained with a smile.
"The stalls here are for small trades—selling and buying in small quantities. But the shops in the commercial area handle larger transactions. It's better for us to sell the potions there and also buy the alchemy materials you'll need in bulk."
As they walked through the crowded streets, Ayleen's keen senses picked up on the fact that they were being followed. A quick glance over her shoulder confirmed her suspicion. However, upon noting that their followers were merely curious townsfolk, she decided they posed no threat and ignored them.
After crossing a few busy intersections, they arrived at the commercial district. The atmosphere here was markedly different. The streets were wider and cleaner, with fewer people around. Those present were well-dressed merchants, wealthy buyers, and nobles. Grand shops lined the streets, their signs crafted with intricate designs, advertising fine goods and rare materials.
One particular sign caught Ayleen's attention. It read "Angelin's Alchemy," written in elegant golden letters.
"This shop has a branch in the capital," Ayleen remarked. "It's well-known among alchemists. They have everything you could need."
With that, she led Aiden inside. The shop's interior was spacious and well-organized. A receptionist greeted them with a polite bow. "Welcome, dear sir and madam. How may I assist you today?"
"We're here to sell some healing potions and purchase alchemical materials," Ayleen replied.
The receptionist gestured toward a staircase. "Please follow me to the first floor. Our trade counters are located there."
They ascended the stairs and entered a large hall divided into several compartments. Each compartment was managed by a staff member. A middle-aged woman at one of the counters welcomed them. "Good day. What would you like to sell?"
"I have over a hundred healing potions to sell," Ayleen said calmly.
While Ayleen negotiated the transaction, Aiden wandered off, his curiosity piqued by the various sections of the shop. Shelves were lined with vials of strange liquids, jars of herbs, and other mysterious ingredients. One particular section caught his attention. It was filled with oddities: peculiar rocks, gemstones, glass containers with preserved specimens, and more.
Among these, a black rock stood out. It was about the size of a child's head, with strange, glowing patterns etched across its surface. As Aiden examined it closely, a display appeared before his eyes: Power Level: 5.
His heart skipped a beat. The shard he carried could only measure the power levels of living beings, yet it had detected something in the rock. "Could it be alive?" he thought. "An egg, maybe?" Excitement bubbled within him at the idea of having a pet.
A young man behind the counter noticed Aiden lingering and approached him. His expression quickly turned into a sneer. "What are you doing here, kid? Don't touch anything. This section isn't for country bumpkins who can't afford a single item."
Aiden froze, taken aback by the man's rudeness. Before he could respond, Ayleen and the middle-aged woman appeared, having just completed their transaction. Ayleen's sharp gaze immediately landed on the young man, making him stiffen. The older woman scolded him harshly.
"How dare you speak to our customers like that? Apologize at once!"
The young man's defiance faltered. "Why should I? I was just stating the truth."
The woman's voice rose. "This lady just sold over a hundred healing potions. Do you have any idea who you're talking to?"
Realization dawned on him as he took a closer look at Ayleen and Aiden. Their hair and eye colors were uncommon, marking them as people of noble or magical lineage. Fear crept into his expression as he realized his mistake. He bowed deeply toward Aiden. "I'm terribly sorry, young sir. I spoke out of turn."
Aiden, still excited about the rock, waved his hand dismissively. "It's fine. Can you tell me if this rock is for sale?" He pointed at the black stone.
The young man nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes! Everything in this section is for sale."
Ayleen and the older woman joined them. Ayleen glanced at the rock and raised an eyebrow. "You want this?" she asked Aiden.
He nodded enthusiastically. "I think it's special."
The older woman smiled. "As an apology for his behavior, and because you've been such a valuable customer, I'll offer it at a 50% discount."
"What's the original price?" Ayleen asked.
"Ten gold coins," the woman replied.
Both Ayleen and Aiden were taken aback. "Why is it so expensive?" Aiden asked.
"Everything in this section comes from dungeons," the woman explained.
"Their uses aren't always clear, but they're rare and potentially valuable."
Intrigued, Ayleen agreed to the purchase. She also bought the alchemical materials they needed. When the receptionist asked where to send the items, Ayleen lifted her hand. A ring on her finger gleamed, and the materials vanished into it, much to Aiden's astonishment.
"How did you do that, Mom?" he asked, his eyes wide.
Ayleen chuckled. "It's a spatial storage ring. Very convenient for mages."
The shop staff, realizing she was a mage, became even more deferential as they bowed them out.
As they walked back toward the inn, Ayleen carried the bag containing the black rock as it couldn't be stored in her ring which surprised her so she glanced at Aiden. "Why did you want that rock?"
Aiden hesitated, then said, "I just felt drawn to it. It seemed... special. You're not mad about the price, are you?"
Ayleen laughed softly. "It's your money, not mine. You can spend it however you like."
They continued walking, the lively city around them a stark contrast to the silence that suddenly enveloped them. Ayleen's steps slowed. The bustling streets were now eerily empty. She immediately pulled Aiden closer to her, her expression tense.
"Mom?" Aiden whispered, sensing her unease.
"Stay close, sweetheart," she murmured.
From the shadows of a nearby alley, a hooded figure emerged. The figure's movements were slow and deliberate, and they exuded an aura of menace. Ayleen's sharp eyes fixed on them, her body tense and ready.
Aiden, too, instinctively activated his shard to gauge the individual's power. His breath caught in his throat as the display read:
Power Level: 3900
A chill ran down his spine. Whoever this was, they were overwhelmingly strong.
"Mom," he whispered again, his voice trembling. "That person is... really powerful."
"I know," Ayleen replied, her voice calm but firm. She shifted her stance slightly, positioning herself between Aiden and the approaching figure. Her gaze never wavered as she stared down the threat.
The hooded figure stopped a few paces away, their face obscured by shadow. A low, deep voice broke the silence. "So, it's true. The Master Mage of Brishelm has left her secluded village."
Ayleen's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"
The figure didn't answer immediately. Instead, they raised a hand, and a faint aura of mana crackled around them. Aiden clung to his mother's arm, his heart pounding.
"What do you want?" Ayleen demanded, her voice icy.
The figure finally spoke again. "I've come for . . .