Kael's footsteps echoed through the cobblestone streets as he made his way toward the merchant's shop. The village square was bustling with activity, the warm sun casting a golden glow over the market. The sounds of bartering, laughter, and the clinking of coins filled the air, but Kael's mind was elsewhere. His thoughts were consumed with the upcoming Scared Realm Trial, a dangerous challenge that could either make or break him.
He still couldn't shake the weight of Elira's words from earlier: This is no ordinary mission. It will change you.
Change. He was already changed. The Abyss had awakened something inside him, something dark and powerful. But he knew he couldn't afford to let that power consume him. He needed control. He needed to be prepared.
As he neared the merchant's shop, Kael's gaze swept over the wares displayed outside. Racks of weapons, piles of potions, and bundles of armor filled the storefront. The merchant's stall was well-organized, offering everything a seasoned adventurer might need for a dangerous journey. It was a far cry from the simple supplies he'd gathered for his earlier missions.
Master Rook, the shopkeeper, stood behind the counter, a tall man with graying hair and a neatly trimmed beard. His sharp eyes scanned Kael as he approached, already sizing him up. Rook was known for being a shrewd businessman, and rumors swirled that he had connections to the more dangerous factions in the village. He was a man who knew how to make a deal.
"Ah, Kael," Rook greeted him with a nod, his voice deep and gravelly. "I've heard of your success in the forest. Elira sent you, didn't she? Said you'd be preparing for the Scared Realm Trial."
Kael nodded, his stomach tightening at the mention of the trial. He didn't know exactly what to expect, but he was determined to be ready. "Yes, I need supplies for the trial. Elira said you could help."
Rook's lips curled into a knowing smile as he glanced at Kael's side, where blood had dried on his bandages. The man didn't seem to care much for the condition Kael was in, though. Instead, he raised an eyebrow and gestured to a table filled with various items.
"I've got everything you might need. Potions for healing, potions for strength, even weapons if you think your spear isn't enough. The Scared Realm is no joke. You'll be up against more than just beasts. The environment itself is dangerous. Time doesn't pass like it does here, and who knows what kinds of trials await you."
Kael met Rook's gaze, his mind racing. The amount of preparation he needed felt overwhelming. "How much will it all cost?" Kael asked, his voice steady despite the unease gnawing at his insides.
Rook stroked his beard thoughtfully before answering, "Well, the trial is one of the most dangerous missions around here. You'll need top-tier supplies if you want any chance of survival. But I'm sure you know that. The question is how many cores do you have?"
Kael's hand instinctively went to the pouch at his waist, where the five cores he had earned from his recent mission were stored. But there was a problem. His encounter with the forest beasts had taken a toll on his resources. Between repairs to his gear, the potions he'd consumed, and the cost of the healing in the village, he had very little left. Only thirty cores remained to him.
"Thirty," Kael said, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.
Rook's eyebrows shot up at the amount. "Thirty cores, huh? Well, that's enough to get you started, but you'll need to be smart about your purchases."
Kael didn't hesitate. "I'll take what I need, but I can't afford to waste cores."
Rook's calculating expression softened into something like respect. "I'll make sure you get the essentials. No frills, just what will keep you alive in the Scared Realm. Let's start with healing first, shall we?"
The shopkeeper led Kael to a shelf filled with glowing vials of different colors. Some were green, others blue, and a few shimmering gold. Each potion had its own properties, and Kael needed to be discerning.
Rook pointed to a row of emerald-green potions. "These are basic healing potions. They'll close wounds and speed up recovery. For the Scared Realm, I recommend. They'll cost you three cores each."
Kael considered the offer for a moment before nodding. "I'll take some."
The cost was steep, but Kael didn't want to take any chances. He had seen firsthand how quickly injuries could turn fatal in the wilds. With two healing potions secured.
Rook nodded, clearly impressed by Kael's decision-making. "Good choice. Now, you'll need protection. The Scared Realm has all sorts of hazards beasts, traps, and unstable terrain. A strong set of armor is essential. I've got some basic protection gear, but if you want something better, it'll cost more."
Kael hesitated. The amount of his remaining cores was rapidly dwindling, but he couldn't afford to be careless.
"What do you recommend?" he asked.
Rook rubbed his chin. "For a reasonable price, I've got a reinforced leather chestplate. It's light, flexible, and will protect against most slashes and blows. It'll cost you ten cores."
That would leave Kael with only a few cores left, but he couldn't risk going in unprotected. "I'll take it."
"Smart move," Rook said with a grin, "but remember, you'll have to be resourceful once you're inside the Scared Realm. You won't have access to supplies once you're in. Make sure you're ready for whatever comes your way."
Kael nodded. His purchases were almost complete. He had two healing potions, two strength potions, and the reinforced armor. The final item on his list was a new weapon something to replace the worn, dull spear he had carried on his earlier mission. The thought of facing unknown dangers with a broken weapon did not sit well with him.
"Do you have any better weapons?" Kael asked, his voice low.
Rook's eyes twinkled as he led Kael to a section of the shop where finely crafted swords and daggers glimmered. "I've got a few things that will do the job. A basic sword would cost you ten cores. But I've got a deal if you're willing to part with that old spear, I'll give you a discount."
Kael looked down at his battered spear. It had served him well, but it was clear it was no longer up to the task. Without hesitation, he handed it over. "Deal I will take 2 swords as if one can break at any time."
With the transaction complete, Kael now had everything he needed for the Scared Realm Trial. As he left the shop, the weight of his new supplies settled in his pack. He had thirty cores to begin with, but now, he had only a handful left. He couldn't afford to waste any of them.
The trial was about to begin.