The sun was just beginning its descent behind the walls of the capital, staining the sky with golden-orange hues, when Derek stepped onto the cobbled streets of the merchant district. The noise of vendors hawking wares and children running between stalls barely registered in his mind. His eyes were fixed ahead, towards a marble-faced building marked by an elegant crest of a silver flame.
The Celster Merchant Guild.
This was no ordinary merchant shop. It was one of the few elite trade houses on Xeldraus that dealt in Skill Books, Essences, Ancient Relics, and even Dungeon Rights. Only high-ranking nobles, guild leaders, or influential Awakened could afford to cross its threshold.
Derek didn't even have to speak.
The moment his boots hit the first step, a sharply dressed attendant stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and gestured with a gloved hand. "Sir Derek. The Mistress is expecting you. Please, this way."
The attendants here were trained to know the faces and reputations of every important Awakened. And Derek, though he kept a low profile, was far from unknown. His gold-tier status, combined with the mystery of his lone exploits in high-threat zones, gave him a reputation that rippled even through the backchannels.
He followed the attendant through a side hallway lined with rune-etched doors and into a velvet-draped VIP room. Candles flickered in silver sconces, illuminating polished mahogany furniture and a spread of fruit, wine, and rare desserts laid untouched on the table.
And waiting for him, lounging comfortably in a high-backed chair, was a woman who could silence a room simply by stepping into it.
She had short, red hair that shimmered like flame under the candlelight. Her outfit, tight, black leather pants tucked into combat boots and a corset-like top under a tailored coat, gave her a tomboyish edge, but it didn't hide her allure. She radiated charm, strength, and ambition in equal measure.
This was Sairi Celster, head of the Celster Merchant Group.
Not a noble. Not a military leader. But one of the richest and most resourceful individuals in the entire Starfall Kingdom.
"It's always a pleasure to see you, Derek," she said with a warm smile. But Derek didn't miss the flicker of emotion in her eyes, a glint of curiosity and something deeper, hungrier.
He nodded curtly. "Let's get straight to business. No games, no fluff."
Rather than taking offense, Sairi chuckled—a low, smooth laugh that echoed slightly in the quiet chamber.
"Oh, Derek. Ever the direct one," she said, reaching into her purple system window. With a graceful flick, a glowing object materialized between her hands.
A Skillbook.
Its cover was bound in what looked like glowing gold-infused hide, with ancient runes pulsing faintly along the spine.
"Divine Fortress," she said. "Epic rank."
Derek's eyes didn't even flicker.
But then she pulled out another book, this one with a thinner spine and a subtle silver gleam to its script.
"Third Eye," she added, her smile widening. "I'm in an unusually good mood today. So I'll do you a favor. Pick one."
Derek hesitated.
He had come expecting to beg, to haggle, maybe even to argue. But, being offered a choice? That was a surprise.
Still, the weight of what he was about to do dragged at him like lead.
The Epic Essence in his inventory, the one that could push him to the next rank was in his hand. Trading it away meant halting his own advancement indefinitely. There was no guarantee he'd ever find another. Essences were not only rare but highly personalized. Finding one that matched his requirements again could take decades… if ever.
But Kaelen's safety mattered more.
He clenched his jaw. "The Third Eye."
Sairi arched her brow. "Not Divine Fortress? It's defensive. Would suit the cleric path more."
"No. Awareness is everything. Even the strongest shield won't save a man who doesn't see the blade behind him." His tone was firm. "Third Eye."
Sairi's eyes twinkled. "Very well."
Third Eye was neither offensive nor defensive, it was a perception-type skill that granted the user absolute sensory awareness within a fixed radius. Some compared it to a primitive form of divine omniscience. For a Cleric, whose casting was slower and who lacked the agility of frontline warriors, this could mean life or death.
He handed her the essence.
Sairi's fingers tremble slightly as she received it. She didn't let it show on her face, but the way she stared at the glowing orb said enough.
In the world of Xeldraus, asking for an Epic Essence was taboo, it was equivalent to asking for a man's chance at reaching the pinnacle of power. Derek had been braced for a rough negotiation.
But Sairi… she hadn't even asked.
Because she already desperately wanted it .
She had her own story. Unknown to many, Sairi had already acquired two out of the three items needed for Epic rank advancement. But her third requirement… was something near impossible.
A Dragon's Blessing.
A relic that dropped only from the ancient dragons of the World Dungeons , creatures that hadn't appeared in centuries. The Celster family had hunted, traded, and scoured every known region for even a trace. Nothing.
She had long accepted that she would never reach Epic tier.
And now, here it was.
A trade she never imagined an Epic Essence falling into her lap in exchange for something already stored in her vault.
They smiled at each other after the deal was made, mutual relief and silent gratitude shared between two people who understood the cost of power.
No more words were needed.
Derek turned to leave, sliding the skillbook into his inventory as he passed through the curtains. His pace was brisk. He had no time to waste. Kaelen's future demanded preparation, and he needed every edge he could get.
Sairi, however, didn't linger.
The moment Derek's footsteps faded down the hallway, she clapped once. "Close the shop," she told her stunned attendants. "No more guests tonight."
She locked herself in her chamber and began the awakening process immediately.
---
That night, just as the city lights began to dim, a pulse of violet light burst from the heart of the merchant district. It rolled through the streets in waves, illuminating alleyways, temples, and noble homes.
Citizens looked up in awe. Merchants stumbled to their balconies. Awakened paused their training.
The territory of the Celster Merchant Group was lit in purple fire, shining like a beacon above the skyline.
A new powerhouse had been born.