The next morning, Liam, Aria, Vix, and Mia went back to the black market. Eventually, they reached the vendor where Liam had placed the order for the Spirit taming charm. The same hunched vendor from before awaited them behind his cluttered stall.
"So," he hissed, eyes gleaming, "the soldier boy returns, with quite a crowd, I see. I trust you've brought the remaining payment?"
"Can you show me the talisman first?"
The vendor slowly pulled out a charm from a drawer.
[Spirit Taming Charm]
Can tame beasts up to Level 100.
Probability of success - 50% (Success rate decreases drastically on using it with higher level beasts)
"Here you go."
Liam nodded and placed two gold coins on the table. "We had a deal—thirty gold coins total. I had made a downpayment of 10 gold coins; here are 20 more."
The vendor scooped up the coins, then reached beneath a dusty cloth. He produced a small talisman carved of dark jade, inscribed with fine runes. "A lower Spirit Taming Charm. Follow the instructions carefully. Should you fail mid-ritual, well, no refunds."
Liam took the talisman, letting out a breath of relief. This was exactly what he needed to tame a beast capable of supporting him. "Thank you," he said.
Just as he turned to leave, Vix suddenly gave a small howl.
"Aooo"
"Hey, what did you discover, little guy?"
Liam's gaze traced the item Vix was looking at, and his eyes locked on a larger talisman made of shimmering crystal.
[Greater Spirit Taming Charm]
Can tame beasts up to Level 300.
Probability of success - 50% (Success rate decreases drastically on using it with higher level beasts)
"This is.."
Liam immediately gravitated towards the newly displayed taming charm. Taming a level 300 beast would really be a massive spike to his overall fighting strength.
Noticing his stare, the vendor let out a rasping chuckle. "A fine piece, yes? I got this one as well. But the cost, dear boy… seems to be beyond you."
Liam's eyes then darted towards the price etched on a brass plate below it: 5000 gold coins
Tier 3 or level 300, though not the strongest beasts in the whole of Eldoria, were still extremely strong. If Liam had such a beast, he could take on the strongest quests in Eldoria without a sweat.
But the reality was harsh.. If he stuck to the regular farming routes and regularly did all spammable quests, it would take him at least a few months to get to the 5000 gold ask.
And he did not want to do that.
"Sigh, looks like it is not meant to be," Liam sighed, turning around to depart from the shop.
Seeing Liam's struggle, Aria suddenly came forward.
Without warning, she drew the Dagger of Dream's Embrace from her cloak, the shimmering blade that had saved them more than once. She extended it, handle first, toward the merchant.
"This dagger is valued at at least 10,000 gold coins," she declared, voice calm but firm. "Take it as collateral for that advanced charm. We'll pay the 5000 gold coins eventually."
The vendor's eyes bulged. He reached for the weapon, running a trembling finger over the intricate runes. "This dagger… where did you—" He paused, face twisting with avaricious delight. "Yes, the craftsmanship is remarkable. And it truly holds the power to cast foes into a deep slumber, ignoring their physical defenses??"
After examining the dagger for quite a bit, the vendor looked back at Liam and Aria with a sly smile.
"This item is indeed worth it, and I can offer you this charm plus 4000 gold coins for this dagger."
"Not for sale," Liam immediately countered.
This dagger was the last memento of Aria's mother, he did not want Aria to sell it away. The dagger was super powerful as well. A weapon that could make enemies sleep ignoring levels was definitely OP. Plus, they could use it on themselves to make their senses extra alert after the one minute ended.
"Fine, you can leave it as collateral. However, you have to pay me 5000 gold coins in 2 months. Otherwise, I will have the right to sell off this dagger and not give you a single coin more." The vendor finally acquiesced. realizing that Liam was not looking to sell the dagger.
"Deal"
The three of them stepped out of the black market alley in silence. The sounds of the bustling underground faded behind them as the narrow passage gave way to the softer breeze of the open streets. Liam glanced sideways, the dark jade talisman now secured inside his inventory, but his mind was elsewhere.
He slowed his pace and turned toward Aria. "Why did you do that?"
She blinked. "Do what?"
"The dagger. That was a gift from your mother, wasn't it? You've said so yourself before. It's… important."
Aria looked away for a moment, her fingers gently brushing over the spot in her cloak where the dagger once lay. "It is important," she said softly. "But so are you."
Liam's brows furrowed.
"You saved me, Liam. You pulled me out of that nightmare when no one else would. I've done nothing but drag you into my mess ever since."
"That's not how I see it."
She offered him a faint smile. "Well, maybe it's how I see it. I can't wield that dagger the way you can use that charm. And right now, you need strength more than I need sentiment."
He remained silent for a long moment before finally sighing and nodding. "Thanks… I'll make sure we get that dagger back. I promise."
Vix let out a small whimper and nuzzled Aria's boot as if to reassure her that all was well.
--------------------------------
Eventually, Liam and the others hitched a ride with a passing caravan of traders headed towards the Highvale city. The journey spanned several in-game hours, filled with idle chatter, roadside meals, and the occasional monster scare that Liam easily dealt with.
When they arrived, the bustling capital of Highvale unfolded before them in full force. Towering stone buildings gleamed under magical lanterns. Crowds of players and NPCs flowed like streams through the avenues. Merchants barked out deals while mounted guards patrolled the perimeter.
Mia's jaw dropped. "Whoa… this place is gorgeous. It feels like I walked into a real fantasy novel."
Liam, having seen much larger cities and kingdoms, remained unfazed.
Liam gave a small chuckle. "You'll get used to it. The novelty wears off after the fiftieth errand run through five districts."
Mia elbowed him playfully. "Don't ruin the magic."
Aria, however, remained quiet. Her gaze lingered on the rooftops, the stone statues, the flow of people around her. She didn't say much, and Liam could tell she was deep in thought. Vix, as always, rested calmly in her lap as they rode a shared carriage to the nearest inn.
After checking into a modest room near the southern plaza, they set out again, this time toward the Adventurer's Guild.
The guild building was massive, a semi-circular structure with grand banners flying over the entrance. Inside, the air buzzed with energy—new recruits crowding the task boards, veterans sharing tales by the hearth, and NPC officials organizing requests.
The front desk was manned by a tall woman with glasses and a clipboard, her name tag reading: [Receptionist - Elara]
"Welcome to the Highvale Adventurer's Guild," she greeted with a warm, practiced smile. "Are you here to assign a mission or register a party?"
Liam nodded. "Yes. we would like to register a party of three."
"Names and classes, please."
"Liam Carter. Soldier."
"Aria. Mage," Aria said softly.
"Mia. Healer."
Elara nodded and tapped a few keys on a crystal interface before her.
"Excellent. Based on your combined levels and registration history, you qualify for F-Rank status. However, as part of the evaluation process, you'll need to complete at least one of the following three quests. Would you like to view them now?"
Ding!
[E-Rank Quest: Missing Shipment]
Quest Details: A supply wagon from Southpoint Village was scheduled to arrive two days ago but has not yet made it. Investigate the route for clues.
Objectives: Search the Southpoint trail and report findings.
Rewards: 10 gold coins, +100 Eldoria Reputation Difficulty: E-Rank
Accept? [YES] / [NO]
[F-Rank Quest: Pest Infestation]
Quest Details: Local farms near the outer ring have reported a sudden outbreak of burrowing stingbeetles. Clear out the nests and protect the crops.
Objectives: Destroy 5 stingbeetle nests.
Rewards: 6 gold coins, Basic Equipment Chest Difficulty: F-Rank
Accept? [YES] / [NO]
[F-Rank Quest: Alchemist's Help]
Quest Details: A local alchemist needs rare forest mushrooms from Embergrove, but it's known for having poisonous mist. Gather safely and return.
Objectives: Collect 10 Ember Mushrooms.
Rewards: 8 gold coins, 2x Antidote Potions Difficulty: E-Rank
Accept? [YES] / [NO]
Liam glanced at the options, then turned to the others.
"I vote we take the Missing Shipment first. It pays the best and lets us explore. Maybe we'll find some bonus loot, too."
Mia nodded. "Sounds good. I'd like to avoid poison clouds for now."
Aria shrugged. "I go where you go."
Liam grinned and turned back to Elara. "We'll take the Missing Shipment quest."
The receptionist tapped again, and three small quest scrolls materialized.
"Best of luck, adventurers. Return here once completed for evaluation."
The team took the scrolls, stepped away from the counter, and exchanged determined looks.
"Alright," Liam said. "Let's make our mark."