Riven and Nyx navigated the bustling market district, the weight of his inventory heavier than usual—filled to the brim with mana beast cores from two relentless weeks of battle. Every step through the stone-paved streets was punctuated by the chatter of students, their voices carrying over the hum of trade.
They stopped outside a potion shop, its wooden sign creaking slightly in the wind. As they stepped inside, the scent of crushed herbs and concentrated mana thickened the air. Shelves lined with glowing vials stretched from floor to ceiling, students rifling through them with eager hands.
Riven barely spared them a glance, but their voices reached him all the same.
"Did you hear? Someone finally killed the Frostbound Tyrant."
"Not just that—most of the mana beast islands have been emptied!"
"Who the hell keeps killing all the beasts? Tch—leaving nothing for the rest of us."
Riven almost laughed. If they didn't want to miss out, they should have moved faster.
