The interior of the city had streets paved with smooth, iridescent stones that shimmered in the sunlight, casting a kaleidoscope of colors underfoot. These thoroughfares wound and weaved like rivers through the city, connecting districts that each had their own unique charm. Overhead, elegant wooden bridges spanned across small artificial lakes, each bridge seemingly more elaborate than the last, as if the city planners had decided that practicality should always come with a side of extravagance.The bustling marketplaces were a feast for the senses. Stalls brimming with exotic goods from across the realm lined the streets, their canopies a patchwork of vibrant fabrics that fluttered in the gentle breeze. The air was thick with the mingling scents of spices, fresh bread, and blooming flowers, while the sounds of merchants haggling and street performers entertaining the crowds created a lively, chaotic symphony. This was the culture Jacky was referring to, the very essence of the city'

Jacky moved with the crowd for a short while before he fluidly left the pack, seamlessly blending into the shadows of a deserted alleyway. The narrow passageway was dimly lit, with flickering streetlights casting erratic shadows on the worn brick walls. As Jacky approached a particularly nondescript section of the wall, he took a deep breath. His mouth opened slightly, and words that would sound like gibberish to an average human flowed from his lips, each syllable resonating with an otherworldly cadence. The brick wall shimmered for a moment, the rough texture of the bricks seeming to ripple like water. Jacky didn’t hesitate; he kept on walking, passing through the wall as if it were made of mist. On the other side, a familiar sight greeted him. A hidden tavern, its warm glow contrasting sharply with the cold, dark alley he had just left behind. This time, the tavern was slightly more populated than before. Jacky's keen eyes quickly scanned the room, noting groups of adventurer

Hybris's eyes widened in astonishment as she took in Liam's new gear. The long crimson coat was undoubtedly of the highest quality, and it fit Liam perfectly, accentuating his lean frame. He raised the red collar, adding an extra touch of dashing style to his appearance.The coat wasn't purely red; it was adorned with patches of black that added a striking contrast. This design further enhanced the overall look, making the white shirt underneath stand out even more. The combination of colors and the impeccable fit gave Liam the perfect appearance of a stray swordsman.Hybris flashed to Liam's side."How do we know the gear works?". She asked curiously."Not sure, but we can try one method". Liam said hesitantly."Oh, what method is that?". Liam didn’t say, he simply walked to Mia Emberlyn with a forced smile on he's face, "Thank you for the gear aunt Mia". The moment Liam closed he's mouth, Hybris felt the room grow cold.Mia Emberlyn stood poised, her dark eyes locked onto Liam with

"What's up with her?" Liam asked lightly, his voice tinged with curiosity. He wasn't sure what to make of the woman before him, but then again, this was a city filled with oddities and peculiarities.Liam lowered his gaze once more, observing the demihuman. She appeared to be in a trance-like state, her fluffy ears fluttering ever so slightly. Apart from the few cat-like features, she looked remarkably human."Master," she repeated, her voice trembling.This time, Liam definitely heard her. He had just bought her, so by default, she should consider him her master. Yet, she had a spirit that refused to be trampled on, no matter how much her previous master had tortured her. It would take more than a purchase to earn her true acknowledgment, not that he particularly desired to be seen as her master.The demihuman's eyes flashed with a mixture of fear and curiosity. Liam was definitely human, yet his core seemed similar to, or perhaps even of higher quality than, theirs. "It's mother," s

The streets of Newhaven glowed with a soft, luminous light, casting long shadows that danced along the cobblestones. The lampposts, though seemingly ordinary, imprisoned elementals within their glass confines. These ethereal beings buzzed in despair, their delicate wings beating against the barriers that held them. Their light, though bright, failed to pierce the deepest alleys or illuminate the dank, oppressive cells of the auction houses where unspeakable transactions took place.For us, the denizens of the danger zones, the arrival of humans brought a harsh revelation. Technologically manufactured devices ceased to function in these zones, rendering even the most advanced guns useless. The only tools and weapons that worked had to be crafted from resources found within the danger zones. To the humans, those resources included us, the inhabitants of Emerald Glaze.Artifacts, however, were an exception. These ancient and mystical objects retained their power in the hands of humans, b