Bane knocked on the door leading to Estons study, the sound of his three knocks reverberating down the empty hallway.
"Come on in, no need to knock," Eston's voice came from the other side.
Bane entered the room.
"Is your training finished?" Eston inquired as the boy walked in.
"Yes, Uncle. We just completed a two-hour session of barbarian squats. It appears I need to work on strengthening my balance. But the good news is that I've acquired a new weapon," Bane replied.
"And what might that be?"
"A longbow. Master Garrik suggested it could be beneficial for me, given my status as a dominion seeker."
"While he's not wrong, many dominion seekers don't typically rely on traditional weaponry due to their unique skills gained from their tames, learning to use a long bow could still be advantageous in certain situations. I'm intrigued to see how you progress with it."
"I won't let you down, Uncle. But may I ask why you asked me to come here today?"
"We're embarking on a trip to a place frequented by young and experienced dominion seekers alike. It's a shopping trip of sorts. Follow me."
Eston rose from his seat and led the way out of the grand house. Bane followed closely as they made their way to an open area.
Eston turned to Bane and said, "Pay attention, as this is a skill you'll find yourself using quite often." With a lift of his hand, Eston declared, "Come forth, Princess."
A shimmering portal materialized in front of Eston, and Princess emerged with regal grace.
"Now, Bane, vocal summoning isn't always necessary if you understand your abilities well and share a deep bond with your tames. I used it now merely for demonstration purposes. Climb on, Bane. I'm sure you're familiar with flying Princess," instructed Eston as Princess lowered herself, facilitating Bane's ascent onto her back.
Mounted on Princess's back, Bane and Eston embarked on a 30-minute flight to the northern expanse of the Yobian Empire. As they soared through the skies, Eston explained, "The northern region is where the most renowned markets are located, accessible only to those with substantial resources."
Bane's excitement surged as he realized he was about to explore a part of the kingdom he had never known existed. As they glided over the city below, a sense of liberation overcame him, akin to the freedom he experienced in his spatial realm. The people moving like ants amidst the maze of structures formed a mesmerizing pattern.
This aerial perspective was a dreamlike panorama he could have never imagined before. Bane felt the urge to etch this memory deep within, preserving it for times to come. Upon arriving in the bustling northern district, they dismounted from Princess, who was promptly recalled into Eston's spatial realm.
"Now, let's attend to the main task for today," Eston declared, prompting Bane to follow him closely. The street was lined with an array of shops and stalls, offering a variety of goods including food, weaponry, and curious artifacts. Eston's steps came to a halt in front of a massive edifice adorned with a hammer insignia above its entrance.
Bane observed the emblem and listened intently as Eston spoke, "Bane, should you ever require weaponry, I recommend this establishment. It is primarily managed by dwarves, a race renowned for their craftsmanship in smithing. While the weapons from here may come with a considerable price tag, their quality is unparalleled."
Continuing their stroll through the bustling district, Bane and Eston meandered past another shop, its vibrant sign showcasing a collection of mystical artifacts and sparkling gemstones. The shop seemed to beckon with an air of mystery, tempting those who sought rare and enchanting curiosities.
As they moved forward, Bane's curiosity was piqued, wondering what hidden wonders might lie within. Eston, however, led him toward a towering structure that cast a shadow over the surroundings. It dwarfed even the impressive smithing shop they had passed earlier, emphasizing its monumental significance.
Approaching the colossal building, Bane felt a mixture of awe and anticipation. Eston turned to him, his voice tinged with excitement, "Bane, behold the Grand Beast Emporium. This is the place where people come to acquire tamed beasts, creatures with unique talents and capabilities."
Eston explained that within the Grand Beast Emporium, a diverse array of creatures were raised, nurtured, and captured from the wild to be sold. These beasts were then put up for auction, allowing prospective owners to bid for the chance to form a lifelong bond with a formidable companion.
Bane's imagination soared as he envisioned the spectacle of the auction, the roars and roams of various creatures echoing within the towering walls. Each beast, an embodiment of nature's magnificence, held the potential to become a trusted ally, a partner in battles and adventures yet to come.
As they neared the entrance, the grandeur of the building's architecture became even more apparent. Carvings depicting majestic beasts adorned the façade, a testament to the emporium's dedication to these awe-inspiring creatures.
“Let’s venture inside; we wouldn't want to miss out on the best options, would we?” Eston suggested with a knowing smile. Bane's excitement bubbled over, resembling that of a child entering a candy shop for the first time. With a nod that practically screamed enthusiasm, he followed Eston into the bustling interior. The atmosphere was alive with a cacophony of conversations, anticipatory murmurs, and the electric energy of potential buyers.
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As they stepped into the emporium, Bane's senses were immediately assaulted by the vibrant ambiance. The air hummed with excitement, punctuated by the enthusiastic discussions of potential buyers and the fervent bids that echoed throughout the building. The undeniable aura of anticipation hung heavy, intertwining with the occasional growls or roars of the beasts on display.
At the entrance, a poised secretary greeted them. Eston's esteemed reputation as both the minister of defense and a high-ranking dominion seeker earned them VIP access to the exclusive bidding area. With the bureaucratic formalities swiftly taken care of, Eston turned to Bane with a smile.
"So, what kind of beast are you interested in as your first companion?" Eston inquired, his tone tinged with warmth and encouragement.
Bane pondered the question, his recent whirlwind of experiences leaving little time for such considerations. He admitted, "Everything has been moving so rapidly, I haven't had a moment to truly think about it. I also haven't delved into the beast encyclopedia back at the estate's study."
Eston's reassuring demeanor eased Bane's uncertainty, "No need to worry, Bane. Today, we'll explore and find a companion that resonates with you."
Their conversation was momentarily interrupted by the presence of another duo, drawing Eston's attention. A man of seasoned age, adorned with scars that told tales of battles fought, greeted Eston with a knowing smile. The man wore a long coat, and his beard flowed like a cascade, offsetting his lack of hair. Accompanying him was a young boy, unmistakably brimming with potential, his eyes reflecting a certain spark of arrogance.
"Eston," the man addressed with a hint of slyness, "I didn't expect to cross paths with a dominion seeker of the high court today."
"Ah, Darius, I did not anticipate encountering a mage of the high court here today," Eston's gaze shifted to the young boy accompanying Darius, "and I assume this is your grandson, the young lad who recently awakened as a dominion seeker?"
Darius let out a light chuckle, his expression proud, "Indeed, he's a dominion seeker with remarkable potential. His spatial realm extends around 600 meters in all directions, and he claims his tree stands at approximately 100 meters in height. We've been providing him with mental training to prepare him for obtaining his first beast before he heads to the academy in a couple of weeks."
"That's commendable. And how has his progress been so far?"
Darius's tone was filled with confidence, "Considering his Mirthspell bloodline, it's no surprise that he's excelling in his mental training. I would accept nothing less from a descendant of the Mirthspell lineage," Darius shifted his attention to the boy beside Eston, "Now, who might this young man be?"
"He's my adopted son," Eston replied calmly, his gaze firmly fixed on Darius. "He's been a tremendous help to us, so I decided to take him in as my own. And just like your grandson, he's also a dominion seeker, hence the reason we're here to find him a suitable beast companion."
Darius's expression twisted into one of disdain, his words dripping with condescension, "A commoner boy by the looks of it. Enjoy your endeavors with that insignificant pet you've chosen to replace... well, your real son."
Eston's hand clenched into a fist, anger simmering beneath the surface, yet he managed to rein it in as he glanced at Bane, whose own face was flushed with a mixture of resentment and fury.
"I'm granting a young boy who had nothing, an opportunity. Is there any fault in that, O esteemed one?" Eston retorted with a touch of sarcasm, his voice laced with an undercurrent of controlled anger.
Darius's response was a dismissive wave of his hand, his lips curling into a contemptuous smile, "Do as you please."
As Darius and his grandson walked away, Eston's laughter cut through the tense air. "Boy, don't let the likes of him disturb your peace," he advised Bane, his tone lighter now.
Bane's eyes narrowed as he watched them depart, his voice tinged with lingering resentment, "I promise to humiliate both of them in the future."
Eston's chuckle held a note of agreement, "If you want to one-up them, excel at the academy, and prove yourself better than that boy."
Bane's response was a resolute nod, a newfound determination burning in his eyes. A new goal was forged in that very moment, fueled by a desire to prove his worth to those who doubted him.
"Bane, let's proceed with our original purpose," Eston suggested with a grin that exuded enthusiasm, and they set off, with Eston leading the way.
Passing numerous large viewing stations resembling a zoo, they observed various exotic creatures. Double-headed lion beasts, Elemental Ostriches, Minotaurs, Gryphins, and an array of other fantastical creatures populated the enclosures. As they moved from one enclosure to another, Eston provided Bane with detailed descriptions of each creature, making the experience akin to a guided tour.
Despite the diverse selection, none of the creatures seemed to truly capture Bane's interest. Hence, they proceeded to the main event: the auction room.
The auction room was colossal, resembling an auditorium with a central catwalk. Bane was captivated as he observed the attendees and the catwalk itself. The atmosphere was charged with a palpable aura of power, and even without direct interaction, Bane could sense the strength radiating from those around him.
The proceedings were led by a woman standing on the catwalk who announced with authority, "And now, we present to you our next featured creature"
With her announcement, a group of men rolled out a cage containing the enigmatic beast. Applause erupted from the audience, accompanied by excited remarks as all eyes turned toward the creature stepping onto the catwalk.
"The Nightshade Prowler," the announcer continued, "a creature that thrives in darkness, reigning over the world during the nocturnal hours. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome... THE NIGHTSHADE PROWLER!"
The applause swelled even louder, enveloping the room as the creature made its grand entrance.
"With the exceptional ability to manipulate shadows and employ them for swift movement, this beast becomes an exceptionally formidable partner," the announcer elucidated, her words laced with a sense of awe.
Bane's gaze remained fixed on the Nightshade Prowler, intrigued by its unique abilities and the aura of mystery surrounding it.
Amidst the energetic atmosphere of the auction, bidding commenced with fervor.
"100 gold!" The shout echoed from one of the seats.
"100 gold! Any higher bids?" The announcer's voice carried over the crowd.
"150!"
"155!"
The bidding escalated as competing voices chimed in. Ultimately, the final bid was secured by Darius at a staggering 535 gold coins. His mocking smile sent a clear message to the other attendees.
After a five-minute walk in the auditorium Bane and Eston reached their designated seats in the VIP section, where they were served refreshments. Settling into their seats, they observed the ongoing bidding war for various creatures over the next hour. Despite the intense bidding, nothing managed to capture Bane's interest.
As the auction continued, the anticipation heightened. Suddenly, the announcement of the next featured creature seized Bane's attention.
"Up next, we have the monarch of the forest, a beast that fearlessly faces opponents twice, heck even thrice its size: THE RAZORCLAW MANTIS!"
Bane's posture straightened, and he leaned forward in his seat, his gaze locked onto the cage on the catwalk that held the intriguing creature.
"That one," he murmured to himself, a spark of determination gleaming in his eyes.