Zion materialized in the burgeoning steel city of Valor, the sun reflecting dazzlingly off the metallic surfaces. The streets were alive with activity, bustling with shoppers and adventurers emerging from the pillars in steady streams.

He tried to return to Neva, but the pillars refused him travel. He cursed under his breath, realizing that Yon must be deliberately blocking his return. If anything happened to Beth or Camila, that conniving elf would pay dearly. Yet, as his anger simmered, Zion's rational side prevailed. If Yon had intended harm, he could have inflicted it already. Reluctantly, Zion acknowledged that he had no choice but to trust the elf for now.

Navigating the familiar streets, Zion made a beeline for Lark's shop, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of hiding Champions, encountering other Heralds, and the tragic fate of souls exploited for power. He was vaguely aware of bumping into several people along the way, but he couldn't summon the energy to care.

Only the blinking notifications snapped him out of his daze. Opening them almost absentmindedly, his eyes widened as excitement flushed his face at the message he beheld.

Quest Completed:

Defeat the killers

5/5 defeated

1/1 motive found

Ability Acquired:

Elemental Blitz (Active): Rain down fire, ice, or maybe darkness upon your enemy. Elemental Blitz unleashes a hail of magical shards on the foe of varying elemental typings. Element is based on the highest type within the user. Effects: Unleash a salvo of shards of elemental damage. Each salvo costs 300 mana, with elemental type varying.

His expression soured as he read the ability description again. He didn't have any elemental affinities. All his spells relied solely on pure mana, without any elemental influence. How was he supposed to change the damage type of the spell?

Lost in thought, Zion reached the door of the Hidey Hole and stepped inside. The cluttered interior greeted him, every inch of space crammed with gear. It seemed even more packed than before.

Lark sat at his desk, examining an odd earring between his tusks. It looked like chicken bones threaded through a hoop earring. "Does that summon a giant chicken?" Zion joked, a smirk on his lips as Lark noticed him.

"Actually, it does. A giant chicken skilled in martial arts," Lark replied seriously, leaving Zion waiting for the punchline. When none came, he couldn't help but chuckle at the absurd mental image of a combat-ready chicken.

"Welcome back, Herald. I hope your purchases proved worthwhile," Lark greeted, interrupting Zion's musings of martial chickens as he rose from his seat, extending a hand. Zion clasped it firmly, realizing he had missed the gruff orc.

"I can sense you've made significant progress. You're already primed for tier two," Lark remarked, shaking his head. "Hard to believe you've advanced so quickly. Oh, the joys of being a Herald." Seeing Zion's expression falter, Lark continued, "And the burdens of celestial expectations. I see the specter of a fallen friend trailing behind you. It's a tough life i'm afraid."

Zion suppressed the urge to let his emotions show, clearing his throat with a cough. "You're not wrong, but those burdens can wait. I'm here to trade in some gear and purchase more."

"Burden's don't wait, Zion. They linger, festering until they become too overwhelming to contain. Remember to let them heal," Lark imparted his wisdom, even as Zion visibly squirmed. "But don't worry, I won't delve into that territory. Just ponder my words, kid. Don't burn out before you shine bright enough to pierce the darkness." The sage advice gave way to Lark's merchant persona.

"Now, let's see what you've got," Lark said briskly, the sound of the store door locking echoing audibly behind them.

Zion chuckled at the merchant's eagerness for items and felt appreciative of the advice without any probing. He began sifting through his inventory to assess what could be traded in. Gingerly, he retrieved the sapphire acquired from the Shadelord and the chains, avoiding timely contact with the chains and taking a step back.

“I understand if you can’t take those, but I figured I'd at least try to sell them,” Zion informed Lark preemptively, bracing himself for potential backlash. He wouldn't blame him if he did; Creation knows he'd have a valid anger.

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Instead of berating Zion, the merchant calmly retrieved the chains and stowed them in a small item box. He regarded Zion as if he hadn't just handled one of the most sinister items in existence. "I'll offer you two thousand gold for the chains and thirty for the gem. It's not the highest quality," he stated solemnly, his expression unwavering.

Zion took a step back, taken aback by both the offer and Lark's lack of reaction. "Lark, you do realize what those items are capable of, right? And you read the description?"

"Of course, you fool. I'm no novice at this," Lark retorted, his tone growing slightly sharper. "It's a valuable item, even if it's tainted. Don't fret over its origins; this box was designed precisely for such items. Besides, that's why I'm only offering two thousand. Disposing of it won't be easy otherwise, you'd fetch at least double the price."

"Damn, Lark, that's a hefty sum!" Zion exclaimed. Four thousand gold could sustain a first-tier Sphere for a month.

"Artifacts are rare finds, Zion. Hold onto them when you come across them and only sell them to me; I'll always offer you a fair deal," Lark advised, a smile playing on his lips as he extended his hand for the money transfer. "And for Ki's sake, keep it under wraps if you come across any more. Loose lips sink ships." Zion nodded in agreement and completed the transaction, a bulging pouch of coins now filling his inventory.

Lark rubbed his hands together eagerly. "So, what else are we in the market for today?"

"First, I need to find an item or something that will allow me to change my elemental affinity on the fly. My new spell adapts its type based on mine," Zion explained.

"Why not take up jewel crafting? You could craft absorption gems to harness different elemental types. Just pop one, and you'll be swimming in that mana flavor. Plenty of mages use them to bolster their spells," Lark suggested, sliding a colorless stone across the table.

Gem of Absorption (Common): This plain gem has the ability to absorb and harness different mana types. Effects Stone will charge from external mana and change colors once it has established a mana type.

That sounds perfect. Can I purchase around thirty of them from you?" Zion inquired eagerly, already envisioning himself equipped with an array of stones for various situations.

"Did you go deaf on your quests?" Lark retorted, shooting Zion a stern glare. "I said, get the jewel crafting profession, not rely on items made by jewel crafters. It's a solid option, and you won't bankrupt yourself trying to buy them."

"I have a decent amount of money saved up; I should be fine," Zion countered, crossing his arms defensively.

"Excellent, that'll be fifteen hundred gold," the orc grinned widely as Zion's eyes widened in shock. "Or you could opt for the profession and make them for just ten. Your call."

"Yeah, some choice," Zion muttered, rolling his eyes. "Can you also provide me with the String of Power for that profession and any necessary gear?"

"I can do you one better," Lark replied, his smile resembling that of a shark scenting blood. With that, he dashed off, his hefty frame weaving through the clutter of his shop. He returned ten minutes later, carrying three boxes.

"This first one contains the jewel crafting string, and the second is for mining, as you'll need a steady supply of gems," Lark explained, presenting the boxes to Zion.

"What's in that third one?" Zion queried, his curiosity piqued as he eyed the box, his mind not yet considering what additional profession he might need.

Lark affectionately patted the top of the box. "This one is just a suggestion for your final skill. It's the Speech skill," he explained, though Zion couldn't help but snort in response, much to Lark's apparent irritation. "Laugh all you want, but I believe it will benefit someone destined to lead armies."

Zion's laughter tapered off at that, his demeanor growing a bit more serious. "How much do you know, Lark?"

"Enough, Zion," Lark replied quickly. "Enough to understand that you'll be leading armies sooner rather than later. This skill will amplify your voice and enhance the potency of any 'buffs' you bestow." He emphasized the word 'buffs' with air quotes, leaving Zion once again astounded by the depth of his insight.

"Lark, I'm grateful you're on our side because you'd make a formidable villain," Zion remarked, earning a smug wink from his green-skinned companion. "I'll take all three; thanks for the recommendation."

"Good choice! You're lucky I didn't kick you out today with all your back-talk, lad. Remember, this is my shop, and I always know what folks need," Lark stated, reverting to his gruff demeanor. "Now, that'll be seven hundred gold for the professions, necessary gear, and a replacement distress ring."

Zion's jaw dropped for what felt like the third time since he entered, and Lark chuckled gleefully. "What, did you expect it to be cheap? Shortcutting the learning process always comes with a hefty price tag. Saving time doesn't save money."

Reluctantly, Zion handed over the gold, feeling his wealth diminish once again. After he finished getting his gear repaired and resupplied, he'd be back to being broke.

"Thanks, Lark; I really appreciate your assistance, even if it stings to lose the gold," he said, making it clear he harbored no resentment. "I'm heading home for a bit after this; it's time to complete my threads and advance my professions."

"You'll do fine, Zion; just make sure you work through everything thoroughly before you finish. And I mean everything," Lark advised, extending his hand for another firm shake from Zion. "Come back soon, my friend. Purchase more gear, and I'll be eager to hear your adventures when your heart has settled."

Zion could never quite get used to how insightful the orc could be beneath his gruff exterior. After shaking hands, he left the shop, ready to complete his shopping and return home.

The remainder of his trip didn't go smoothly. Though he was sure he missed it due to his preoccupation, he couldn't ignore the stares and whispers directed his way. And those individuals he accidentally bumped into? Well, it wasn't hard to do so when they halted in the street to gawk at his striking blue skin and black eyes.

By the time Zion had purchased some additional supplies, opting for quality rations this time, and had his gear repaired, he was itching to leave Valor. Not only was he growing irritated by the constant attention and gossip, but he was also fed up with hemorrhaging money. He knew maintaining his gear was crucial, but his equipment from Neva wouldn't last long without proper upkeep.