Lance sat cross-legged on the floor of his apartment in the northern insula, a small stack of gold coins in front of him. He counted them carefully, his brow furrowed in concentration. No matter how he tried to stretch it, the gold he had earned from the dire wolf parts was running out faster than he had hoped. Rent, meals, and class fees were all draining his resources, leaving him with just enough to cover his rent and tuition for the rest of the year—barely.

He sighed, thinking of his family and the village he had lost. He had no one to turn to, no safety net. It was up to him to make sure he could stay at Elderglen and continue his studies. With a deep breath, Lance knew he had to find a way to earn more money, and that meant getting a job.

Determined, he decided it was finally time to explore the city of Valoria. Perhaps somewhere in the bustling streets, there was an opportunity that would help him make ends meet.

---

The streets of Valoria were alive with energy. Merchants shouted from their stalls, selling everything from fresh produce to enchanted trinkets. Street performers dazzled with feats of acrobatics and magic, drawing crowds of onlookers. Lance wandered through the market, Ember at his side, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.

As he walked, Lance kept an eye out for job opportunities. He passed a tavern advertising for kitchen help, a bookshop seeking part-time assistance, and even a blacksmith’s forge that needed an apprentice. None of them felt quite right, though, and Lance continued deeper into the city, hoping to find something that suited him better.

Eventually, Lance found himself in a quieter part of Valoria, where the streets were lined with small shops and cafes. He was about to turn back when a sign in a shop window caught his eye: "Help Wanted: Illusionist for Children’s Parties and Events. Must be skilled in parlor tricks and simple illusions."

Lance stopped, staring at the sign. This was something he could do. He had been practicing illusions diligently, and while he was still learning, he was confident enough in his abilities to entertain children with simple tricks. Plus, it was a job that directly related to his studies, which meant he could gain experience while earning money.

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Ember barked softly, as if in encouragement, and Lance nodded to himself. This could be exactly what he needed.

He pushed open the door and stepped inside. The shop was small and cozy, with shelves lined with colorful props, magical toys, and small trinkets. Behind the counter stood an older woman with a warm smile, her silver hair tied back in a loose bun. She looked up as Lance entered, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"Good afternoon," she greeted him. "What can I do for you today?"

Lance approached the counter, trying to project confidence. "I saw the sign in your window. I’m an illusionist, and I’m interested in the job."

The woman’s smile widened. "Wonderful! I’m Elara, and I run this little shop. We host parties and events for children, and I’m in need of someone who can perform simple illusions and parlor tricks to entertain them. Do you have experience with that sort of thing?"

"I’ve been studying illusion magic at Elderglen," Lance replied, "and I’ve been practicing simple spells like *Lesser Illusory Image* and basic tricks. I think I could do a good job."

Elara nodded, her eyes thoughtful. "Elderglen, you say? That’s impressive. Tell you what, why don’t you show me a little of what you can do? If you’re up to the task, the job is yours."

Lance felt a surge of determination. He glanced around the shop, spotting a small wooden ball on one of the shelves. He reached out, his fingers brushing the air as he focused on the spell he had practiced so many times before. A moment later, a glowing orb appeared in his hand, hovering just above his palm.

With a flick of his wrist, Lance made the orb shift and change, morphing into different shapes—a flower, a bird, a small dragon—before letting it dissolve into a shower of harmless sparks.

Elara clapped her hands together, her face alight with delight. "That’s perfect! The children will love it. You’ve got the job, young man."

Relief washed over Lance. "Thank you, Elara. I’ll do my best."

"I’m sure you will," Elara said, still smiling. "We have events most weekends, and I’ll pay you after each performance. It’s not much, but it should help with your expenses."

Lance nodded, grateful for the opportunity. It wasn’t just the money—this job would also give him a chance to refine his skills and gain confidence in his magic.

As he left the shop, Lance felt a renewed sense of hope. He had found a way to support himself while continuing his studies, and the city of Valoria had proven to be full of possibilities. With Ember trotting happily at his side, Lance knew he was ready for whatever came next.