Finally, after a few minutes of walking, Nolan arrived at the entrance to the market. The smell of leather and metal mixed with the fragrance of dried herbs mingled in the air. Lanterns hung above the stalls dimly lit the shelves filled with glittering artifacts. The shouts of merchants, their voices high and clear, rose in the cool evening air, urging passersby to stop and take a look.
The market was a spectacle. Under the light of the enchanted lanterns hanging everywhere, each stall was overflowing with sparkling artifacts, strangely colored potions, and impressively finished magical weapons. The merchants, carefully installed behind their wooden counters, each shouted their share of announcements to attract the attention of passersby.
"Strength potions! One sip and you'll move mountains!"
"Weapons forged in the fire of magical volcanoes! Unmatched in combat!"
"Pure mana crystals, straight from the dungeons of the Outlands!"
Customers, adventurers, mages, knights, Paladins, etc. or simply curious people, crowded into the lively alleys. The streets were alive, almost saturated with conversations, laughter and shouts of voices. The smells of leather, enchanted metals and various medicinal herbs intermingled, creating a unique atmosphere. Here and there, demonstrations of magic took place: a merchant levitating a blade to prove its deadly precision, another blowing a blue flame into a glass bottle to demonstrate its effectiveness.
The streets were crowded with people, and the market was more lively than ever. On one side, curious people strolled, exploring the stalls in search of a rare object to enrich their collection. On the other, wealthy people, often accompanied by guards or advisors, examined the goods with indifference tinged with arrogance, ready to spend without counting. The human agitation mingled with the magical brilliance of the objects on display, and a palpable energy floated in the air.
The sky above the market was magnificent, a veritable sea of stars. Each star sparkled like a precious stone in the velvet of the night. The silver light of the moon bathed the streets and faces, adding an almost mystical aura to the scene. The wind blew gently, offering a pleasant breeze that seemed to refresh the spirits.
Amid this nocturnal ambiance, the sounds of nature added their own melody. The field of insects formed a soothing, almost harmonious hum. But what marked this particular night was the regular cry of the Hibyou, these half-owl, half-bat creatures. Perched on the roofs and signs, they made deep and strange sounds, like echoes coming from another world. Their presence, although familiar to the inhabitants, added a supernatural touch to the atmosphere.
Music echoed through the streets, adding another layer to the vibrant atmosphere of the night market. Groups of talented musicians had enchanted their instruments with magic, allowing them to play autonomously. Flutes floated gently through the air, drums beat to lively rhythms, and strings vibrated harmoniously without the aid of human hands. The melodies rose, crossing and blending, creating a captivating symphony.
At the center of this impromptu party, the musicians themselves sang their hearts out, radiant smiles lighting up their faces. Their voices perfectly matched the instruments, telling stories of legendary heroes, distant lands, and ancient magic. Their joy was contagious, and passersby couldn’t help but stop and listen. Some even started dancing, getting carried away by the lively rhythm and warm atmosphere.
The children, for their part, found their own pleasure in this joyous chaos. Escaping their parents' vigilance, they ran through the streets laughing, their voices mingling with the music. They played at hiding behind stalls, chasing each other between the legs of adults, and catching the colored lights projected by some of the magical artifacts on display.
Nolan walked slowly down the street, his keen eyes examining every corner, every stall, and every merchant set up under colorful awnings. The light from the enchanted lanterns hanging above the stalls illuminated the faces of the vendors and the magical reflections of the items on display. He took care to mentally note the prices the merchants demanded and the manner in which the buyers bargained.
He stopped near a stall where a sturdy man with a graying beard held a glittering amulet. The merchant, dressed in a richly embroidered tunic, extolled the merits of the item in a confident voice.
"This amulet, forged in the mountains of Aeron by master craftsmen, increases magical regeneration by 20%! A rare artifact, only 150 gold Rhuks !"
A potential buyer frowned at the price.
"150? That's way too much! I'll offer you 90, not a penny more."
The merchant, feigning indignation, threw up his hands.
"90? Are you kidding? You're insulting my work! Look at the quality, the refinement! 130, and I'm making an exceptionally generous effort for you."
The exchange continued under Nolan's watchful eye. He was scrutinizing not only the prices, but also the buyers' reactions and the way the merchants adjusted their arguments. He noticed that some mundane magical items, like minor healing potions or energy talismans, were selling for ridiculous prices, while rare artifacts were reaching exorbitant heights.
The exchange continued under Nolan’s watchful eye. He was not only scrutinizing the prices, but also the reactions of the buyers and the way the merchants adjusted their arguments. He noticed that some mundane magical items, such as minor healing potions or energy talismans, were selling for ridiculous prices, while rare artifacts were reaching exorbitant heights.
A little further away, another merchant was displaying an enchanted feather that glowed faintly. Nolan approached discreetly to listen.
“This feather increases the lightness of your movements, perfect for adventurers and thieves,” the merchant said, asking for 50 gold Rhuks .
In this realm, the official currency used by all is the Rhuk. Each Rhuk coin is finely struck with an intricate design: on one side, a large, majestic city stands, symbolizing the power and prosperity of the realm, while both edges of the coin feature a spiraling arrow, a symbol of smooth exchange and continued growth.
Rhuks are accepted in every corner of the realm, whether by merchants in the great cities, innkeepers in the villages, or even wandering mercenaries. This currency, both practical and elegant, reflects the economic and social unity of this land. The coins are made from a rare alloy, giving them a slightly silvery hue that sparkles in the light of lanterns or sunlight, and they are renowned for their durability.
Rhuks are the official currency of the realm, renowned for their reliability and sophistication. This currency comes in three distinct varieties, each with a specific value and purpose. The Silver Rhuk, the most common form, is commonly used for everyday transactions, such as purchasing food, basic equipment, or paying for ordinary services. Next comes the Gold Rhuk, intended for more prestigious and high-value exchanges. It is often used to acquire rare artifacts, powerful potions, or sophisticated magical weapons. These coins generally attract nobles, experienced adventurers, and avid collectors. Finally, the Diamond Rhuk represents the pinnacle of the monetary system: it is an extremely rare currency, reserved for transactions of colossal magnitude, such as making pacts between realms, purchasing legendary treasures, or financing monumental expeditions. These coins are so valuable that many citizens will never see them in their lifetime.
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However, with such a refined monetary system comes the risk of counterfeiting. Some ill-intentioned individuals attempt to perfectly reproduce Rhuks through their magic, hoping to deceive merchants and illicitly enrich themselves. In response, the Kingdom's Monetary Council, a specialized political institution, ensures the integrity of the currency through strict surveillance. This council employs monetary inspectors, trained to detect the slightest imperfection, whether physical or magical. Any attempt at counterfeiting is severely punished: fraudsters risk several years of imprisonment in the royal dungeons, as well as exorbitant fines equivalent to ten times the value of the counterfeit coins. These exemplary penalties are generally enough to discourage criminals, although some bold people continue to try their luck, lured by the lure of quick riches.
In this realm, trade is strictly regulated, and every merchant, regardless of status, is subject to mandatory taxes. Whether they are street vendors roaming the streets with their stalls, established traders registered in the official archives of the Trade Law Bureau, or foreign travelers attempting to establish their businesses in this prosperous region, all must comply with these tax requirements. The tax imposed varies according to the value generated by the trade, meaning that the greatest business fortunes contribute more. These taxes can reach impressive heights, sometimes as high as 70% of income, a burden that drives some to optimize their businesses or seek ways to circumvent the law.
For foreign visitors, failure to pay taxes results in immediate punishment: expulsion from the kingdom, with no opportunity to negotiate. As for citizens of the kingdom, the authorities are even harsher. Those who fail to meet their tax obligations face seizure of their assets: their land, property, businesses, and even the products on sale can be confiscated until the full amount of taxes is paid. This rigorous approach aims to maintain economic balance and ensure that each merchant participates fairly in the prosperity of the kingdom.
As Nolan wandered the busy streets of the market, his attention was drawn to a merchant with an unusual demeanor. Unlike most vendors who shouted to attract buyers, this man addressed passersby, asking if they had items to sell to him. He seemed to be looking for specific goods, meticulously sorting through the offers made to him. Some passersby, although confident in the value of their wares, left disappointed, their products having been deemed unappealing or of little interest to this difficult-to-convince merchant.
The man himself was of modest build, far from the flamboyant image of the wealthy merchants of the market. He wore an elegant purple outfit, which clashed slightly with the simplicity of his appearance, as well as a long pointed hat, adding a touch of mystery to his appearance. His relaxed demeanor and his polite but sharp manner of speaking suggested that he had some experience in trading.
Intrigued, Nolan approached this strange merchant. He knew that his items, collected from the dungeon, had some value, but he wanted to assess whether this selective-looking man would be interested in his finds. Staring at the seller with a calculating gaze, he murmured:
— Let's see what you're worth.
An enigmatic smile played on the merchant's lips when he noticed Nolan approaching, as if he had sensed that this meeting would be different from the previous ones.
Nolan approached the merchant calmly, sizing up the strange man with his sharp gaze. The vendor, as curious and direct as ever, addressed him:
“So, young man, what’s your name?” he asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“My name is Nolan,” he replied in a neutral tone, his expression remaining unperturbed.
The merchant nodded gently, his fingers brushing his long hat to reposition it.
“What do you have to offer me?”
Nolan sketched a confident smile, ready to reveal the fruits of his hunt. He opened his bag slightly, revealing the shiny crystals and artifacts he had recovered from the dungeon. However, before he could utter a word, a deep and imposing voice rang out behind them, interrupting their exchange.
A man stepped out of the crowd, imposing himself without ceremony. He had neatly combed gray hair, a serious look accentuated by square glasses. His unusual outfit immediately attracted attention: an orange T-shirt, emblazoned on the chest with a white symbol in the shape of an inverted triangle, as well as matching orange pants and massive shoes. His gait, although nonchalant, carried a certain authority that made a few passers-by instinctively step back.
The tense atmosphere of a few moments before suddenly dissipated. The gray-haired man burst out into a light, friendly laugh, as if the entire confrontation scene had been a game. In a casual tone, he addressed the merchant, now in a much more familiar manner.
“So, old man, how are you, Fu?” he said with a knowing smile.
The merchant, nicknamed Fu, let out a light laugh in return. He seemed to have regained his joviality as soon as the air of distrust had dissipated.
“Still doing well, Araki, and you? I hope your inventions haven’t driven you crazy.”
The two men exchanged an amused look, and in a sincere gesture of camaraderie, they shook hands warmly. Their laughter echoed down the street for a few moments, the friendly air between them making their conversation more familiar than Nolan would have imagined.
Araki turned to Nolan, a sincere expression on his face.
“I apologize, young man, I interrupted your exchange.”
Nolan swept his hands away, a slight smile on his face.
“It’s nothing, at least you made the atmosphere much friendlier, maybe this Fu seller will accept my loot.”
The three men burst out laughing together, the atmosphere now relaxed and pleasant. The tension disappeared, replaced by a new complicity that made the exchange much more natural.
Araki smiled, visibly pleased with Nolan’s reaction. He shrugged jokingly:
“Ah, you see, Fu, it seems that we managed to lighten the mood! Maybe now, this young man will have better luck with your business.”
Fu, who had been watching silently until then, nodded and smiled.
“That’s right, Araki, I can’t deny that the mood has lightened a bit. Maybe this young man has something more interesting to offer.”
Nolan, touched by this turn of phrase, allowed himself to respond in a lighter tone, while feeling more at ease:
“Well, I suppose it’s time to show you what I have to sell.”
Nolan took out the three crystals and the bird feather he had recovered from the dungeon from his bag, presenting them to Fu with a slight smile. The objects shone under the light of the market, each carrying a particular aura.
Araki, observing the scene, leaned against a stall and said in an amused tone:
"You must be a dungeon hunter, I suppose?"
Nolan nodded and replied calmly:
"You could say that."
Fu, who had remained silent until then, seemed hypnotized by the feather. He took it in his hands with such delicacy that one would have thought he was handling an artifact of great importance. He contemplated it for a long moment, his eyes shining with admiration. The mystical aura of the feather seemed to bewitch him, and he lost himself in his contemplation, as if he could read buried secrets in it.
Araki, taking the quill from Fu's hands, scrutinized it for a moment before letting out a small cry of amazement.
"Don't tell me you managed to clear the Imperial Wind Dungeon?"
Nolan nodded slowly, a slight smile on his face.
Araki, still in shock, continued, observing the quill like a rare and precious artifact.
"This quill... it's a very rare magical item." He paused, thinking for a moment. It can be used to craft enchanted armor, create effective potions, and many other things. It's an extremely powerful component, capable of increasing the power of armor or weapons, or even providing impressive healing effects.
Fu, while listening, couldn't take his eyes off the object. He knew now that Nolan wasn't joking with his dungeon harvests.
Nolan, with a slight smile as he observed Araki, couldn't help but remark:
"You must be a Technokrugs."
Araki, shaking Nolan's hand firmly, replied with a confident smile:
"Of course, and my name is Araki, nice to meet you."
Nolan, while shaking Araki's hand in turn, replied:
"Likewise, Araki, nice to meet you."
Technokrugs were a special class, and Nolan knew that these individuals were fascinating. They were humans with rare intelligence, capable of understanding and manipulating magic in a unique way. These people had the incredible ability to sense Nekroz, a form of energy that flowed through the worlds, allowing them to identify and channel this power. However, unlike other class, they could not cast spells in the traditional way. To compensate for this inability, the Technokrugs had developed complex technologies, mystical devices that allowed them to manipulate magic through artifacts that they created themselves or collected or through inventions.
Fu finally made up his mind and offered:
"Nolan, for the feather, I'll give you 15,000 gold Rhuks, and for the crystals, 5,000 silver Rhuks."
Nolan, after a moment of reflection, accepted the offer. He took the gold and silver Rhuks, putting them in a bag and turned towards the exit of the market.
A few minutes later, as he was walking quietly on the way back, he felt a presence behind him. He turned around and saw Araki who had caught up to him.
"I think you're an interesting and fascinating person. I never let people like that go," Araki said with a mysterious smile.
Nolan, a little surprised, but amused, answered him:
"Oh really?"
Araki nodded, his gaze serious and calculating.
"Yes, I'm sure of it." Then Araki silently handed over a small card. Nolan took it and looked at it carefully.
“If you need anything, come see me at this address, Nolan,” Araki said.
Nolan, still with that discreet smile, replied:
“Agreed, Araki.”
Araki nodded before walking away. Nolan put the card back in his pocket and continued on his way.
The evening had settled in slowly, and the path to his house seemed strangely quiet. Most of the houses were lined up on either side of the driveway he was walking. Silence reigned, disturbed only by the sounds of nature: the blowing of the wind, the distant song of the owyou, and the rustling of leaves in the light breeze.
The night was drawing on and the air was pleasant, a tranquility that contrasted with the bustle of the market earlier. Nolan walked thoughtfully along his path, taking advantage of the solitude and space to reflect on his recent encounters and what the future held for him.