"Eh... The market is flooded with monster spines I'm guessing."

Before James could answer, a figure appeared in the distance, stepping into view from behind a large boulder. The man’s armor was dusty, his dark hair tousled by the wind.

However, around his neck was a wooden-colored Slayer ID. He was above them.

James froze when he saw them, his expression shifting from surprise to recognition.

“James?” the man called, his tone laced with surprise as he walked closer. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

James’s posture stiffened, his expression hardening. “Henderson.”

Jennifer glanced between the two, curiosity flickering across her face. The newcomer—Henderson—grinned and strode forward, his boots crunching on the rocky ground. He looked relaxed, but something in his eyes seemed calculating. He stopped in front of Jennifer, extending a hand.

“I’m Henderson. James’s big brother. Took care of him since he was a little kid.”

Jennifer hesitated, then reached out. Henderson’s hand was firm, but the moment their hands met, he faltered. His grip trembled, his eyes widening briefly before he quickly recovered, forcing a smile.

Jennifer pulled her hand back, frowning. “You okay?”

Henderson blinked, the forced smile still in place. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You tell me.” Her voice carried a note of suspicion.

James stepped in, his tone sharp. “We’re done here, Henderson. We’ve got what we need.”

Henderson raised an eyebrow. “That’s all I get? Not even a hello, little brother? Thought you’d be happy to see me.”

“I’m busy, trying my best to make a living. I don't want to always rely on you,” James replied.

Jennifer glanced between them, her curiosity deepening. “You two don’t exactly sound like brothers.”

Henderson’s smile turned wry. “Oh, we’re brothers all right. I’ve been looking out for him since before he could swing a blade. Isn’t that right, James?”

James muttered. “Let’s go, Jennifer.”

Henderson didn’t move, his gaze lingering on Jennifer. “You’ve got an interesting traveling companion, little brother. What’s your name?”

“Jennifer,” she said cautiously.

“A strong grip, Jennifer. Noticed that right away.” He gave her a pointed look, his tone almost amused. “You’ve got potential. James doesn’t usually keep company like you.”

“Stop being silly,” James replied..

Henderson chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. “All right, all right. Don’t get your tunic in a twist.”

Jennifer hesitated as James turned and started walking, her gaze shifting back to Henderson. “You’re not coming with us?”

Henderson smirked. “Tempting, but I’ve got other business here. Don’t worry, though—I’ll see you both again soon enough.”

There was something unsettling in the way he said it.

James said, “Right. Take care.”

"Yeah, bye. I guess." Jennifer waved.

She followed, her boots crunching against the rocky ground as she caught up with James.

After a moment, she glanced back. Henderson stood where they’d left him, outlined against the jagged rocks. He was still watching them, his expression unreadable, his gaze fixed on her.

Jennifer shivered, quickening her pace. “What’s his deal?”

James didn’t slow. “Just avoid him. He's... different."

"Dangerous, I get it."

Eventually they reached the end of the gate and were spat out by the Gate's twister to earth.

Jennifer and James fell to the ground, picking up dust.

Jennifer muttered as she grabbed her back. "I hate this shit."

"Same... I even hear that you can go flying for miles."

"Oh hell no."

Eventually, they got up and using the gate map, they made their way to the city.

Inside, the streets were alive with activity. Merchants shouted over each other, their voices competing for attention.

“Fresh bread! Still warm! Three coppers a loaf!”

“Spices from the southern coast! Smell that? Best in the city!”

“Two for one on leather satchels! Stronger than steel, guaranteed!”

Jennifer ducked as a boy sprinted past, clutching a bright red apple in his hand. A woman’s voice followed, sharp and annoyed. “Hey! Get back here, you little thief!”

The boy only laughed, disappearing into the throng.

James moved ahead with purpose, his movements precise as he navigated the chaos. Jennifer struggled to keep up, sidestepping a cart laden with stacked wooden crates.

“Watch it!” barked the cart pusher, his face red and sweaty.

“Sorry,” Jennifer muttered, but the man had already turned his attention back to maneuvering the cart through the crowded street.

Nearby, a pair of traders argued loudly over a pile of tarnished coins.

“I said five silvers!” one of them yelled, his face inches from the other man’s.

“And I said your goods aren’t worth three!” the second snapped, crossing his arms.

Jennifer couldn’t help but smirk as she followed James around a street performer juggling flaming torches. A small crowd had gathered to watch, gasping and clapping as the man tossed the torches higher and higher.

“Copper for the show!” he called, holding out a hat as he bowed dramatically. “Don’t be shy!”

Soon after, they arrived at the Monster Slayer Hub. They went inside and was surprised to see a couple people chilling on the couches.

Jennifer figured they were waiting for something. James took the lead, walking to the first corridor, the same one that led to the Amory.

Then James made a bend, stopping at a door labeled "Resources Trade."

He opened it into a vast hall, and Jennifer’s eyes widened at the sight. The space was enormous, with high ceilings supported by thick stone columns. Sunlight poured through large stained-glass windows, throwing colorful patterns on the smooth stone floor.

The place was packed. Clerks stood behind long counters, each managing lines of other slayers. Voices filled the air—bartering, arguing, laughing.

Jennifer followed James to an open counter where a grizzled woman stood, her hair tied back with a strip of leather. She eyed them as they approached.

“What’ve you got?” the woman asked, her voice rough.

James set his bag down with a heavy thud, pulling it open to reveal the spines they’d harvested. The woman leaned forward, inspecting them with practiced eyes.

“Okay cuts, I guess...” she muttered, picking up one of the thicker spines and holding it to the light. “I’ll give you fifteen silver for the lot.”

“Twenty,” James countered.

The woman narrowed her eyes. “Fine. That’s my final offer.”

James nodded. “Done.”

Jennifer watched as the woman counted out the coins, her gnarled hands moving with surprising speed. She handed over a small pouch, which James tucked away without a word.

“Pleasure doing business,” the woman said, though her tone was anything but friendly.

It was Jennifer's turn. She put the bag of spines on the counter, and after an evaluation, got an offer of 13 bronze coins.

"I'll take that."

After getting her money, they walked away.