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The first rays of dawn broke over the royal capital, illuminating the bustling streets as the city began to stir. Merchants prepared their stalls, adventurers gathered in guild halls, and the faint sound of blacksmiths hammering echoed through the air. For most, it was another day of routine. For Kaito, it was the beginning of adaptation.
Stepping out of the inn, Kaito scanned the streets with a calculating gaze. His cold demeanor was a natural armor, one forged by countless lifetimes of hardship. He wasn’t here to blend in or gain anyone’s approval—he had to survive.
He tightened the small pouch of coins in his hand. "Two days of room and food... better make this count."
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The Merchant’s Den
The market district was alive with activity, its narrow streets lined with stalls and shops. Kaito walked with purpose, his mind churning as he considered his next steps. Essence crafting was his only real asset, but he lacked the knowledge to make anything meaningful.
"I need to understand what they value here," he thought, approaching a blacksmith’s stall. Rows of weapons and tools glinted under the sunlight, their craftsmanship ranging from basic to ornate.
Using Appraisal, Kaito’s vision sharpened as a flood of information filled his mind. Each weapon’s composition, durability, and magical properties were laid bare before him.
"I see… Iron, carbon ratios… temperature required for forging." He absorbed the knowledge with ease, his Extraordinary Learning Capability ensuring every detail was committed to memory. "This world’s metallurgy is simple. I can work with this."
He moved to a nearby stall selling raw materials. The merchant, a stout man with a shrewd glint in his eye, glanced up as Kaito approached.
"What’ll it be, traveler?" the merchant asked.
Kaito eyed the array of ores and metals. "Just browsing."
He picked up a chunk of raw iron ore, Appraising it. The information came instantly—its elemental composition, impurities, and even its market value.
"This one’s worth two silvers," Kaito said flatly, setting the ore down.
The merchant raised an eyebrow. "Three silvers, minimum."
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Kaito gave him a cold stare, his voice firm. "Two silvers. If you can find someone else who knows the value of your stock, feel free to wait."
The merchant hesitated before letting out a resigned chuckle. "You’re sharper than you look, stranger. Two silvers it is."
Kaito paid and walked away, a small smirk tugging at his lips.
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The First Creations
In a quiet corner of the city, Kaito found a secluded spot beneath a large oak tree. The bustle of the market was distant here, giving him space to focus. He placed the iron ore in front of him, but his attention wasn’t on the material itself.
"I don’t need this," he murmured, letting the ore roll away. "Essence crafting doesn’t require materials—just knowledge and imagination."
Closing his eyes, he reached deep within himself. He could feel it—the faint pulse of his essence, a power unique to him. Unlike mana, essence was his very existence. It was small, almost insignificant, but it was there.
Focusing, he pictured a simple iron dagger. The details filled his mind—the length, the weight, the sharpness of the blade. Slowly, the air shimmered before him, and his essence began to shape itself.
A dagger materialized in his hand, its surface gleaming as if freshly forged. Kaito examined it with a critical eye, noting its balance and durability.
"Not bad for a first attempt," he muttered.
He repeated the process, crafting two more weapons—a short sword and a spear. Each creation drained his essence further, the effort leaving him lightheaded.
After the third weapon, a sharp pain lanced through his chest. Kaito doubled over, gasping. His vision blurred, and a warning flashed in his mind: Essence depleted.
"No... I can’t—"
A prompt appeared: Exchange mana for essence?
"Ten mana for one essence," Kaito whispered, his hands trembling. "Damn it… Fine!"
He confirmed the exchange, feeling his mana drain rapidly. The pain subsided, but the experience left him shaken.
"So that’s the cost…" he muttered, clutching the dagger in his hand. "Essence isn’t limitless. I can’t afford to be reckless."
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The Market Encounter
Later that day, Kaito returned to the market, his crafted weapons tucked neatly into a makeshift bag. He approached a merchant known for dealing in adventurer supplies—a wiry man with sharp eyes and a perpetual smirk.
"What can I do for you?" the merchant asked, eyeing Kaito warily.
Kaito laid the weapons on the counter. "I want to sell these."
The merchant picked up the dagger, his eyebrows raising as he examined it. "Hmm… Good craftsmanship. The balance is excellent. What’s the enchantment?"
"No enchantments," Kaito replied. "Just quality work."
The merchant frowned. "No enchantments? Then five silvers each."
Kaito’s gaze turned cold. "Five silvers? I nearly died making these. If that’s all you’re offering, I’ll find someone else. I’m sure they’ll fetch twenty silvers elsewhere."
The merchant’s smirk faltered. "Fine. Ten silvers each. But don’t push your luck."
"Deal," Kaito said, his tone clipped. He pocketed the coins, turning to leave without another word.
As Kaito disappeared into the crowd, the merchant stared at the weapons, a mix of greed and curiosity in his eyes.
"Who the hell is this guy?" the merchant muttered. "These feel enchanted… but there’s no magic on them."
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The Fateful Encounter
As dusk settled over the city, Kaito wandered into a small tavern for a meal. The warm glow of lanterns and the murmur of conversation created a soothing ambiance. He found a seat in the corner, away from the bustling crowd.
As he ate, a young woman entered the tavern, her presence commanding attention despite her modest appearance. She had striking auburn hair and a kind, yet determined gaze. She scanned the room, her eyes landing on Kaito.
For a moment, their eyes met.
"Why does she look familiar?" Kaito thought, his chest tightening.
The woman approached hesitantly. "Excuse me… do we know each other?"
Kaito blinked, caught off guard. "No… Sorry. You just reminded me of someone."
"Ah, I see," she said, offering a shy smile. "My name’s Yumi."
Kaito’s heart skipped a beat at the name, though he didn’t know why. He forced a small smile. "Kaito."
"Nice to meet you, Kaito," Yumi said. "Mind if I sit here? The other tables are full."
"Sure," he replied, his tone cool but not unkind.
As they spoke, Yumi found herself inexplicably drawn to Kaito. There was something about him—his guarded demeanor, the way his eyes seemed to carry the weight of countless burdens. She couldn’t explain it, but she felt a strange sense of familiarity and comfort.
For Kaito, the encounter stirred something deep within him, a faint echo of a memory he couldn’t place.
And so, amidst the dim light and quiet murmur of the tavern, their fateful connection began to take shape.
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End of Chapter 3