Liam awoke early, feeling energized by the sunlight filtering through his window. He quickly dressed, consumed a hearty breakfast prepared by Rolf, and set off to Hermes Sandles, where Gavric awaited him with three deliveries for the day.
The first delivery was a parcel containing a set of finely-crafted wooden bowls to be delivered to an artisan in the craftsmen's district. Liam made his way through the bustling streets of the city, taking in the sights and sounds as magical creatures went about their daily tasks. The artisan, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes greets him.
Liam handed the package of finely-crafted wooden bowls to the artisan. The woman smiled warmly as she inspected the items.
"These are beautiful. You're a lifesaver, young man. I've been waiting for this shipment for days," the artisan said, beaming at Liam. "My name is Selene. May I know yours?"
"I'm Liam," he replied, his cheeks turning slightly pink from the beautiful woman’s attention.
Selene handed Liam the intricately carved wooden pendant. "Here, I made this earlier today, and I think you should have it. I have attuned it with my mind spirit, you might find it handy."
Liam looked at the pendant with curiosity, feeling the smooth, carved surface with his fingers. "Really? What does it do?
Selene's eyes twinkled as she explained, "It's designed to help soothe one's nerves and help focus their thoughts, useful in times of stress or worry. It might not be as flashy as some other magical objects, but I've found it to be quite helpful."
Liam accepted the pendant with a smile, genuinely touched by the gesture. "Thank you, Selene. I appreciate this gift and your kind words. I'll make sure to remember your advice."
"I'm glad to hear that," Selene replied, her warm smile radiating encouragement. Keep up the good work!"
With newfound determination, Liam continued on his deliveries, ready to embrace each challenge and opportunity that awaited him. The wooden pendant hung around his neck. Perhaps just his brain is playing tricks on him but he could feel subtle magic already working to instill a sense of calm and focus in his mind.
Feeling encouraged, Liam headed to his second destination, which involved delivering a mysterious, sealed envelope to a man in a discreet alley in the market district. Upon reaching the designated spot, Liam cautiously handed over the envelope, but the man's gruff demeanor and furtive glances made Liam feel uneasy. Nonetheless, he completed the task and promptly made his way to his final delivery.
For his third delivery, Liam was tasked with delivering a small package to an elderly gentleman at the outskirts of the city. As he approached the residence, he encountered a situation that would prove to be far more interesting than his previous deliveries.
In the narrow street, a commotion had gathered a small crowd of onlookers. A young girl, no older than ten, was crying in distress, her eyes filled with terror. Her small pet, a magical creature called a Flitterfox, had become entangled in the high branches of a tree and was struggling to free itself.
Without a second thought, Liam quickly focused his power over light, enhancing his speed and agility. With nimble movements, he climbed the tree, carefully untangling the Flitterfox and descending with the creature cradled safely in his arms. As he returned the pet to the relieved and grateful girl, the crowd dispersed, impressed by Liam's display of compassion and skill.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Liam continued to the elderly gentleman's residence and delivered the final package, receiving warm thanks and a generous tip for his services. After completing his three deliveries, Liam returned to Hermes Sandles, his heart swelling with pride and satisfaction. He had not only accomplished his tasks for the day but had also used his unique abilities for the benefit of others. And as the sun began to set over the city, Liam looked forward to the challenges and adventures that lay ahead, knowing he was capable of making a difference in the world.
After finishing his work for the day, Liam decided to visit Elara's home, as she had invited him to do so. He walked through the city, taking in the vibrant sights and sounds, and eventually found himself in front of a modest, yet charming, house.
As he knocked on the door, Elara opened it with a warm smile on her face. "Liam! You made it. Come in, please."
Liam stepped inside, feeling slightly nervous. Elara led him to the living area where her family was gathered. A young girl, no more than six or seven, was playing with a wooden doll on the floor. Beside her, an older woman with a kind, tired face reclined on a cushion, wrapped in a blanket.
"Mother, Aria," Elara called gently, "I'd like you to meet my friend Liam."
Aria looked up at Liam with big, curious eyes. "Hello," she said shyly, clutching her doll a little tighter.
"Hello, Aria," Liam replied, smiling warmly at the young girl. "I'm Liam. It's nice to meet you."
Elara's mother looked over at Liam, her eyes soft and grateful. "Thank you for coming, Liam. I'm Anara, Elara and Aria's mother. I've heard good things about you from Elara."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Anara," Liam said, trying his best to be polite and respectful.
Anara's eyes filled with warmth. "Please, make yourself at home. We may not have much, but you are always welcome here."
Liam spent the evening with Elara's family, enjoying their company and getting to know them better. Despite Anara's illness, their home was filled with laughter, love, and a sense of togetherness. Liam felt grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it, even if just for a little while.
After a warm, simple meal shared with Elara's family, Elara guided Liam into the small garden behind the house, away from the others. Her expression was somber, and it was evident that she had something on her mind.
"Liam, there's something I need to tell you," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "My mother's sickness... it's not just an ordinary illness. It's a result of spiritual poisoning."
"Spiritual poisoning?" Liam asked, concern furrowing his brow.
"Yes," Elara confirmed, her voice heavy with worry. "She used to work in a factory that harnessed magical energies. They were careless with their safety measures, and over time, her spirit was contaminated. The illness is slowly draining her energy, and if left untreated, it will eventually take her life."
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Liam's heart ached for Elara and her family. "Is there anything that can be done to help her?"
"There is a special medicine that can purge the spiritual toxins from her system, but it's incredibly expensive. We've tried to save up, but we can never quite make ends meet. I've been doing my best to keep her comfortable and care for Aria, but every day it's becoming more and more difficult." Elara's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, betraying the weight of the burden she carried.
Liam felt a strong urge to help them, a sense of determination surging within him. "I want to help you, Elara. Let me try to find a way to get the medicine for your mother."
Elara looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise and gratitude. "Liam, you don't have to do this. I don't want to impose on you or make you feel obligated to help."
"No, Elara," Liam reassured her, his voice steady and resolute. "I want to help. You and your family have been kind to me, and I can't stand by and do nothing. I'll find a way to get the medicine your mother needs. I promise."
Feeling encouraged, Liam headed to his second destination, which involved delivering a mysterious, sealed envelope to a man in a discreet alley in the market district. Upon reaching the designated spot, Liam cautiously handed over the envelope, but the man's gruff demeanor and furtive glances made Liam feel uneasy. Nonetheless, he completed the task and promptly made his way to his final delivery.
For his third delivery, Liam was tasked with delivering a small package to an elderly gentleman at the outskirts of the city. As he approached the residence, he encountered a situation that would prove to be far more interesting than his previous deliveries.
In the narrow street, a commotion had gathered a small crowd of onlookers. A young girl, no older than ten, was crying in distress, her eyes filled with terror. Her small pet, a magical creature called a Flitterfox, had become entangled in the high branches of a tree and was struggling to free itself.
Without a second thought, Liam quickly focused his power over light, enhancing his speed and agility. With nimble movements, he climbed the tree, carefully untangling the Flitterfox and descending with the creature cradled safely in his arms. As he returned the pet to the relieved and grateful girl, the crowd dispersed, impressed by Liam's display of compassion and skill.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Liam continued to the elderly gentleman's residence and delivered the final package, receiving warm thanks and a generous tip for his services. After completing his three deliveries, Liam returned to Hermes Sandles, his heart swelling with pride and satisfaction. He had not only accomplished his tasks for the day but had also used his unique abilities for the benefit of others. And as the sun began to set over the city, Liam looked forward to the challenges and adventures that lay ahead, knowing he was capable of making a difference in the world.
Liam racked his brain, trying to come up with a solution. "What if I use the money I've been making as a courier? Maybe I can save enough to buy the medicine."
Elara shook her head sadly, her voice barely audible. "Thank you for the offer, Liam, but the medicine is more expensive than you might imagine. The money you're making as a courier won't be enough."
Disappointment flickered in Liam's eyes, but he refused to let it defeat him. "Then I'll find a way to make more money, Elara. I promise. I'll take on extra work, find odd jobs, do whatever it takes. I won't let your mother suffer any longer than she has to."
Elara looked into Liam's determined eyes and couldn't help but feel a spark of hope. "Thank you, Liam," she said quietly, her voice thick with emotion. "I don't know how to repay your kindness."
"You don't have to repay me, Elara," Liam replied softly, giving her a reassuring smile. "I want to do this because I care about you and your family. We'll find a way to make it work, I promise."
With Liam's resolve and determination bolstering her spirits, Elara felt a small but growing sense of optimism. Together, they would find a way to save her mother, and she couldn't be more grateful for Liam's unwavering support.
As Liam wandered through the city, his thoughts were consumed with finding a way to repay the kindness Elara and her family had shown him. After years of living as an orphan and an outcast, the warmth and acceptance they offered was something he held dear to his heart.
With each step, he became more and more resolute in his decision to do whatever it took to help them. He had already vowed to find the medicine Elara's mother needed, but he knew he couldn't rely solely on his earnings as a courier. The medicine was simply too expensive.
As he passed by an alchemist’s shop, his eyes fell upon the shelves filled with various remedies and elixirs. The thought of stealing the medicine crossed his mind, making him pause for a moment. He had never been one to resort to crime, but the dire circumstances they faced left him feeling desperate. The life of Elara's mother hung in the balance, and Liam couldn't shake the feeling that he was running out of options.
He steeled himself, considering the potential consequences of his actions. Could he truly commit a crime to save a life? Was there another way? Liam knew that stealing the medicine would weigh heavily on his conscience, but he also recognized the reality of their situation. Desperation had led him to this point, and he couldn't ignore the fact that time was running out for Elara's mother.
With a deep breath and a sense of determination, Liam made his decision. He would steal the medicine to save Elara's mother, doing everything in his power to help the family that had shown him kindness and acceptance.
As he began to formulate a plan, he reminded himself of the risks and the potential consequences. Yet, despite the dangers, he was resolved to take this path, driven by the gratitude he felt for Elara and her family.
As Liam surveyed the building, he spotted a window at the back, slightly ajar and inviting. He knew this would be his best chance of gaining entry undetected.
Using his newfound power of bending light to render himself nearly invisible, Liam approached the window and carefully opened it further. As he slid through the opening, his heart pounded with the thrill of the heist.
Once inside, Liam crept through the dimly lit shop, his eyes scanning the various vials and jars of potions and elixirs. Unfortunately, the few things which have labels makes no sense to the boy. The main part of the shop is behind a locked door. His vision is filled with bottles of various shapes and sizes but he can’t tell anything apart.
While peering into a round bottom glass phial the room is suddenly bathed in soft blue light.
Potion of greater strength
Brewed by a master alchemist, this potion will enhance the drinker’s muscles for a short period. Especially effective for heat and fire aligned spirits.
With blue light shining from his eyes he quickly scanned the store room. Each item takes several seconds for him to focus on before being able to read the description.
He ignores liquid death, spiritual enhancers, stamina recovery tonics until eventually he spots a small black tube high up on a shelf.
Greater Spiritual Cleanser
Brewed by a master alchemist, this potion will cleanse the drinker’s spirit of most toxins and poisons. The drinker will be severely weakened after drinking.
His fingers wrapped around the bottle, but in his excitement, he accidentally knocked over a glass beaker, the sound of shattering glass echoing throughout the shop.
His heart racing, Liam quickly crouches low into a dark corner, staying as still as he can. The feeling of his energy draining to main his invisibility serves as a reminder he is on a time limit. Footsteps approached from the floor above, indicating that the alchemist had been alerted to the disturbance.
The alchemist descended the stairs, a lantern in hand, and began searching the shop, muttering under his breath. Liam held his breath, praying that his invisibility would hold long enough for the alchemist to give up his search. The light briefly pierces the corner he is hiding in but his ability is strong enough to fool the old man’s eyes.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the alchemist returned to his quarters, still puzzled about the source of the noise. Seizing the opportunity, Liam dashed out of the back window, still clutching the stolen medicine.
As he fled into the night, a mix of guilt and relief washed over him. He knew that what he had done was wrong, but the thought of being able to save Elara's mother made the risk worth it in his mind. For now, at least, he had succeeded in his dangerous endeavor.