On the way to the Blue Dragon Inn, Kaer noticed the rare artifact shop. The merchant, a man with curious eyes, greeted him respectfully. Kaer pulled out the monster's claws and strung them across the table. The merchant, eyes wide with amazement, bent down to pick up a claw and look at it closely.

"You killed such a beast. I offer you a thousand gold coins, now on the spot," said the merchant.

In one slow motion, Kaer gathered the claws, put them back in his backpack, and headed for the exit. The merchant spoke:

"Three thousand gold coins."

After completing the deal, Kaer headed for the inn.

The Blue Dragon Inn was a darkwood building with carved ornaments. The flags displayed inside added a unique charm to the place.

A dragon's claws were exposed to emphasize the inn's name.

Kaer listened to the far-fetched tales of the adventurers as he enjoyed several cups of wine.

He asked several people about Aspera, but they had yet to meet a young woman like her.

Time flew with every story he heard, every cup of wine he drank, and every glance at the town's bulletin board, which housed a veritable collection of challenging tasks and rewards.

When Kaer awoke, he visited Salvianna.

Kaer knocked on the door.

Salvianna, the alchemist, was a woman with almost red hair in two ponytails, the right longer than the left.

An elegant lady who exudes confidence. She wore a long, deep blue dress with a hood. She had a white scarf around her neck, a miniature gold chain wrapped around her left wrist, and a silver pendant depicting a flame.

"Salvianna, I'm glad to see you again."

"Please take a seat."

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

She motions to a small table with a warm teapot and pretty glasses.

"I'm glad you came," adds Salvianna when she pours the tea.

"Thank you, Salvianna. Kaer took a sip of tea, savoring its subtle floral aroma. So, how are you?"

"I'm fine, Kaer." Salvianna smiles, her eyes shining brightly. Who knows what could have happened to me if it wasn't for you?"

He leaned closer. Kaer scooped Salvianna into his arms and pulled her close to him. Kaer smiled, feeling the warmth of her embrace.

He looked into her eyes, searching for any sign of hesitation or doubt. But all he sees is burning desire.

Kaer learned the story of Salvianna and her twin sister.

Kaer listened with rapt attention.

Salvianna was not a noble or wealthy woman, yet she had gained quite a reputation for her work as an alchemist.

It had become common for some women to have maids or even for their sons and daughters to be trained in various trades. In this way, specific skills were kept in the family.

A lord's wife, a benevolent lady, knew plant science and had welcomed young Salvianna into her home.

Following an illness, the woman died. Before this unfortunate event, she had initiated Salvianna into the mysteries of alchemy. The lord died soon after without a direct heir. Everything was left to a grandson, who had a limited understanding of the necessity of these things that he was ignorant of.

Salvianna suddenly found herself without someone who valued her skills and education.

Left homeless, she had tried to sell her services, but without success.

For a time, Salvianna considered moving to Conarhal; however, the lack of money made this plan impossible.

But she will not be the one to choose her future. A group of foreigners appeared, recruiting people for a new life. They talked about a strange faith and some principles that had yet to be heard. It was a story told for the naive.

Santher followers rarely passed through these parts and were viewed with suspicion. They were based on a remote island and claimed to be under the guidance of a powerful god.

Salvianna had never turned a deaf ear to unfathomable promises, but the followers who sought her services had premeditated plans. They resorted to threats and violence and finally kidnapped her. Along with her, they took her sister Enneta, who was a novice Enchanter. They were twin sisters.

Salvianna suffered in captivity. Her captors forced her to work in their service.

It was over four years before Salvianna managed to sneak onto a boat just leaving the island.

Since then, she has not known anything about her sister Enneta.