As the bear-man turns away from the pixies stall, a sharp, playful voice calls out from behind him. “Yo! Big guy! Think you can take a step to the side? You’re kinda blocking the portal point,” she says with a laugh that sparkles with a mix of humor and warmth.
He turns to find a young woman leaning casually against a nearby post, arms crossed, watching him with an amused grin. She’s got that effortless coolness about her, like someone who knows exactly how to handle herself in any situation. Her dark hair, streaked with electric blue, falls loosely around her face, framing sharp, expressive eyes that glint with a mix of curiosity and confidence.
She’s dressed in a sleek leather jacket, which shimmers faintly with a protective enchantment woven into its material. Dark jeans hug her form, and her sneakers have subtle, glowing runes along the soles, giving off a low, steady light as if ready to activate at a moment’s notice. Everything about her speaks of someone deeply connected to this magical world, and yet entirely at ease with herself and her surroundings.
“Name’s Haley,” she says, still smiling as she sizes him up, her gaze lingering on the awe that must be written all over his face. He barely manages to respond, caught off guard by the suddenness and ease of her presence. “Kain,” he says, the name slipping out before he can think twice. He’d been so careful, so cautious, and yet here, in this enchanted market, the wonder has softened his guard, letting his true name slip.
“Nice to meet ya, Kain,” Haley replies, her grin widening as she catches the lingering look of fascination in his eyes. “Yeah, I know that face—you look like I did the first time I came here. Totally spellbound, huh?” She laughs, the sound genuine and full of warmth. “I remember being a kid and thinking there was no way a place like this could actually exist. Still feels like that sometimes, honestly.”
She pushes off the post, rolling her eyes playfully. “Anyway, seeing as you’re new, and you’re already blocking traffic, how ‘bout a tour?” She doesn’t give him a moment to refuse; with a swift gesture, she beckons him to follow, weaving through the crowd with a confidence that comes only from knowing this place like the back of her hand.
Without quite knowing why, he finds himself falling into step behind her, the energy of the market swirling around them as Haley begins to launch into an enthusiastic rundown of all the best corners of The Bazxar. “Alright, stick close, Kain,” she says, tossing him a wink. “This place has a way of… getting you lost if you’re not careful.”
“Lost, like in a magical way?” I blurt out, immediately cringing at how dumb that sounded. But Haley just laughs, a warm, easy sound that feels like it belongs here.
“Haha, you know it,” she replies with a grin, then gestures across the street to a towering, ancient structure that seems to pulse with a quiet, potent magic. The building’s stone pillars rise like tree trunks, each carved with spiraling runes that glint and shift, as if alive. Mist clings to the base of the structure, swirling gently around the foundation, while faint threads of light spiral up the columns, casting a soft, ethereal glow that dances like fireflies in the twilight.
Above the entrance, an archway shimmers with symbols that rearrange themselves every few seconds, as though rewriting a message in a dozen ancient languages. When I look closer, I see the letters form the words, Temple of Avaris, etched in ornate script that appears almost liquid, constantly shifting between silver and gold. A faint chime echoes whenever the words settle, like the toll of a distant bell.
The doors themselves are carved from dark wood, inlaid with metals that ripple in various colors—deep greens, midnight blues, and the occasional glint of starlight—hinting at the wealth of realms connected within. Just above the entrance, a pair of gargoyle-like creatures sit watchfully, their stone eyes glowing faintly as if tracking each person who walks by. The air around the temple is thick with an unspoken power, a timeless presence that demands respect, whispering of countless deals, secrets, and promises safeguarded within its walls.
“Welcome to the Temple of Avaris,” Haley says, her voice laced with a note of reverence. “You won’t find a safer place to keep your charms—or your secrets.”
“This is the Temple of Avaris,” she explains, giving a little nod of respect to the building. “Fun fact, the first ever baking systems began lending grains, and coins through old-world temples. So, it's a kinda fitting name for a place that deals with every form of supernatural currency under the moon.”
My eyes follow still outstretched hand, and my eyes catch on the intricate dragon tattoo coiled elegantly around her forearm. The ink shimmers in shades of violet and deep amethyst, a rich, almost otherworldly hue that seems to pulse with an inner light. The dragon’s sinuous body wraps around her arm in graceful arcs, each scale delicately shaded to catch the light, giving it an almost lifelike, three-dimensional quality.
Its wings, folded along her wrist, are etched with delicate lines that ripple with a subtle gleam, like the shimmer of a twilight sky. The dragon’s head rests in the center of her palm, its eyes two tiny, glowing pinpricks that seem to watch with quiet intensity. Thin wisps of smoke curl from its open mouth, blending seamlessly into her skin, as if the dragon were breathing in tandem with her.
Feeling both the weight of history and the touch of magic that seems to linger in the air. Haley continues, her tone shifting into that of an enthusiastic guide. "out here, we don’t really do cash or card. We deal in charms.” She gives me a sideways glance, watching to see if I’m keeping up.
“Charms?” I repeat, curious.
“Yep!” she confirms. “Not to be confused with the cereal!" She teases playfully "They’re the main currency for the supernatural world, and they come in five types: Mythril, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Mythril is the rarest, almost legendary, really. It’s reserved for huge deals or ancient artifacts—stuff with serious power. Platinum’s next, super valuable, mostly used for high-level trades or rare magical items.”
Haley gives a knowing smile, seeing the curiosity flickering in my eyes. She spins the silver and gold charms between her fingers, each one glinting with a faint aura, as if holding more than just monetary value.
“Alright, let me give you the full rundown on charms,” she says, settling into the role of supernatural economics professor with an effortless ease. “Like I said, charms are the currency here, but they’re a bit more… complex than just different metals. Each type of charm has its own unique properties, and they’re made with enchanted alloys—so they’re literally infused with magic. Let’s break it down.”
She starts with the Bronze charms, holding one up for me to see. It’s smaller and simpler than the others, its surface marked with faint, worn runes. “Bronze is the lowest unit and the most common. These are used for small stuff—think street snacks, trinkets, tips, things like that. Not too magical, but still unforgeable because of the base-level enchantment.”
Moving up, she holds out a Silver charm, which glows with a soft, cool light that’s far more refined. “Silver’s for your basic transactions, like food, supplies, small magical items, maybe even a room for the night if you’re passing through. Silver is enchanted with a little protective charm—it won’t tarnish, and it has minor spells that let it return to your pocket if it gets lost, but only if it’s truly yours.”
She flips to a Gold charm, which radiates a warmer glow, almost pulsing faintly as if responding to her touch. “Now, Gold charms are the staple currency for anything above the everyday—a nice meal, mid-range enchanted items, or any services requiring skill or talent. Gold holds enchantments that protect it from rust, heat, and even certain types of curses. Plus, it’s traceable; if you lose a pouch of gold charms, you can actually track them to the last person who touched ‘em.”
Next, she brings out a Platinum charm, a coin with a sleek, almost mirror-like surface that reflects the world around it. “Platinum’s where things start to get really serious. These charms are rare, and they’re generally only used for high-value items, rare magical artifacts, and big trades. Platinum charms are enchanted with protection, loyalty, and preservation spells—meaning they’re immune to most magical decay, theft attempts, and can only be used by those who earn or inherit them. It’s kinda like a built-in trust spell.”
Finally, Haley pulls a Mythril charm from a hidden pocket, a shimmering piece of metal that almost seems to ripple like liquid. Its surface is covered in intricately carved runes that glow faintly, as if alive. “Mythril,” she says with reverence. “This is nearly legendary. Mythril charms are reserved for deals of immense power, ancient artifacts, or sometimes even contracts with higher beings. Mythril charms can hold auras, binding spells, and protective enchantments that’ll last hundreds of years. They’re rarely seen outside of the most powerful communities or influential families.”
She lets the Mythril charm slip back into her pocket and gives a little shrug. “So you see, each charm isn’t just currency; it’s like a passport, a trust stamp, and a security charm all in one. Most folks don’t carry more than Silver or Gold charms, but the higher you go, the more your reputation tends to be tied to your charms. And because of the magic woven into them, they’re virtually impossible to counterfeit or steal.”
She nods toward the Temple of Avaris. “Places like this manage the balance between the charm types. You can come here to exchange Silver for Gold, Gold for Platinum, and so on, but the conversion rates shift based on magical demand. It’s kind of like… supernatural forex,” she adds with a grin. “But if you’re holding Platinum or Mythril, it’s probably because you’ve got serious business.”
"But the fun part is, each charm is enchanted to be unforgeable, and their worth is universally accepted in every supernatural community you could imagine.”
She gestures to the entrance of the Temple of Avaris. “This place is where you exchange or store charms, convert types if you need to, and trade anything valuable enough to need securing. It’s got enchantments so old even the walls have stories.” Her eyes gleam with pride, and it’s clear she loves this place—and maybe even feels a little responsible for showing newcomers like me the ropes.
I nod, feeling both fascinated and overwhelmed, but her enthusiasm is contagious. Haley nudges me with her elbow. “Alright, come on, Kain. That was your intro to Supernatural Economics 101. Now, let’s get to the really interesting stuff.” She gestures for me to follow, and once again, I find myself falling into step, caught up in the wonder she’s weaving around me.
As they walk through the winding lanes of The Bazxar, Haley steers Kain over to a brightly lit stall covered in charms, trinkets, and small magical gadgets. Behind the counter stands a woman in her mid-thirties, with a sun-kissed complexion, freckles, and warm, hazel eyes that crinkle when she smiles. She’s dressed in a denim jacket over a simple dress, worn cowboy boots poking out from underneath, and a wide-brimmed hat that completes her Texas charm. Her accent is unmistakably Southern, warm and welcoming, with a bit of a playful twang.
“Well, howdy there, darlin’!” she says, flashing a grin at Kain as he approaches. “You lookin’ to trade in some cash for charms, maybe pick up a few essentials?”
“He’s new,” Haley explains with a smirk, nudging Kain. “Help him out, will ya, Miss Lacey?”
Miss Lacey gives Kain a warm smile as she starts counting out his cash, her fingers nimble as she flicks through the bills. “Alright, sugar, here’s the deal. For every hundred dollars, you get a single Copper Charm,” she explains, her tone friendly with a hint of playfulness. “And you brought me 99,906 thousand dollars.”
She finishes her count, glancing up at him with a twinkle in her eye. “But seein’ as you’re new around here—and mighty easy on the eyes,” she says with a wink that makes Kain’s cheeks flush red, “I went ahead and threw in a little extra for ya.”
Kain stammers, momentarily caught off guard, but Miss Lacey just laughs, the sound warm and teasing. “Oh, don’t get all shy on me now, darlin’,” she says, shaking her head as she continues. “Now, I know carrying around a thousand Copper Charms might be a bit much, so I mixed it up for you. Gave ya a bit of variety. Total value’s the same, I promise.”
She carefully counts out a few different piles, explaining as she goes, “So here’s how it works: five Coppers make a Silver, and ten Silvers make a Gold. So I gave ya 300 Copper Charms, 90 Silver Charms, and 5 Gold Charms.” She slides the pouch across the counter toward him, her fingers lingering on it just a second longer. “That oughta get ya started just fine.”
Kain looks down at the pouch, still a bit flustered but deeply appreciative. “Thank you, Miss Lacey. Really.”
She leans back with a satisfied grin. “Aw, think nothin’ of it, hon. Always a pleasure helpin’ out a new face. And if ya need anything else, you just come right on back, ya hear?”
As Kain pockets the pouch, Haley’s eyes widen. “Wait a second—you rounded up for him?” She crosses her arms, giving Miss Lacey an exaggeratedly wounded look. “Now hold on, that’s totally unfair! I’ve been coming here for years, and I’ve never gotten a cent over exchange!”
Miss Lacey lets out a warm laugh, her eyes twinkling as she looks between Haley and Kain. “Aw, Haley, honey, don’t get your runes in a twist. I’d’a given you a little extra too… if you weren’t so busy hustlin’ me every time you come through here!” She shoots Haley a teasing smile. “Besides, this one’s got a bit of charm to him, and it don’t hurt to give the man a good start, ya know?”
Haley rolls her eyes but can’t hold back a grin, crossing her arms with a playful huff. “Charm? Kain? Really?” She glances at him, quirking an eyebrow. “Alright, alright, but next time I want that same ‘good start’ treatment, got it?”
Miss Lacey leans on the counter, grinning right back. “Tell ya what, darlin’—you bring someone lookin’ as mystified as him, and we’ll see what I can do.”
Haley snorts, nudging Kain’s arm. “You hear this, Kain? She’s gonna make you her poster boy now.”
The witch gives a laugh and quickly sorts through her products, “Now, let’s get you a few basics. I reckon you’ll need a good compass and a Pixal to get ya started.”
Miss Lacey reaches behind the counter and produces a Compass of the Wayward, a sleek, brass device with a design that feels both modern and timeless, as if plucked straight from the age of exploration but upgraded for the supernatural age. The brass casing has a polished, almost industrial feel, with intricate gears visible beneath a crystal face. Each gear moves in sync with the compass’s functions, giving it a subtle, clockwork charm without feeling too old-fashioned.
The compass needle is a thin shard of crystal that shifts colors—blue, red, and green—As Kain examines the compass, Miss Lacey leans over with a knowing smile, her finger tracing each of the symbols etched along the edge. “See here, darlin’? These little symbols control what the compass points to, kinda like a supercharged tracker for the supernatural.”
She points to the shield icon, and the crystal needle shifts to a cool blue. “That there’s for allies—friends, companions, anyone with good intentions toward ya. Long as they’re nearby, this’ll give you a bead on where they are.”
Next, she taps the eye icon, and the needle shifts to a deep red. “Now this one? This’s for threats. Anyone who’s got a hostile intent toward you, this’ll let ya know where they’re lurkin’. Handy if ya don’t like surprises, and who does?”
Finally, she moves her finger to the star icon, and the needle glows a vibrant green. “This here’s for points of interest—places with notable energy, resources, or spots other folks have marked. Can be anything from a hidden market to a ley line hotspot.”
She gives him a grin, watching the fascination on his face. “And here’s the kicker: once it’s bound to ya, this compass projects a personal map only you can see. Nearby terrain, key spots, people with notable energy—whatever’s relevant’ll be shown. Just keep it close, and it’ll do the rest.”
Miss Lacey stands back, hands on her hips, pleased. “So what do ya say, Kain? Little beauty like this is just waitin’ for someone like you to take it on the road.”
As Haley reaches over and snatches the compass out of Miss Lacey’s hands, Lacey raises an eyebrow, crossing her arms with a huff. “Hey now!” she exclaims, her Texas drawl thicker than ever. “You got some manners on you, Miss Haley? That there’s my merchandise you’re swipin’!”
Haley just smirks, tossing the compass lightly in her hand. “Aw, come on, Lacey. Just givin’ my boy here a proper intro.” She winks at Kain. “Can’t let him wander around clueless, y’know?”
Miss Lacey shakes her head, fighting a smile despite herself. “Mhm, next time you go stealin’ my inventory right outta my hands, maybe try askin’ first. Might just get ya some extra customer service,” she says with a wink, laying on the Southern charm.
Haley laughs, as the compass gently lands back in her palms with a grin. “See, Kain? That’s Miss Lacey’s way of sayin’ she loves me,” she says, flashing a cheeky grin back at the witch.
Turning it over in her hand with a practiced ease. She gives Kain a sideways grin, her thumb brushing over the intricate engravings. “This one’s a must-have for any proper ‘Sea-tizin,’” she says, exaggerating the slang with a playful wink. “Think of it like a supercharged GPS and radar, right? It’s got your back when it comes to mapping where you’ve been and tracking all those key spots, like your own personal map memory.”
She glances over at Miss Lacey with a smirk. “But, what Miss Lacey here forgot to mention is… all those fancy functions? They ain’t automatic, alright? They’re kinda… dialed in to you.” She taps the needle with her nail, making it shift faintly. “If your mana, or qi, or star energy’s up there, you’ll get more out of it—like detectin’ hostile folks, or spotting friends from a distance. You got solid perception skills? This thing will pick up more. But it’s not all-seein’, you feel me?”
Kain nods, taking it in, and she gives him a grin, shifting her tone with that New York edge slipping through. “So it’s still a must-have, no doubt. Just don’t think it’s gonna play psychic. If someone’s got mad concealment skills or a spell to hide, this compass might not catch ‘em. But the more experienced you get—like a pro—you’ll start to tune in to the hidden stuff too. This little guy’ll grow with you.”
She holds the compass up with a smirk. “So, basically? Get good, and this’ll get good with you. Handy as hell, especially once you’re out there and can’t exactly drop a pin, y’know?”
Haley hands the compass to Kain, her eyes narrowing in a playful dare. It’s like she’s challenging him to actually use it, to take up the call of whatever’s waiting out there for him, to step into the unknown with some backbone. “Trust me, Kain,” she says, the smirk on her face only half-joking. “You’re gonna want this for the road ahead.”
She taps the compass, pointing out a dial marked with a tiny scroll icon. “And here’s the kicker—it’s got a bulletin function. Think of it as your own personal quest board. You can see what assignments are up for grabs in the area—resource gathering, artifact hunts, sometimes even rescue ops. They’re kinda like gigs, and anyone with a Compass of the Wayward can tap into it. Updates every time you enter a new region.”
Kain glances down at the compass, a little wide-eyed as he imagines the possibilities, but Haley’s not done yet. Her tone takes on a casual but knowledgeable edge as she explains further, the cool tone slipping in. “See, there are certain groups out there, kinda like guilds or societies, each with their own specialties. Some are into artifact recovery, others focus on conservation of magical species, or tracking down rogue casters. And all those books, movies, and games out there? They’ve been influenced by groups like these—puttin’ stories out there in a way the regular folk can handle, makin’ it all a little more… palatable.”
She gives him a knowing look. “But to join up with one of these groups, you gotta register in person. They’ve got branches all over The Bazxar, and each region’s got its own guilds and tasks. We’re currently in the U.S.-governed sector, but trust me—the Bazxar? It’s massive. Extends through countries, realms, and even a few places you probably haven’t heard of.”
She leans back, crossing her arms with a grin. “I’m from New York, and we’ve got guild branches for all kinds of things. But you’ll have to dig in and find what suits ya.”
Lacey, who’s been listening with a smirk, chimes in, “And I’m from Texas, sugar, where we don’t just sit around waitin’ for trouble. We got ourselves a branch network too—proud folk who handle it all, from alchemical agriculture to protectin’ ley lines.”
Haley rolls her eyes playfully at Lacey. “Yeah, yeah, Texas pride and all that.”
Lacey grins, unfazed. “Just lettin’ him know he’s got options, is all.”
Haley turns back to Kain, a spark of excitement in her eyes. “So, you in, Kain? Ready to dip your toes into the bigger world?”
Kain stares down at his compass with a grin.
"On top of everything else this beauty, also keeps your map private and recorded. Only you can see what it shows. The catch? You gotta keep it on you for it to work.”
Miss Lacey, watching with a shrewd smile, chimes in. “Well, lucky for ya, darlin’, I got just the thing to help with that.” She reaches under the counter and produces a slender silver chain, its links engraved with tiny red, blue, and green runes that glow faintly, echoing the compass’s colors.
“Perfect for loopin’ around a belt or keychain,” she says, holding it up to Kain. “Keep that compass close and ready, wherever you go.” She gives him a wink, adding with a touch of charm, “And I’ll even throw it in at a discount for my new favorite customer.”
Kain stares at the Compass in awe as he slips it into his pouch, feeling the weight of responsibility it implies. Miss Lacey then sets a small, glowing sphere on the counter, which emits a soft light that shifts colors as it hums with latent energy. “And here’s a Pixal,” she says with a nod, watching Kain’s curiosity grow. “This’ll look different when it bonds with ya. Soon as you activate it, it’ll take on a form that suits you best—subconscious choice, y’know?”
Haley grins and gives him a quick rundown. “The Pixal’s got holo-calls, Bubbles—which are like holographic texts—and private telepathic links for group chats. You can even play submersible games on it if you’ve got downtime. Just… don’t expect it to track places and people like the Compass. They’re not built to be that advanced.”
“Why not?” Kain asks, raising an eyebrow. “Why not just put all that in one device?”
Haley laughs, shaking her head. “The Magi-tech’s just not there yet. Folks have tried making an all-in-one, but so far, any device trying to hold all those functions has either melted down or gone boom. Small atomic bomb levels of ‘boom.’ Not pretty.” She gives him a reassuring look. “So, for now, you’ll just have to stick with the basics.”
As they chat, a soft glow appears out of nowhere beside Lacey, and Kain blinks, startled, as a shimmering, light-orange monarch butterfly hovers into view. The Pixal’s wings flutter with a delicate grace, casting a warm, subtle light that pulses in rhythm with Lacey’s voice.
Seeing Kain’s surprised expression, Haley bursts out laughing. “Oh man, I forgot how new you are to this!” She gives Lacey an amused glance, then taps the air, and her own Pixal shimmers into view—a slender, ethereal Chinese dragon with elegant, flowing whiskers. It emits a soft pink glow, coiling gracefully in mid-air as if swimming through invisible currents.
“Part of the camo option,” Haley explains with a grin, watching Kain’s reaction. “Most people keep ‘em like this, in that semi-visible mode, so they can just float around. They’re there when ya need ‘em, and otherwise, they’re out of the way.”
Lacey nods, her butterfly Pixal flapping its wings as if in agreement. “Mhm, it’s a handy feature. Most folks just let ‘em hover ‘round. You get used to it quick, and they’re great company.”
Haley chuckles, giving Kain a teasing smile. “Honestly, it’s cute that you don’t know this stuff yet. Feels like we’re givin’ a baby bird his first tour of the nest.”
Lacey laughs, chiming in with her thick Texas drawl, “Ain’t it just? Can’t wait to see his face when he figures out how to sync his Pixal’s colors with his mood.”
Kain chuckles, a bit sheepish but grateful. “Guess I’ve got a lot to learn.”
Haley grins, clapping him on the shoulder. “Stick with us, newbie. We’ll get you there.”
Lacey shifted her attention back to her Pixal, its delicate wings pulsing softly as it projects a small holographic screen into the air. With a quick tap on its wing, she scrolls through a few articles until she finds the one she’s looking for, her expression shifting to a mix of amusement and exasperation.
“Alright, y’all, check this out,” she says, pulling up an article. “Reason I brought my Pixal out in the first place was to show y’all what I just read on Mud-Tok." she says, waving Kain and Haley over. “So, there was this unsanctioned inventor, right? Got it in his head to push the boundaries of magi-tech. Tried to create some all-in-one device, combining the Compass, Pixal, and whatever other gadgets he could think of. But he went and overloaded the poor thing, packed too much magic in, and bam! Blew the whole town off the map!”
The holographic article flashes images of the aftermath—scorched earth, remnants of enchanted devices twisted and melted from the blast.
Haley lets out a low whistle, crossing her arms. “And here I thought folks had enough sense to leave the heavy inventin’ to the pros,” she mutters.
Kain looks at the article with a spark of understanding, nodding. “Hey, I get it. Pushing the boundaries is what science is all about, even if it comes with risks.”
Lacey shakes her head, giving him a raised brow. “Oh, honey, I get the thrill of discovery as much as anyone, but there’s a reason we got guilds and regulations. This ain’t just science; it’s magic. And without proper sanctioning, you risk a lot more than just a busted experiment.”
She taps the butterfly Pixal, which flutters its wings to pull up another image—this one showing reports of magical disturbances felt three towns over. “It wasn’t just his lab that went up. The blast affected ley lines, twisted local weather patterns, left half the region unstable. His little experiment nearly turned into a full-scale disaster.”
Haley nods, glancing at Kain with a wry smile. “Push the boundaries, sure, but ya gotta respect ‘em, too. Magic’s got its own limits, and they’re there for a reason.”
Lacey’s Pixal wings flicker as she closes the article, looking at Kain with a knowing smile. “So, if you’re thinkin’ of puttin’ that brain of yours to use, start small, alright? Basics, guild clearance, and respect for the forces at play. We’d all appreciate it if you didn’t accidentally wipe us off the map.”
Her tone is teasing, but there’s a clear hint of genuine caution in her gaze, and Kain nods thoughtfully, taking her words to heart.
Haley picks up a small, sleek device from the stall and holds it out to Kain with a grin. “Alright, last on the essentials list—your very own Breander. Trust me, you’re gonna love this.”
At first glance, it looks like a simple wristwatch. The band is a smooth, silvery metal with subtle runic engravings along the edges that catch the light just enough to hint at something magical beneath. But where there should be a watch face, there’s instead a dark, reflective surface, almost like a tiny mirror, showing nothing but a faint rune that seems to pulse gently in response to Kain’s energy as he holds it.
“This bad boy,” Haley explains, looping it around his wrist, “is basically a spatial pouch, but way more convenient. Once it’s bound to you, all ya gotta do is flick your wrist and focus on what you want, and bam!—it’s in your hand.”
She demonstrates with her own Breander, flicking her wrist with a practiced ease, and a small item—some kind of magical charm—appears in her hand as if out of nowhere. “See? It’s like havin’ a mini storage space that only you can access. Way better than diggin’ around in a bag, especially if you’re in a rush.”
Kain stares down at the device on his wrist, intrigued, as the faint rune on the face glows softly, almost as if waiting for him to try it out. It’s surprisingly lightweight, comfortable, and the runes give it an almost high-tech elegance. He’s already imagining the possibilities.
Haley gives him a nudge. “Best part? It learns what you use most and keeps it right where you need it. Pretty much an organizer, a storage space, and a fashion statement all in one.”
Lacey leans in, smirking. “And don’t go thinkin’ it’s just for looks, either. This thing’s been crafted to last, and it’s bound only to you. Try to mess with someone else’s Breander, and you’re liable to get a nasty surprise.”
Kain, grinning, fastens it around his wrist, feeling the magic subtly attuning to him. “Alright, I gotta admit, this is pretty incredible. Way better than any backpack I’ve ever had.”
Haley laughs, a sound that’s equal parts amusement and camaraderie. “You’re catching on quick, Kain. Welcome to the new world of magi-tech.”
A gentle rythm comes from the counter, as Lacey tallies up the cost, her fingers drumming against the wood as she does the math in her head. “Alright, sugar,” she says, flashing a warm smile, “with that lil’ discount I gave ya, it all comes to 225 charms.”
Kain grins, leaning in a bit, a playful sparkle in his eyes. “Guess I should come around here more often if it means extra perks from you, huh?”
Lacey’s cheeks flush just the faintest shade of pink, and she lets out a soft laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Oh, don’t you go gettin’ any ideas now,” she replies, though her smile lingers, a little flustered.
Haley rolls her eyes, chuckling as she takes Kain’s arm. “Alright, charmer, let’s keep it movin’ before Miss Lacey here gives you the whole shop.” She starts to tug him away, casting a grin back at Lacey. “See ya ‘round, Lacey!”
Lacey waves, her blush lingering as she calls out, “Don’t you two go causin’ too much trouble now, ya hear?”
Kain, caught between their friendly banter, can’t help but smile, feeling oddly at home amidst their exchange. Miss Lacey gives him one last wink.
Haley grins, waving Miss Lacey off as they turn to head further into The Bazxar. “Not making any promises!” she calls back with a laugh, linking her arm with Kain’s and steering him forward. “Come on, you can treat a girl to breakfast now that you got a pocket full of charms she laughed.”
Grabbing his arm a little tighter she draggs him further down the bustling street. “Alright, newbie, you’ve seen the gear. Now it’s time for the real highlight—food. And I know just the place.”