Sand.
Sand as far as the eye could see.
The Prouse desert, at the western edge of the Azel empire.
A dangerous stretch of land, sparsely populated by countless monsters that have adapted to the desert's harsh climate.
Yet some still risked life and limb to reach this place, all for one thing.
A colossal white spire pierced the sky, standing in defiance of nature itself, visible for hundreds of kilometers.
The city of the chosen, Razmaru.
At the lowest level of the city, a procession of 2 dozen mounted Knights arrived at the gate.
At the forefront, a handsome young man in silver armor took off his helmet, revealing a head full of golden hair.
"Leon von Bastil, requesting permission to enter the city." he said, a confident and reassuring smile bloomed on his face.
Most passerby started whispering, gazes of admiration fixed upon him.
After a moment, the guards replied. "Lord Leo von Bastil, permission granted!"
The guards made way, and Leo led the knights entered the spire from the gate.
Inside, a vast white hall stretched as far as the eye could see, with trees and tents covering the floor. Unlike the scorching desert, the place here felt slightly chilly, and the lanterns lining the structures inside illuminated a bustling city.
"It's been a while since I've been here. Leave the horses at the outpost and gather here." Leo comanded, and soon the knights had gathered once more.
"What a beautiful place." one of the knights commented.
Unlike the others, who had their black armor covered in engravings, his armor was plain and gray.
"Indeed, Magnus. This place is said to have existed before our empire, a remnant of a forgotten era. Not even the Ancient Dragons know who built this place."
"Father has summoned me, so I will see what he wants. Gather two hours later here, but feel free to explore the markets of Razmaru. After all, there's always something interesting to find." he explained, before moving north towards the Azel outpost.
The other knights left soon after, leaving only Magnus behind.
Picking a direction at random, he started walking.
Unlike the others who went for the brothels to relieve their stress, he headed towards one of the many markets on this floor.
'I wonder if I can buy something decent here, haaaah.'
He touched his coin pouch, '24 silvers and 15 coppers. Ideally, I'd rummage through the trash and see if I can find anything decent for cheap, though I doubt I am that lucky.'
Walking past different stores, he halted his steps in front of a luxurious tent. The inscription on the sign in front of it states-
'Bolero Family Spirit Merchant'.
'Too expensive. Not worth it.' he continued his steps.
Soon, he arrives in front of a different tent. This one sold weapons and armor from the dungeon.
'Pass. My current things are good enough.'
Strolling through the markets for the next hour, he was about to make his way back when he discovered a different tent.
Though not as luxurious as the merchants tent, it was far larger than anything else in the vicinity.
'Dungeon Relics Emporium, huh? I'll check it quickly, maybe there's something useful.'
He strode towards the tent, and one of the guards was about to stop him.
Only to be hushed by the other, who pointed at his armor.
Inside, countless shelves were neatly organised, while an aged store keeper stood behind a wooden desk.
Turning to look at the new customer, his professional smile vanished, replaced by a scowl.
"What do we have here, a Knight Errant from Azel. What do you want punk?"
"Something for..." he thought for a moment, "around 20 silvers."
'That way I can spend lavishly on food until next month.
"Couldn't you at least be rich? Whatever. The last row is all cheap stuff you can buy."
"Your tone changed rather quickly." Magnus said, walking past the most expensive and flashy first row.
"I may hate you all, but business is business." the old man shrugged, "Besides, rules are rules, and I'm not interested in getting thrown out of Razmaru by the Keepers."
"I see." Magnus looked through the shelves.
Whether it was mysterious rings that might be cursed or powerful, spell stones that could cast forbidden spells or snow balls, that was the allure of dungeon items.
'You can either end up as a king, or dead. Or cursed. Though there's always signs something is powerful or not, and all these here are trash nobody would really bother with.'
He stretched out his hand, eyeing his very zoomed in map.
Picking up the rock and moving it about slightly, he noticed the marker moved ever so slightly as well.
'Spirit Stone! Jackpot!' Magnus quickly hid his smile, going back to his usual deadpan expression.
Showing it to the counter, the old man scoffed, "Do you really think you're gona strike it rich and get a spirit from that Spirit Stone?"
"Can't know without trying, and I feel hella lucky."
"Kid, you don't even have mana! What are you going to do when it's a dud!? Come crying to me?"
"Sir, I'm not gona do any of that, so let me buy it already." annoyed, Magnus raised his voice as well, before slamming 20 coins on the table.
"...Fine." since the old man saw he couldn't dissuade him, he gave up.
Within seconds, the transaction was processed and Magnus was kicked out of the store.
"Never come again!" the old man's yell resounded, attracting a few curious gazes.
'I won't either. A few years' wages for a peasant, a month of mine, and he treats me like this? May his business go under!' Magnus thought, calculating the time.
'I really hope someone comes up with watches, it's annoying to keep track of time. Anyway, I still have some time so to the spirit merchant it is!'
Sprinting his way through the markets, along the way attracting some curious gazes, he arrived in front of the luxurious spirit merchant.
The two guards in front stopped him, one asking "What business does someone without mana have here?"
"Selling."
Nodding, one of them escorted him inside.
Unlike the previous tent, this one had a more mysterious atmosphere. Many a device, potion or item was layered neatly on glass shelves, each one related to spirits.
"What business-" the lady at the counter asked.
"Open this Spirit Stone. If there is a spirit inside, I wish to sell." he stretched out his hand, the stone in his palm.
'Can't miss an opportunity to make money.'
Frowning, the lady started channeling her mana. A faint blue light surrounded her, and the Spirit Stone floated up from his palm.
After a few seconds, a crack started spreading from the top of the stone.