Chapter 13: The Mystic Bazaar and the Charmweaver
Lei Feng descended back to the first floor, where the lively bustle hadn't slowed one bit. The air buzzed with chatter, footsteps, and the occasional flicker of magical energy. Awakeners of all kinds moved through the grand hall—some in sleek, enchanted robes, others in tactical armor pulsing with power. It was a wild blend of colors, metals, and fabrics, yet it all somehow fit beneath the glass dome that bathed the space in soft sunlight.
"So this is the Mystic Bazaar, huh?" Lei Feng murmured to himself as he weaved through the crowd. "Guess I never really explored it before."
Everything here radiated mystery. Crystals floated behind reinforced glass. Scrolls written in unfamiliar languages flickered with glowing runes. Odd artifacts hovered within transparent cubes. It felt like walking through a living museum of magic and wonder.
Eventually, he reached the service counter—a sleek marble structure etched with silver runes. Behind it stood a young woman with a gentle, dreamlike presence. Her violet bob-cut hair shimmered under the light, and her amethyst eyes sparkled like polished gems. She waved goodbye to a customer, her movements fluid and graceful. Her warm smile had a calming effect, like it could melt away the tension in one's shoulders.
Lei Feng paused. She looked harmless, but composed. The kind of person who noticed more than they let on.
"System," he called silently.
As expected, a translucent blue screen appeared before him.
> Name: Hana Choi
Race: Human
Status: Awakener
Level: 35
Class: Charmweaver
Lei Feng's eyes widened slightly.
"Level 35? That's the highest I've seen so far... except Lady Aurora, and hers just said '???'."
He squinted at the class name.
"What's a Charmweaver supposed to be?"
Ding!
> [Charmweavers are magic users who specialize in crafting and using charms. At higher levels, they can influence emotions, perceptions, and even a person's state of mind.]
"Beautiful and terrifying at the same time," Lei Feng muttered, feeling a mix of admiration and caution. "This world keeps getting more interesting."
"Hey, Mister~"
Her voice rang like wind chimes on a spring breeze, snapping him out of his thoughts. Hana was already looking at him, a playful smile on her lips and a soft blush on her cheeks.
"Hana," Lei Feng greeted as he stepped forward.
"It's you!" Her eyes lit up like starlight. "So, how was your shopping? Did we manage to satisfy your desires~?" She leaned on the counter, purple eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"It was quite the experience," he said with a small chuckle. "But I'm here for something else."
"Yay~!" Hana clapped her hands excitedly. "What do you need, Mister? We've got everything—from pills, potions, and elixirs to elemental crystals and skill books! Endless options await!"
Lei Feng thought about the skill books, but shook his head mentally. "I can't use them without a magic class… at least not yet."
He smiled faintly. "I'd like to buy some potions."
"Excellent choice!" she chirped. "We have Health, Mana, Stamina, Strength, and more! They come in low, mid, high, top, and superior grades!"
"How much is a low-grade potion?" he asked.
"Just ten thousand credits each~" she replied sweetly, raising a delicate finger.
"Ten thousand?! For a low-grade potion?"
Lei Feng blinked hard. Why is everything so expensive in this world?!
He quickly tapped his Corelink bracelet, and a small screen appeared.
> Balance: 118,000 Credits
Status: Registered
Bank: Celestial Credit Union
He exhaled. Better not go overboard.
"I'll take five low-grade Health Potions and five Mana Potions," he said.
"Perfect~!" Hana sang. "Wait here, Mister. I'll go get them. Oh! And I'll throw in a stamina potion on the house!"
Lei Feng blinked. "Seriously?"
"Seriously!" she giggled. "Consider it a thank-you gift."
As she turned away, Lei Feng watched her closely. Despite her sweet demeanor, there was something deeper about her—something hidden. A Level 35 Awakener… a Charmweaver.
What kind of past brought her here? What power hides behind that smile?
Moments later, Hana returned with a velvet-wrapped package tied with a glowing silver thread. Inside, the potions shimmered in small glass vials—five red, five blue, and one golden-yellow.
"All yours~!" she said with a bright smile.
"Thank you." Lei Feng nodded, transferring 100,000 credits through his bracelet.
A notification appeared:
> 100,000 credits debited from your account
Balance: 18,000 Credits
Status: Registered
Bank: Celestial Credit Union
He sighed and reached for the package. But just as he did, Hana tilted her head.
"You don't have a spatial pouch?" she asked curiously. "Most Awakeners carry one… it's super handy."
Lei Feng gave a dry smile but didn't answer.
Ling Chen… you didn't even leave me a single dime. Not even a pouch?
Ding!
A familiar chime echoed in his mind.
> [Host can now access the System's Pocket Dimension. Simply say: "Inventory."]
His eyes lit up. No way!
He whispered, "Inventory."
The potions instantly vanished from his hand in a soft blue glow.
> [Inventory]
Items: 5 Health Potions, 5 Mana Potions, 1 Stamina Potion
Lei Feng sighed in relief and mentally gave the System a thumbs-up.
Hana blinked, then smiled knowingly. "Ooh~ Dimensional magic? Fancy~"
He didn't correct her. "Thanks again," he said, giving a small nod as he turned to leave.
"Come again~!" Hana called out, waving both hands with a radiant grin.
As he walked away, Lei Feng glanced at the Nameless sword strapped to his back. "Inventory."
It vanished in a flash.
"Heh… convenient," he smirked.
He slid his hands into his pockets and pulled out his phone. "I've got the supplies. Now it's time to level up. I'm still too far behind."
With a few taps, a holographic screen appeared. He scrolled until he found an app labeled ArcoNet.
"So this is like this world's version of the internet..."
He began typing: Low Mortality Zones – Magic Beast Hunting Grounds for Beginners.
His eyes narrowed with focus as his footsteps echoed against the polished floors. The Mystic Bazaar faded behind him, replaced by the bright expanse of the Arcane Emporium's outer hall.
No more delays, Lei Feng thought. It's time to catch up.
And with that, he stepped into the world again—hungry, determined, and ready to begin his true ascent.