Isaac's gaze lingered on the holographic image of the man with wool-like hair and bright pink eyes, but he quickly shook his head, refocusing on his own priorities. "Better get a move on, Spunk," he said, his tone decisive. "I'm not interested in the man. I have other things I need to take care of."

  Spunk looked at Isaac with a mix of surprise and confusion. "But... that's Artist!" the little creature insisted.

  Isaac sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I get it, Spunk, but right now, I need to focus on a few things of my own. I need money, supplies, and some new clothes." He glanced around, scanning the bustling streets for any signs of a shopping district. "I need to find the market."

  "But what about—" Spunk began, his voice tinged with urgency.

  "What about what?" Isaac interrupted, shaking his head. "I like you, you're interesting, and I want you to join me going forward, but there's not much drawing me to watch a man be executed right now."

  Spunk seemed to deflate slightly but nodded in understanding, perching back on Isaac's shoulder. "Well then, I'll go with you, and we can make our way to the execution together!" Spunk chirped, trying to regain his enthusiasm. "They usually take a long time listing crimes and with their stupid ceremonies, so we have time!"

  Nodding his head, Isaac set off with Spunk’s guidance toward the shopping district. His mind buzzed with a list of tasks.

  He thought about the various items he'd picked up on his journey so far, hoping they would fetch a decent price. The thought of some proper food also sounded appealing, and he could use a new set of clothes that were more durable.

  "Alright, first things first," Isaac muttered to himself, though Spunk perked up, listening intently. "I'll sell off what we've got. Then I’ll look into buying supplies and clothes. After that, I need to figure out which abilities to acquire."

  "Ooo, abilities," cooed Spunk, their eyes lighting up with interest as they continued to direct Isaac.

  The vibrant city around them was full of potential distractions, but they remained focused. Eventually, Isaac spotted a series of floating signs directing them toward the marketplace and quickened his pace.

  Isaac’s eyes sparkled with excitement as they reached the bustling market area. Stalls lined the streets, showcasing an array of goods from shimmering fabrics to strange, exotic fruits and gleaming technological gadgets.

  "Here we go," Isaac said. "Let's get to work."

  As he approached a stall where a merchant was selling various items, hoping to find a buyer for his own collection.

  "Excuse me," he began, pulling out some of the items he'd gathered on his journey. "I'm looking to sell some items I got from killing beasts. Interested?"

  The merchant, an elderly woman with sharp eyes and a knowing smile, stared blankly at Isaac.

  “Are you dumb, child?” began the elderly woman, her voice sharp yet weary. “To sell those, you’d need to find the Bazaar.”

  The elderly woman pointed a gnarled finger towards a bustling section of the town. "The bazaar is over there," she said, her tone softening slightly. "It's the only place to sell unrefined materials, that and the potion makers. Make sure you get a fair price, child. Don’t let them cheat you."

  Isaac glanced over at the building the elderly woman had pointed out. The structure fittingly lived up to its name as a bazaar.

  "What the fuck is that?" Isaac asked, his eyes widening as he took in the sheer scale and complexity of the Bazaar.

  The building itself seemed to be alive, with large, wooden arms that opened and closed doors behind those coming and going. The arms even traded with hunters, exchanging goods with a precision and efficiency that left Isaac momentarily mesmerized.

  The elderly woman looked at him with a hint of amusement in her tired eyes. "That, my dear, like I said before is the Bazaar. It's where the magic and commerce of Aetheria come alive. If you need to sell unrefined materials or find rare items, that’s where you’ll want to go. Just be prepared for the hustle and bustle—it’s not for the faint of heart."

  "Uh, thank you," he said simply, nodding to the elderly woman. "I'll make sure to get a fair price."

  She gave him a toothless smile and a slight nod. "Good luck, child. And be careful. Oh and it should go without saying that if you want a fair trade don’t do so with the building"

  Isaac turned his attention back to the bazaar, intrigued by the living building. He could see hunters bartering, trading, and haggling with the animated structure.

  “Right…without saying” Isaac murmured as he began his march toward the Bazaar.

  Spunk's voice was tinged with concern as they stared at the living building.

  "Isaac, be careful…that building is very pushy. It doesn't take no for an answer."

  Isaac raised an eyebrow, glancing at Spunk perched on his shoulder. "Pushy? What do you mean?"

  Spunk shifted uneasily, their eyes flickering with apprehension. "The Bazaar. It's always trying to make deals, and if it wants something, it can be really insistent. You have to be careful."

  Isaac nodded thoughtfully, absorbing Spunk's warning. "I'll keep that in mind. Let's get in there, make our trades, and get out quickly."

  With a determined stride, Isaac approached the Bazaar, ready to navigate its animated chaos and ensure he got the supplies he needed.

  As Isaac approached the bizarre bazaar, the lively and chaotic environment enveloped him in a whirlwind of activity.

  The entrance was a grand archway adorned with flickering neon signs and vibrant banners, each advertising various wares and services. The air was filled with the hum of conversation, the clinking of coins, and the occasional burst of laughter or shouting as deals were struck.

  As Isaac approached the entrance of the bizarre bazaar, a large wooden hand suddenly extended from the building, blocking his path. He took a step back, startled, as eyes and a mouth formed on the palm. The eyes blinked a few times, and the mouth twisted into a quirky smile.

  Isaac’s face twisted with visible disgust and discomfort. He stared at the animated wooden appendage, its whimsical expression doing little to ease his unease. He shuffled on his feet, trying to process the bizarre greeting.

  “What the—” Isaac began, his voice trailing off as he tried to maintain his composure. “Is this thing really talking to me?”

  The hand’s eyes twinkled mischievously as it gave a small, almost imperceptible wave. “Indeed! Welcome to the Bazaar. I’m here to make sure every visitor feels right at home. How can I assist you today? Looking for something specific, or just browsing?”

  Isaac shook his head in disbelief. “Uh, I’m just here to sell some materials,” he said, trying to sound nonchalant despite his discomfort. “Can I get through?”

  "Well, well, what do we have here," Another hand said in a deep, resonant voice. "Another eager customer, I presume?"

  Isaac hesitated, as he slowly turned toward the other voice unsure how to respond to a talking hand. "Uh, yes. I'm here to sell some unrefined materials and buy supplies."

  The hand's eyes narrowed slightly as it scrutinized Isaac. "Ah, unrefined materials, you say? Interesting. And what might you be in the market for, young man?"

  Isaac cleared his throat, trying to focus despite the unsettling presence of the animated hand. "I need a map of the area, some new clothes, and maybe some potions."

  The hand's mouth twisted into a broad, almost sinister grin. Its eyes sparkled with an unsettling gleam as it responded, “Ah, a man of varied needs! You’ve come to the right place.”

  Turning towards the other hand, which had arrived with an equally quirky, yet less helpful demeanor, the first hand waved it away with a dismissive flick. “Go on, I’ll handle this fine gentleman!”

  The second hand retreated, muttering a series of unintelligible sounds as it withdrew. The first hand then refocused its attention on Isaac, its wooden surface creaking slightly as it adjusted.

  "You've come to the right place, then! What’ve you to sell, ay? I’ll give you a deal right quick and have ye on your way!" said the hand.

  From Isaac's shoulder, Spunk muttered in an audibly concerned voice, "Be careful, this one is very pushy and probably doesn’t take no for an answer."

  The hand chuckled, the sound echoing strangely from its wooden form.

  The hand’s eyes narrowed slightly, and its mouth curled into a sly grin. “Oh, don’t listen to that little mischief-maker. We just like to make sure everyone leaves satisfied. Now, how can I serve you!” it hissed, the sound echoing oddly from its wooden form.

  Taking a deep breath, trying to steady himself amidst the bizarre Bazaar's lively chaos, Isaac shrugged his shoulders mentally discarded the old woman’s warning as he didn’t wish to keep Spunk waiting too long.

  "The materials, you’ll take a look and give me an offer?" Isaac asked.

  The hand's eyes sparkled with interest. "But of course! Let's see what you've got." It motioned for Isaac to present his goods

  Opening his inventory Isaac carefully pulled out the items he had collected, laying them out, on a table that constructed itself from the floor beneath them, for the hand to inspect.

  **********

  [Inventory]

  [ Partial Skitter Fly Exo-Skeleton (Uncommon) x12]

  [Skitter Fly Jelly (Common) x4 ]

  [Beetle Shell Armor (Common) x3]

  [Dragonfly Wing Fans x2]

  [ Swarm Lord's Exoskeleton (Uncommon) x1 ]

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  [ Rune of the Gathering Swarm (Rare) x1 ]

  [ Swarm Lord’s Claws (Uncommon) x1 ]

  …

  **********

  "Oh, damn, I’d forgotten how much shit I killed to level up," Isaac muttered under his breath, eyeing the various insect-based materials he had collected.

  The hand's fingers extended and gently picked up each item, examining them with a meticulous eye.

  "Hmm, fine quality," the hand murmured, while clearly interested in some items, specifically the rune Isaac took out without thinking. "These will fetch a good price. How about this: I'll give you enough tokens to buy your map, clothes, and potions, plus a little extra for your trouble. Does that sound fair?"

  Isaac frowned, his suspicion growing as the wooden hand appraised his items. The way it had quickly shifted from jovial to businesslike made him uneasy. He glanced at Spunk, who had a knowing look in its eyes, confirming Isaac's gut feeling.

  "This thing is trying to scam me," Isaac thought to himself, eyeing the hand warily. He had a feeling that if he agreed too quickly, he'd regret it.

  Isaac carefully retrieved the rune from the pile, holding it firmly in his hand. He gave the wooden hand a measured look, trying to appear confident despite his suspicions.

  "Alright," Isaac said slowly, his voice firm. "We have a deal."

  The hand's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as it nodded enthusiastically, even though it was clearly annoyed the rune was retracted from the deal. "Excellent choice, young man! You won't regret it. Follow me, and we'll get you sorted."

  Isaac followed the animated hand into the depths of the bizarre, keeping a close eye on his belongings and mentally preparing himself for whatever might come next.

  As they walked through the bustling bizarre, Isaac couldn't shake the feeling that he might have been taken advantage of.

  Glancing over at Spunk, who was now laying while perched on his shoulder, he muttered under his breath, "I think that thing just scammed us."

  Spunk, ever observant, tilted its head and replied, "Uh? Oh, yeah, no, you for sure got scammed. I don’t know why you didn’t listen to me or the granny."

  Isaac rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "To be honest, I don’t know either, but it gave us enough to buy what we need, so it’s fine."

  “If you say so, but you lost out on a lot of money back there…” Spunk interjected, its voice tinged with concern.

  Isaac sighed, feeling a twinge of regret. "Yeah, maybe. But let’s make the most of what we have. We still need to get that map, find some new clothes, and check out those potions."

  Spunk nodded reluctantly. "Alright, but next time, listen to me, okay?"

  Isaac chuckled softly. "Deal."

  Isaac and Spunk arrived at a wall lined with a series of brass tubes, each labeled with various categories and destinations within the bazaar. The wooden hand guiding them meticulously placed all the items Isaac had relinquished into the appropriate tubes. With a whirr and a whoosh, the items were whisked away, disappearing into the labyrinthine network behind the wall.

  The wooden hand turned back to Isaac, its eyes glinting with an enigmatic light. "You have a choice, young man," it said smoothly. "You can either roam the store and explore its many wonders, or you can place your order here and have your items delivered directly to you. What will it be?"

  Isaac glanced around, taking in the vastness of the store. Rows upon rows of shelves stretched out, filled with curiosities and treasures, the sight enough to make anyone's head spin. He felt a pang of curiosity but also a desire to be efficient with their time.

  Spunk, perched on his shoulder, nudged his ear. "I say we take a look around," it whispered. "Never know what hidden gems we might find."

  Isaac nodded, feeling the same tug of curiosity. "We'll explore," he said to the wooden hand. "But can you tell us where to find what we need?"

  The wooden hand's eyes gleamed with approval.

  “Very well. Simply follow the holographic signs and you’ll find your way, and if all else fails the Bazarra has a way of showing you what you need. Now, where are your tokens.”

  The wooden hand's eyes gleamed with approval. "Very well. Simply follow the holographic signs and you’ll find your way, and if all else fails, the Bazaar has a way of showing you what you need. Now, about your tokens."

  With a flick of its fingers, the wooden hand produced 500 wooden tokens. Isaac questioned this mentally but didn't say anything aloud. Instead, he simply thanked the wooden hand, not quite sure what to call it before departing.

  As Isaac and Spunk walked away from the counter, their conversation turned to the peculiar nature of their recent interaction.

  "That was really weird," Isaac said, glancing down at the wooden tokens in his hand. "I've never been in a place like this before. What exactly are these tokens?"

  Spunk, perched on Isaac's shoulder, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it is pretty strange. Even though I've been here a few times, I never get used to it. These wooden coins are special tokens. Bazaars like this one don't use gold. Instead, you exchange gold for assigned tokens. It makes theft nearly impossible since the tokens are personalized and can't be used by anyone else."

  Isaac raised an eyebrow. "That's actually pretty clever. So, it's a security measure?"

  "Exactly," Spunk replied. "It keeps everything orderly and ensures that only the rightful owners can make purchases with their tokens."

  Isaac chuckled. "Yeah, it definitely adds to the atmosphere. I was half expecting to pay with gold coins or barter with goods."

  Spunk tilted its head, thinking. “Oh, no, you still do all that, it’s just them wanting to be all fancy-pancy."

  “Fancy-pancy?” Isaac questioned.

  “Yeah!” Spunk answered with enthusiasm.

  Shaking his head with a smile on his face, Isaac began his shopping spree.

  Isaac first found a stall that specialized in maps. The vendor, a tall, thin man with spectacles perched on the end of his nose, greeted him warmly.

  "Good day, traveler! Looking for a map, are we?" the vendor asked, eyeing Isaac and Spunk with interest.

  Isaac nodded. "Yes, I need a detailed map of the area."

  The vendor pulled out several maps, each one more detailed than the last. "We have maps ranging from basic layouts to highly detailed, including topographical features and marked hunting grounds. Which one would you prefer?"

  Isaac examined the maps carefully. "I'll take this one," he said, pointing to a detailed map that showed not only the lay of the land but also noted various points of interest and resource locations.

  "A fine choice," the vendor said, rolling up the map and handing it to Isaac. "For you, I'll sell it for fifteen tokens."

  Isaac considered the price. It seemed fair, but after the earlier scam, he was cautious. "How about twelve?" he countered.

  The old man narrowed his eyes but then nodded slowly. "Twelve it is. You drive a hard bargain, young man."

  Isaac handed over the tokens, and as he took the map, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. With the map in hand, he could navigate the area more effectively and find the best spots for gathering resources.

  Next, Isaac made his way to a clothing stall. The vendor, a plump woman with a cheerful demeanor, welcomed him with a wide smile. "Looking for some new threads, love?"

  "Yes, I need something practical but durable," Isaac replied, glancing around at the various garments on display. “Preferably something like I already have, but you know, nicer.”

  “A man of simple taste, I like it!” Said the woman, before she turned and pulled out a set of clothes closely resembling his current threads but made from a much more sturdy, lightweight fabric. "This here is made from the finest materials. Perfect for a hunter like yourself. It's breathable, flexible, and can withstand the wear and tear of your adventures. I’d consider this the safe option."

  As Isaac admired the new outfit, the vendor wasn't quite finished. "You know," the vendor said with a glint in her eye, "if you like that ensemble, I have other pieces that might catch your fancy.”

  Isaac raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? Let's see them"

  Without missing a beat the vendor presented him with a bright blue button-up shirt that was loose-fitting and comfortable, perfect for allowing movement. Underneath, there was a simple white t-shirt that was breathable, providing a good base layer.

  The outfit also included black pants, slim but flexible. A black belt with a silver buckle, and black loafers were stylish yet comfortable, suitable for long walks and quick movements.

  Next, they pulled out an outfit featuring a bold, oversized pink windbreaker paired with a loose-fitting black shirt and baggy black cargo pants.

  Isaac looked at the outfits, feeling a mix of curiosity and excitement. "They do look pretty cool," he admitted.

  "Why not try them on?" the vendor encouraged. "It doesn't hurt to see how they feel."

  Isaac glanced at Spunk, who seemed just as curious. "Go on," Spunk urged. "Try it on!”

  With a nod, Isaac decided to give it a shot. He stepped into the changing area and swapped his current outfit for a similar set.

  As he emerged, he could feel the difference immediately. The material was far better and much more comfortable than his previous dress.

  The vendor clapped her hands together. "Now that's a look that commands attention! What do you think?"

  Isaac took a moment to check himself out in a nearby mirror.

  "I like it," he said, a smile forming on his lips. "How much for this one?"

  "For you, considering your fine taste, I'll give it to you for 50 tokens," the vendor replied.

  Isaac weighed his options, thinking about his remaining tokens. He did have enough to afford it, but he also needed to be mindful of his other needs.

  After a moment's consideration, he made his decision. "I'll take it," he said, handing over the tokens.

  "Excellent choice!" the vendor exclaimed, beaming. "You're going to turn heads wherever you go in that."

  "Right... and how much for the others?" Isaac asked, eyeing the second outfit.

  "Oh? Don't you wish to try them on first?" the vendor replied with a playful smile, holding up the second ensemble.

  "No, I'll trust your judgment," Isaac said, shaking his head. "This one fit fine, so how much?"

  The vendor's smile widened, clearly pleased with his trust. "For both outfits, I'll give you a special price. Just 55 more tokens. How about it, love?"

  Isaac nodded, accepting the offer with a grin. "Deal. Let's do it."

  Finishing their transaction, Isaac and Spunk wave toward the vendor as they made their way back into the organized chaos of the Bazaar market.

  "Where are we going now?" Spunk asked as they left the clothing vendor behind.

  "We're heading to the potion and runic shop next," Isaac replied, adjusting the new outfit he had just purchased.

  "Ooo, what are you going to get there?" Spunk asked eagerly.

  Isaac explained, "I'm going to get a few blank runes and healing potions. That should be all I came here for."

  Spunk nodded enthusiastically, bouncing a bit on Isaac's shoulder. "Sounds fun! Let's go see!"

  Isaac and Spunk entered the potion and runic shop, greeted by shelves lined with colorful bottles and shelves displaying various runes. The air was thick with the scent of herbs and magic.

  Isaac approached the counter, where an elderly man with a bushy white beard stood, polishing a rune stone. "Good day to you," the man greeted them warmly.

  "Hello," Isaac replied with a nod. "I'm looking for a few blank runes and some healing potions."

  The man’s eyes twinkled knowingly. "Ah, of course. Let me fetch those for you."

  While the man gathered the items, Spunk hopped down from Isaac's shoulder, exploring the shelves with curiosity. "Look at these, Isaac! What do they do?"

  Isaac chuckled softly. "Actually, I don’t know what those are."

  The shopkeeper, overhearing their conversation, approached them with a smile. "Ah, those are sealing pillars," he explained, his voice carrying the weight of age and wisdom. "They're used in sealing rituals or rites, as they were. Quite expensive, even for temporary seals."

  Spunk's eyes widened with fascination as he examined the sealing pillars. "Sealing rituals? Like trapping something?"

  The shopkeeper nodded, adjusting his spectacles. "Exactly. They're primarily used to subdue criminals by locking away their mana supply or weakening their bodies. However, true Sealers, those born with the ability, are typically used in the sealing of beast souls."

  Isaac's mind wandered briefly to his father and the phoenix soul sealed within him. Before he could delve deeper into his thoughts, Spunk blurted out, "Oh! So it's like the phoenix beast soul sealed inside of you?"

  The vendor froze, his smile faltering. His gaze shifted uncomfortably between Isaac and Spunk, unsure of how to respond to the unexpected revelation.

  Isaac's expression turned serious, as he turned his head to look at Spunk.

  “Quiet!” Isaac hissed.

  After a tense moment of silence, the shopkeeper cleared his throat nervously. "Well, um... that's quite the question, young Spunk," he stammered, choosing his words carefully. "Sealing beast souls is a complex and delicate matter, not to be taken lightly. A beast soul of that scale would require the combined skill of several master class Sealers."

  Spunk tilted his head, sensing the tension but not fully understanding its source. "But Isaac has a phoenix soul inside him…so who sealed it inside of him?"

  The shopkeeper's hands trembled, causing the blank runes he held to slip from his grasp. They hit the floor with a sharp crack, drawing startled glances from nearby patrons. The old man's gaze fixed on Isaac, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and realization.

  "Wait... Isaac?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

  Isaac's heart raced. He exchanged a brief, knowing glance with Spunk, who looked up at him with child-like innocence.

  "God damn it, Spunk," Isaac muttered under his breath. He stepped back, the weight of the shopkeeper's realization pressing upon him.