Her tone was flat, but it carried total authority. To her, this felt like a tourist's sightseeing trip. At the same time, she acted like a powerful ruler inspecting her own land.
"Then... shall we head to the North Market first? It's not too far from here. We can walk off the meal and then head to the Arena?" Hekkeran suggested. He was trying his best to be a good guide.
"That works," Ilya agreed.
The group changed direction and headed toward the North Market. Ivy followed excitedly by Ilya's side, pointing things out and telling stories. The other three members of Foresight walked half a step behind. Hekkeran and Roberdyck spoke in low voices about how to better serve this mysterious lady. Meanwhile, Linette stayed alert, watching their surroundings.
Arche walked at the very back, silent. Her purple eyes were full of deep thoughts. Images from her [All-Seeing Eyes] kept flashing through her mind—that vast, white divine space and the figure covered in stars. What level was that? What kind of being? A god? But the gods of this world... the Six Gods, the Eight Greed Kings... are they truly as strong as her? The thought made her shiver, but she was also very curious.
Before long, the noise and smells of the North Market hit them. There were no fancy shops here. Instead, it was filled with open stalls and simple shacks. Animal skins or rough cloths were spread on the ground, showing all sorts of goods: rusted swords, armor, strange-colored potions, monster hides, and bones. There were also stone fragments with old markings and weird plants that had no names.
The crowd was a mix of adventurers, mercenaries, merchants, and some shady characters who looked like trouble. The air was thick with the sounds of people arguing over prices and bragging.
The Foresight team caught the attention of several sellers. After all, they were an Orichalcum Rank team with a good reputation—"high-quality customers." But when the sellers saw Ilya, they froze. Stunned by her beautiful silver armor and her looks, they momentarily forgot to sell their goods.
Ilya strolled through the market, her blue eyes scanning the stalls. Using her [Divine Domain Insight], she understood the items instantly.
'Broken magic sword, almost no magic left, poor quality...''Low-grade healing potion, mixed with too much water. It is only one-third as strong as a normal potion and might be slightly poisonous...''Lizard scales pretending to be dragon scales. They have no magic resistance...''Stone with old Elven writing, but it is too worn to read. Only collectors would want it...'
Conclusion: A pile of trash.
In the game YGGDRASIL, this was the kind of junk that even new players wouldn't pick up. They would just sell it to shops for a few copper coins. However, the messy atmosphere of the common people was a new experience for her. It was like visiting a "retro game market" with a realistic style.
The members of Foresight were also looking at the stalls. They were experienced enough to know which items were useful and which were scams. Hekkeran found some good arrows and antidotes and began to haggle. Roberdyck took an interest in a hard shell, thinking it could be made into a new shield. Linette looked at trap parts and poison materials.
Arche felt calmer as she browsed the stalls. Suddenly, her gaze was drawn to a small stall in a corner. The seller was a small figure in a torn cloak. Only a few items were on the stall: a dark-red crystal, a rusty dagger, and a small book bound in leather.
The book attracted Arche. She faintly sensed an ancient magic coming from it, related to souls or contracts. Thinking of her family's secrets and her future, she was very interested.
She picked up the book; it was cold to the touch. The leather cover had no writing. Inside, the pages were made of old hide, covered in strange symbols and drawings. Arche couldn't understand it at all, but she felt a connection to it.
"Boss, how much for this?" Arche asked calmly.
The seller raised a thin hand and showed a number. His voice was rough: "Fifty gold coins."
Fifty gold coins! That was a lot of money. It was the same as a reward for a difficult mission. Arche frowned. She had the money, but she needed to be careful. She was about to argue the price...
Just then, a hand in silver armor reached out and took the book.
Arche was startled. It was Ilya. She had walked over, also interested in the items.
Ilya flipped through the book. With her powers, she understood the meaning instantly. It was an old contract for demons to trick humans. To her, it was a poorly written book about demon laws. It was worthless and even a bit funny.
Seeing Arche's serious face, she tossed the book back to her.
"You want this?" Ilya asked.
Arche caught the book and nodded. "Ye-yes... I felt it might be..."
Before she could finish, Ilya turned to the seller. She flicked her finger, and a glowing magic gem landed on the cloth. It was worth much more than fifty gold coins.
"Keep the change," Ilya said. She acted like she had just bought a common pebble, not a book of dark magic.
The seller was shocked. He quickly grabbed the gem and hid in the shadows.
Holding the book, Arche looked at Ilya, unsure of what to say. Fifty gold coins was a lot to her, but to Ilya, it was nothing. This sudden gift left her both thankful and nervous.
"Miss Ilya... this is too expensive... I..."
Hekkeran and the others also noticed. Seeing Ilya casually pay for something expensive for Arche, they felt a jolt of awe. This lady was generous to those she liked.
Ilya waved her hand to stop Arche's thanks. She looked at the other items before losing interest. "It's nothing," she said. She looked at the team and Ivy.
"Here, take these as well."
She reached into the air, and five crystals appeared in her hand. Four were black with a red light swirling inside. The fifth was deep purple. She tossed the four black crystals to the team and gave the purple one to Ivy.
The group scrambled to catch them. The crystals felt warm but heavy, as if they carried great power.
"Small gifts for you," Ilya said. "If you run into trouble you can't handle, or if you're about to die, crush it. I will appear by your side." She paused and smiled. "No delay."
She gave them a wink and wagged her finger.
A way to call her instantly? A life-saving charm?!
The team's eyes went wide, their hearts pounding! As adventurers, they knew exactly what this meant. This was like having a second life! No, it was even better. With this lady helping them, they could survive anything.
They were incredibly happy and shocked. Roberdyck's hand shook as he held the crystal. Hekkeran took deep breaths to stay calm. Linette gripped her crystal tightly, her face turning red with excitement. Arche held the crystal and the book to her chest, finally feeling safe.
Ivy didn't fully understand, but she saw how excited the adults were. She tucked the purple crystal into her pocket and bowed. "Thank you, Big Sister! Thank you!"
"Alright, stop with the 'Lady' talk," Ilya said with a wave of her hand. "Just call me Ilya from now on."
"Yes! Miss Ilya!" the four replied together. They were very respectful. Even though she told them to use her name, they still used "Miss."
Linette looked at Ilya. She looked perfect in her silver armor, her hair flowing like moonlight. Seeing how Ilya effortlessly gave out such gifts, Linette felt awe and envy. If only I could be that strong and free. She touched her short hair and wondered if she would look better if she let it grow long.
"Let's go to the Arena," Ilya said, done with the market. She turned toward the direction Hekkeran had pointed out. "I want to stretch my legs a bit."
Stretch her legs? At the Arena?
The members of Foresight looked at each other with excitement. They knew Ilya was powerful, but they hadn't seen her fight yet! To see her in action was a once-in-a-lifetime chance!
Arche thought of the strongest warriors in the Empire. But compared to the "sea of stars" she had seen, they were nothing. She even imagined Ilya kicking a famous fighter's head like a ball. She quickly shook her head to stop the image. No, Miss Ilya looks so divine. She wouldn't be that brutal... right?
On the way to the Arena, Foresight tried their best to please her. Whenever they passed a snack stall with a good reputation, they would buy the best treats and give them to Ilya. Roberdyck even pushed through the crowds just to buy a special meat wrap.
Ilya didn't refuse, eating as she walked. She moved gracefully but fast. She judged the flavors, mostly calling them "simple" or "okay." Ivy was amazed by how much Ilya could eat.
Soon, a huge stone building came into view—the Imperial Grand Arena. Even from outside, they could hear cheers and the sound of swords. The air smelled like sweat and excitement.
The guards at the gate recognized the Foresight team.
"Captain Hekkeran, here to bet today?" a guard asked. He stared at Ilya, confused. She didn't look like she belonged in a place like this.
Hekkeran paid the entry fee and lowered his voice. "We are with Miss Ilya. She wanted to take a look inside."
The guard took the money and looked at Ilya. He wisely chose not to ask more questions. He waved them through. "Please, come in. There are some good matches today. Enjoy the show."