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The bustling streets of Valeria City stretched ahead as Orion and Elara left the weapon shop behind, their next destination set—the Iron Fang Pavilion's Pill Shop. Unlike the clang of metal from the blacksmiths or the chatter of traders in the marketplace, this district carried an air of refinement.
The scent of rare herbs and crushed spirit ingredients grew stronger as they neared the grand building. The shop's entrance was marked by a curved golden arch, intricate carvings of medicinal plants winding along its surface. Inside, elegant wooden shelves lined the walls, displaying rows of carefully labelled pill bottles and ornate jade boxes. Each container shimmered faintly; a sign of the potent magic infused within.
The air was thick with the rich aroma of alchemical ingredients, laced with the gentle scent of incense. Attendants in pristine uniforms moved gracefully, handling transactions with a practiced ease.
Elara inhaled deeply, her bright blue eyes widening. "Brother, it smells so… refreshing."
Orion gave a small nod as he took in the surroundings. "This place Atmosphere different from the Armoury. This place feels… calming."
A soft chuckle broke through their thoughts.
"Impressed, my lord?"
Orion turned to see Laura Valtor, standing with her usual air of confidence. Her black hair cascaded over one shoulder, and a playful smirk adorned her lips. She twirled a strand of her hair between slender fingers, golden eyes gleaming with amusement.
"Pills hold more than just power," she mused, stepping closer. "They carry life itself. A single pill can turn the tides of battle or save someone on the brink of death. A warrior's blade may cut down a foe, but a pill determines whether he lives to see another fight."
Orion's interest piqued. "Then guide me. Show me what's worth buying."
Laura's smile deepened as she gestured for them to follow. "With pleasure, my lord."
Laura picked up a small jade bottle, opening it slightly to release a faint green glow. "The Emerald Vitality Pill—pure healing in its essence. One of these can close severe wounds within moments, stop internal bleeding, and restore vitality. Warriors keep them for emergencies, as a single pill can mean the difference between life and death." Elara's eyes sparkled in awe, but Orion remained contemplative.
Laura slid her fingers over another case, revealing a golden pill with swirling red veins. "This is the Titan's Essence Pill. It fortifies the body, refining muscles and bones, enhancing endurance, and even increasing a cultivator's base strength. However, the process is painful—your body must endure the tempering."
Orion nodded, knowing the value of such a pill.
Laura lifted another bottle, inside of which a faintly glowing blue pill swirled in mist-like energy. "This Spirit Purification Pill cleanses impurities in the mana veins, allowing a cultivator to circulate energy more efficiently. It's especially useful for those who have absorbed too many mixed energies, as it restores balance to their core. "Elara tilted her head. "That sounds amazing! Brother, do you need one?"
Orion shook his head slightly. "My cultivation method naturally purifies my mana. But you might find it useful."
Elara blinked, surprised, but warmth spread in her chest.
Laura's expression turned playful as she picked up a dark red pill.
"And this… is the Fire Vein Pill. It grants temporary resistance to fire-based attacks and enhances flame affinity for a short duration. Very useful for those specializing in fire-based cultivation."
Orion didn't hesitate long. He made his choices, selecting a few Emerald Vitality Pills, Titan's Essence Pills, and Spirit Purification Pills.
As he placed them on the counter, he turned to Elara. "Elara, pick some for yourself as well."
Elara's eyes widened. "Brother, you're getting some for me?"
He gave a small smile. "Of course, silly. You need to grow strong too."
A bright smile lit up Elara's face, her fingers tightening around the pill bottles. Her brother's care meant everything.
Laura, watching their exchange, smirked. "You have a kind heart, my lord."
Orion ignored her teasing tone. "Anything else useful?"
Laura's expression turned thoughtful. "If you're interested, I have some rare herbs in stock, my lord."
She led them toward a separate section of the shop where shelves held jars of dried herbs, roots, and petals, each labelled with delicate calligraphy. The air was heavier here, the mingling scents of earthy ginseng, crisp frost leaf, and fiery phoenix petals intertwining.
She picked up a Moonshine Root, its silver leaves faintly glowing. "This strengthens a cultivator's resistance against poison. Quite valuable."
She gestured to a Blazing Sun Herb; its petals red like fire. "This enhances fire affinity, much like the Fire Vein Pill, but works over time."
Orion examined the herbs carefully, but none caught his attention. Some were too strong for his current needs, while others had no use for him. However, after a moment, his gaze settled on a bundle of frost leaf and a few supporting herbs—ingredients similar to the ones he used earlier for his own alchemy.
He picked them up.
Elara tilted her head and asked in confusion and curiosity. "Brother, what you do we this herb?"
Orion glanced at her and smirked slightly. "Surprised!"
Elara glared him and asked with twinkled eyes, "what surprised, Brother tell me, I promised not leak what you planned."
But Orion smiled on her act and not reveal anything. After in defeat she pouted. And Orion just shake his head on her antiques.
After their purchases were packed into small wooden boxes, Orion turned to Laura. "Do you have any magical accessories?"
Laura's eyes flickered with amusement. "Of course, my lord. Right this way."
She led them to another section of the shop where accessories section was adorned with glass cases containing enchanted rings, pendants, bracelets, and hair ornaments. Soft candlelight flickered against the polished gemstones, casting a mesmerizing glow.
Orion's gaze settled on a wooden stand, where two twin hairpins rested. One shimmered deep blue, the other pure white, their intricate engravings glowing faintly with runes.
Laura followed his gaze and smirked knowingly. "An excellent choice. These hairpins are imbued with Protective Enchantments. They create a slight defensive barrier against harmful magic—a fitting gift for someone precious."
Orion nodded. "I'll take them."
Elara's expression softened. "Brother, these… are for Mother and Mother Celia?"
He glanced at her; his expression warm. "Yes. I've never given them anything before, and I want to."
Elara felt her throat tighten with emotion. They would love them.
Then Orion turned toward Elara and said with smile, "I also never give you anything why not you also pick something for you."
Then, Happily, she turned to Orion. "Brother… can I really pick something too?"
Orion chuckled. "Of course, silly."
Her gaze landed on a silver bracelet adorned with tiny, water-shaped gemstones. It radiated a faint cooling aura, a sensation of gentle waves against the skin.
Laura picked it up, smiling. "Ah, the Aqua Veil Bracelet. It enhances water affinity users' mana control and grants slight resistance to fire-based attacks. A perfect choice for the young miss."
Orion smiled. "Then we'll take that as well."
Elara clutched the bracelet, feeling warmth spread through her chest. The first gift from my brother…
As they completed their purchases, Laura's golden eyes gleamed with mischief.
"My lord, shopping can be exhausting. Or… perhaps you've noticed it's already noon?" She stepped closer, her voice like silk. "How about joining me for lunch?"
Orion, caught slightly off guard, hesitated. Before he could respond—
"There's no need, Brother! We should head back!"
Elara's voice was sharp with irritation. Her blue eyes burned with clear disapproval as she watched Laura's not-so-subtle flirting.
Laura merely smiled, eyes sparkling in amusement. "Why rush, young miss? Food tastes better in good company."
Orion, glancing at Laura's anticipatory gaze, sighed inwardly. He knew she didn't mean a single word of her flirtations—it was just her nature. But… he was feeling a bit hungry.
"Alright, let's have lunch," he decided.
He turned to Elara. "Elara, let's eat with Miss Laura. I'm a little hungry too."
Elara gaped at him in betrayal while Laura's smirk widened in triumph.
"Excellent, my lord. Follow me."
Before they made their way toward the Iron Fang Pavilion's restaurant, Orion turned to Commander Black and handed him a pouch of gold. "Commander, handle the final billing for me and Elara." The commander nodded without question, disappearing into the depths of the armoury.
Elara huffed, sulking as they made their way toward the Iron Fang Pavilion's restaurant with Orion and Laura.
One thing was certain—this lunch was going to be very interesting.