“I’m already in love with the place,” Rufus said, looking out of the carriage, “Let’s stay here for a while.”

“We’re not in a hurry, so a few days won’t hurt,” Termon nodded.

“I’m glad we chose Rethi to visit, it looks so peaceful,” Sahra said, also looking out of the carriage as it made its way down the city streets.

“I can’t wait to get out of this carriage and move around a little,” Prago said.

“You say that, but I bet you’ll still be in your room scribbling notes about runes the whole day,” Termon said.

“I said move around a little, not move around a lot,” Prago said.

Adion was also looking out at the city. He remembered that Sell advised Frank and his team to visit this place since it was her favorite city, so he was definitely going to go around exploring later. 

Adion was in a good mood, perhaps because arriving at Rethi meant that they were past the halfway point of their journey. During the previous three weeks of travel, since they left Ellia, Adion had felt like the journey would take forever. But now, Cyalis suddenly felt very close.

The carriage came to a halt, and one of the drivers opened the door to the carriage and bowed slightly to Termon, “Gold Termon, we have arrived at the hotel.”

“Good,” Termon nodded, “Let’s go, shall we?”

They stepped out to see a beautiful building, five stories high, looking like it had been carved out of marble. In Adion’s internal scale for fanciness, this hotel scored even higher than the Silver Diamond in Dorbarta. 

The group stepped out of the carriage and headed inside. Benji approached the receptionist and booked rooms for everyone, insisting on paying for Termon’s and Prago’s rooms as well.

“What do you say we rest for a while and then head out for dinner tonight?” Benji asked.

“That sounds like a wonderful idea,” Termon nodded with a smile, “Traveling for so long becomes tiring at my age, so I could use some rest.”

“I think three weeks in a carriage has tired us all,” Benji chuckled, “I’ll ask around for somewhere nice to eat and come get you at your rooms later.”

“Thank you, Benji,” Termon smiled.

Everyone headed for their rooms, and Adion had to admit he was a little disappointed as he opened the door to his. It was leagues above any inn he had stayed at, but compared to the Silver Diamond, it was significantly smaller. Just a small bed, a desk, and a small bathroom. It was clean and looked nice, but Adion had expected something grander.

Have I become accustomed to luxury so easily? This is still great. 

Adion looked around for a while, looking for a place to hide his backpack. But he gave up after a few minutes and decided to just bring it with him. 

Resting sounds nice, but I really need to stretch my legs. And I can’t tell Sell I visited Rethi without seeing anything.

Adion left the hotel and looked up at the bright sky. It was a joyous sight, as it had been cloudy for weeks. And even if it was cold outside, as it was still a few more weeks before spring would arrive, the sun had begun to warm. 

Adion started walking without a particular goal, looking at the buildings and the people. Most people were elves, something Adion had gotten used to as they had been in Iitha for a while now. Even if they didn’t stop anywhere for long, they still rested at a few towns along the way.

After 20 minutes of wandering about the city, Adion found himself in a bustling market. Vendors crowded both sides of the busy street, the passerbys haggling for whatever caught their eye. Adion started walking down the rows of vendors. The long street had everything from small stalls to big merchant caravans. From food to swords, no matter what you were looking for, everything seemed to be available.

Adion spotted a small stall selling accessories. A few women were gathered in front, trying on necklaces in front of a mirror. 

Maybe I should buy a gift for Sell. What would she like, though? 

Adion sharpened his eyes, looking for something suitable to bring her. 

Maybe that necklace? No. She’s a princess. I’m sure she has plenty of fancy jewelry already.

Adion continued searching, but eventually came to an insight.

I’m pretty sure Sell would have everything she wants already. In a much greater quality than anything here. 

Adion gave up on the idea of buying her anything. But immediately felt bad after making the decision. He had been picturing Sell’s reaction to receiving something, and he wasn’t willing to let that possibility go.

No. I’m sure I’ll find something eventually.

Adion felt motivated and started his search again. After a few minutes, he found himself in front of a wide stall that seemed to be selling antiques.

Actually, shouldn’t I buy something for Termon? I owe him a lot, after all. 

Adion took a few looks at the products for sale. Unfortunately, he had no expertise in distinguishing the worth of any antiques. It was a real possibility that he would end up with some trash in his hands. 

That would be embarrassing. Maybe I can find a store with a proper reputation selling antiques, so I know I’m not getting scammed. Maybe somewhere that sells paintings. I seem to recall that being Termon’s main interest. 

Adion decided to put Sell’s gift on hold for the time being. He might have a greater chance of getting it right if he asked Sahra for advice later. And giving a gift to Termon at dinner later would be perfect.

Adion approached a small food stall and ordered himself a grilled piece of beast meat wrapped in paper.

“By the way,” Adion said as he received his meal and handed over some money, “Do you know anywhere that sells paintings around the city? Someplace fancy?”

“Paintings? I’m sorry, I have no idea,” The old elf behind the stall responded.

“If you have the money, ‘Hevima’ is famous in the city,” A young elf that had just ordered before Adion said, “It’s run by a painter of renown across all of Iitha.”

“Oh? That sounds perfect. Do you know where it is?” Adion asked.

The man smiled and gave Adion some instructions. Fortunately, it wasn’t many twists and turns to get there. Adion thanked the man and hurried off.

After fifteen minutes of walking around, only asking for directions once on the way, Adion found himself in front of a two-story building with a sign saying ‘Hevima.’

Adion was a little apprehensive, as the building didn’t lose much against the hotel he was staying at in terms of fanciness. Adion even felt that a Gold mage was inside, and as he released his space mana to get a feel for the place, he deduced that the Gold mage was actually working there as a guard.

What kind of painter can hire a Gold mage as a guard?

Adion didn’t dwell on the matter for too long, though.

Might as well take a look. If I can afford it, it would be a perfect gift to Termon.

As Adion stepped inside, he took a quick look around before nodding to the Gold mage by the door in greeting. The Gold mage completely ignored him.

Adion released some more of his space mana and could feel that besides a man behind the counter further into the store, there was only one other person in the building. 

Someone is on the floor above. Is that the painter?

Adion looked around at the paintings lining the walls. Even at a glance, he could tell that they were made by an expert. But Adion still couldn’t just trust his senses on something like this, so he made his way to the clerk who seemed to be working there.

“Excuse me,” Adion said, grabbing the middle-aged elf’s attention, “I’m looking for a painting for an acquaintance. Unfortunately, I’m not very well-versed when it comes to paintings. Do you think you could help me?”

The man looked at Adion briefly before answering, “Have you come here before?”

“Er, no? This is my first time in Rethi,” Adion answered.

“Right,” The man nodded, “Just a moment, take a look around in the meantime.”

“Okay,” Adion nodded. He watched how the man entered a door behind the counter.

That was…weird. I didn’t sense any ill intentions, though. He was only a Silver mage, so I don’t think he would be able to fool me.

Adion felt through his sphere of space mana that the man was heading upstairs and hadn’t run off anywhere, so he left the matter behind. 

He decided to take a quick look around and see if any of the paintings managed to catch his interest. As he stopped in front of the first one, Adion had to admit he was completely enthralled. Half the painting was just the back of a man’s head. From the looks of it, it was an old man. He was sitting alone at a table in a busy tavern. People of all ages were laughing and drinking in the background.

Even though it wasn’t much, Adion almost felt that he could somewhat feel what the old man was feeling. It was a very bittersweet emotion.

I can tell all that just from the back of his head? Am I just imagining things? 

Adion stared for a while before looking for a price tag. He couldn’t find any, but he saw a small plaque with the name of the painting. As he read it in his mind, a voice behind him said the name out loud.

“‘Hermillin’s last drink,’”

Adion turned around to see an old man standing behind him.

Was I so occupied by the painting that I didn’t notice him approaching?

The old elf stared at Adion for a while before speaking, “Do I have something on my face?” He asked, lifting an eyebrow questioningly.

“I’ve never seen a bald elf before,” Adion responded. It was a particular sight, not a single hair on his head.

Don’t old men usually grow a beard when their hair starts falling out?

The old elf remained silent, simply reaching behind his back to put a hat on his head.

“Sorry,” Adion said, “Are you the painter? It’s very good.”

The old elf approached the painting and scrutinized it for a while. Adion took the opportunity to feel the old man’s aura and was shocked to discover that he was actually a Diamond mage.

How didn’t I notice earlier? And a Diamond mage that paints? I never thought someone that strong would spend his time painting. And the first thing I did was call him bald. Thankfully, he doesn’t seem upset.

“Nostalgia is a very powerful emotion,” The old elf said, “Perhaps second only to love. I have found the emotion to only grow more bitter with age, but also so much sweeter. I had the thought of someone experiencing the last bout of nostalgia in life. How powerful would that emotion be?”

Adion turned to look at the painting again, the old elf’s words ringing in his mind.

The last bout of nostalgia in one’s life.

“It’s beautiful,” Adion said earnestly, “You’re the one who painted it, right?”

“Mm,” The old elf nodded.

“Do you mind if I ask a question, Diamond…” Adion said.

“Quahim,” The old elf said, “No need for the formality. Ask your question.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Adion,” Adion introduced himself, “Why would a Diamond mage spend his time painting? Don’t you want to increase your strength? Reach the Soul stages?”

“I used to,” Quahim answered, still looking at his painting, “But now, I’m a painter by trade. I like to think that’s why they call it a trade; it’s what you choose to trade your time with. I could trade my time for something else, but trading it for painting seems fitting. What do you trade your time with?”

“Er,” Adion hesitated as Quahim turned to look at him, “Training, I guess. Getting strong. Otherwise, it won’t be up to me what I trade my time with.”

“Hm,” Quahim nodded, no change in his expression. “You’re here looking for a painting?”

“Yes,” Adion said, “I was thinking about getting one for a friend as a gift.”

“A girl?” Quahim asked.

“Wha-Er, no. It’s for an old man. He helped me out a lot and is interested in paintings.” Adion said.

“Let’s take a look then,” Quahim said, moving to the next painting.

He’s…a little odd, no? But he seems friendly. 

Adion followed Quahim to the next painting. It depicted a man sitting on a bench in what seemed to be a park. There was nothing spectacular about it, but it still caught Adion’s attention. He leaned over to look at the name. ‘Make someone else feel pain instead.’

Well, that's…a little depressing. Is this old man having it rough?

After looking at the painting for a while, they moved on to another one. It depicted a dead fly. That was it. It was incredibly detailed, though. But Adion didn’t think it would be an appropriate gift. He leaned over to read the name again. 

‘Not evil enough to live.’ These are all pretty depressing, aren’t they?

After looking a while longer, they moved on to yet another painting. Adion couldn’t help but wonder if Quahim was this helpful and patient with all his customers.

I hope I have enough money for one of his paintings. I would feel bad to waste his time like this otherwise.

The next painting was a pleasant surprise. It was of a small lake in a beautiful forest. The sun was shining, and the sky was colorful. Adion leaned in to read the name.

‘I feel clouds approaching.’ Are you kidding me?

“Do you only paint sad stuff?” Adion asked.

Quahim turned to Adion and smiled for the first time, “No. I just keep all the happy ones. They are my favorite.”

Adion was a little stunned but couldn’t help but smile himself.

Seems like I don’t have to worry about the old man ending it before his time.

“Well, I guess I’ll have to settle for a sad one then,” Adion said, “The prices…What range are we talking about?”

Quahim looked at the painting again and seemed to be thinking.

Is he deciding on the spot?

“I’m a little short on staff at the moment,” Quahim said, “If you help out around here for a month, I’ll let you pick any of my paintings. Even the happy ones.”

Adion was stunned once again.

Why would he want me to work here?

Adion had ignored the strange things happening so far since he didn’t sense any hostility. But it was impossible to ignore any longer.

“Why would you want me working here? Do you know me from somewhere?” Adion asked.

“No,” Quahim said with a slight smile, “I’m just a little curious about you.”

Can he feel something? He shouldn’t be able to.

“Why?” Adion asked.

“Why indeed,” Quahim mused, “Let’s do it like this then. You don’t have to work. I’ll teach you instead.”

“Teach me? Painting?” Adion asked.

“Do you have an affinity to shadow?” Quahim ignored Adion’s question and asked.

How does he know that? He can feel affinities in aura? I’ve never heard about that before. Thinking about it, it should definitely be possible…Does that mean he can feel my other affinities as well?

“How did you know that?” Adion asked, increasingly uneasy about the situation.

“Intuition,” Quahim shrugged, “So what do you say? Care to take me up on my offer?”

“With all due respect,” Adion said carefully, “This is a little too strange. And I am leaving Rethi soon. I can’t stay here for long.”

“Shame,” Quahim said, “Even at Cyalis Academy, I doubt you can find a Diamond mage with a shadow core.” As soon as he finished speaking, the entire room turned dark. Adion didn’t have time to panic, though. As quickly as the shadow had appeared, it disappeared again. 

As Adion regained his vision, he noticed Quahim was nowhere to be seen. He immediately focused on his sphere of space mana and found him standing by a window on the upper floor.

How did he get there so quickly? Shadow magic? He has a shadow core? Just who is he? Why does he want to teach me?

Adion didn’t feel like staying anymore; things had taken a very strange turn. He quickly made his way out of the store to clear his thoughts, keeping his senses alert in case anyone was following him.

This doesn’t make any sense!