Walking through the streets of Tavenas undeterred and unbothered created an overstimulating feeling in the minds of Elijah and Niko. While walking, they thoroughly discussed their goal of joining what they suspected to be the "Adventure Guild".
The fact that there were two people who had clearly said they signed up for this area painted this idea in their head. The tracking of beast hunts is an absolutely necessary part of successfully maintaining a safe environment as efficiency means everything.
Slowly, the two of them noticed the architecture became far more refined the deeper they went into Tavenas.
Like Richter had explained, his flat was on the edge of the hunting district — on a cliff that peered into a dense number of trees, blocking the view in front of them. The normal limestone and wooden houses slowly turned into a condensed layout with townhomes, apartments, small alleys, and a road that slowly curved into different directions.
It was obvious they were nearing the heavily populated sections of Tavenas.
The hunting district was bustling with people carrying and hauling goods with the use of horses, and sometimes automated carriages that seemed to be powered by something similar to an engine. Of course, Elijah assumed magic played a part in its movement, but not a part large enough that overshadowed the engineer who built the complicated contraption.
"We need to learn more about runes here. They seem to have more uses than Astraea, yet it seems like the people don't rely on their methods as much." Elijah tapped Niko's shoulder.
All the buildings lined up next to each other were three stories with some of them adorned with balconies that stuck out from the natural symmetry. A tasteful piece of its magnificence were how the towering and thick trees still continued to live in tasteful and suitable places — protecting the people from the heat in the hotter seasons. However, the more they traveled to where it seemed a main road intersected, the less trees they encountered.
Eventually, Elijah and Niko had reached a massive stone courtyard filled with what looked like stands, fountains, and kids kicking soft balls around with their feet.
Shouts of different words exclaiming to buy or sell goods were constantly being heard.
"I think we came to the right place, Niko. Although, I am worried about taking these beast cores out of my spatial storage." Elijah said while walking next to Niko through the thickness of the people.
"Start taking them out now and let's split them up. You only have three right?"
"Seven, I spent some time taking some beast cores before I rescued your clone." Elijah made sure to say the word "clone" when speaking about the situation. Knowing the nature of the crude ability, Niko could easily lose himself if he decided to move into his clone again.
"I knew it."
One by one, a glowing orange beast core came out of the black jacket like a magician. Yes, he did receive a stare or two, but it did not matter as they only saw one beast core come from within his jacket while walking past a few families.
"Beast cores! Hey kid, that glowing ball! How much do you want for it?!" From a large wooden stand with a green and white cloth covering was a smaller man — about 5 feet and 6 inches, black hair, and a simple mustache — waving Elijah and Niko over.
Elijah only chuckled because of his choice of words. It was obvious he was trying to rip them off in a playful way.
"I think we found our guy." Niko said while beginning to walk in his direction.
"Welcome to my store young ones, my name is Bonwick! It is not even midday and you have already brought me gifts! Incredible! You both must be strong!" Bonwick had a chippy and cheery attitude with all kinds of hand motions. Unfortunately for him, Elijah and Niko were not ones to have their emotions swayed within a situation like this.
"We received these cores as gifts, I believe they came from embergators's. We are just looking to seek them for a good price." Elijah was the first to speak.
"Haha, well you came to the right place.Any beast core's price is dependent on its size and stage. It's all up to the buyer or seller to change their price based on the supply and demand. I will buy each of these for 70 Genny."
Not knowing what the average price of an orange beast core of this size, Elijah and Niko were in quite the situation.
"We don't want to waste your time, so we will talk to other merchants to get an idea of a fair price. I hope we eventually sell ours to you." Elijah said while pulling Niko to the side and shoving his beast cores into his spatial storage ring secretly in his jacket. "We should sell them in batches to get the most out of the merchants. That is if the merchants don't give us a good price…"
Over an hour passes by, and the hunger of the two stooges looking for the most amount of Genny possible. So far, they have sold three beast cores for 100 each, and are looking for the same price. This resulted in them returning to Bonwick to negotiate.
While it was a little troublesome, they were happy with a price of 85 Genny, considering their hunger and the fact that not a single person was interested in buying orange beast cores for 100 — let alone 90.
"Bonwick, I do have one more question. I really like you and want to garner a relationship with you in the future for selling my goods. However, I am not an affiliated hunter yet. Can you point me in the direction of the place where I can sign up?" Elijah asked while stuffing half of the rectangular brown paper bills into his inside jacket while giving Niko the other half.
"Ah yes. That would be the Tavenas Adventure Guild next to the Orneas Pantheon. Trust me it is impossible to miss, even the adventure guild. However, the walk is a bit much, if you like, can I help you grab a carriage?"
"That's okay Bonwick, we haven't eaten anything today and will be treating ourselves. Do you have any recommendations?" Niko added while he noticed Elijah was thinking.
"Haha! I have just the place for you two. Treefell! Do you see that tree that is taller and wider than the rest? Well, that is one of the most famous restaurants of Tavenas and serves the signature dish, Storm of Arrachera!"
Elijah and Niko's eyes could help but widen. While this merchant was trying to short them just half an hour ago, they couldn't help but acknowledge the man's talent at lifting one's spirit.
"Bonwick, please allow me to shake your hand! We will sell our future beast cores to you in the near future. Have a beautiful day!"
What Elijah had said before leaving grew a wide smile on Niko's face. It seems like Elijah is finally returning to his true self, or subconsciously revealing layers based on the emotions of others…
Maybe, Niko is being played by the fake emotions of Elijah!
A good meal that was not at all too expensive based on how much Genny they had earned — 30 Genny per person, created a scene unlike anything they have ever witnessed. The huge towering tree was carved out from the inside, layered with an uncountable number of supports and organic life to keep the tree alive, and has at least eight floors with different restaurants and other unknown places.
Upon entering Treefell, they were greeted by an expertly trimmed statue made of a thick bush. From the first glance, they saw a woman with a simple face, and straight long hair. This woman wore a simplistic robe, and stood with her had casually held high.
The spiral staircase was another sight to behold, and rounded the base of the tree until the first floor, later splitting into a smaller spiral staircase leading to the other floors.
After catching a table on the fifth floor, they looked towards the few others who sat down. It was likely two hours before noon, explaining the lightly packed restaurant.
A large piece of Arrachera steak wrapped into the shape of a hurricane while stuffed with an assortment of different sauces and vegetables was placed on their table after 25 minutes of waiting.
Sixty Genny down the drain, but a satiating meal that quenched their hunger for a nearly perfectly cooked meal.