The "Immaterial Clock" of the masked boy read 2:11 PM.
The city air was mild, laced with fragrant breezes carrying scents of spices, charcoal smoke, flowers, and ripe fruit.
Isaac—Mirac beneath the mask—followed Blake through the streets of Raerno, keeping pace but letting the other set the rhythm.
Blake, unaware of the turmoil simmering beneath the quiet boy's calm exterior, seemed perfectly at ease.
His boots struck the cobblestones with a steady rhythm as he gestured broadly, describing shops, small bridges, and picturesque corners with enthusiastic words, as if he were the city's official guide.
Meanwhile, Mirac had already recalled the map of Raerno he'd studied the previous evening, when Blake had pointed out the best places to sell the Rogthars' organs.
Raerno, he remembered, had an orderly and easily memorable layout: a circular plan, surrounded by imposing walls that marked a clear boundary between the city and the surrounding nature.
From the city's center, four main avenues radiated outward, perfectly aligned with the four cardinal points. Each avenue connected the center to one of the four Access Gates, dividing Raerno into five major sectors: four districts and the center itself.
The names of the avenues were etched in Mirac's precise mind:
• Courage Avenue, leading to the North Gate.
• Loyalty Avenue, pointing to the East Gate.
• Compassion Avenue, descending toward the South Gate.
• Benevolence Avenue, linked to the West Gate.
These four avenues split Raerno into four wedges, or districts, each named according to its position:
• The Northwest District, also known as the "Association District", was the seat of the city's military power, housing arsenals, public training grounds, and—as the name suggested—the Headquarters of the Intercontinental Association Against Treats.
• The Northeast District, dubbed the "Prosperous District", was Raerno's most elegant and prestigious area. Its wide, quiet streets were lined with wind-sculpted cypresses and wrought-iron lampposts. It was home to noble residences like those of the Tharion family, hanging gardens, libraries, and cultural salons frequented by scholars and patrons. Here, architectural beauty merged with displays of power and knowledge.
• The Southeast District was a dense network of shops, warehouses, artisan workshops, and blacksmith forges. Often called the "Iron District", it carried the lingering scent of steel and maintenance oil in the air.
• The Southwest District, or "Civil District", was the most residential, populated by ordinary families, young apprentices, merchants seeking tranquility, wandering scholars, and even Blake, who described the area as "lively enough not to be boring, but quiet enough not to drive you mad." Its often-disorderly streets conveyed a sense of lived-in, spontaneous everyday life.
Blake clarified, however, that despite each district's dominant character, neither residences nor civic and cultural buildings—like libraries, schools, offices, or hospitals—were strictly confined to one area.
Homes, for instance, were scattered everywhere: from aristocratic palaces with manicured gardens in the East, to dwellings overlooking inner courtyards in the West, to row houses, inns, apprentice dormitories, and apartments above shops in the busier southern districts.
Even the nobles, while favoring the quiet prestige of the Northeast District, often owned secondary residences in the South, where business flowed quickly and money changed hands with ease.
Similarly, the Guild Halls were distributed fluidly, scattered and embedded across the city's districts.
Raerno was like that: built with rigor but lived with flexibility.
Beneath the apparent geometric order of its layout lay a vibrant urban life in constant motion, where social rules were more fluid than the walls suggested.
As he walked, Mirac calculated that the journey from the inn "The Blazing Pot"—located in the Northwest District—to the Square of Affairs would take no more than fifteen minutes, given Blake's brisk pace.
He then took advantage of that time to reflect and observe every detail of the city, with the detached and calculating eyes of someone who did not originally belong to that world.
The city's radial plan, with its four main avenues arranged in a cross and converging at the bustling heart, reminded him of Palmanova, a city from his old world whose maps he'd seen in a geography book.
Founded by the Venetians in 1593, it was known as the "star city" for its nine-pointed, star-shaped polygonal layout, designed with almost obsessively perfect radial symmetry.
Raerno, however, was more circular and felt like a livelier, messier version, where urban geometry coexisted with the colorful chaos of markets and crowds.
The appearance of the houses, with their red terracotta roofs standing out everywhere above the pale stone walls, reminded him of another city he had glimpsed in a different book in his previous life: Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
That striking contrast between the vivid red of the roofs and the whiteness of the façades seemed to come from his old world, as if a fragment of medieval Europe had been embedded in that distant landscape.
'I wonder if, somewhere in this world, architecture was ever influenced by a reincarnator…' Mirac thought.
* * *
After navigating a series of lively alleys and quieter side streets, the duo crossed a white stone arch bridge, finally emerging into a wide open space between the buildings.
"Here we are!" Blake announced. "This is the economic heart of Raerno: the Square of Affairs!"
Mirac was stunned by the sight.
'Wow!' he exclaimed inwardly, an instinctive reaction, as his gaze wandered across the bustling activity of the vibrant square.
The expansive, octagonal plaza opened before them like an arena teeming with life.
At its center stood a monumental fountain depicting a winged dragon spouting water from its gaping jaws, surrounded by a low stone wall where citizens sat to rest or chat.
Around the fountain, the pavement was adorned with vibrant geometric mosaics—red and blue—forming abstract patterns, worn by the passage of carts and feet but still splendid under the sunlight.
The square was an explosion of colors, sounds, and smells.
The air was thick with contrasting aromas: the enveloping scent of freshly baked bread, the sharp tang of new leather, the tantalizing aroma of exotic spices, and the metallic whiff of freshly polished objects.
Along the perimeter, market stalls were neatly aligned, sheltered by striped linen canopies in vibrant colors that provided shade for the merchants and their wares.
The merchants, with shrill voices and theatrical gestures, tried to attract the attention of passersby, proudly displaying their goods.
A constant stream of citizens, Adventurers, and travelers moved among the stalls, mingling in an endless whirl of haggling, trading, and conversations, while horse- or ox-drawn carts crossed the square toward warehouses or other unloading points.
Mirac observed the stalls closely, noting the variety of products for sale.
It was a true microcosm of commerce:
Fragrant spices and exotic ingredients—from cumin to saffron, from Pitukan Flower to Western Verdlith Forest Fir Bark—mingled with wild herbs like mountain thyme and Quaen Sage, alongside rare roots and dried mushrooms with a faint alchemical potion-like scent.
Rolls of silk, linen, and wool in vibrant colors hung next to fur-lined cloaks and sturdy leather boots. In one corner, tunics woven with silver threads glimmered in the light, destined for mages or—if fortune allowed—nobles.
Sharpened swords, battle axes, and ashwood bows were arranged on wooden racks, while reinforced leather armor, polished helmets, and shields engraved with runic symbols seemed to emit a faint magical glow.
Among jewelry and amulets—Sea Crystal necklaces, rings with ancient inscriptions, bronze and silver bracelets—merchants swore by the infallibility of protective charms or talismans to attract good fortune.
Baskets brimming with Fennavar Red Apples, Raan Blue Pears, and wild berries sat alongside wheels of aged cheese, jars of Golden Honey, and rows of smoked sausages hung like aromatic garlands.
Amid the enticing aroma of food, stacks of leather-bound tomes and hand-drawn maps told tales of distant lands like the Eryndor Forest or the mysterious Ice Archipelago.
Even Griffin Feathers, Troll Teeth, Lava Salamander Scales, and tiny pouches of Dried Fairy Dust found their place among wrought-iron lanterns with colored glass, carved pipes, and statuettes of Dragons or Wyverns, each with its own story—true or fabricated—to whisper to those who listened.
As his eyes wandered among the stalls, Mirac noticed price tags displayed next to the goods: clear numbers accompanied by a stylized coin symbol with a spiral etched in its center.
This was the currency of Harmony, called the Quorin, the universal coin that circulated throughout the continent!
The Quorin, as Mirac had learned while studying Economics with Professor Warnock, operated on a simple and intuitive decimal system: a single Quorin was made up of one hundred cents, small coins that jingled in the pockets of merchants and travelers.
These coins came in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, primarily made of copper for the smaller denominations and a copper-nickel alloy for the larger ones, much like the old Europe of his past life.
Banknotes, used for larger transactions, circulated in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Quorins—a structure similar to U.S. dollar bills, though 1 and 2 Quorin notes were less common.
Crafted from a durable material with a subtle iridescent effect that reflected Armonia's inherent magic, the banknotes bore the sacred symbols of the Seven Deities, arranged according to the order of the Creation of the world.
The ascending value of the banknotes mirrored the order in which each Deity contributed to the making of the Supreme Creation: first Earth, as the material foundation of all things; then the Winds, governing the air; the Seas, filling the world with water; Day, providing the light necessary for life; Nature, nurturing plants and animals; Night, marking the cosmic cycle; and finally Fire, granted to humans to face the mysterious First Night.
On the back, the Quorin symbol was depicted alongside the note's value and a stylized map of the Kingdom associated with the Deity.
• The 1-Quorin note bore the symbol of Gneiss, Goddess of Earth and Mountains: a stylized mountain range dominated by a central peak with a crack revealing a gleaming eye, as if the Earth watched over the world. In warm beige with golden veins that shimmered like crystals in the light, it evoked the stability of the soil and the richness of minerals. The border was adorned with motifs of rocks, gems, and sparkling crystals.
• The 2-Quorin note featured the symbol of Arya, Goddess of Wind and Freedom: a stylized feather dancing in a vortex of wind, enveloped by ethereal clouds. Predominantly light gray with shades of pale blue like a morning sky, the note was decorated with cloud patterns, wavy lines, and small spirals evoking the movement of air.
• The 5-Quorin note displayed the symbol of Bluest, God of the Sea and Storms: a trident entwined with seaweed and shells, topped by a stylized wave. In aquamarine tones, with shades fading from deep blue to light green, it was framed by motifs of waves, currents, coral, fish, and starfish.
• The 10-Quorin note depicted the symbol of Sirio, God of Light and Knowledge: a radiant sun with rays intertwining to form an open book, symbolizing enlightenment and wisdom. In light gold with white accents, it recalled sunlight. The border featured geometric patterns evoking stars and rays of light.
• The 20-Quorin note bore the symbol of Mother Nature, Goddess of Nature and Fertility: a lush tree with leaves interwoven into a circle, symbolizing life and abundance. In vibrant green with darker green shades, it evoked sunlight filtering through foliage. The border was decorated with small motifs of flowers, fruits, plants, leaves, and vines.
• The 50-Quorin note showed the symbol of Nyra, Goddess of Darkness and Secrets: a crescent moon wrapped in a black veil, with barely visible stars. In deep black with silvery reflections, it suggested the mystery of the night. The note was adorned with delicate dark arabesques and motifs of tiny stars and mist, seeming to conceal something undefined.
• The 100-Quorin note carried the symbol of Kayro, God of Fire, Forge, and War: a blazing flame enveloping a blacksmith's hammer in the act of striking a glowing sword, symbolizing strength and creation. In intense red with orange and black accents, it evoked fire and ash. The border was decorated with motifs of flames, hammers, anvils, weapons, and sparks.
A kilogram of Fennavar Red Apples cost 2 Quorins and 50 cents, a well-forged sword could reach 80 Quorins, and a mid-quality magical amulet was priced around 15 Quorins.
Mirac, with his mind accustomed to cataloging every detail, found the system surprisingly practical and simple.
'Thank goodness it's not as complicated as the monetary system of the Loen Kingdom in "Lord of Mysteries": with pounds, soli, and pennies, it seemed designed to confuse anyone!' Mirac thought, huffing to himself.
As the duo wandered aimlessly through the market, Blake suddenly stopped beside a stall displaying daggers with finely decorated hilts, picking up one with a polished blade and a dragon-shaped engraving.
"Look at this, Isaac! Not bad, huh?" he said, holding up the dagger to show Mirac.
Mirac studied it for a moment, focusing particularly on the oak handle wrapped in leather.
In an instant, his abilities—"Instant Knowledge of Dimensions" and "Instant Knowledge of Mass"—provided every minute detail with their usual pinpoint precision.
In the blink of an eye, he knew the blade was exactly 24.72 centimeters long and weighed approximately 322 grams.
"Nice," Mirac commented, keeping his tone neutral. "But it seems to me more of a decorative and ornamental weapon than a practical one for combat."
"Oh, I see…" Blake's face fell with a hint of disappointment, the long face of someone who'd had high hopes, but he brushed it off with a light laugh, quickly returning to a smile as he set the dagger down. 'Maybe he's more of a sword guy?'
The tall, lanky boy stifled a grin, covering his mouth with his hand, then added:
"Come on, I'll show you another place you'll like! Or at least, I think you will…"
They continued through the crowd, delving deeper into the lively Square of Affairs, while Mirac kept his eyes wide open, taking in every detail around him.
Carmen's suggestion still buzzed in his mind: to find something unusual, something that could pass for "Fortuitous Knowledge."
He knew his abilities wouldn't reveal grand conspiratorial secrets, but perhaps—with a bit of attention and luck—he might stumble upon something out of the ordinary…
'No…' Mirac immediately countered himself. 'I can't afford to waste this chance to relax a bit! I need to clear my mind and enjoy every single moment of this afternoon. After all, I'd say I deserve a day of relaxation too…'
With that thought, he let out a soft sigh, his shoulders easing slightly.
His hazel-green eyes, until a moment ago sharp and rigid, softened into a calmer, almost curious gaze.
He had decided, at least for a while, to let himself go: not as a fugitive Prince, nor as a member of an organization he knew practically nothing about, but simply as an ordinary boy, wandering the city with a friend…
* * *
After crossing the entire square, dodging customers, carts, and the mingled scents of food and spices, Blake and Mirac emerged onto the North Avenue—Courage Avenue—and crossed it, sticking to the right side of the street to avoid the path of any hurried carts.
At one point, Blake turned right, taking a street that was neither too narrow nor wide enough for a cart to pass.
Raerno's streets, as Mirac had noticed, followed an orderly grid pattern, branching out parallel to the four main avenues like veins radiating from the city's pulsing heart.
The cobblestones under their feet echoed with a steady rhythm, accompanied by the distant hum of the Square of Affairs, which faded as they moved farther away.
After a few minutes of walking, the two stopped in front of a building that stood with a discreet yet imposing presence.
Its facade, made of smooth, pale stone, was simple but adorned with elegant details: slender columns framed the entrance, and a series of arched windows offered glimpses of a warmly lit interior.
Above the double doors, a carved wooden sign bore golden lettering that read:
"Raerno Central Library"
A thrill of excitement ran through Mirac.
In his previous life, books had been his greatest passion, a refuge where his curious mind found peace and adventure.
And even in this new world, that pull hadn't changed.
His eyes sparkled as he gazed at the building, barely able to contain his enthusiasm.
"As you can see, this is the Raerno Central Library," Blake explained, smiling and placing his hands on his hips. "There are tons of books here, and considering how sharp and clever you are, I thought a place like this might appeal to you…"
Mirac didn't hesitate, nodding with an enthusiasm he didn't bother to hide for once. "Yes, yes, you absolutely nailed it. I really love books!"
Blake, pleased with the reaction, nodded with a satisfied smile. "Awesome! Wanna head inside then?"
"Definitely, I'd love to!" Mirac replied, his tone brimming with genuine curiosity.
Without further delay, the two made their way toward the entrance of the Raerno Central Library.