The streets stretched ahead, eerily silent. Anazitis, Halfy, and Lion moved through twisting alleyways, their footsteps the only sound breaking the stillness. The deeper they went, the more the world around them seemed to warp.
Once, these roads had been the heart of a grand city—majestic towers scraping the sky, streets bustling with life. Now, time had gnawed away at the buildings, leaving hollowed ruins. Crumbling stone, shattered glass, and vines reclaiming the land told the story of a civilization long forgotten.
Dust swirled in the air as the wind whispered through abandoned structures. Shadows flickered against cracked walls, moving almost too deliberately for mere trickery.
Finally, they reached their destination. At first glance, the building before them was nothing more than a decaying wreck. The roof sagged, walls leaned precariously, and a faded wooden sign dangled from rusted chains.
Yet, as they stepped closer, the illusion wavered.
The ruined facade rippled, as if reality itself were bending. The tattered walls shimmered, their decay peeling away like ink washed off a page. In its place rose a structure of intricate design—arched doorways laced with glowing runes, engraved symbols pulsing with a quiet hum. This was no ordinary shop.
Halfy blinked. "You can't believe this place exists here. What do people even think?"
A deep, amused voice rumbled from the walls.
"Long time no see, friends."
Anazitis crossed his arms, unimpressed. "I was literally here yesterday. Remember? Picked up some materials."
The stone pulsed faintly. "Ah yes… you come when you need something, then vanish again."
Halfy muttered with a smirk, "They call this the 'use-and-dispose' friendship."
The voice chuckled. "I suppose they do."
With a low vibration, the wall melted away, forming an open passage. The voice murmured playfully:
"It's always the same with you, my friend. You appear only when it benefits you… and then—poof!—gone again."
Halfy laughed. "The exploitative friend, as always."
Anazitis sighed. "You two are getting along too well."
Inside the Shop
The moment they crossed the threshold, the air changed.
Shelves lined the dimly lit interior—but these were no ordinary shelves. Some floated midair, their contents shifting of their own accord. Others twisted into impossible angles, defying gravity itself.
Enchanted weapons hummed with latent power, ancient scrolls whispered forgotten incantations, and glowing crystals pulsed like living hearts. Strange trinkets shifted in shape, while others radiated dark, ominous auras.
A young man leaned lazily against the counter, messy white hair framing a strikingly pretty face. His wide-brimmed hat bore a stitched grin that seemed almost alive. His piercing eyes flickered with amusement as he greeted them.
"Welcome," he said, smirking. "I'm Shina. If you're looking for something… without a ticket, you'll find it here."
Lion frowned. "Without a ticket? What does that mean?"
Shina didn't answer immediately. Instead, he gestured lazily at the shop, letting the oddities speak for themselves.
Lion's gaze landed on a dark, shadowy object locked inside a glass case. It pulsed slightly, like it was breathing. Instinctively, he reached toward it.
"I wouldn't," Shina said, tone casual yet firm.
"Why?"
"That's a cursed figure," Shina explained, smirk widening. "If you want to ruin someone's life… or make them nervous, just gift it. Popular among women… and men, surprisingly."
Anazitis let out a low whistle. "So that's what 'without a ticket' means, Lion."
Easy Money
Shina's gaze shifted to Halfy, eyes twinkling.
"By the way… want to sell some information? Your knowledge is valuable. Plenty of buyers."
Halfy raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And how much are we talking?"
Shina tossed a small leather pouch toward him. The distinct clink of gold coins filled the air. Halfy caught it, weighing the bag in his palm, a grin spreading across his face.
"Easy money," Halfy mused.
Anazitis and Lion stared, disbelief written across their faces.
"Wait… what just happened?" Anazitis asked.
Halfy chuckled. "Information isn't just about monsters or alchemy. The real money is in people—their secrets, fears, mistakes. Some will pay a fortune for the right details."
Lion whistled. "How many monsters do I have to smash to make this much gold?"
Shina smirked. "There are easier ways to get rich."
Halfy patted Lion's shoulder. "Dinner's on me, buddy. Want to learn something valuable?"
Magical Deliveries
Shina pulled out a small glowing card and flicked it toward Anazitis.
"A teleportation card," he explained. "Need shelter? Use it. You'll arrive here instantly."
Anazitis grinned. "Now that's useful."
Shina handed him a cloth bag.
"Your magical bird and mirror."
Inside, a small blue bird statue gleamed.
"Write a letter, place it inside, strike it… and it flies straight to the recipient."
Shina then held up a mirror. "This one creates a copy of you and sends it anywhere. Perfect if someone wants you dead."
Anazitis chuckled. "Just what we need."
He scribbled a letter, placed it in the bird, and handed it to Lion.
"Deliver this. Don't mess up."
Lion rolled his eyes but complied, flinging the bird into the sky. It glowed as it disappeared into the distance.
"The forest," Lion muttered.
A Warning and Departure
Back inside, Anazitis nodded. "We're leaving now."
Halfy waved. "Next time, I'll bring top-tier info. We'll be rich!"
Shina smirked. "Stay alive. Things are getting… strange out there."
At the forest's edge, Anazitis stretched. "Finally. Even with soul-speed, this took a while."
Lion smirked. "Well, I carried Halfy the whole way."
Halfy didn't react, lost in thought. I swear, I'll get that monkey's soul one day.
Anazitis placed the mirror on the ground. It rippled and expanded.
"Alright… let's go in."
But before they could move, shadows shifted.
A smooth, amused voice echoed from the darkness.
"Why do you keep avoiding me? I might start to feel… sad."
The air grew heavy.
Something was waiting.