After finishing her lecture, Rafaela left the room without another glance at Cale, her departure marked by the sharp click of her heels against the stone floor. All the students ran out of the hall as if they were children being released from detention, eager to escape the oppressive atmosphere and get back to their various pursuits around the academy grounds.
Cale later made his way to the capital's marketplace, but not the larger, more prestigious one where noble families conducted their business. Instead, he went to a smaller one frequented by lower-class merchants selling cheap goods and refurbished items. The noise was overwhelming—vendors calling out their wares constantly.
Every vendor was trying to sell their items—"all kinds of refining crystals, don't miss out!"
"Mister, miss, please take a look at what we have!"
"Here, buy this bronze armor set, only eight hundred silver coins!"
