I approached the stall.
Even though I didn't fully understand the value of items here yet, I started by scanning what was available. My gaze moved across the display until something more eye-catching caught my attention.
I picked it up.
Its surface had a polished, almost radiant luster—completely different from the simple, ordinary look of the yin-yang pendant beside it.
"It's 75 CP," the merchant said. "A Tier 1 item. It contains an array that helps those with flame- or heat-oriented Origins gather elements."
I glanced at him.
Green skin. Tall. Slender.
…Orc?
Before I could think further, Li Shen's voice sounded in my mind.
"He raised the price. A normal Tier 1 item like that should be around 30 to 40 CP."
That gave me a clearer sense of the value.
I kept my expression neutral.
"You're overshooting the price, brother," I said calmly. "Even if I'm new, my teacher already explain a few things to me." well i'm not lying i thought to myself.
I let that settle for a moment.
Then I added,
"How about this—I'll take the necklace for 35 CP. And you include that pendant as a bonus."
I pointed at the yin-yang pendant.
"It may be ordinary, but I like the design."
The merchant shook his head slightly.
"Too low, my friend. How about 45 CP for both—and I'll include a high-durability chain for the pendant."
I pretended to consider it.
"Make it 40," I said. "Think of it as helping a new student… so he can still afford food for a few weeks."
The merchant studied me for a moment.
Then he smiled.
"Alright. 40 CP it is. By the way, name's Gromash. I deal in trinkets I find during my travels. Let's stay in touch."
"Eren," I replied. "New student."
He made a small gesture with his hand.
A panel appeared in front of me.
[Confirm Transaction]
Amount: 40 CP
Items: Red Sun Necklace, Pendant of Balance
[Yes / No]
I selected Yes.
At the same time, I followed the device's prompt and sent him a friend request. The system guided the process smoothly—clearly designed for first-time users.
He accepted almost immediately. His name appeared in my contact list.
I dismissed the panel with a thought.
Gromash wrapped the items, then attached a silver chain to the yin-yang pendant, turning it into a necklace before handing it over.
Even through the wrapping, I could feel a faint connection from it.
After saying goodbye—and telling him to contact me if he found anything interesting—I returned to Li Shen.
"Quite lucky," he said, glancing at the package. "Something that may help you in the long run."
Then, more quietly—almost to himself—
"…It seems I can speed up his training slightly."
Before I could ask, he continued,
"Come. The dorm isn't far."
The next moment—
My vision shifted.
He had grabbed me by the collar.
And then—
Everything blurred.
The world stretched and distorted as we moved at an overwhelming speed. Sound vanished. Space itself seemed to fold.
Then—
It stopped.
The moment my feet touched the ground, nausea hit me.
Hard.
I staggered slightly, forcing myself not to throw up.
"We're here," Li Shen said calmly. "Adjust yourself."
I barely heard him.
"Circulate the energy in your body," he continued. "From your core to your entire body. Don't worry about the path yet—just follow your instinct."
Clenching my jaw, I focused.
Slowly, I guided the flow inside me.
It was faint… unfamiliar… but present.
As it moved, the nausea began to fade.
My breathing steadied.
The world stopped spinning.
"Repeat that for everyday" Li Shen said. "Three hours. Once classes begin, I'll guide you further."
Feeling refreshed, I stood up after ending the meditation.
I took out the yin-yang pendant and tucked it beneath my shirt.
The moment it rested against my skin—
Something changed.
The energy within me began to flow more smoothly.
But… not normally.
It moved as if searching.
As if trying to find something inside my body.
Li Shen's eyes narrowed slightly.
For a brief moment, I felt completely exposed—like every part of me had been seen through.
"Tomorrow," he said calmly, "come to my office."
"I'll send you the location through your device, for now don't use the pendant, you can wear it after the first class." ending the conversation.