As Aizel approached the man, he cleared his throat to get his attention. The man turned around with a wide grin on his face upon seeing Aizel.
"Good afternoon, I would like to buy a dagger,"
"Excellent, our shop has all the way from common to epic grade daggers with us.
"Which grade would you like to see, sir?"
Aizel took a moment to carefully consider his words before responding to the man's grin.
After a pause, he spoke firmly, "I'm looking for a rare grade."
"Excellent choice, sir! Wait a minute; let me bring you upstairs where rare-grade weapons are."
Aizel nodded quickly and followed the man upstairs, scanning the shelves for the rare-grade dagger he was looking for.
The second floor was crammed with weapons ranging from swords to axes, but Aizel remained focused on his goal, his eyes carefully scanning each item.
After some time, the man came to a halt in front of a shelf and pulled out a small wooden box.
"It's been ages since I have shown this dagger to someone," the man said.
As the man opened the box, a pure black dagger came into view, captivating Aizel. The dagger had an ominous aura around its shiny black surface that sent a chill down his spine.
"This weapon is called Dragonfang. A rare-grade weapon that is made from the fang of a dragon."
Aizel's eyes widened in surprise and curiosity as soon as the word "Dragon" left the man's lips.
"This dagger even comes with a unique power. It has the ability to absorb the life energy of its victim upon piercing their skin." Aizel's mind flashed back to Larisa's face as soon as he heard the words 'life energy'.
"Life energy stored within the dagger grants the wielder increased physical abilities, heightened senses, and a boost in magical power.
"It can also be used to heal injuries, enhance physical strength, or even summon a shadow puppet for the wielder."
"This dagger has some insane abilities and uses." Aizel thought.
"So... How much is it gonna cost?"
"1000 gold coins, just for you, sir."
Aizel couldn't shake the feeling of being ripped off by the vendor.
"I have 700 gold coins with me; take it or leave it," he said.
"I am sorry, sir; it's a rare-grade weapon with unique uses. 1000 gold coins is already a low price for you, sir."
"Fine! I will take it." Aizel reached into his storage ring and pulled out a pouch filled with gold coins. Handing it over to the shopkeeper, he swiftly stowed the rare dagger in his ring.
"I am poor again." He thought, letting out a sigh.
He then left the store and was strolling back towards the inn when he felt a jolt in the pocket of his robe.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out the Vespara skull card. He wondered exactly how did she manage to slip it into his pockets without him noticing.
Aizel manipulated mana on the Vespara skull card in his hand, and a white, whip-like energy rushed out of the card and into his thoughts.
"Come to the shop, NOW!"
Aizel felt a wave of confusion wash over him as he analyzed the information on the card. He made his way to the potion shop without delay.
As Aizel approached the potion shop, his gaze was drawn to Vespara, who was already waiting for him, dressed in a dark hooded robe.
"You are here; let's move." She said and started walking towards the city gate.
Aizel simply followed her.
"Where are we going?" he asked.
"We are going to meet someone. Just don't talk or ask anything when we meet the person."
Aizel's interest was piqued, but he chose to remain silent and follow Vespara to find out who they were meeting.
As they left the city, the rich foliage of the forest greeted them. They soon came across a slow carriage in the middle of the path.
As the carriage came to a halt, a figure stepped out, adorned in a shimmering silver robe. A hood concealed their face, but strands of their long silver hair cascaded down from it, swaying gently in the breeze.
Vespara remained motionless as the figure approached, waiting for them to get closer. Finally, the person in front of her came to a stop.
The individual lifted their hand in silence, and Vespara promptly placed a golden ring into their palm.
The hooded figure turned their attention towards Aizel and spoke, "Is this who you've chosen to be your disciple instead of me?"
"Yes," Vespara replied.
Without saying anything, the person made their way to the carriage and rode off, leaving Aizel and Vespara alone in the forest.
Aizel turned towards Vespara and asked, "Why does that person's voice sound neither like a man nor a woman?"
"The person was using an artifact to hide their real voice."
"Who was it?"
"It's better you avoid knowing for now; you are too weak." She replied.
"Then why in the hell did you even bring me here?" he asked in confusion.
"I was bored, and besides, I wanted to show off a little." As she responded, she stuck out her tongue playfully like a mischievous child.
"And one more thing." Suddenly she became extremely serious. "Now that there are no kids or Daisy around. I have something to tell you. It is very important, Aizel."
Aizel's throat clenched as he considered the potential cause of Vespara's extreme seriousness. Was his true identity discovered, or was there a threat lurking over them he was ignorant of?
He couldn't help but wonder what had prompted Vespara to adorn such a solemn look.
"Give me your hand quick!"
Aizel obeyed Vespara's instructions and extended his right hand in front of her.
"Close your eyes," Aizel took Vespara's hand in hers and she softly led it towards one of her big bosoms.
As Vespara guided Aizel's hand towards her chest, he hesitantly followed her touch until he felt the softness of her bosom in his grasp.
*mmm…*
Vespara's quick sensual moan caught Aizel off guard as he opened his eyes. He soon realized he had been groping one of her bosoms at her request.
Aizel immediately recoiled from Vespara's touch; his voice raised in alarm.
"You old hag, what the heck are you trying to do in the middle of the forest…."