CHAPTER 238: ALLY

Adyr stood before the Sparks he had captured during the night, a faint satisfaction in his eyes.

The Rank 2 Spark known as Nightmaw lay bound in thick ropes, its grotesque rat-like form still twitching faintly. Beside it were three more Rank 2s—not as massive, but equally valuable—and four Rank 1s, all silent and restrained.

Apart from the Sparks, he had looted a total of 496 energy crystals.

Even for him, the numbers were surprising. Considering Lucen and Malrik had also been hunting nearby, the fact that so many Sparks remained in the area was both unexpected and fortunate.

"I can probably make another 1000 to 1200 energy units just by selling them," Adyr thought, satisfied.

He hadn’t found a Rank 3, which was disappointing. One of those alone could have brought in more than a thousand. Still, this was enough. With what he had gained, he could upgrade two of his bloodline talents. That alone made the night worthwhile.

As the day began and the sun bathed the land in golden hues, Adyr tied all the Sparks into a single bundle.

The large rat-like Spark was placed at the bottom, while the others were piled neatly on top. Once tightly wrapped and bound with rope, Adyr grabbed the bundle and, instead of returning to Draven Mansion, headed straight for the market district, hoping to sell them while they were still fresh and convert them into energy crystals.

The market area was as grand and monotonous as ever. At its center stood a massive white tent, surrounded by smaller ones spread in a seemingly random but functional layout. Even though it was still early morning, the area already felt more crowded than usual.

The Legacy Domain event was approaching fast, and representatives and practitioners from surrounding kingdoms were swarming the region to observe and make their presence known.

Carrying a massive bundle of Sparks, Adyr didn’t stand out. The sight was common enough—many practitioners could be seen hauling Spark bundles either to sell or to buy, slung over their backs or arms.

As he moved through the crowded grounds, Adyr didn’t need to browse tent after tent in search of the best price. He headed straight for one of the smaller stalls, run by a familiar face—Maruun, an aqua-type Spark dealer who had become something of a teammate during his last visit.

The shop was empty, with Maruun tending to his Spark stock when he looked up and spotted Adyr entering with the bundle. ’’Look at this, my friend’s been working hard,’’ he said cheerfully.

His light blue, scaled skin shimmered under the sterile lights, and the gills on either side of his neck fluttered open and closed, as if trying to drink the air. His thick, fishlike lips curled into a wide grin that reached his fin-like, pointed ears.

To Maruun, Adyr wasn’t just another customer. He was a potential ally in the ongoing struggle against the Umbraen—a shared enemy. And for Maruun, that alone was enough to treat him like a close friend.

"I brought some stock. Thought you might be able to help me sell it," Adyr said as he placed the bundled Sparks in the center of the tent, his tone casual, almost like a fisherman unloading his catch at a market.

Maruun, already tending to his supply crates, turned with a ready nod. "Of course. Let’s have a look."

He crouched by the bundle, untying the cords and examining each creature with a thoughtful expression as they were revealed.

"These are solid Sparks," he murmured, lifting the Nightmaw’s massive head slightly by its hardened whiskers. "Especially this one. Investigative-type skill—one of the best you’ll find at Rank 2. The only downside is the size and the habitat requirements. Not everyone has the space to house it comfortably in a Sanctuary."

He evaluated each Spark without hesitation, assigning clear, fair prices with the practiced confidence of someone who knew exactly what he was doing.

Adyr could tell the prices were good, generous, even. Maruun wasn’t trying to squeeze out profit. If anything, it felt like he was offering a favor.

He’d make a perfect Astra path practitioner, Adyr thought, taking mental note of his straightforward generosity.

"All together, I can give you 1,250 energy-grade crystals. Sound good?" Maruun finally said, lips parting into a friendly grin.

"More than enough, brother. Thanks." Adyr matched the warmth in kind, accepting the pouch of purple crystals with a subtle nod.

With that, his reserve climbed to nearly 3,500. As Adyr weighed where best to invest the surplus, Maruun’s voice pulled him out of thought, laced with both amusement and a faint note of concern.

"I heard Kharom made quite the mess over in the Velari Kingdom."

He gave a short, throaty laugh as he added, "They say Lady Liora shattered a few of his bones. The bastard hasn’t dared step outside his estate since."

Adyr blinked. So the news had already reached here. That explained the warmth in Maruun’s welcome—and the slightly inflated prices.

"Yeah," he replied with a dry chuckle. "He picked the wrong place to act bold. He got what he deserved."

Maruun let out one last amused grunt, then his expression shifted. His eyes narrowed slightly, and he stroked his imaginary beard with his webbed hand, a gesture that had become oddly habitual.

"But watch yourself. They’re not the kind to swallow a slight. They’ll strike back while the flames are still hot. Especially his grandfather... Sevrak isn’t the sort to let things slide. He’ll come for you."

He wasn’t wrong. Even if Kharom had started it, Umbraens never took humiliation lightly.

"I know," Adyr said, casually tossing the pouch of purple crystals into the air and catching it again. "That’s why I’m pushing myself harder than ever."

Maruun’s eyes brightened, a spark of approval flickering there.

"That’s the spirit. Let’s make that pale-skinned fool pay for his arrogance inside the Legacy Domain." He seemed genuinely pleased with his current—and future—ally’s mindset.

Adyr was just as pleased, quietly satisfied by the trust his ’’ally’’ placed in him.