440 Fall and Rise - XI
"As the livelihood of many people depends on trading, it has become a cultural thing to avoid the usage of mana devices as much as possible," Lishia added.
It was something new for all of them as they were used to seeing skyscrapers and an abundance of mana devices in their daily life.
But in Halcyon, people depended on using magic and not overly using mana devices.
It was a new scenery to see people use lower-tier magic, instead of mana tools.
As they walked around, they made multiple stops at many intriguing shops but they stopped at a big dome-like building.
"Is that the Trading Center?" Elena asked.
"Yeah," Lishia replied.
The biggest trading center in the Royal Capital where the most expensive items were sold and auctioned.
Many Hunters could be seen around this area buying things like weapons.
It was a place where most of the smaller guilds did all the trades and bought items for their members.
Even the World Association was involved in the trading center as it was mandatory to make sure all trade above a certain level were done in the trading center which was managed by the Royal Family itself.
"We can explore here later," Elena said.
"Hmm, I don't mind that, what about you guys?" Kevin asked.
Seeing that everyone nodded, they moved on towards their next direction.
While moving, Elena's eyes looked around as she tried to look around for any suspicious movements.
She was being cautious without making Kevin or others aware of it.
'It would be today,' Elena thought.
According to the information she had gained from her information network, whatever Leonard was planning would happen today.
She had no idea what he was doing, but Elena wanted to make sure Kevin wasn't involved in it.
Even though she had made a deal with Leonard, to corner Alyssa Astaria once and get information about Asher, she wasn't going to naively believe that Leonard would keep his promise.
It was better to be cautious and take precautions while also securing a favor with the son of the World Association Chairman.
She knew that having that favor would benefit them later on, and that's why she wanted to make sure whatever Leonard was planning they weren't involved in it.
At the Hotel,
Damian was going through the Hallway as he saw Sam Allister who was standing in the empty hallway gazing out the window.
"You didn't go?" Damian asked.
Even though they weren't that close, being teammates for so long, made Damian a bit friendly with Sam.
Sam noticed Damian, as he turned to his side.
"Is the same capital I grew up in, why bother going around?" Sam said.
"I see, although if you don't have anyone to hang out with you can come with me," Damian offered.
It was a polite gesture as Damian felt a bit awkward going his way without saying anything.
"It's fine, I feel better staying here," Sam said looking out the window.
Staying in the Capital didn't make Sam feel comfortable at all, as none of his memories of this place were pleasant.
"Okay," Damian went ahead and entered the lift that was at the end of the Hallway.
"What a nosy personality," Sam muttered.
A few cities away from the Royal Capital,
"We will land soon in the Royal Capital," The person in charge of the whole security informed Asher.
"The students are touring the Royal Capital if you want, we can make arrangements for you to join the tour or take you to the Hotel,"
"Although, there might be some delay so I would advise that you should take the transport that is arranged for the students after exploring a bit," he said.
"How long will be the delay?" Asher asked.
"A few hours at least, as the security is spread out to observe the routes that the students are traveling," He replied.
"Hmm, I will take the first option," Asher replied,
He had received a message from Damian after he told him that he was on his way, and Damian told Asher to join him.
Although it was an offer that Asher would usually reject as he wasn't very fond of exploring places, Damian was quite adamant about him joining.
Knowing he would spend a few hours waiting, Asher didn't see a problem with him joining Damian in the meantime.
***
An hour later,
Alyssa was standing in the middle of a dungeon as she sat down on the staircase of the altar.
She held her head with both her hands as the pain started becoming unbearable.
She took out a healing potion and drank it all together, despite the bitter taste there wasn't even a moment of hesitation from Alyssa.
This particular healing potion wasn't that effective in healing the wounds, but it acted more like a pain suppressor. Unlike the usual potions that could be used a lot before any side effects showed, this particular potion was only given when one person was in excruciating pain.
The side effects of consuming it were large enough but for Alyssa, it made her feel better, the pain across her body dulled down.
But the mental stress that was overwhelming her till now wasn't curable. Taking in a few deep breaths, Alyssa tried to calm herself as she looked around the altar.
This was the place where she was told to come and wait.
Even if this was a trap, Alyssa didn't mind as there was a portal just behind her and all she needed to do was exit it and use the teleportation artifact that was given to her.
The location was set to her Hotel Room so she could arrive there easily, and the mask she is wearing would conceal her identity.
Far from the location of the Dungeon,
"Hmm, he is spending a lot," One of the students in Alan's group muttered.
"Let him, he must be happy for some reason," His friend shushed him up.
Unlike Gavin, Alan wasn't covered with rumors that made other students avoid or fear him but knowing Alan was part of the Blood Faction and was related to all the Seven Seats members that came from the Blood Faction, getting on his bad side wasn't something they wanted to do.
While Alan was going around buying expensive stuff, they entered a more luxurious district which consisted of only shops and buildings that were meant for the upper echelon of the Royal Capital.
None of the students were stopped as the Royal Guild had already informed the guards around this particular district.
The World Academy had already arranged for this trip long ago, getting permission from the Royal Family and the World Association.
While Gavin was going around, he got a message on his phone as he stopped in his tracks and looked at Alan.
"I will join you guys after a few minutes," he said,
"Okay," Alan casually replied.
Their group went ahead leaving Gavin who turned around and waited in an empty place and used a ring-type artifact that concealed his sound.
"What's the location of Alan?" Leonard's voice came out of the communication device Gavin had.
"We are near the general area," Gavin replied.
"Make sure to keep an eye out if things go wrong," Leonard said.
"Okay," Gavin replied.
"I have already stationed people near the Hotel area," Leonard said.
"Once the escape plan is used, they will capture the target,"
"So, make sure the timings don't mess up or it will create problems later," Leonard said.
"What about the aftermath?" Gavin asked.
"The artifact will probably make sure she doesn't stray from the plans, but what if she gives out our name?" Gavin asked.
In all this planning, Leonard's name wasn't present anywhere, and Gavin knew that.
Despite knowing all this he still went ahead and did as Leonard told him because that was what his family wanted from him.
Become a valuable asset and an ally to Leonard Tarvian, and for that, Gavin didn't deny Leonard's order, but he still wanted to know what Leonard had in his mind.
"Don't worry, there is no need to keep a pawn alive once it is useless," Leonard replied.
The call disconnected as Gavin removed the sound barrier and looked around as a smile appeared on his face.
He went ahead, and after some time, Alan's group was standing at a particular place that wasn't in their plan.
"But Alan isn't this a bit dangerous?"
"Hahaha, don't be a coward, see this is just a lower C Rank Dungeon," Alan said.
"What could potentially go wrong?" He said while displaying the artifact in his hand.
