From Blade To Spell

The trio noticed the shift. Though confused by his behavior, they didn't press him. Instead, they continued chatting with him enthusiastically, hoping to lift his spirits.

Today, Garric approached with a bright smile.

"Aaron, my friend, we're nearing Starfall City. Once we arrive, we'll meet Lord Alaric Blookmoor directly. This time, you'll become famous across the Verdia Kingdom!"

Aaron gave a hollow laugh, the sound barely reaching his eyes.

Famous?

He thought bitterly,

"I couldn't even escape the last Duke's grasp… and now I'm walking straight into another's."

The sea breeze brushed past him, but it did little to ease the weight pressing on his chest.

Aaron quietly glanced at his experience points, 3,500 in total.

It wasn't a fortune, but it was enough to make meaningful upgrades. He could either raise his level from 3 to 8, or invest in skill enhancements, pushing one or more abilities up by five levels.

After a moment of thought, he chose balance.

He upgraded his level to 5, spending 700 points.

Then, without hesitation, he poured 800 points into his Lion Breathing Mastery, raising it to Level 5.

Immediately, he felt the change.

With each breath, warm energy surged through his body in a smooth, controlled cycle. It was no longer just a passive effect, he could direct it with a single thought. He sensed a reservoir near his stomach, where the energy gathered.

He estimated he could store around 50 strands of this warm energy. Each strand could boost his physical abilities for about five minutes, and recovery was swift, one strand every three seconds, just by breathing.

Satisfied, he checked his remaining points, 2,000 left.

He spent 900 points to raise his Archery to Level 5.

The change was subtle but powerful. His aim sharpened. He could now hit targets up to 112 meters away, even if they were moving. The precision gave him confidence, he could now engage enemies from a safe distance, with deadly accuracy.

With 1,100 points remaining, Aaron paused.

He decided to hold onto them, saving for emergencies or unexpected opportunities.

Aaron Warwick (Lv. 5) (0/500 EXP)

HP: 60/60

MP: 20/20

STR: 4+2- 6

DEX: 3+2- 5

CON: 4+2- 6

INT: 2+0- 2

Skills:

- Lion Breathing Mastery (Lv.5) (0/500)

- Basic Sword Mastery (lv.2) (3/200)

- Basic Archer Mastery (lv.5) (0/500)

- Cooking (50/100)

Experience Points: 1,100

As the ship approached the dockyard, Aaron scanned the scene. Compared to Raven Shore, it was far less prosperous, only a handful of ships were moored, and the air felt subdued.

From beside him, Edrin spoke in a low voice.

"You probably don't know, but we're just a week away from the 30th day. That's when the undead appear through the portal. No merchant dares enter Verdia Kingdom during the second half of the month."

Aaron nodded, understanding dawning on his face.

So that's why the harbor looks deserted.

As they drew closer, he noticed fishermen working along the docks, casting lines, hauling nets, and selling fresh catches. Common folk bartered and traded, their voices rising in a chorus of daily life.

Aaron watched the scene quietly, absorbing the rhythm of the city.

Suddenly, Garric's voice cut through the moment.

"Aaron, follow us. We're heading to Duke Alaric's castle now."

Aaron barely had time to respond before the trio moved ahead. Two men fell in behind him, the oarsmen, now fully armed and alert.

He sighed inwardly.

Armed with his bow, quiver, short sword, knife, and a heavy bag slung over his back, filled with coins, clothes, and miscellaneous gear, Aaron followed them, his steps steady but his mind racing.

As they walked, Aaron's eyes widened at the sight ahead. Just 200 meters away, the towering walls of Starfall City loomed over them, taller and more fortified than those of Raven Shore.

"The walls are massive… and there's a watchtower every 300 meters. Even the roads look well-built," he murmured to himself, impressed.

They reached the city gates swiftly. Garric stepped forward and presented a wooden card to the guards.

One of them recognized it instantly.

"Sir Garric, you and your companions may enter."

He gestured to his men, who stepped aside to let them pass.

As Aaron crossed the threshold, a sweet floral scent filled the air. The fragrance was everywhere, woven into the city's atmosphere.

He knew the reason.

Flowers were often planted to mask the pungent stench of human waste in crowded cities.

Without a word, he pulled a cloth from his pocket and wrapped it around his face.

Garric, Elwood, and Edrin noticed, but said nothing. They understood Aaron's quiet nature by now, and perhaps, they too had learned not to question his habits.

As they walked along the stone-paved road, Aaron noticed something odd, there were no carriages in sight. Only a few armed soldiers on horseback passed by, their armor glinting in the sunlight.

He turned to Elwood, puzzled.

"Elwood, why aren't there any carriages inside the city?"

Elwood replied without hesitation,

"Of course there are carriages. But they use a different road. Didn't you notice? This path is meant for pedestrians only. The carriages travel on a broader, wider road that runs parallel to this one."

Aaron glanced around again, and it made sense. The walkway was clean and orderly, lined with shops and flowerbeds, clearly designed for foot traffic. Somewhere nearby, out of sight, the main carriage route must have been bustling with noble transports and merchant wagons.

As they continued walking, the road opened into a bustling marketplace. Shops and stalls lined both sides, overflowing with goods, spices, weapons, clothing, jewelry, and even exotic sea creatures displayed in glass tanks.

The air buzzed with voices, merchants haggling, children laughing, and the rhythmic clatter of carts being pulled through narrow alleys.

From the side, Edrin leaned toward Aaron and said,

"This is the market. If you ever need anything, you'll find it here. Almost everything is sold, including slaves."

He let out a crude laugh, clearly amused by his own comment.

Aaron didn't respond immediately. His eyes scanned the crowd, but his mind lingered on Edrin's words.

Slaves?

It was a reminder that, despite the city's beauty and order, Verdia Kingdom had its shadows.