The sword Marcus had used for years had already suffered damage. The edge bore small nicks, and its performance was no longer ideal. He had long intended to replace it, but had never encountered one that truly satisfied him.
With so many choices here, he finally felt hopeful.
"This way, please," the attendant said warmly, gesturing for Marcus to follow her.
Tiffany accompanied him, intending to help him choose, while the rest of the group dispersed to browse on their own.
Looking at the sheer number of high-quality weapons around them, everyone silently acknowledged just how formidable Sapphire’s Exchange’s background must be. Without powerful backing, it would be impossible to gather so many valuable items in one place.
It truly felt like a treasure trove for Spirit Warriors.
Reesa’s gaze was drawn to a crimson long whip displayed nearby. The whip was slender yet resilient, its surface smooth and glossy, clearly crafted with great care.
"Reesa, that whip suits you perfectly," Tiffany said with a smile.
Reesa’s eyes flickered with temptation, but when she glanced at the price tag, her hand paused. After a mont, she reluctantly looked away.
She was not particularly favored within her family, and her funds were limited. As much as she liked it, she couldn’t bring herself to spend so much right now.
anwhile, Sylvandria remained by Alaric Von Seraph’s side. Ever since the previous day, when Alaric Von Seraph had publicly claid her as his fiancée, her heart had been filled with quiet joy.
Even if it was only said to resolve the situation, it still made her feel closer to him than before.
Zora, Tiffany, and Reesa stood together, watching Sylvandria trailing behind Alaric Von Seraph like a small shadow. The three of them exchanged glances and sighed almost in unison.
"She really is devoted," Reesa muttered softly.
"Alaric Von Seraph only ant to help her out," Tiffany said with a helpless shake of her head. "But she’s already this happy."
Tiffany understood Alaric Von Seraph well enough to know that he treated Sylvandria more like a younger sister than anything else. Unfortunately, Sylvandria herself didn’t see it that way.
Zora watched quietly for a mont before speaking in a calm voice. "Everyone has their own persistence. Maybe one day, it will bear fruit. Or maybe it won’t."
Other people’s feelings were not sothing they could decide.
All they could do was watch and let ti give its answer.
"Sylvandria looks good, her cultivation isn’t bad, and she’s even a refiner," Reesa said with a helpless sigh. "I really don’t understand why Alaric Von Seraph doesn’t like her."
Her tone carried a bit of indignation. Watching soone pour their heart out while the other side remained distant always left her feeling uncomfortable.
As soon as she finished speaking, Tiffany’s gaze drifted toward Reesa, and a teasing smile crept onto her face.
"Reesa, if we’re talking about this," Tiffany said lightly, "then what about Baldwin? He treats you pretty well. Have you ever thought about that?"
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Reesa imdiately protested. "There’s nothing between Baldwin and ."
"Oh?" Zora chuckled and casually tapped Reesa’s shoulder. "Then take a look. Baldwin’s looking over here."
Reesa instinctively turned her head. Sure enough, Baldwin happened to glance in her direction and smiled when their eyes t.
Seeing this, Tiffany and Zora exchanged amused looks.
From the very beginning, they had already noticed that Baldwin’s feelings toward Reesa were anything but ordinary. Unfortunately, the person involved seed completely oblivious.
"You’re both talking nonsense!" Reesa muttered, her face warming slightly. She tossed out the words and hurried off to look at other weapons, clearly unwilling to continue the topic.
Watching her retreating figure, Zora and Tiffany could only shake their heads in helpless amusent.
"It looks like Baldwin still has a long road ahead of him," Tiffany said with a soft laugh.
"If he truly likes her, spending more ti might make a difference," Zora replied calmly.
As she spoke, she picked up the long whip that Reesa had just set aside. Her expression was thoughtful.
Although she and Reesa were close, she had never asked too much about Reesa’s background. Judging by her hesitation just now, it seed their circumstances might be sowhat similar.
Soon, Marcus walked over with a bright smile on his face. "I finally found one!" he said, clearly pleased with his choice.
With this new weapon, his overall combat strength would improve noticeably.
As for Alaric Von Seraph and the others, they didn’t have much need for replacents. The weapons they used were already well-suited to them.
Soon, everyone’s attention naturally shifted toward the staircase leading to the third floor.
"The third floor has inscriptions," Tiffany said with a smile filled with anticipation. "I’ve heard of inscriptions all my life, but I’ve never actually seen one."
Sylvandria nodded in agreent, her eyes shining. "Inscriptions are extrely rare. The fact that Sapphire’s Exchange even sells them is incredible."
"Let’s go take a look," Marcus said eagerly. "If I can find an inscription that suits my new weapon, that would be perfect."
Just as everyone was ready to head upstairs, the attendant gently reminded them, "Guests, there are inscription masters working on the third floor today. Please keep quiet after you go up. Do not disturb them, or you may be asked to leave."
At her reminder, everyone nodded seriously.
Inscription masters were even rarer than alchemists, and their tempers were famously unpredictable. It was best to be cautious.
Yet, despite the warning, their excitent only grew.
None of them had ever seen inscriptions before, let alone witnessed inscription masters at work.
Coming to Sapphire’s Exchange today truly felt like a worthwhile journey.
When they finally stepped onto the third floor, the scene that greeted them was completely different from what they had imagined—far beyond their expectations.
The third floor of Sapphire’s Exchange was nothing like the bustle of the first two floors.
There were no dazzling displays, no rows of goods laid out for comparison. Instead, only a modest counter stood quietly to one side.
Compared to a marketplace, the place felt more like a refined teahouse.
Elegant wooden tables were arranged neatly, the air faintly scented with tea. At one of the tables sat three elderly n with snow-white beards, their faces flushed as they argued intensely over sothing written in red ink on a sheet of paper.
At a glance, it was obvious who they were.
Inscription masters.
Judging by their red faces and raised voices, they were clearly debating an academic issue. Only people completely obsessed with inscriptions would argue this fiercely, pouring all their energy and focus into it.
Zora’s gaze shifted to the counter.
The inscriptions displayed there were clearly not mass-produced items for sale. It seed more likely that these few pieces were placed here rely to uphold an agreent with Sapphire’s Exchange, or perhaps to maintain its reputation. Otherwise, the third floor would never look this quiet.
The attendant behind the counter smiled when she saw Zora and the others approach.
"Are you here to purchase an inscription?"
Alaric Von Seraph and the others nodded, their eyes settling on the inscriptions laid out before them.
There weren’t many. Each piece bore only a single, intricate pattern. To those unfamiliar with inscriptions, the markings looked mysterious and difficult to decipher.
"If you tell what kind of inscription you’re looking for," the attendant said kindly, "I can help explain their functions."
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