The long night gave way to dawn as Ciro and Ri-hyun finally crossed the border into the southern reaches of the Altaria Empire. The air was dry but not unpleasant, and the pebble roads beneath their horses crunched faintly with each step.
"This is larger than Beleville Kingdom's central city," Ri-hyun thought aloud, surveying the bustling scene around them.
Massive stone walls towered on either side of the road, manned by vigilant knights dressed in polished armor. Dozens of towers lined the periter, each bristling with archers and watchn.
"This is Valeheart County," Ciro said, his tone light yet proud. "Also known as the Gate City of the South. It's the first checkpoint into the empire's inner territories, heavily fortified to deter bandits and foreign spies."
Ri-hyun narrowed his eyes at the towering gates ahead. "The design still amazes ," he murmured. Foreign architecture surrounded him—tiled rooftops sloped steeply, and archways were adorned with sigils he didn't recognize. The people wore bright sashes and embroidered tunics, starkly different from the muted, practical garnts of the western regions.
As they rode through the city's interior, Ri-hyun glanced at the covered carriage trailing behind them. "Are we selling it here?" he asked.
Ciro shook his head. "We've entered the empire, yes, but Valeheart isn't our final stop, my lord. Our true destination lies east, near the imperial palace. We're heading to the Trade Capital, the heart of comrce in all of Altaria."
Ri-hyun nodded, satisfied. "Still, if opportunity knocks, we should consider dealing with the rulers of this land."
Ciro smiled. "Of course. If a worthy deal presents itself, I'll act."
To avoid unnecessary attention, Ri-hyun personally adjusted the cloth concealing their cargo—star iron ore and the crystalline veins of Arcanite discovered deep within the Mara High Mountains. With their load secured, they continued through the southern road until a distant clanging noise filled the air.
When they arrived at the Cindergarde duchy, Ri-hyun's eyes widened. The city they had entered was unlike any he'd seen before. Massive forges spewed out plus of smoke, and the scent of molten tal hung thick in the air. Hamrs rang in rhythm, echoing through the valleys.
The most remarkable sight, however, were the artisans themselves—short, broad-shouldered individuals with corded muscles and calloused hands. Despite their size, they moved with precision and confidence.
"Ciro," Ri-hyun leaned closer, "who... no, what are those people?"
Ciro chuckled. "Ah, them? They're dwarves—a proud race born, as legend says, from the heart of a volcano. Their affinity with tal is unparalleled. They can forge blades sharp enough to cut through plate and soft enough to bend without breaking."
Ri-hyun watched them work with admiration. "Isn't this the perfect place to sell the star iron?"
Ciro shrugged. "True. But we're not just here for any dwarf. I have a secret partner—one I believe to be the finest blacksmith in this duchy."
"I'll trust you," Ri-hyun said, reins loose in his fingers as they moved deeper into the city.
Suddenly, a young man in a ragged cloak dashed past them, clutching a sword wrapped in cloth. His movent was quick, practiced.
"That boy... he seed familiar," Ri-hyun mused aloud.
"Lord Ri-hyun, we've arrived," Ciro said, pointing toward a massive stone building nestled between two forges.
The front bore the appearance of a weapon shop, but the air was alive with the thunder of hamring from the rear. tal clashed against tal, and flas from countless furnaces painted the windows orange.
Inside, rows of expertly crafted weapons lined the walls—swords, maces, polearms, even exotic blades Ri-hyun didn't recognize. Armor sets glinted under hanging lanterns, each bearing unique craftsmanship.
"Every weapon here is forged by a different smith," Ri-hyun muttered, tracing a finger along the curve of a glaive, "but they all share an excellent standard."
"Hoho!" a booming laugh erupted from behind the counter. "Quite the sharp eye you have there."
An older dwarf with a thick silver beard and soot-streaked face sat cross-legged atop a stool. His eyes twinkled behind his goggles.
"Sir Norik!" Ciro called out with visible joy.
"Well, I'll be damned. Yellowhead! I never thought I'd see your smug face again," Norik barked, laughing heartily.
"Lord Ri-hyun, this is Sir Norik Blackdelve—owner of the Blackdelve Smith rchantry," Ciro introduced.
"'Lord,' eh?" Norik raised a thick brow. "Didn't expect that from the boy who used to run errands."
Ri-hyun offered a hand. "Ri-hyun Baek. A pleasure."
Norik shook it with a firm grip. "You've got the eyes of a fighter. Good. Too many soft-fingered nobles co in here asking for ceremonial swords."
"My father used to do business with Sir Norik," Ciro explained. "They often traded rare ores."
"So?" Norik crossed his arms. "Here to buy? I don't do discounts, even for old ties."
"Actually," Ri-hyun replied, "we're here to sell."
With a wave, Ri-hyun led them outside to the carriages. He pulled away the cloth, revealing stacked crates of glittering black-blue Star Iron ore.
Norik's mouth dropped open. "By the will of Vulkharon... Star Iron!"
He rushed forward and pried a piece loose, examining its grain and luster. "And this quality... rich mana saturation, minimal impurity. You've got a king's bounty here."
Ciro stepped forward. "How much would your rchantry offer?"
Norik's deanor changed instantly. The friendly dwarf beca a calculating rchant. The two began to discuss terms, numbers exchanged rapidly.
Ri-hyun stood back, arms crossed. This wasn't his field—but it was Ciro's.
After several minutes, Norik nodded. "It's a deal. You'll find no better offer south of the palace."
"Put it in writing," Ciro said promptly.
Norik produced a scroll, dipped a quill in ink, and began scribbling the terms. After reviewing every clause, both parties signed.
"For the first batch," Norik said, rummaging under the counter, "your paynt: one Erald Imperial Chip, and four Golden Imperial Chips."
Ri-hyun inspected the chips. Each was a slender card of tal, embedded with the imperial crown's sigil in its center. The empire's currency ca in five forms—bronze, silver, gold, diamond, and erald. Each tier was worth a hundred of the one before it.
Ciro nodded, tucking the chips into a secure pouch. "That's fair."
With the trade complete, the group returned to their horses. One carriage now rode light, empty of its valuable ore.
As dusk fell, they found a place to stay: a cozy, well-maintained structure near the duchy's heart.
"Welco to Vulkharon Inn," said a woman at the front desk. Her smile was warm, though her eyes appraised them sharply. Ciro handed over a chip, and they were shown to their room.
Later, as the fire crackled in the hearth, Ri-hyun turned to his companion. "It was a good idea to trust you."
Ciro's expression softened. "My father taught well. Negotiation, managent, trade routes—he drilled them into daily."
"What happened to him?"
Ciro paused. "A rival rchantry orchestrated a raid. Everything collapsed overnight."
Ri-hyun said nothing, but his gaze was steady. He would rember.
---
anwhile, in Mara High Mountains...
Ael stood at the village gates, staring at a group of rough-looking n who knelt before him—forr bandits.
"P-please," one of them pleaded. "Just take us in. We don't know what that monster will do if he finds out we weren't accepted. Please... any work, anything at all!"
They had once been scum. But now, fear and desperation had stripped away their arrogance.
Ael sighed, rubbing his temple. "Fine. But you'll work. Guard duty. Patrols. No complaints, no cris."
And so, thirty-eight forr bandits were given a second chance—not as outlaws, but as Mara Village's new security force.
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