Night Market Secrets and System Growth

With the First-Year Tournament looming, training sessions had become more intense, and the Academy grounds buzzed with excitement.

But even warriors needed a break.

So when Cedric Valefor suggested visiting the Night Market, Ethan saw no reason to refuse.

"Fine. A change of pace wouldn't hurt," Ethan agreed.

"Hah! You mean you're finally admitting I have good ideas?" Cedric grinned.

Leon Ascar, ever the noble, sighed. "As long as we don't get into trouble, I suppose."

And then there was Iris Gale, the commoner girl who had been stalking Ethan for months, lurking just a few steps behind them.

"Why are you here?" Ethan asked, not even bothering to turn around.

Iris huffed. "Research purposes."

"…Right."

With that, the group made their way to the lively heart of the city.

The Night Market of Avalon was unlike anything within the Academy walls.

Lanterns lined the streets, casting a warm golden glow over the bustling marketplace.

Merchants called out their wares—exotic weapons, enchanted trinkets, rare herbs, and even strange beasts in cages.

The air was thick with the scent of sizzling skewers, spicy broth, and fresh-baked pastries.

"Oh, fried chicken!" Ethan's eyes gleamed as he immediately purchased a portion.

Cedric raised a brow. "Since when were you this obsessed with fried chicken?"

"Some things transcend time," Ethan muttered, savoring the crispy, juicy bite.

Iris narrowed her eyes. "This is valuable data. Weakness: fried chicken."

"It's not a weakness. It's a necessity."

Leon, sipping on an exotic fruit tea, shook his head. "I truly don't understand you people."

But Ethan wasn't here just to relax.

This was the perfect opportunity to test his improved Appraisal Skill.

As they walked past a merchant's stall displaying "legendary" enchanted rings, Ethan casually activated Appraisal.

🔹 [Iron Ring with Fake Engraving] – A cheap iron ring with meaningless patterns. No enchantments.

🔹 [Genuine Elven Moonstone Pendant] – A rare elven-crafted pendant. Slightly enhances mana recovery.

🔹 [Sealed Cursed Dagger] – A blade containing dormant dark energy. Potentially dangerous.

"Tch. So many fakes," Ethan muttered.

"What are you doing?" Cedric asked.

"Sorting out trash from treasure," Ethan said before stopping in front of an old book vendor.

One tome caught his attention. It looked dusty and unremarkable—but when he used Appraisal…

🔹 [Forbidden Martial Art – Shadowstep Ghost Technique] – A high-level footwork technique lost to time.

"…Interesting."

Without hesitation, Ethan bought it for a fraction of its worth.

Iris narrowed her eyes. "What did you just do?"

"Nothing you need to worry about."

She definitely didn't believe him.

Later that night, back in his dorm, Ethan checked his updated status.

📜 [System Status] 📜

🔹 Name: Ethan Baron

🔹 Title: First-Year Representative, Prodigy of the Academy

🔹 Rank: Mid-Tier Martial Adept / Mid-Tier Magic Adept

🔹 Martial Arts:

Demon King's Fist (Heavenly Demon Style)Phantom Blade Technique (Intermediate)Shadowstep Ghost Technique (Newly Acquired)🔹 Magic Abilities:

Arcane Lightning Dark Flame Manipulation Wind StepShadow Concealment🔹 System Features:

Appraisal (Advanced) – Now detects hidden abilities in objects.

Inventory (Expanded) – Can store larger items, even living creatures.

Synthesis (Enhanced) – Capable of combining martial arts and magic techniques.

System Library (Imprint Function) – Allows storing and memorizing any technique learned."Not bad. But I can't stop here."

As the First-Year Tournament drew closer, Ethan felt the weight of expectation.

"It's time to prepare."

And so, the true training began.