Nyxia’s First Stay in the City

Unaware of the fierce battle that had just taken place deep in the forest, Nyxia and Miko finally reached the outer layer of the woods. The towering trees thinned, revealing the dusty, well-trodden paths used by adventurers and merchants who came to hunt for resources.

As they walked, Nyxia let out a soft sigh.

"Now what should we do?" she muttered, gazing at the distant city walls visible in the fading sunlight.

A sudden wave of sorrow washed over her. Her steps slowed, and her eyes dimmed.

She had no home anymore.

The memories of her burning village flashed before her eyes—the desperate screams, the crackling flames, the bloodstained ground. The people she had known all her life were either dead or scattered. Her parents… were gone, lost to an uncertain fate.

Her fingers clenched tightly. She was truly alone.

Sensing her grief, Miko floated up to her shoulder and gently nudged her cheek with his soft, glowing body.

"Don't dwell on the past right now," he said, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "The first thing we need is a place to stay."

Nyxia blinked away the sting in her eyes and took a deep breath. She forced a small smile.

"You're right," she said, her tone gaining a hint of cheerfulness. "Let's go find an inn! But first… we need money!"

With newfound determination, Nyxia took out the spoils of her forest battles—beast fangs, claws, and bones—the rewards of her hard-earned fights.

They arrived at a bustling trade post near the forest's entrance, where adventurers and merchants gathered to sell their loot. The place was noisy and chaotic, filled with the scent of sweat, beast blood, and the metallic tang of weapons. Stalls lined the area, displaying all sorts of materials harvested from the wild—herbs, fur, rare stones, and monster parts.

Nyxia approached a gruff-looking shopkeeper, his burly arms crossed as he lazily examined the goods before him. She placed her items on the wooden counter without hesitation.

The shopkeeper barely spared her a glance.

Without counting or checking properly, he took the items and carelessly dropped a pouch of coins in front of her.

"1000 silver." His tone was dismissive, as if he were doing her a favor.

Nyxia stared at him, dumbfounded.

That's it?

She had fought so hard, risked her life multiple times—and this was all she got?

But she swallowed her frustration. Right now, she didn't have the experience or connections to argue for a better price.

Still, when she picked up the pouch, her face brightened.

Money was money.

"We're rich!" she grinned as she walked away.

Miko, however, rolled his glowing eyes.

"Don't get too excited," he warned. "We need to rent a place to stay, buy food, and prepare for the next few days. This won't last long."

Nyxia ignored him completely. She had already set her sights on something more important.

As they entered the city, Nyxia's eyes sparkled when she saw a grand-looking inn. It was tall, elegant, and had intricate wooden carvings on its exterior. The windows glowed warmly under the evening sky, and the scent of delicious roasted meat drifted out from inside.

She had always dreamed of staying in a place like this.

With determined steps, she approached the counter, where a plump, well-dressed innkeeper stood with a bright, welcoming smile.

"I'd like a room on the second floor with a good view," she said confidently.

The innkeeper's smile widened.

"Ah, an excellent choice, dear guest!" he said enthusiastically, rubbing his hands together. "That will be 800 silver per night."

Nyxia's smile froze.

"E-Eight hundred?" She choked on her words, her heart feeling like it just took a direct hit.

That was nearly all her money!

Miko smirked. "I told you."

Nyxia's face twisted in despair, but her pride wouldn't let her back down. With gritted teeth, she forced herself to hand over the coins.

"Fine. Just give me the key."

The innkeeper happily pocketed the money, thinking he had just found an easy fool. He quickly called a worker to escort her to her room.

As Nyxia climbed the stairs, her mood swung between excitement and regret.

Once the door closed behind her, she finally let herself take it all in.

The room was beautiful.

A large, soft bed sat against the wall, covered in silky sheets. A carved wooden dresser stood nearby, along with a small candle-lit table. The window opened to a stunning view of the bustling city streets below, with lanterns glowing like fireflies in the night.

Nyxia was ecstatic.

But then… she glanced at her almost-empty coin pouch.

"I'm broke."

A wave of sorrow hit her again. "All my money… gone in a blink."

Miko floated beside her, shaking his head. "You're terrible at money management."

Nyxia ignored him.

She let out a deep sigh and collapsed onto the soft bed, hugging the pillow like it was her last possession in the world.

After a moment, her stomach growled.

With a defeated look, she pulled out the food she had bought earlier and began eating. Each bite felt both satisfying and painful.

"At least I get to eat good food in a nice room," she mumbled between bites.

Miko chuckled. "That's the spirit."

After eating and resting for about six hours, Nyxia sat up, her eyes sharp once more.

It was time.

She reached into Vyāpti and pulled out the iron box she had found in the cave.

The mysterious locked treasure lay before her.

What secrets did it hold?