The eastern sky lightened from black to purple to fiery orange.
'Dawn patrol would arrive any minute.' He thought
Ethan nudged Jack with his boot. "Hey. Wake up."
No response.
He kicked harder.
"Monsters! Where?" Jack jolted upright, his eyes wildly jumping, as his hand fumbled for his weapon.
Ethan shook his head at the pathetic display. "Relax, man. There are no monsters."
"Huh?"
"Shift change in five minutes." Ethan nodded toward the patrol assembling below. "Unless you want latrine duty for the next month, get your act together."
Jack's bleary eyes widened as reality hit. He straightened his uniform, wiped drool from his chin.
"Shit. Thanks, man. Seriously."
"Don't mention it." Ethan shrugged, the gesture hiding his inner satisfaction. Perfect alibi—the helpful teammate who covered for a sleeping guard.
Jack smoothed his hair, checked his weapons. "I owe you one. They'd have my head if they caught me sleeping on watch."
"Just doing my job." The irony almost made Ethan smile.
"Ethan! Jack! Rotation time!" The patrol captain's voice carried up from below.
Ethan stretched, his muscles pleasantly sore from the night's exertions.
"Let's go," he said, leading a still-groggy Jack toward the ladder.
Ethan headed to his dorm feeling somewhat fatigued.
'I will sleep for a few hours first,' He thought, as his head plummeted onto his pillow.
His eyes closed and his consciousness drifted.
...
A few hours later, Ethan's eyes snapped open, his body feeling rejuvenated.
"Much better," he mumbled, stretching with a satisfied groan. After a quick wash, he threw on a coat and headed out.
Glancing inside his storage ring, Ethan couldn't help but grin at his new networth.
'I have 5 Peak-Iron cores, 10 Mid-Iron, and 20 Low-Iron cores. This should be enough for a decent skill.' He thought, as he pushed open the door of the weapon shop.
"Welcome back," The old man said, glancing up.
Ethan nodded.
"Nice to see you again, old man."
He headed straight to the skills section, where descriptions were displayed on small parchments behind protective glass. The actual skill crystals remained locked away.
After searching for a while, a skill caught his attention.
<Basic Footwork>
<Rank: Elementary>
<Price: 6 Mid-Iron>
The description promised improved movement efficiency, balance control, and evasive capabilities. Perfect complement to his Enhanced Speed talent.
"I want this one," Ethan said, tapping the glass.
Ethan took out a pouch with six Mid-Iron cores, setting it on the counter with a satisfying clink.
The old man weighed the pouch in his palm, then nodded. He disappeared into the back room where a heavy metal safe contained his valuables were.
The lock clicked open, and he returned with a crystal glowing with soft blue light.
"Press it to your forehead. Knowledge transfers instantly, but mastery takes practice."
Ethan took the crystal, its surface cool against his skin.
The moment he channeled a hint of mana, information flooded his mind.
Wether it was weight distribution techniques, ankle positioning, pivot points for maximizing momentum, they were all transferred to his mind.
The crystal crumbled to dust as its knowledge transferred.
<Skill Acquired: Basic Footwork (Novice - 0%)>
"By the way," Ethan asked, trying to sound casual, "did you get any Bronze cores with speed or intelligence attribute?"
The old man shook his head with a wry smile. "Beyond my supply chain. You might want to check the bigger stores in the second district." He gestured vaguely toward the wealthier part of the city. "Bronze cores are rare to make it down to our humble district."
'Worth asking.' Ethan thought before he turned to leave.
After leaving the weapon shop, Ethan headed straight for the small restaurant he'd visited before.
The familiar scent of grilled meat and spices welcomed him before he even stepped through the door.
"Welcome back!"
The young woman spotted him immediately, her face brightening as she recognised him.
Ethan found himself smiling. "Thanks,"
"Same table?" She gestured toward the corner spot he'd occupied before.
"Works for me."
She led him over, wiping the table quickly before he sat. "What'll it be today? We've got fresh river fish if you're interested."
"What would you recommend?" Ethan asked.
"Personally? The sweet and sour chicken. My father's specialty." Her eyes crinkled at the corners when she smiled. "But I might be biased."
"Sold," Ethan nodded. "And whatever you have that's strong to drink."
"Coming right up." She turned to leave, then paused. "I'm Lin, by the way. In case you need anything else."
"Ethan."
She nodded, seemingly pleased with this small exchange, and disappeared into the kitchen.
Before the food could arrive, Ethan felt a tap on his shoulder.