Unknown Frontier

Ian stepped into the workshop, the scent of metal and arcane energy filling the air. The rhythmic sounds of hammering and the hum of enchantments resonated throughout the grand chamber. Some time around the middle of the day, Shanaera called them together and asked for their choices.

Everyone shared their decisions.

Shanaera nodded. "Good. I will prepare the items for distribution."

Then they left. Ian had already talked with the others about their selections.

Myrra had chosen two items: the Requiem Stone, an artifact capable of resurrecting the dead but only those who were mortals or awakened, not those of higher power levels. Her second choice was Luminar's Prism for her little cousin, an item designed to open a child's mind and enhance their affinity for divine power. Her family was deeply religious.

Holone picked Lunaris Ore, a silver-blue metal that shimmered like the moon and was rumored to contain the power of the night sky—perfect for forging a blade of immense power. His second choice was Elderblade Infusion, a mystical concoction that temporarily granted unparalleled insight into sword techniques.

Lirian had opted for the Lifebond Sigil, a brand that bound two individuals' lives together, ensuring one could not die while the other still breathed. It was clear he intended it for himself and Kara. The remainder of his funds, he converted into currency, apparently planning to start a business venture.

Oryn, focused as ever, had chosen the Ciphered Lens, an advanced optical enhancement allowing him to perceive multidimensional circuitry and encryption patterns. His second item was the Sunstone Gourd, an enchanted vessel containing an endless supply of alcohol, but not just any alcohol. It strengthened the mind and constitution and had the effect of extending one's lifespan over prolonged use.

Ian soon received a notification: 10,000 kibna had been deposited into his account. His ID card, which doubled as a communication device with holographic technology, flashed in confirmation.

After finishing his day, completing his work, and training at the gym, he returned to his quarters. With the money now available, the idea of purchasing a home became more feasible. While his quarters were comfortable, they lacked the necessary space for his experiments and his ongoing studies in the Architect Path. Independence would be vital soon.

The next day, Ian visited Master Ordan's facility and then the workshop. The items had arrived. Shanaera handed them over one by one.

"Use them wisely," she remarked.

"I never thought I'd actually get my hands on this ore," Holone mused, running a gloved hand over the shimmering Lunaris Ore.

Myrra, examining her Prism, chuckled. "Well, you always say you were meant for greater things. Maybe this is just the beginning."

Lirian smirked. "And yet you chose something for your cousin instead of yourself?"

"Family comes first," she replied simply.

Outside, as they parted ways, Ian casually brought up the idea of house hunting.

"I think it's time I found a place of my own," Ian admitted. "I need more space for my research."

Myrra's eyes lit up. "I know some people in real estate. I can help. Let's set aside time on your next day off to check out some places."

A few days later, they set off. Myrra had arranged for a contact to show them around.

Their guide, a middle-aged woman named Liora, met them at the city's residential district.

"So, what exactly are you looking for?" Liora asked, adjusting her data slate.

"A spacious home," Ian replied. "A dedicated area for experiments, an open courtyard if possible, and something structurally strong."

Liora nodded. "I have a few properties in mind. Let's start the tour."

The first house was a tall, narrow dwelling nestled between two larger structures. While it had an excellent workshop space, the lack of natural light made it unappealing.

"Too cramped," Ian remarked.

The second was a vast estate, practically a fortress, with reinforced walls and expansive grounds.

"This is excessive," Myrra whispered as Ian took in the grandeur.

"And far beyond my budget," Ian added dryly.

The third house was a modest but well-built home near Myrra's residence. It featured a study, a reinforced basement perfect for experimentation, and a large enough living area. The layout was efficient, and the location was ideal.

Ian exchanged a glance with Myrra. "I think this is the one."

With the payments settled, the home was his. He planned to move in the following day.

That evening, Myrra insisted they go shopping for essentials for Ian's new home. He had expected a quick and efficient trip, grab the necessities, pay, and be done with it. Instead, he found himself swept into the whirlwind of the city's vibrant shopping district, where every street was alive with merchants hawking their wares, the scent of sizzling street food filled the air, and neon-lit signs flickered against the darkening sky.

Their first stop was a general goods store, where Myrra immediately took charge. "You're going to need proper cookware," she said, picking up a heavy iron pan and testing its weight in her hands. "Do you even know how to cook?"

Ian crossed his arms. "I'm pretty good at it."

Myrra smiled, amused. "Instant meals don't count."

He sighed, noting the doubt in her voice. The truth was, he actually was a good cook, or at least, he thought so. Back on Earth, cooking had been one of his hobbies. Between long hours of studying and conducting experiments, he found solace in preparing his own meals. There were times when he stayed in remote locations for research, where learning to cook properly had been a necessity rather than a choice. But ever since arriving here, with its abundance of cheap, ready-made, and surprisingly delicious meals, he had simply stopped.

Maybe it was time to prove himself. He made a mental note, he'd have to cook something for Myrra, just to settle the matter.

For now, he focused on picking tools for his experiments, various glass containers, measuring instruments, and a few protective charms for safety. As they moved from shop to shop, Ian noticed how naturally Myrra navigated the district, pausing every so often to chat with familiar vendors, exchanging friendly banter. She seemed at ease here, weaving effortlessly through the crowd, occasionally stopping to recommend items that he hadn't even thought of.

At one point, she dragged him toward a fabric store. "You need more than just work clothes," she insisted, holding up a deep blue tunic against his frame.

"I have clothes," Ian protested.

Myrra gave him a skeptical look before shaking her head. "Functional, yes. Stylish? Absolutely not."

Despite his resistance, he let her pick a few outfits, mostly because she seemed to enjoy it. They continued through the district, making other necessary purchases, from furniture to supplies, until their arms were full of bags and deliveries had been scheduled.

By then, the bustling marketplace had softened into a calmer, more relaxed evening atmosphere. Streetlights cast a soft glow over cobbled paths, and the sound of distant music floated through the air. The cool night breeze carried the scent of fresh pastries from a nearby stall.

Myrra pointed toward a small café nestled between two buildings. "Let's take a break."

They settled into an outdoor table, the warmth of freshly brewed drinks in their hands. The silence between them was comfortable, the hum of the city providing a quiet backdrop.

Myrra leaned back in her chair, exhaling softly. "You know, I never expected you to go along with all of this without a fight."

Ian smirked. "You're the one who said I needed to make it a home, not just a place to sleep."

She gave a satisfied nod. "I did, didn't I?"

They watched as people passed by, families, couples, travelers from distant places. Ian took a sip of his drink, letting the warmth spread through him. For the first time in a long while, he wasn't thinking about research, training, or the challenges ahead. Just the simple pleasure of good company, the lively murmur of the city, and the quiet contentment of knowing that, for once, he had a place to call his own.

After a while, Myrra stretched and stood up. "Come on. One last stop."

Ian raised an eyebrow. "More shopping?"

She grinned. "Trust me, it's important."

He sighed, but followed anyway.

The night stretched on, filled with laughter, half-serious arguments over furniture placement, and the occasional impulse buy. By the time they were finished, Ian was exhausted, but as he glanced at Myrra beside him, still full of energy, he couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, this wasn't so bad.

With the shopping spree complete, Ian's home was finally stocked with everything he needed.

The new house provided Ian with the stability he needed. It had all the necessary facilities, and, most importantly, it granted him the independence to pursue his path fully. Now, it was time.

Sitting in the meditation chamber, he prepared for his breakthrough into the Eldritch Path.

He placed the Catalyst Stone before his chest, feeling its resonance.

Drawing in a slow breath, he started calling it inside his body. The Catalyst Stone slowly melted and seeped into his skin. He felt slightly strange at first, then began utilizing Mindbloom to shape the seed, drawing it inside the Catalyst Stone. A wave of weakness washed over him as the seed, now covered in Catalyst Stone liquid, began absorbing his vitality. He quickly used the Astral Pollen, allowing a surge of vitality to flood his seed.

The air thickened, pulsing with unseen forces. His body trembled as the transformation began, pushing him toward the precipice of evolution.

Boom!

Finally, the Catalyst Stone was gone, leaving only a seed behind, marked with complex symbols resembling the ones on Mindbloom.

"Ahh," he exhaled a low breath. "It's finally done."

He could feel the surge in his body's strength and the abundant vitality coursing through him. He got up and reached for a cup—

Snap!

The cup shattered in his grip. He frowned.

"I need to adjust my strength."

He spent some time calibrating his control. Fortunately, his continuous training at the gym gave him a solid foundation. Eventually, he could move with precision.

"Finally, I have decent power to protect myself."

He quickly cleaned up the meditation chamber and, feeling satisfied, went to sleep.