The morning air in Wrenvale was brisk, sunlight glinting off the rooftops and dew-kissed grass. Kael sat near the well in the center of the village, watching Mira as she practiced her magic. Swirls of golden light danced around her fingers as she conjured a small stone sphere.
"That's part of your minor creation skill, right?" Kael asked, curiosity getting the better of him.
Mira nodded, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "Yeah. It's not easy though. Creation requires understanding—true understanding—of what I want to make. I can make simple things like rocks or basic shapes. But I can't make metal or anything complex. And living things? Completely impossible."
Kael leaned forward, intrigued. "So it's all about knowing the composition."
She nodded. "Exactly. I tried making copper once, but it just crumbled into dust. I didn't really understand what it was made of."
Kael smiled, a spark of excitement in his chest. "I think I can help with that."
Mira blinked, surprised. "You can?"
He tapped his temple. "I know a bit about science. Chemistry. I used to study it a lot. Plus, with Omni-vision, I can sometimes see the structure of things—how they're built. If we work together, we might be able to make more complex materials."
Her eyes widened. "Really? That would be amazing."
As the conversation shifted to collaboration, Erion the trader joined them, his weathered face breaking into a satisfied grin. "By the way, I've finished sorting the creature remains from the last defense. Got buyers in the city who pay good coin for parts like those. They get turned into armor, weapons, sometimes even enchantments."
He handed a small pouch to Balen, who turned and passed a portion to Kael.
"Your share," the village leader said simply.
Kael weighed the pouch in his hand, surprised at its contents. He hadn't really thought about money until now.
It was another piece of the world opening up to him. Magic, creation, economics—everything was a puzzle he could start fitting together.
And with Mira's help, he might unlock something new entirely.