The group crossed the street together.
A painted sign swung gently above the next storefront.
Merriweather's House of Enchanted Items
Zee's eyes lit up. "Oh! I love this place. The owner is so fun."
Bunny nodded eagerly. "Yeah, she is!"
Inside, the air shimmered faintly—like magic had soaked into the walls themselves.
Jax barely had time to take a step before his vision flickered.
SKILL ACTIVE – INSPECT
Bracelets. Rings. Brooches. Charms.
Every item glowed with information—high-level enchantments, subtle effects, layered magic.
Jax reached toward a brooch labeled Invisibility.
He touched it.
Nothing happened.
He looked at his arm.
Still there.
He touched it again.
And again.
Behind him, Nyxian and Llandra exchanged amused glances.
Jax vanished.
Reappeared.
Vanished again.
Nyxian smirked. "He's like a kid in a candy shop."
Jax wandered to another item.
Flame Magic – Level 1
He touched it with his left hand.
A small flame bloomed in his right—no larger than a candle.
"Oh," he said softly. "That's neat."
Llandra shook her head. "Yep. Definitely a kid in a candy shop."
A voice drifted from the back—singing.
"🎵 Hello my beautiful customers~ 🎵"
A plump fairy flew into view, barely three feet tall, hovering comfortably at eye level. Her curly hair was wild and unapologetic, her dress glittering with stitched runes.
"Oh Zee! So lovely to see you again. Bunny, radiant as ever!" She clasped her hands dramatically. "Oh, how I envy your youth and beauty."
Her gaze landed on Jax—currently disappearing and reappearing mid-step.
"…And who do we have here?" she asked brightly. "Are the Vixens finally going to make every man in Solmere cry?"
That nickname again.
The Frightful Four was their official party name—but nobody used it. Four women. No need for a protector. The name Vixens had stuck.
Llandra hurried forward. "No—no, it's not like that. He's an adventurer we met today. We're just showing him around."
The fairy floated closer, peering into Llandra's eyes.
"Mm-hmm. Of course, dear."
Llandra turned red. "No, really."
Jax raised a hand. "Can I ask something?"
The fairy gasped. "A question! My favorite kind."
"How do you get magic into these items?"
She spun midair, singing the answer.
"These items are enchanted with magic—because I am an Enchantress~!"
Jax blinked. "Then why don't people enchant weapons?"
"That's a different process," she replied cheerfully. "Weapons and armor need transmutation. Imagine if I married Mr. Gruffy Pants across the street and had a child who could do both our crafts at once."
Nyxian grinned. "You got the hots for Brannic?"
"Oh heavens no!" the fairy laughed. "Mr. Always Grumpy? I invited him to the theater once—he didn't smile once. Who doesn't enjoy the theater?"
Jax's vision flickered again.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN SKILL:ALCHEMIST – TRANSMUTATION?
"Oh wow," Jax muttered. "Yes please."
CONFIRM
Something clicked into place.
Interesting, he thought. Very interesting.
He returned to the invisibility brooch. "Hypothetically—what could you do with Flame Dragon materials?"
The fairy clasped her hands, eyes shining.
"Oh, so much. Flame resistance. Dragon's breath. Self-healing items from the heart. Poisons from the liver. Beautiful, powerful enchantments~"
She floated closer, smiling.
"Young man, just because you can't see yourself disappear doesn't mean you aren't."
Jax froze.
"…Was I invisible?"
Nyxian nodded. "Yes. Annoyingly so."
Jax bowed deeply. "Sorry."
The fairy giggled. "Oh, a gentleman!"
"You have a wonderful shop," Jax said sincerely. "Your hands are truly blessed. Thank you for allowing us in here. It was ENCHANTING."
"Oh girls," Merriweather said as Jax left, "he's a keeper. Snatch him up before someone else does."
Nyxian smirked. "He wouldn't survive you."
Bunny hugged Merriweather goodbye. Zee clasped her hand warmly.
Llandra lingered by the door, mortified. "We're not pursuing him."
"No time like the present, dear."
Outside, evening had settled in.
The smells of food filled the air—strong, questionable, and very present.
Jax cleared his throat. "How about we head back to the inn, drop off our haul, change clothes—and I take you four to dinner. My treat."
They looked at one another.
"I'm in," Bunny said immediately.
"Free food?" Nyxian grinned. "Absolutely."
Zee smiled. "Thank you for the invite."
Llandra hesitated. "You don't owe us anything."
Nyxian elbowed her lightly. Free food.
Jax smiled awkwardly. "Okay… fine. I'll say it."
He took a breath.
"Today was the happiest and most adventurous day of my life. I don't know anyone else in town. I'd rather prefer to not eat alone. Besides, I really enjoy your company. Who knows, one day, maybe we will be friends."
Bunny slipped her arm through his.
Then grabbed Nyxian's arm with the other.
"Oh Jaxy," she said cheerfully, pulling them along, "we're already friends."
The others followed.
And for the first time, Jax didn't feel alone.