While he and Li Wenhao continued talking, the other merchants had already begun to move. With evident practice, they started collecting the corpses of the horned wolves. Some separated the hides, others cut the meat into manageable sections, while the most experienced carefully inspected the insides of the bodies.
Ian watched with scientific interest.
Every movement seemed to follow knowledge passed down through generations.
They use everything he commented.
Li Wenhao nodded.
Nothing is wasted. Meat, hide, bones… everything can be sold or traded in the city.
Ian hesitated for a moment before asking what truly interested him.
I found something inside one of the wolves I killed earlier. Some kind of core. Do you know what it is?
The merchant leader's expression changed slightly.
What exactly is that core?
Li Wenhao took a breath before explaining, as if reciting basic knowledge of the world.
Normal beasts live, hunt, and die like any other animal. But some… survive for too long.
Ian raised his gaze.
Too long?
Yes he continued. Over the years, some beasts develop greater intelligence, strength, and a natural affinity with the energy of the world. When that happens, they stop being simple animals and become demonic beasts.
Aisha immediately registered the term.
Demonic beasts Li Wenhao continued form a core in their heart. That is what we call a demonic core.
Ian remembered the sphere he had found.
These beasts are classified by levels Li Wenhao replied. From level one to level nine. Each level represents a massive increase in power.
And what happens at level ten? Ian asked.
The atmosphere grew tense.
Level ten… Li Wenhao repeated. Those are called commander demonic beasts.
Ian waited.
They are monsters capable of leading he continued. They can summon thousands, even tens of thousands of lower-level demonic beasts. That is what we call a beast tide.
Ian imagined the scene: an endless wave of creatures advancing without fear.
And their intelligence… Li Wenhao added is not inferior to that of a human. Some are even more cunning.
Ian remained silent for a few seconds.
So he finally said, if I wanted to obtain a demonic core… I would have to kill at least a level-one demonic beast.
Li Wenhao nodded.
Exactly.
Ian looked at the corpses of the wolves being loaded onto the carts.
These didn't have any Li Wenhao said. They haven't crossed that threshold yet.
How far are we from Prado City? Ian asked then.
Li Wenhao looked at the sky, calculating.
If there are no setbacks… we'll arrive by nightfall.
The journey continued without incident.
The road became wider and more defined. On both sides, the forest gradually receded, giving way to more open land. As time passed, small scattered buildings, cultivated fields, and secondary paths joining the main road began to appear.
Finally, when the sun began to set, Ian saw it.
Prado City.
Colossal stone walls rose before them, illuminated by torches and fire lamps. There were no cables, no screens, no artificial lights. Everything was ancient… but solid.
The walls were incredibly tall, reinforced with watchtowers. Armed guards patrolled every section, carefully observing those who approached.
It's impressive Ian murmured.
And necessary Li Wenhao replied. These walls exist to defend us from beast tides.
Ian nodded.
A line of people stretched out in front of the main gate. Merchants, travelers, peasants… all waiting their turn.
When their moment came, each person handed coins to the guards as an entrance tax.
Ian checked his pockets.
Empty.
Li Wenhao noticed immediately.
Don't worry he said. I'll cover the cost.
Before Ian could respond, Li Wenhao had already paid for him.
I appreciate it Ian said sincerely.
Consider it a favor for saving us earlier the merchant replied.
Inside the city, the contrast was even greater.
Well-maintained cobblestone streets, buildings in an oriental style, wooden balconies, lanterns lighting every corner. The air was filled with voices, the smells of food, hot metal, and spices.
The city was alive.
So Li Wenhao asked as they walked, what do you plan to do now?
Ian looked around, absorbing every detail.
First he replied, I'll take a look around the city. I need to get oriented, understand how this place works.
Li Wenhao nodded.
We're going to the main market. If you wish, we can meet here tomorrow at midday.
That works for me.
Before they parted ways, Li Wenhao took out a small cloth pouch and handed it to him.
Twenty copper coins he said. It's not much, but it will help you get started.
Ian took the pouch.
Thank you he replied. I won't forget it.
Li Wenhao smiled faintly.
As he watched the caravan move away, Ian tightened his grip on the pouch in his hand.
The noise of wheels and horses' hooves gradually faded among the city streets until it disappeared completely.
Aisha he said in a low voice. Let's make a general map of the city.
Initiating data collection she replied in a calm tone. Urban exploration mode activated.
Ian began to move without a fixed direction, letting himself be carried along the main streets and secondary alleys. Prado City was alive even at night. Fire-lit streetlamps illuminated the stone roads, casting long shadows over the ancient walls.
The first area he passed through was a noisy tavern. Laughter, shouts, and the constant clashing of tankards poured out from inside. The smell of alcohol and roasted meat filled the air. Farther ahead, the atmosphere changed completely.
He entered what was clearly the Red District. Colored lanterns hung at the entrances of the buildings, and several women and some men leaned against doorframes, inviting passersby with calculated smiles. Ian avoided looking too much and kept walking.
After that, he reached a much quieter area: medicine shops. Sacks of herbs hung from the walls, ceramic jars were lined up on shelves, and the aroma of dried plants filled the surroundings.
High concentration of botanical resources Aisha reported. Many do not match known terrestrial species.
Farther on, he found the blacksmiths' district. The metallic sound of hammers striking anvils rang out without pause. Sparks flew through the air as several artisans worked even at those hours.
Then he passed through an area of inns and lodgings, places where travelers and merchants could rest. Some were full, others almost empty, but all seemed safe and well maintained.
Finally, after walking for quite a while, Ian arrived at the Grand Market. Even though it was already night, it was still brimming with life. Thousands of people bought, sold, negotiated, and argued over prices. There were food stalls, weapons, hides, strange materials, and objects Ian did not recognize at all.
General city map completedAisha announced. Urban distribution confirmed.
Ian sat on a stone ledge, from where he could observe the constant movement of the market. He closed his eyes for a moment and began to think.
I need a way to sustain myself… to obtain resources and move forward in this world.
Analyzing options Aisha replied.
They considered several possibilities. Becoming a merchant, though he had neither capital nor market knowledge. Being a mercenary, a dangerous and unstable option. He also thought about becoming a herbal physician, taking advantage of Aisha's medical knowledge, but quickly discarded the idea.
Main disadvantage: lack of knowledge of local herbs Aisha pointed out. High risk.
After reorganizing all the available information, one option stood out above the rest.
The most viable alternative is blacksmithing Aisha concluded. I can assist in optimizing materials and processes.
Ian slowly opened his eyes.
Being a blacksmith meant constant access to materials, money, and connections. With enough capital, he could hire mercenaries to obtain demonic cores and other rare resources. In addition, it would allow him to improve his own weapons and prepare for the future.
Then it's decided he murmured. Tomorrow I'll go to a blacksmith shop to look for work.
His objective was clear: work first to learn, survive… and eventually, open his own blacksmith shop.