"There's a stall nearby where we can find some pretty rare potions," Alaric said.
"Then lead the way!" Merlock said with a nod.
"You know the bazaar well. Did you use to work here or something?" Aaron asked.
"Nope," Alaric replied with a shrug.
"Well, whatever the case, our job here is done. That's what matters," Merlock added.
They left the alley and walked through the bustling bazaar. After a while, they reached a stall where a tall, young elf with silver hair and bright blue eyes stood quietly.
"How may I help you, sir?" the elf asked softly.
"We need healing potions, anti-venom, invisibility potions, and some magic-boosting ones," Merlock replied.
The elf swiftly gathered various small bottles into a wooden basket beneath the stall, then touched it lightly — the basket transformed into a small, neat box.
"Here you go, sir. All ready. That'll be one gold piece," the elf said with a gentle smile.
Merlock nudged Aaron with his elbow. "Your turn to pay up."
"Alright, alright," Aaron grumbled, pulling a gold coin from his pocket and handing it over.
"Thank you! Have a great day, sir," the elf said politely.
With their supplies in hand, the group headed toward the outskirts of the bazaar. At the edge, they found several caravans parked, horses tied up in front.
"Maybe we should rent one of these caravans," Aaron suggested.
"Obvious choice, but I didn't buy all these arrows for nothing," Alaric said, handing the bow and quiver over to Aaron.
"Pleasure's mine," Aaron smirked, taking the bow.
He notched an arrow and shot it. The arrow streaked through the air, cutting through the thick trunk of a tall tree, which crashed down on the caravans below. Luckily, most of the horses managed to escape.
"Give it back, and maybe we should run!" Alaric said with an exasperated sigh, grabbing the bow and arrows from Aaron.
"I know a teleportation spell," Alaric continued, licking one of the arrows. "But to cast it, I have to—lick all of you on the forehead."
Aaron stepped back, frowning. "Nope. Way too creepy. Not happening."
"There's no time for nonsense. Just trust me!" Merlock ordered.
Grumbling, Aaron reluctantly allowed Alaric to lick his forehead, along with Ignis and Merlock. Both Ignis and Aaron looked annoyed by the odd ritual.
Alaric then shot the arrow into the sky. It vanished in an instant.
"So... did something happen?" Aaron asked.
"Just be quiet for a moment," Alaric snapped.
In the blink of an eye, the group found themselves deep within a dense forest.
"Where are we now?" Aaron asked, glancing around.
"When will you stop asking dumb questions?" Ignis scoffed.
"I wasn't talking to you!" Aaron shot back.
"This is the Forest of Gloomroot Expanse," Merlock said quietly.
"Rumor has it, this forest is thirsty for blood," he added ominously.
"What does that mean?" Aaron asked.
"Honestly, how dense can you be?" Ignis muttered.
"Can you two stop fighting?" Alaric interjected. "What Merlock means is that there are vines in this forest that suck blood."
"I don't see any vines," Aaron said skeptically.
"That's because I scared them off," Ignis boasted, looking up with pride, eyes closed and hand placed dramatically over his chest. Then, he shifted his hand to his forehead, fingers arranged in a strange gesture.
"Oh really? I'm the one here with the most unique affinity," Aaron said smugly.
"Is that so? What spells can you do?" Ignis challenged, still full of pride.
"Don't talk about that—you passed out after your one and only spell," Aaron shot back. "I can create a barrier, though."
"Could you both shut up?" Merlock snapped, clearly irritated.
"Anyway," Alaric continued, "the reason you don't see any vines might be because we aren't deep enough into the forest yet. Besides, it's just a rumor."
They pressed forward. Above them, crows swirled in the sky, shaking dead leaves loose. Squirrels scampered through the fallen foliage, creating a soft, natural melody.
Suddenly, a massive grizzly bear appeared about five meters ahead.
Ignis drew his sword and slashed it with a fiery arc. The blade cut through the bear, but the flames spread to the dry leaves beneath.
"First Aaron, now you!" Merlock scolded Ignis.
He quickly sprayed a stream of water, dousing the flames.
"Why do I feel this tingling in my abdomen whenever you use magic?" Aaron asked.
"That's because I'm your spirit, tapping into your mana," Merlock explained.
"That's cheating!" Aaron protested.
The group continued deeper into the forest, wary but determined.