Chapter 7: Sairi Celster
The sun was just beginning its descent behind the walls of the capital, staining the sky with golden-orange hues, when Derek stepped onto the cobbled streets of the merchant district.
The noise of vendors hawking wares and children running between stalls barely registered in his mind.
His eyes were fixed ahead, towards a marble-faced building marked by an elegant crest of a silver flame.
The Celster Merchant Guild.
This was no ordinary merchant shop. It was one of the few elite trade houses on Xeldraus that dealt in Skill Books, Essences, Ancient Relics, and even Dungeon Rights.
Only high-ranking nobles, guild leaders, or influential Awakened could afford to cross its threshold.
Derek didn’t even have to speak.
The moment his boots hit the first step, a sharply dressed attendant stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and gestured with a gloved hand.
"Sir Derek. The Mistress is expecting you. Please, this way."
The attendants here were trained to know the faces and reputations of every important Awakened.
And Derek, though he kept a low profile, was far from unknown.