The next morning James was up early but still noticed his parents were not home. They left a note on the table to let James and Susy know they were looking for work together and wished them good luck with checking into the academy.

The eastern districts overall shock value wasn’t high for James as he was left his parents home considering that Ferris was similar and already prepared him for what to expect. There were other races of course but he noticed there were even more of them in Anephis which made sense to James. It was a bigger city and had more opportunities for anyone trying to do something with their life. The academy and guilds were the main driving factors bringing people to the city.

James made his way to the street filled with shops in the eastern district. The set up was similar to Ferris again but the shops were nice and there were even more options. Eventually he found himself in front of a small shop that was only one floor and made of simple stone which had orbs, staves, monster cores, and spell books on display from the window facing the street. When entering he was a bit overwhelmed and disappointed after looking throughout the wares. There were lots of magic related stuff scattered around on shelves and tables but the quality of each item was poor.

The shop attendant noticed the disappointment and approached James, “Welcome to my shop known as the Magic Essentials, is there anything you are looking for in specific?”

The attendant was a gnome that was bald and had a white mustache which had pointy ends curled up. He was older but his blue robe which had two crystals and no stitching which was a good sign for James. If he had to buy products or make deals with someone they shouldn't have to run to check with their boss. Also if James ends up selling things he wants to keep hidden from others well he might have found the perfect place to do that.

“My dark elf acquaintance after mentioning the history of her race, told me to check a shop in Anephis if I hoped to acquire spells for my class,” James responded while he looked around the shop but had an eye peeking at the gnome.

When the gnome raised both his eyebrows and his eyes had the look of excitement, James knew he succeeded. Gnomes are an intellectual race who love hearing about things not known to them. They love learning and really enjoy stories of adventures that involve anything mythical.

“Hmmmm…. I noticed you do not have a robe so if I may ask what your element is?” the gnome asked as he put a poker face on.

“Ice is my major element, but I do have a minor affinity for wind,” James responded still trying to look uninterested.

“Well, it looks like you have found the right place. My name is Mattias, and my class is water hydra mage so I imagine we could work out some type of deal. I have my water spells from own collection to offer and a couple ice spells from past acquaintances. However, what you have to offer must be worth whatever you choose,” Mattias went on to explain.

“While I do appreciate your offer of water spells, I think I prefer ice if you don't mind. What are the choices you have available and the price you are asking for?” James questioned the older gnome.

Mattias used his fingers to twist his mustache as he stared at James while contemplating. Most likely he knew what to say but wanted to make James sweat over it.

“Ice lance and Ice armor are the two I have but are the some of the most basic ice spells there are. I will not hype them up to you boy, but you do have to know spells no matter the level are expensive. This is the Euronar kingdom which the royal family has spells of all elements monopolized…for their own reasons. Twenty gold each but you must only pick one,” Mattias came out with a merchant like tone.

Taking out the box of gold he held it out to show Mattias as James responded, “Ten gold is all I have now, but a true story lost to history of the dark elves race being saved can hopefully make up the rest. You can tell I am but a mere commoner just trying to survive. However I will promise to bring lots of business your way as I am attending Xavier academy.”

James knew Mattias had offered a fair deal, but his gold was just lacking now. His family was more important than his spells so he would not take any gold back even if he wanted to. He needed the ice lance spell which would work as something he could show in front of others and made up for his lacking of offensive spells.

They stared for a moment as Mattias finally smiled and James knew the bait laid out earlier paid off. The two made their way to his office in the back as James went on to retell an embellished story of him saving the dark elves from the demon empire. He did not mention his name but just the element used of course. They made the deal while also discussed working together again. James would exclusively bring anything he would like to sell to Mattias and Mattias would give him a discount on anything James wanted to purchase like the spell ice armor.

A good while later James left the shop completely broke but with a grin across his face and some pep in his step.