William followed Yashir through the winding halls until they reached a small cabana nestled near the main imperial palace.
Though modest in size, the structure exuded understated grandeur—its brass walls gleamed beneath the afternoon sun, crowned by a copper dome inscribed with glowing dwarven runes.
Essence stones embedded in the metal pulsed gently, casting a warm amber light across the threshold.
Inside, the scent of old paper and polished metal filled the air. At the center of the room sat a dwarf in a greyleather suit and a black overcoat, a monocle perched neatly over his right eye. He was seated beside a circular table, a thick book open in his lap. His expression was calm, thoughtful.
As Yashir stepped forward, he dipped his head slightly. "Apologies for keeping you waiting, teacher."
The dwarf looked up and waved the concern away. "It's quite alright."
His eyes landed on William, studying him carefully.
"This child must be…?"
Yashir nodded. "Let me introduce him properly. This is William of Medici, son of Edgar, emissary of the human continent. William—this is Sahir, my tutor and my father's chief advisor."
Sahir gave a respectful nod. "An honor to meet you, young master."
William responded with a dwarven greeting, hands clasped in the traditional gesture. Sahir's eyes gleamed faintly with approval.
They took their seats around the table. Sahir motioned to a side tray. "Would you like some tea, young lord?"
William shook his head with a polite smile. "I'm fine, thank you." His gaze drifted to the book resting on Sahir's knee.
Though it was written in dwarven script, he managed to pick out two words: Dwarven History.
He smiled softly to himself. Of course. They wouldn't discuss their history in front of an outsider.
"If Your Highness is preparing for a lesson," William said, rising, "I'll take a walk and explore the palace."
But before he could turn to leave, Yashir stood. "If teacher permits, I'd like to show young master William something first."
Sahir looked at him for a long moment. Then, noting the quiet determination in the prince's eyes, he gave a slow nod.
Yashir led William to a lift hidden within the cabana. With a tap of his hand, the mechanism stirred, essence-powered gears humming as the platform descended.
They emerged into a vast underground training hall, its walls smooth and white, surrounded by barriers of shimmering blue light sustained by essence stones embedded overhead.
"Do you know how to fight, William?" Yashir asked, walking toward a rack of equipment.
William smirked. "Wouldn't it be unfair? If I use my essence, you won't stand a chance. I'm a Level 9 Mystic."
Yashir said nothing. He slipped on reinforced boots, strapped on a wide belt, and donned a gleaming shirt of woven metal laced with a glowing blue essence core.
The moment he activated it, William instinctively used his Third Eye—and his brow furrowed.
."That's cheating! You're using artifacts to increase your stats!" . William said in disbelief
Yashir chuckled, then pulled out a polished brass card. Two stars shimmered at its center.
"I'm a Category Two Engineer," he said, proud but calm. "I designed and built these artifacts myself. So it's not cheating—it's innovation."
William laughed. "So Prince Yashir is good at everything. How terrifying."
Yashir tossed him a dagger. William caught it, then blinked in surprise. "Where's its core?"
"There isn't one," Yashir replied. "That dagger was made after the humans' treaty. It's based on an idea from your father. Instead of using a stone core, it draws directly from the user's essence."
William's eyes widened. "So its power scales with the wielder?"
Yashir nodded.
"If a Level Ninety Mystic uses it," William said, eyes gleaming, "could it match a Category Nine weapon?"
"In theory, yes. But in reality, no weapon can fully withstand the power of a Level 90 Mystic."
William studied the dagger, his fingers trailing along the edge. "Do you like it?" Yashir asked.
William nodded.
"Then you can keep it. But only if you beat me."
A broad grin lit William's face. "Oh my… Prince Yashir is so generous. I might have to become your slave for a hundred years to repay the debt."
Yashir smirked and dropped into a fighting stance. "Ready?"
William mirrored him. "Always."
They charged. Metal clashed, essence flared, footsteps echoed within the barrier-protected walls. They moved like mirrored flames—precise, relentless, brilliant.
Moments later, both collapsed onto the floor, panting.
"…Looks like I won," William said between breaths.
"Who said that? It was clearly a draw," Yashir muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.
William sat up, holding the dagger. "So… can I keep it?"
"Do whatever you want with it," Yashir huffed.
"I'll sell it," William teased. "Might earn a good price."
"Wait!" William shouted suddenly.
Yashir flinched, plugging his ears. "Why are you yelling?"
"Do you want to go to the market?" William asked, eyes gleaming.
Yashir blinked, caught off guard. "The market? Why so suddenly?"
"I've heard a lot about the capital's market," William said. "I want to see it for myself."
"I'll send someone with you," Yashir replied instinctively.
"No," William said firmly. "You and me. Together."
Yashir frowned. "I can't just walk out without the royal protocol. I'm a prince—I'm not allowed to go anywhere without guards."
A mischievous smile crept onto William's face. "What if we... snuck out?"
Yashir looked at him, incredulous. "Sneak out? They'll send guards after us the moment they realize we're gone."
"Not if we get back before they find out. Come on, it'll be an amazing adventure," William said, his tone gleeful.
Yashir hesitated. I'm the crown prince of an entire continent... I can't act like a reckless child.
But another voice whispered within him: Just this once. Just once, be free like a bird.
"Fine," he finally said. "But we must be back before anyone notices."
William grinned. "Deal. Let's go."
They returned to the surface and found Sahir nowhere in sight. Outside the cabin, guards were stationed as usual. Yashir quickly pulled out a ring that shimmered with a dull glow—an artifact that partially concealed their presence.
With a nod from William, they crept toward the outer wall. William placed a hand on Yashir's shoulder and used levitation—both of them gently floated over the wall and disappeared into the city.
The market sprawled before them like a mechanical jungle. Buildings made of brass and copper loomed tall and narrow, interspersed with squat vendor stalls. The air was thick with the scent of oil, metal, and exotic spices. The rhythmic clang of machines echoed in every direction, while brass-plated vehicles zipped down the streets.
Yashir's heart raced, a mix of fear and excitement tightening in his chest. So this is what freedom tastes like.
Yashir beamed beside William , eyes wide with wonder. William turned away, smile still plastered on his face—but for a moment, he felt nothing but cold calculation.
They slipped into a clothing shop, and William used Yashir's money to buy him something less princely—plain clothes to blend in.
Then they roamed, exploring both luxurious displays and scrappy roadside stalls. They laughed, bartered, sampled food, and lost track of time.
Eventually, worn out, they leaned against a hotel wall to catch their breath and fill their stomachs.
Then William's gaze fixed on a peculiar stall at the edge of the street.
It was absurdly simple—just a cloth canopy over a metal frame. Amid the shining brass and polished copper of the city, the stall looked like it didn't belong.
A man stood behind it, shouting madly.
"Come to me! I hold a treasure that will change your destiny! Even gods and demons will kneel before you! You will rule the world!"
People walked past him with annoyed glances, dismissing him as a madman.
William's eyes narrowed. He activated his Third Eye.
A wide grin slowly spread across his face.
"Found it," he whispered.
Suddenly, Wiz's voice echoed in his mind, laughing maniacally.
[HA HA HA, BASTARD! YOU TOOK THE CHILD WITH YOU TO FIND THE LOCATION OF THE EARRING WITHOUT ANYONE OBSERVING YOU!]
Isn't it obvious? William replied inwardly, eyes locked on the stall. If I'd come with guards, they'd be watching my every move.
[LET'S GO GRAB THE EARRING BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE BUYS IT!]
I can't. Yashir is still here. William's expression remained calm, but his thoughts darkened like storm clouds.
But don't worry, Wiz...
He glanced at the stall again, then at the bustling market.
As long as that earring is in this capital… I'll massacre the whole damn city if I have to.