Chapter 44: DRINKS

  The Jingozi sanctuary stuck out like a sore thumb amidst the city's medieval architecture, just as it had in Raishoto.

  We stepped through the double oak doors.

  Rich tapestries lined the walls, depicting scenes of mythical battles and legendary heroes. The vibrant colors made the room feel alive. Chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, their crystals refracting light in a thousand directions.

  I approached the front desk and handed over three Jingozi tokens. The host, a tall, thin man wearing standard black Jingozi robes, called for an attendant and motioned up the staircase.

  A young boy led us up several flights and down a corridor lined with portraits. We were all on the same floor, the doors to our rooms set beside each other. I showed Kyra how to open the door with her Zii and listened to her gush for a while about the accommodations. Part of me was happy to share this new experience with her.

  In my room, I showered and sank into bed. Despite the comfort, sleep eluded me. My mind was too restless.

  ***

  After tossing and turning, I gave up on sleep. Heading to the bar for a drink, I figured it might clear my head—or at least provide some distraction.

  The bar was cozy, with a warm glow from the fireplace casting flickering shadows on the wood-paneled walls. A bard, his fingers dancing across the strings, played a soothing tune on a mandolin in the corner.

  The bartender, a rotund older man with a handlebar mustache and kind eyes, greeted me with a welcoming smile. His well-worn apron and the ease with which he polished a glass spoke of years of experience in this profession. As I approached the bar, the scent of polished wood and hints of various spirits filled my nostrils, oddly comforting in their familiarity.

  “Good evening, my lady,” he said. “What may I serve you?”

  “Surprise me,” I said.

  “Perhaps the house special?”

  “As long as it’s not ale.”

  “Right away.”

  The bartender reached behind the bar, pulling out several bottles filled with vibrant, colorful liquids. He deftly mixed a dash of this and a splash of that as everything swirled together. The citrus scent hit my nose as he added a twist, followed by a sprinkle of finely ground spices. The concoction shimmered as he poured it into a crystal goblet. With a flourish, he finished it off with a sprig of mint.

  “Here you go,” he slid the goblet across the bar. “This is a favorite among the dealers—drop a Zii into it.”

  “You’re kidding, right?” I said, looking dubiously at the elixer.

  “My lady, I don’t joke about my drinks.”

  I snapped my fingers and dropped the Zii coin in. I half expected to burst into flame or fizz a little, but nothing happened. Taking a sip, the flavors danced on my tongue—fruity, with a hint of spice and a smooth finish.

  “Woah,” I said after another drink. “That’s… spectacular.”

  “The mixture changes to your Zii frequency. It tastes how you want it to taste.”

  “Liquid Zii,” I chuckled.

  “Truth be told,” he whispered, leaning in, “all that other flourish, including the fancy language, is just for show.”

  “Your secret’s safe with me,” I laughed.

  After polishing off my drink, I waved the bartender down and asked, “Do you know an elf named Jon Deerfoot? Emperor faction?”

  The bartender gave me a knowing look. A woman at the end of the bar turned toward me, her eyes flashing with annoyance.

  Name: Seraphina Xale [Divine Dealer]

  Tier: III [Steel] Rank 4

  Faction Emperor [Lord]

  “Jon Deerfoot? she asked, arching an eyebrow, her tone laced with disdain. “That elf is a swindler and a charlatan. He vanished after a night of empty promises. I never heard from him again. He’s a charming one, but don’t waste your time.”

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  “Sounds like him, alright.”

  Like me, Seraphina Xale had red hair and emerald eyes. She wore skin-tight dark leather reinforced with light armor. A deep lavender cloak fastened with a silver crescent moon brooch draped her shoulders.

  The bartender leaned in, lowering his voice.

  “As you can see, Jon’s got a reputation around here. You won’t find him easily, but you might want to try the trade district if you seek his associates. A section deals in rare oils—people say he has connections there.”

  “Thanks.” I held up my empty goblet. “Please send the ginger down there one of these. Put it on my tab.”

  “Drinks are on the house here, my lady.”

  “Even better. Make hers a double.”

  ***

  I practically melted into the plush armchair, drooling over a steaming plate. The cut of meat—whatever it came from—was seared to perfection, dripping with juices. I didn’t waste any time digging in. Across from me, Kyra ate a bowl of dumplings floating in a creamy, fragrant soup. Her eyes closed in bliss after each spoonful.

  Cragmarr nursed a tankard of ale, watching us with a bemused smile as Kyra launched into giddy anecdotes about her room again—especially the shower.

  “So, what’s the plan, Crag?” I asked between bites.

  He set down his ale and reached into his pouch, pulling out a folded piece of parchment.

  “Directions to Ironhaven,” he said, unfolding the paper and spreading it on the table. The map was beyond detailed, showing a dense network of winding roads, riverways, and landmarks.

  “Those aren’t directions, Crag,” I said. “Nothing’s marked.”

  Cragmarr snapped his fingers for a Zii coin and held it to the map. An orange line traced between two points, the southern one marked by a pulsing shield, the symbol for the Golem faction. Kyra held up her Zii coin, and a blue diamond appeared beside Cragmarr’s.

  “Okay,” I said, “that is pretty cool.”

  “I arranged for us to join a caravan heading out tomorrow,” Cragmarr said. “It is a supply run that will get us close to Ironhaven in ten days. We leave at noon from the north gate.”

  Kyra couldn’t contain her excitement and practically vibrated in her seat.

  "I'm curious, Crag," I said. "How much does a ride like that cost?"

  "Three Jingozi tokens."

  "That's what I've been meaning to ask. What exactly are Jingozi tokens?"

  "They are the most valuable currency in this dimension, only granted to those who follow the Jingozi way. There is only a finite number of them. Once redeemed, they are placed back into the game as rewards. But the Jingozi use them to track the progress of all commerce across the factions."

  "That sounds like crypto—" I caught myself before I said too much in front of Kyra. “I’ll meet you at the north gate at noon, but I’ve got a few things to take care of in the morning.”

  “I’ll come with you,” Kyra said.

  “It is unwise for an Amazon princess to be seen in public right now, Kyra,” Cragmarr said. “We do not want to draw unnecessary attention.”

  “Fine.” She pushed her bowl away. After another gulp of her drink, she offered a toast. “Thank you for introducing me to this place. We don’t have anything like this on the islands. Everything is so exquisite—the room, shower, and food. It’s been… a gift.”

  “You’re welcome, Kyra. I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” I said, surprised by her gratitude. Cragmarr lifted his mug as a server dropped another crystal goblet at our table. I popped a Zii coin into it, clinked it with Cragmarr’s mug, and savored the first sip.

  “What’s that?” Krya asked. “That’s your fourth one.”

  “It’s the house special.” I passed it to her. “Don’t knock it until you try it.”

  Kyra sipped and spat it into her empty soup bowl.

  “That’s horrible." She scrunched her face. "It tastes like dirty trough water.”

  “I guess my Zii tastes funny. And how do you know what trough water tastes like?”

  We all laughed.

  Late into the night, the conversation flowed as freely as the drinks, and I found myself pleasantly enjoying the company more than I'd expected. Cragmarr, usually so stoic, loosened up and regaled us with tales from his travels. His stories were filled with dry humor and unexpected twists that had us in stitches. Kyra, her initial hesitation melting away, painted vivid pictures of life on the Amazon islands—the lush jungles, the fierce training, and the complex social hierarchies.

  When it was my turn, I recounted my time with the Monks, carefully choosing my words. I noticed Kyra's eyes narrow slightly as I spoke—precisely the reaction I'd hoped for.

  The drinks kept flowing, each round adding a new layer to our conversation. I lost track of how many I'd had, but I didn't care. When we finally called it a night, the once-bustling dining hall was eerily empty, and the candles had burned down to stubs.

  ***

  I woke up with my head pounding, the effects of the night’s revelry making themselves known with a vengeance. The morning sun was blinding, and every sound felt like a hammer against my skull. Groaning, I dragged myself out of bed into a few minutes of Zii-Kata. The hangover lifted like a fog.

  The trade district came alive, bright and early. Blending in by wearing my cloak, I slipped through the crowds until a random stall caught my attention.

  The merchant was a skinny man with an apron and a patch over one eye. His cart was laden with an array of glittering rings hanging from chains. I browsed until finding a duplicate of Kyra’s familiar ring.

  “Can I help you, miss?”

  “Is this a familiar ring?”

  “It certainly is,” he glanced around, “I don't see your—”

  “Someone’s pet-sitting her at the moment.”

  “Ah.”

  The merchant polished the ring on his sleeve.

  “Will you accept this here?” I presented a Jingozi token. He tripped over himself and waved his hands.

  “No, miss, that’s far too much!” he said. “Please, take whatever you like from the cart, anything!”

  I paused, taken aback by his reaction. I knew Jingozi tokens were valuable, but really?

  “I’m sorry,” I said. “I didn’t mean to—”

  “Say no more. That token represents more than currency. It’s my honor to serve the Jingozi.”

  “Well, okay then. Show me what you have.”

  The merchant’s hands trembled as he presented me with a few options. Nothing stood out. The merchant tried to press more items into my hands—bracelets, amulets, even an enchanted dagger. In the end, he finally accepted my token, gushing with appreciation.

  YOU HAVE RECEIVED NEW ITEMS:

  Familiar Ring

  Store one creature.

  The creature is frozen in time and does not age or heal.

  “Thank you.” I slipped the ring onto my finger. The merchant shook my hand, still frazzled. As I turned to leave, I asked, “Do you know where the magic oils trade office is?”

  “Follow this street until you reach the end,” he said. “It’s a small wooden door on the right. Look for the sign.”

  I thanked him again and headed off, winding through the narrow streets until I found the office. It was a modest, almost unassuming building with a single wooden door and a small sign saying Magic Oils.

  I knocked right as a notification popped up.

  NEW MISSION: RESCUE THE FAMILY

  Rescue the mother and daughter from the criminal syndicate.