The morning mist still clung to the cobbled streets of Eastwell as soldiers, merchants, and curious townsfolk gathered outside the Mystic Well Sanctum. The shopfront was wide, sturdy, and fresh with polished wood, with a crescent moon emblem hanging above the doorway. The symbol shimmered faintly under the rising sun.
Most of the people waiting in line were men in uniform. Some wore light armor. Others had swords strapped to their backs or insignias showing captain rank.
One younger soldier nudged his comrade. "You think it's really him? The Ghost Ink Scholar?"
His friend chuckled. "Yeah. I served with him. Just an apprentice talisman maker back then. Kept quiet. Always scribbling. But when our flank was pinned by beasts, his fire talismans kept us alive."
"So it's true he only signed a year-and-a-half contract?"
"Yeah. Said he didn't belong in war… But everyone remembered him after that. Those inscriptions of his never failed. That's why I came."
The doors creaked open slowly. A gentle breeze rolled through as Rin stepped forward. She wore her green attendant robe with pride, silver pin glinting at her chest. The crowd stilled.
She bowed. "Welcome to the grand opening of Mystic Well Sanctum. Please form a single line. Today's available talismans are posted on the board inside."
The people entered, their boots echoing on the polished wooden floor. Soft lights glowed from mana crystals overhead, giving the entire space a calm, clean atmosphere. Shelves lined with glowing talismans floated behind thin crystal panes. Everything felt precise. Orderly.
Above the counter hung a large wooden board with glowing gold lettering:
(Uncommon Tier) Enhanced Minor Barrier Seal – 50 pieces daily – 5 gold each
(Uncommon Tier) Enhanced Fireball Talisman – 20 pieces daily – 10 gold each
(Rare Tier) Mystic Flame Talisman – 5 pieces daily – 100 gold each
A murmur passed through the room.
"Five gold for a Barrier Seal? That's twenty times the usual price," muttered a gruff-looking captain.
A junior officer whispered back, "Ten gold for a fireball? Didn't these cost fifteen silver last season?"
An older soldier shook his head. "Don't complain. If it's really him, it'll be worth it."
Rin stepped forward. "Yes, the prices have increased. Allow me to explain why."
She picked up one of the Fireball Talismans from the display. Her voice was calm but firm.
"This talisman carries a rebirth shell—a layering technique developed by Master Felix. It can be activated up to four times."
Several captains exchanged glances.
"Four times?"
Rin didn't answer immediately. She walked to the testing pedestal in the center of the room. She infused the talisman with a small amount of energy.
Boom!
A brilliant fireball surged forward, striking the steel target.
A moment later—boom!—another. Then another. Then a final fourth.
Only then did the talisman crumble into golden dust.
No one spoke.
An armored soldier stepped forward, mouth slightly open. "That… That wasn't normal."
Another man nodded. "That's worth ten gold. Easy."
"But... four uses?" one of the younger guards asked in disbelief.
Rin smiled faintly. "Yes. The same is true for the Mystic Flame Talisman—but with added security. It's protected by an inscription called 'Fadebreak.' If someone tries to decipher or reverse it, the talisman will self-destruct and reveal the name 'Felix Mavis' in the sky."
"The Fadebreak inscription?" one of the captains echoed. "That's an old defense method. No one uses it anymore—it's too complex."
"Master Felix restored and improved it. Every Talisman on the display includes it."
Another soldier nearby spoke up. "So he really is the Ghost Ink Scholar…"
One of the captains stepped forward, removing his helmet. "I fought with him during the beast siege near Brightvale. We were out of reinforcements. Half our talismans failed—except the ones from him. He doesn't just inscribe them. He understands them."
More and more customers nodded. The hesitation started to fade.
Rin remained composed, respectful. "Our talismans are hand-crafted and tested individually. Because of that, our stock is limited to daily releases. This ensures quality and fairness."
"What about the other merchants?" a merchant in the back called out. "They sell for silver."
"Their talismans are single-use. Weak layering. Poor ink. If that suits your needs, we don't compete. If you need reliability—power—then these are what you seek."
People began stepping forward. Coins clinked onto the counter.
"I'll take two barrier seals," a veteran said.
"I want a Mystic Flame," a quiet scout added, placing a 100 full gold without blinking.
One after another, soldiers and squad leaders made their purchases. Most did not haggle. They respected the Ink Scholar.
By midday, all 75 talismans had sold out.
Outside, more people were still arriving. The line didn't stop.
At the back of the shop, delivery crates arrived—supplies from contracted material vendors: flame dust, inscription ink, core crystals, softshell paper, and alchemic adhesive.
"Sign here," one supplier said, handing a scroll to Rin. "That's everything—just like your Master Felix requested. High-grade ink and purified talisman paper."
"I appreciate your punctuality," she replied. "Expect a follow-up order next week."
The supplier grinned. "Never thought a back-alley seller would become the main force in talisman supply. You two are really changing the city."
By sundown, the shop had made nearly 300 gold in its first day. But gold wasn't what mattered.
Reputation was.
The soldiers would spread the word—back to their camps, their outposts, their factions. The Ghost Ink Scholar was no longer just a name from war. He had returned. And this time, he had a sanctum.
That night, as Rin closed the shop, several off-duty guards saluted her.
"Let Master Felix know his old comrades haven't forgotten him," one said. "And we'll be back tomorrow."
Rin bowed slightly. "He'll be grateful to hear it."
Outside, the moon rose high. Its crescent light reflected on the capes of the guards Felix had armed. The same moon-shaped symbol shone above the shop.
And inside, silent and watchful, the talismans waited for dawn.