Randall River Valley City lay at the southwestern edge of the Old Continent, even farther from Tobesk than Middhir Fort City. Therefore, Shade once again chose to travel using the Space Labyrinth.
Traveling to a city without specific landmarks required sacrificing White Stone Crystals based on his own luck. Fortunately, Grandma Cassandra had given Shade some White Stone Crystals during the Year-End Festival, and during his half-month break, he had successfully asked Old John to acquire suitable items. That evening, after bidding farewell to the two princesses at the Opera House, Shade headed to Old John's pawnshop.
The middle of the Newborn Moon was still deep winter in Tobesk City. Since another heavy snowfall had fallen a few days ago, only the center of the streets had been cleared enough for carriages to pass.
In the deep winter streets, only the Gas Lamps gave off light and warmth. Most citizens retired early, and even drunkards knew better than to walk the streets in such weather. Once they fell, they would probably never get back up again.
When Shade stepped out of the carriage into the snow, Old John's pawnshop was still lit. But when he pushed open the door, no one was behind the counter. Holding the cat, Shade took its paw and pressed the bell on the counter. The old man then hurried in through the back door:
"Oh, Shade, you received my letter?"
Dust clung to his clothes. He had likely just been tinkering with his Alchemy Equipment in the warehouse behind the shop.
"You requested a relic that can temporarily increase your luck without overly severe negative effects. That is quite troublesome."
As he spoke, the old man removed his sleeve protectors, then put on his glasses and took out his ledger from beneath the counter.
"Let