Inventors system

"The next item is something that was recovered from the ruins of the deep sea. Our appraisers were unable to tell us much about the item, but it was recovered together with the pearl and other treasures. We believe that it is a very ancient item that hides many mysteries." Announced Marina.

As the item appeared everyone saw a beautiful bracelet of what looked like red beads or pearls. It was a very simple and very exquisite piece of jewelry.

Others might didn't know what the item was but Morana knew its importance very well and she couldn't help feeling excited.

[Look master, finally, lady luck is on our side] 

'Hmm. I never thought Andromeda's tears would be here. Sure enough, luck is the most important factor in success.'

Andromeda's tears are one of the items needed for her advancement in power if she wanted to develop her 'Knowledge' further.

Morana had a very hard time collecting items for her 'knowledge' development in these past 5 years, but after she managed to gather everything successfully she finally understood its benefits, and now that she so suddenly and easily met one of the items needed for further development she couldn't hide her excitement.

This situation wasn't new or strange to Ioannes and Luka, but Samael has rarely seen Morana showing any emotions and he couldn't help feeling surprised

In the end, Morana managed to successfully bid on the bracelet as no one from the VIPs got in the way and people didn't really want to pay a high price for something they knew nothing about.

The rest of the auction went relatively uneventful for Morana, she didn't see any more items of interest and decided to rest early instead of joining the after-party. 

Samael, Ioannes, and Luka also did the same and they also retired in their respective rooms.

The rest of the journey to Zoa went as uneventful as the first part and they soon arrived in Aethiopia, the largest port city of Zoa.

The beautiful seaside city is a natural paradise filled with tall cliffs and waterfalls. Bustling coastline and port where ships come and go and merchants transport their hard-acquired treasures.

"Aethiopia sure is a beautiful city." Said Ioannes with admiration.

Other passengers that were here for the first time were just like him with open mouths and sparkling eyes. Morana too had to admit the beauty of the city.

"The legend has it that Aethiopia's king Cepheus fell in love with a beautiful woman Laletis at first sight. He was so captivated that without giving it a second thought he promised Laletis anything as long as she became his. The woman said that she would become his if he gifted her the most treasured item of the sea 'The eye of the sea'." Said Morana.

"What happened later? Did the king acquire the eye of the sea?" Asked Ioannes

"Cepheus, who was blinded by lust, sent his knight to acquire the eye of the sea that was protected by the sea dragon Gweleshap, the most feared monster of the sea. The knights knew that they couldn't win over Gweleshap so they waited for him to leave his home and then stole it. 

Gweleshap felt that his treasure was gone and returned home right away. Upon not finding the treasure he raged and called upon all sea creatures to attack Aethiopia. When Cepheus was informed of this he finally panicked, but by Laletis's advice he chained his daughter Andromeda to the chief as a sacrifice to Gweleshap." Explained Morana as she pointed at the tallest and foremost cliff.

"What happened after? What happened to Andromeda?" Asked a clear and childish voice.

When Morana looked down she saw that a boy of about 7-years of age stood next to her listening with great interest.

"Andromeda who was used as a sacrifice and was betrayed had no power to protect herself. Cassiopeia, Andromeda's mother who found out about her husband's and lover's heinous deed hurriedly tried to save her daughter. 

Cassiopeia was a witch so with her life as a sacrifice she cast the last spell to save Andromeda. Andromeda, who was chained to the cliff, saw as Gweleshap neared towards Aethiopia with rage and cried bloody tears in anguish and despair. Her blood fell into the sea and completed Cassiopeia's last spell and her tears turned into beautiful red pearls sitting on her hand as a bracelet and giving her power to control all sea creatures." Morana stopped talking and left the story unfinished.

"What happened to Cepheus and Laletis? Did Andromeda take her revenge?" asked the kid.

"No. Andromeda and all sea creatures together with Gweleshap disappeared like they were never there, so did Laletis. As for Cepheus, he was left alone with the eye of the sea and went insane, so did every king after him that came in contact with the treasure." Answered Morana.

"Andromeda just disappeared?" Asked Ioannes who was just as engrossed in the story as the child.

"Well, some say Gweleshap fell in love with Andromeda and took his new treasure to the deep sea to protect and they lived happily ever after." Said Morana

"Ohhhh."

"Ohhhh." 

Bothe Ioannes and the kid exclaimed in response at the same time. Realizing what happened Ioannes couldn't help feeling embarrassed and his ears turned a deep shade of red.

As Morana finished the story the ship was already docked and it was time to get off. 

"Thank you big sister for the story. Bye-bye." Waved the kid and disappeared in the crowd before anyone had time to react.

Morana wasn't too bothered by the situation. She had more important things to worry about. The imperial games were going to start in one and half months and they still had a long journey in front of them.

The group quickly descended the ship and found a nice hotel to stay the night. They had to continue their journey early in the morning and didn't have time to squander if they wanted to make it to the games.