178 Chapter 178 – Mysteries in Stone and a New Kind of Gamble
Alvin nodded politely. His most striking feature was his eyes–keen and calculating, as if constantly assessing everything around him.
I hesitated, scanning the remaining stones on display. Most appeared ordinary to my eyes, but as I moved down the row, something strange happened. Near one particularly large, nondescript stone, I felt a faint pulse–similar to how I sensed qi in living beings. “Good evening, Liam,” he said with a nod. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“What talent is that?” I asked.
I considered his words. Perhaps a night away from my frustrated attempts to master the dark energy would provide a fresh perspective.
Leopold grinned. “Stone gambling! Alvin here has an uncanny ability to identify valuable stones before they’re cut open. We’ve won three consecutive rounds.”
A heavyset man with an impressively groomed beard waved to us from across the room. As we approached, I recognized Leopold Shepherd, a prominent merchant I’d met briefly at a guild function.
“Each table has stones of different origins,” Alvin explained quietly as we walked among the displays. “Desert stones, mountain stones, river stones–each with their own characteristics and potential treasures.”
The carriage took us to the western district of Eldoria, where the streets grew wider and the buildings more ornate. We stopped before an imposing structure with no visible signage, just a pair of stone lions guarding the entrance. Two men with the unmistakable bearing of Inner Strength Masters stood watch, nodding respectfully to Alistair as we approached.
I stood on the balcony of my quarters at the Celestial Apothecary Guild, watch…g the sunset paint Eldoria’s skyline in shades of crimson and gold. My mind, however, was consumed with darkness.
178 Chapter 178 – Mysteries in Stone and a New Kind of Gamble
The man raised an eyebrow. “That’s significantly larger than what most choose for their first attempt. Two hundred gold pieces.”
“I’ll cover it,” Alistair offered, though I could see the concern in his eyes.
“From a stone that cost us fifty gold pieces,” Leopold said smugly. “Worth at least five
hundred now.”
I hesitated, then nodded. “I’m curious to
ee how this works.”
Curious, I approached and placed my hand on the stone. The sensation intensified–a definite fluctuation of energy contained within the rough exterior. This wasn’t just a
powerful. stone; it contained something
“Magnificent,” Leopold beamed. “Alvin, you’ve outdone yourself tonight.”
The first stone, when split open, revealed a cluster of small but high–quality rubies. The second contained a flawless piece of jade. The third held an unusual crystal formation that had several onlookers gasping in appreciation.
The dark energy I’d absorbed
that had become my signature power, this new force felt volatile, untamed. Every attempt to channel it left my meridians burning with resistance.
storm. Unlike the golden en Conrad Thornton swirled within me like a restless
“Enter,” I called, turning from the balcony.
“Not at all.” I gestured for him to sit. “Though I’m curious about the formal attire.”
“All the more reason for a distraction,” Alistair insisted. “Besides, in our world, opportunity and leisure often go hand in hand. The venue I’m suggesting is where many influential people gather.”
Alistair glanced at me. “What do you say, Liam? Care to try your luck?”
“Alistair! There you are!”
After careful consideration, Alvin selected three modestly sized stones. Leopol. aid the attendant, and we moved to a cutting station where an artisan waited with specialized tools.
“Somewhere that might help take your mind off recent events.” He leaned forward. “You’ve been secluded for three days. The entire guild is whispering about what you
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178 Chapter 178–Mysteries in Stone and a New Kind of Gamble
did to Conrad Thornton.”
“Pure chance, to most people,” Leopold added. “But Alvin has a gift. Show them the latest win, Alvin.”
“Absolutely,” Leopold nodded. “Care to join us?”
I watched as Alvin moved methodically from table to table, occasionally picking up a stone, holding it to the light, sometimes even pressing it against his forehead with closed eyes.
“I want this one,” I insisted, the pulsing energy calling to me like a beacon.
Alvin frowned, stepping closer to examine my choice. “I wouldn’t recommend this stone. The patterns on the surface suggest it’s likely empty.”
As the attendant prepared to cut the stone, a small crowd gathered, drawn by the unusual size of my selection. I felt my heart beating faster as the artisan’s tools made contact with the rough surface.
The first crack appeared, and suddenly the room filled with a subtle blue glow emanating from within the stone. The artisan paused, looking up with wide eyes.
“It’s quite popular among Eldoria’s elite,” Alistair explained. “Raw stones are selected and purchased for a set price. Then they’re cut open to reveal what’s inside–perhaps nothing, or perhaps gemstones worth a fortune.”
Alistair Northwood stepped into the room, dressed more formally than I’d seen him before. His usual practical attire had been replaced by an elegantly tailored silver silk robe with subtle embroidery.
“Stone gambling?” I looked to Alistair for clarification.
But I knew better. Something inside me–perhaps the same instinct that had guided my martial development–told me this stone held something extraordinary.
“Leopold,” Alistair clasped the man’s hand warmly. “Good to see you. This is L. Knight, a promising alchemist from the Celestial Apothecary Guild.”
“How much for this one?” I asked the attendant.
“The Jade Chamber,” Alistair replied. “One of Eldoria’s most exclusive establishments. Only those with proper connections or sufficient wealth can enter.”
178 Chapter 178 – Mysteries in Stone and a New Kind of Gamble
“His evaluation process,” Alistair replied. “Some say he can sense the energy within the
stones.”
My eyes lit up as I felt the strong fluctuation of qi pouring from the revealed crystal. This was no ordinary gemstone.
Alistair stepped forward. “I’d like to try my hand as well.”
Leopold’s eyes widened slightly. “Ah, so you’re the one everyone’s talking about. The man who’s given the Thorntons something to think about.” He chuckled, then lowered his voice. “Good. Those pompous bastards have needed humbling for years.”
Alistair’s eyes lit up. “Are you heading back for another round?”
Alvin produced a small pouch and carefully emptied its contents onto his palm–three gleaming emeralds that caught the light brilliantly.
“What is this place?” I asked quietly as we were ushered through heavy wooden doors carved with intricate scenes of mountains and rivers.
“In all my years…” he whispered.
“Your turn, Liam,” Alistair encouraged.
Alistair smiled, smoothing a hand over the expensive fabric. “That’s actually why I’m here. I’d like to invite you to accompany me this evening.”
Under Alvin’s guidance, Alistair selected a stone that, when opened, contained a modest but valuable blue gem. His face lit up with pleasure at the discovery.
“What’s he doing?” I asked Alistair.
Leopold coughed in surprise. “Liam, perhaps something smaller to start-”
“Where to?”
“Give me a moment to change,” I said finally.
We followed Leopold and Alvin through the hall and down a corridor to a quieter section of the establishment, Inside a well–lit room, about twenty people gathered around tables displaying various uncut stones of different sizes and colors.
I shrugged. “I’m trying to understand something new.”
4/5
178 Chapter 178 – Mysteries in Stone and a New Kind of Gamble
Inside, the opulence was immediately apparent. Crystal chandeliers illuminated a vast main hall where well–dressed patrons engaged in various activities. Some sat at tables with games of chance, while others conversed in hushed tones over expensive drinks.
“What am I missing?” I muttered, clenching my fist as I tried to coax the dark energy into flowing through my arm. Instead, it scattered chaotically, causing a sharp pain that made me wince.
A knock at my door broke my concentration.
With greater care, he continued the cutting process. As the stone split further, the light intensified, revealing the source–a fist–sized crystal of deepest blue, with swirling patterns that seemed to move within its depths.
Before I could respond, Leopold gestured to a thin man standing slightly behind him. “This is Alvin Ward. He has a remarkable talent we’ve been putting to good use tonight.”
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