***
Three weeks later.
The conditions in the city center were not particularly crowded that afternoon. The wide stone streets that usually buzzed with noise felt calmer, almost peaceful.
Merchants still opened their stalls, and shop signs still glowed faintly under the artificial sunlight, but the usual rush of players haggling, shouting prices, and comparing equipment was noticeably reduced.
Everything looked almost normal, just like any other day, yet there was an underlying sense that the city was holding its breath.
Most of the items being sold in the shops were low grade items. Basic weapons, simple armor sets, potions with limited effects, and accessories meant for beginners filled the display racks.
This situation did not occur by chance.
It was the direct result of the increased demand for high quality items during the previous period, when many players had rushed to purchase better equipment to strengthen their abilities.
