Kaizen stepped out of the cafeteria, clutching his warm bag of food like it was a legendary artifact.
He looked back one last time. Through the glass walls, he could see Helga. She was currently holding a student in a headlock while force-feeding him a carrot.
"Eat your vegetables!" she roared, her voice muffled by the glass. "Or I'll boil you in the soup!"
Kaizen shivered. "She's a saint. A violent, terrifying saint."
He turned away and pulled his coat tighter.
'Phase 1 complete: Nutrition secured.'
'Phase 2: Logistics.'
He checked his ID card. Balance: 0 Crowns.
He needed gear for the mountain. Winter coat, climbing rope, maybe a weapon that wasn't a stick. But he couldn't buy any of that at the "Arcane Exchange" where a single shoelace cost 50 crowns.
He needed the real market.
He needed the Shady Bazaar.
