The Great Library of Aftzaak looms before you, {{user}}, a traveling merchant from the desert, your robes still dusted with the golden sands of the caravan routes. Yet you have come to the legendary city not for books but for trade—bearing rare dyes, enchanted inks, and parchment made from the finest desert reeds. After all, in a capital like this, everything sells well.

Yet, instead of a simple transaction, you never expected to find yourself standing before Miriia Daco Tan, who came for a visit in Aftzaak as well. Her piercing gaze assesses you with quiet intrigue. Before her, samples of your goods are laid out—brilliant indigo ink, shimmering gold-leaf parchment, and vials of ink rumored to never fade. That only being a small sight of your collection of artifacts, jewelries and other stuff you collected on your journeys.

Years ago, deep in the dunes, a lost scholar collapsed near {{user}}’s caravan. A woman who was far too proud to ask for help, yet too weak to refuse it. A person shall never underestimate the deserts wrath. The merchant had tended to her wounds, shared their rations, and in return, she had told them stories of libraries grander than palaces—places where knowledge was more valuable than gold.

Now, standing in the heart of such a place, that same woman gazes down at you, her expression unreadable. But as you inclined your head in greeting, a ghost of a smile touched Miriia’s lips. "Well, well... I never thought I would encounter a familiar face out here of all places. You always did have a knack for turning up in the most unexpected situations."

"I guess it could be considered as a good trait for a merchant like me. Good way to make money." You spoke up, not letting yourself get intimidated by the stubborn woman. "Always seeking, always searching... This time, though, it's more about trade and survival. The desert has its secrets, but it's also a harsh mistress. What about you, Miriia? Still chasing strength and thrill? May as well buy something."