With the Swamp Lizards defeated, and the people of Havenmoor safe once more, the Redstone Party had earned a well-deserved rest. They gathered in the heart of Havenmoor to celebrate their victory and to bid farewell to a dear friend.

Einz had made the difficult decision to embark on a solo journey to make a name for himself in the world. He knew that it was time to carve his own path and discover his true potential. As he prepared to say goodbye to his companions, he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nostalgia.

In the midst of their farewells, Einz couldn't help but notice a playful interaction between Kellan and Elara. Kellan, the charismatic and flirtatious leader of the Redstone Party, had always shared a special bond with Elara, the eldest daughter of a baron with a big sister personality.

Kellan's affections toward Elara were no secret to the party, and their dynamic was a source of both amusement and occasional exasperation. Elara, despite her initial resistance to Kellan's advances, had a soft spot for him. She saw past his charming facade to the good-hearted adventurer beneath.

Their relationship was marked by playful banter and mutual respect. Kellan, who was notorious for his flirty nature, only seemed to reserve his most genuine smiles and gestures for Elara. She, in turn, had an uncanny ability to keep Kellan in check, reminding him that there was more to life than pursuit of pleasure.

As Einz watched them, he couldn't help but smile. Their bond was a testament to the deep connections forged during their time together as the Redstone Party. He knew that they would continue to look out for each other, even in his absence.

With heartfelt farewells exchanged, Einz set off on his new adventure, eager to make his mark on the world. As he left Havenmoor behind, he carried with him the memories of battles won, friendships forged, and the promise of exciting new challenges on the horizon.

The next day, as Einz ventured into Havenmoor's bustling marketplace once again, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. It was a vibrant and lively place, filled with the aromas of street food and the chatter of merchants, yet a shadow seemed to loom over it.

This time, the platform was populated by a different group of individuals, each marked by their own stories of misfortune. Among them were people of various races, genders, and ages. Some wore expressions of resignation, while others clung to shreds of hope.

Einz approached the slave trader, a stern man with a calculating demeanor. He pointed to the frail beast child from the Black Wolf Tribe, the twins, and the middle-aged dwarf miner among the un-bought slaves. "I wish to purchase these three," he stated firmly.

The slave trader regarded the slaves and then turned his attention back to Einz, a sly smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Ah, a man of compassion, I see. These souls are worth their weight in gold. What price are you willing to offer, traveler?"

Einz hesitated, not revealing the extent of his resources. He had to be cautious, knowing that haggling was part of the game. "What is your asking price?"

The slave trader's eyes gleamed with anticipation, and he leaned in slightly. "For these three, I would ask no less than 60 gold coins. They are strong workers and have plenty of years ahead of them."

Einz furrowed his brow, considering the offer carefully. He couldn't afford to deplete his funds entirely, but he also couldn't bear to leave these souls in chains. He countered, "I understand their value, but I can offer 45 gold coins for all three. It's a fair price."

The slave trader's smile faded slightly as he considered Einz's offer. There was a tense silence in the air as they sized each other up. After a few moments, the trader finally relented. "Very well, traveler. You drive a hard bargain. 45 gold coins it is."

Einz felt a mixture of relief and satisfaction as he watched the chains being removed from the wrists of the frail beast child, the twins, and the dwarf miner. Their expressions shifted from despair to disbelief, and then to gratitude as they realized that their torment was coming to an end.

As Einz led them away from the auction, he knew that this was just the beginning of his journey to make a difference in the lives of those in need. And as they walked away from the market, leaving the cruel world of slavery behind, Einz couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope that he was on the right path.

Einz had successfully negotiated for the freedom of the three slaves: Kaedin, Jorin, Elira, and Thrain Stonehammer, the middle-aged dwarf miner. As they left the slave auction behind, they embarked on a journey towards a new life, free from the chains that had bound them for so long.

However, the shadows of their past still clung to them, for the process of slavery was not so easily shed. It was customary for an enslavement spell to be cast upon newly acquired slaves, binding them to their new master. And so, the group found a secluded spot in the wilderness, away from prying eyes, where this ritual was to take place.

As the enchantment was woven around them, the four former slaves experienced a mix of emotions – anxiety, resignation, and a lingering sense of their past captivity. The magic flowed through them, leaving behind an ethereal mark that signified their new bond, but this time, it was a bond of trust and hope rather than one of oppression.

Allow me to reintroduce them:

1. Kaedin: The frail beast child from the Black Wolf Tribe. Kaedin had endured a harsh life, separated from their tribe and forced into slavery at a young age. Despite their past hardships, Kaedin possessed a strong spirit and a deep connection to the wilderness.

2. Jorin: One of the twins, a boy of eleven. Jorin had learned to rely on his resourcefulness and his determination to protect his sister. He possessed a keen intellect and an insatiable curiosity about the world beyond their captivity.

3. Elira: The other twin, Jorin's sister, also eleven years old. Elira shared her brother's determination and intelligence. She possessed a natural talent for music and often sang to lift the spirits of those around her during their darkest moments.

4. Thrain Stonehammer: The middle-aged dwarf miner, Thrain had spent a lifetime toiling in the depths of the earth. He had been captured after a mining accident left him injured and unable to work. Despite his gruff exterior, he had a heart of gold and a wealth of knowledge about the underground.

Together, this group had broken free from the chains of their past, and now, with their newfound bond of trust and a determination to seek their destinies, they set forth on a journey into the unknown, eager to embrace the opportunities that awaited them in the world beyond.

After the ritual that had freed Kaedin, Jorin, Elira, and Thrain from the bonds of enslavement, the group set out on the next phase of their journey – preparing for their new lives as free individuals and adventurers. The first order of business was to acquire proper clothing and some essential equipment for each of them.

Einz led them to a reputable outfitter's shop in a nearby town. It was a modest store with a friendly shopkeeper who understood the needs of adventurers. They spent some time selecting the necessary items:

For Kaedin, they found a sturdy set of clothing suitable for someone accustomed to the wilderness. They also acquired a small backpack for carrying supplies.

For Jorin and Elira, they chose practical, comfortable attire suitable for active children on the move. They also found a small lute for Elira, who was thrilled at the prospect of making music once again.

For Thrain Stonehammer, they sought durable mining gear, including a helmet with a built-in light source. His extensive knowledge of the underground might come in handy on their adventures.

Now, let's calculate the expenses:

1. Clothing and gear for Kaedin: 3 gold coins.
2. Clothing and gear for Jorin and Elira: 4 gold coins.
3. Mining gear for Thrain: 2 gold coins.

Total expenses: 9 gold coins.

With their newfound attire and equipment, the group headed to the local adventurers' guild to register as adventurers. Elara, still processing the events of the day, turned to Einz with a hint of concern in her eyes.

"Einz," she began, "I couldn't help but worry when you first mentioned buying slaves. It sounded like a dark path, but I see now that you've done this to help them. It's not something you hear about often, someone freeing slaves to aid them on their adventures."

Einz nodded, understanding her concern. "I know it's not common, Elara, but I couldn't stand by and let them suffer. They deserve a chance at a better life, just like anyone else. And together, we can make that happen."

Elara smiled, her worry fading. "You have a good heart, Einz. Let's make sure their freedom means something. I'm with you all the way."

With their new companions and a shared sense of purpose, they entered the adventurers' guild, ready to embark on the next leg of their journey, where each member would have the opportunity to carve their own destiny.

[Chapter End]