Raised in the Art of Death

The snowy winds of Belios City cut sharply against their faces, though the brothers of the Nyx family paid it little mind, their cloaks pulled tight as they moved through the lively cobblestone streets. Above them, the towering spires of Belios stretched skyward, their frosted peaks gleaming under the muted sunlight. Snowflakes swirled gently in the air, adding to the thick blanket covering the rooftops and stalls.

Neo led the way, his silver hair catching the light as his golden eyes scanned the bustling market square ahead. Merchants called out, their voices weaving into the symphony of a city alive with trade. A bard plucked a lute near a corner, his fingers creating an upbeat tune that seemed to warm the frosty atmosphere. Children raced by, laughing and pelting each other with snowballs, their cheeks red from the cold.

Alexander glanced at his elder brother. "Where are we starting, big brother Neo? The list of errands today is… considerable." He adjusted his fur-lined cloak, his breath visible in the icy air.

"We begin at Frosthollow Armory," Neo replied without missing a beat. "We need arrows for the archers at the border. Then we'll see to the mana stones, followed by food supplies."

Alistair, the youngest, perked up at the mention of the armory. "The Frosthollow Armory? That's where they make those frost-tipped arrows, right?" His wide eyes gleamed with curiosity as he nearly slipped on the icy cobblestones, earning a steadying hand from Alexander.

"Yes," Neo said, his tone patient but firm. "They're unmatched in craftsmanship. We can't afford anything less, not with tensions at the border."

The trio moved deeper into the market, dodging a vendor wheeling a cart of hot cider and roasted nuts. The tantalizing scent followed them, causing Alistair's stomach to rumble audibly.

"Focus," Neo said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

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The Market Square

The market was a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. Stalls were draped in rich fabrics, their goods ranging from enchanted trinkets to jars of glowing snowmoss salves. A merchant demonstrated a self-heating cloak, much to the delight of a small crowd. Another displayed cages holding frost-mantled birds that sang melodious notes when fed.

"Careful with your steps," Neo warned as they passed a particularly icy patch of cobblestones.

"I'm fine, Brother," Alistair said, only to yelp as his foot slid. Alexander caught him, his grin wide.

"You should take Neo's advice more seriously," Alexander teased. "Or do you want to repeat last year's tumble in the snowdrift?"

Alistair groaned, his cheeks reddening as Neo shook his head with a quiet chuckle.

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Frosthollow Armory

The wooden doors of the Frosthollow Armory loomed ahead, its iron hinges etched with runic symbols that faintly glowed blue. Inside, the warmth of a roaring forge greeted them, along with the sharp tang of steel and leather. Warriors inspected weapons, and the rhythmic clanging of a smith's hammer echoed throughout.

"Welcome!" A tall broad-shouldered man with a booming voice greeted them, his apron dusted with soot. "Ah! It's the young masters! Is it that time of the year in the border?"

"Yeah, we need thirty thousand reinforced arrows and thirty thousand quivers, have it delivered in the border as soon as possible" Neo said confidently, stepping forward.

The shopkeeper enthusiastically said. "Alright! We'll have it crafted from today onwards and have it delivered as soon as possible. Consider it done young masters"

While Neo finalized the order, Alistair wandered between racks of weapons, his eyes wide as he admired intricate daggers and bows carved with delicate patterns.

"Flame-tipped arrows…" he murmured, picking one up carefully. "These must cost a fortune."

Alexander, leaning against a nearby post, smirked. "Do you think you'd ever use one, Alis? Plus you don't even know how to use a bow so definitely you'd probably set yourself on fire with that."

"Hey!" Alistair glared, puffing his cheeks. "I'd be careful! It's my fort time here so let me enjoy the window shopping at least! Also I'll just ask big brother Neo to teach me archery!"

"Yeah yeah, it's your first time here because you couldn't stop sneezing for a week!" Alexander teased, earning a glare from Alistair.

"I said I was sorry!" Alistair huffed, puffing out his cheeks.

After finalizing the purchase, they exited the shop and back in the street of slippery cobblestone. "Let's move. There's still much to do."

"Where to next, Brother?" Alexander asked.

"Before anything else, let's eat. It's nearly midday, and I'm sure both of you are starving," Neo said.

The trio headed toward one of Belios City's most renowned dining spots, the Crimson Hearth Tavern.

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As they left the armory and reentered the bustling streets, walking around to look for a tavern so they can eat, a commotion caught their attention. A group of street performers had gathered near the center of the square. A magician waved his hands, conjuring a small blizzard in the air, while his partner spun flames that turned into glowing snowflakes upon contact.

Alistair tugged on Neo's sleeve. "Can we watch for just a moment?"

Neo hesitated but relented. "Five minutes."

The trio stood among the growing crowd, watching the performers with varying levels of interest. Alistair clapped enthusiastically as the magician transformed the snow into a delicate ice sculpture of a dragon. Even Alexander seemed impressed, his usual smirk replaced with genuine curiosity.

Neo, however, kept an eye on their surroundings, his sharp gaze noticing a pickpocket slipping through the crowd. Before the thief could strike, Neo's hand shot out, gripping the man's wrist firmly.

"Stealing in broad daylight?" Neo said coldly.

The thief stammered an apology before wriggling free and vanishing into the throng.

"Well," Alexander said, his smirk returning. "That was entertaining in its own way."

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Crimson Hearth Tavern

The trio eventually arrived at the Crimson Hearth Tavern, The warm glow and inviting scent of the tavern welcomed them as they stepped inside. Inside, patrons sat at wooden tables, chatting and laughing over hearty meals. The scent of roasted venison, herbs, and freshly baked bread wafted through the air.

"Welcome, young masters. Please take a seat," a waitress greeted them warmly, guiding them to a table near the fireplace.

"What will you have?" Neo asked, looking at his brothers.

"I want a slice of Winterberry Tart and Snowdrop Tea!" Alistair said enthusiastically.

Alexander smirked. "I'll have Frostbloom Cake and Midnight Blossom Brew."

"And for you, sir?" the waitress asked, turning to Neo.

"I'll take an Ironwood Pie and a cup of Frostfire Ale," Neo replied.

The food arrived promptly, the flavors rich and comforting. Alistair took a sip of his tea and sighed. "I've never tasted anything like this before. It's so refreshing!"

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "What do you usually drink?"

"Glacier Root Tea," Alistair admitted, earning a chuckle from his brothers.

After finishing their meal, they resumed their errands.

"Next, we need to buy mana stones for the mages," Neo said as they walked toward the Azure Arcana Emporium, a shop renowned for its magical supplies.

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Azure Arcana Emporium

After their meal, they visited the Azure Arcana Emporium, The shop was a sight to behold, with shelves filled with glowing mana stones of varying hues. The air hummed faintly with magic, and an enchanted chandelier bathed the room in soft blue light.

Neo approached the counter. "We need a shipment of twenty thousand mana stones. Deliver them to the border as soon as possible."

While Neo handled the transaction, Alistair wandered among the shelves, marveling at the stones' colors. One glowed softly with a golden hue, while another shimmered like the night sky.

"Don't touch anything," Neo warned without looking.

Alistair sighed but obeyed, trailing after his brothers as they left.

As they left the shop, the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the snowy city. The streets were quieter now, the bustle of the day giving way to the calm of evening.

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Frostveil Inn

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the snowy streets, the trio returned to the Frostveil Inn.

"You've done well today," Neo said as they reached their rooms. "Rest now. Tomorrow brings more work."

"Good night, Brother," Alistair said, stifling a yawn.

"Good night," Alexander echoed, already half-asleep.

Neo watched them retreat before stepping into his own room. Outside, the snow continued to fall, blanketing the city in a serene stillness.

To be continued.....

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List of supplies they need (for detail purposes)

Food Supplies:

Dried meats (beef, venison, boar)

Salted fish

Hardtack, dried fruits, pickled vegetables

Grains (wheat, barley, oats)

Canned meats, stews, and soups

Fresh produce (root vegetables, winter squash, apples)

High-energy nutrient bars

Water Supplies:

Freshwater, purification tablets

Water casks/barrels, magical water purification

First Aid Kits:

Bandages, gauze, antiseptics

Painkillers, cold compresses, ointments

Cold-Weather Treatments:

Frostbite ointment, warmth potions

Herbal remedies for energy

Mana Stones for magical healing

Weapons and Armor:

Swords (long, short, greatswords), tower shields

Frost-resistant plate armor, leather/fur armor

Composite and frostwood bows, arrows

Magic Division Supplies:

Magic staffs/wands, robes with enchantments

Mana Stones, spell components

Siege/Defensive Equipment:

Ballistae, catapults, flame-tipped arrows

Snow/ice-resistant fortifications, watchtowers

Traps (snares, pitfall traps)

Beast Tamer Supplies:

Saddles, harnesses, beast feed

Magical treats for training

Storage and Transport:

Large barrels/crates, magical preservation containers

Reinforced carts and sleds, snowmobiles

Communication Supplies:

Magical Communication Crystals, signal fires

Engineers' Tools:

Tools for fortifications (hammers, chisels, saws)

Materials for construction (stone, wood, iron)

Snowplows, emergency blueprints

Beast Tamer Transport:

Ice-resistant saddles, sleighs for beasts

Elemental Resources:

Crystals for elemental control (fire, water, earth, wind)

Frost-resistant potions

Miscellaneous Supplies:

Firewood/Fuel, Candles, Lanterns

Snowshoes, Skis, Magical Sleds

Fire-starting materials