The city of Telheusto, near the dungeon, was a lively sort of place, with a mix of different Clans and Sects set up in the market, and running full-time shops.

The strongest of them ran the dungeon entrance, but there were at least a dozen other small ones that Karl could see, and some of them looked like they might be interesting to get to know.

Instead of being all warrior groups, he could see that some of them were alchemists, with potions and herbs hung from their belts.

There was an entire Clan full of druids, who ran a magical beast pet store and cat café in the city.

They would have to come back to that after Lotus made it to Immortality, Karl was certain. The place was packed with guests, and the smell of quality coffee was coming from inside.

Between coffee and fluffy magical beast kittens, there was no way that the Cleric could resist once she knew.

But mostly, it was similar to the New Home, only with a different faction for every specialty. It seemed like a strange way to be doing things, but Karl was beginning to suspect that the New Home Merchant Clan was an outlier in that regard within the Immortal world they were on.

They were ostensibly focused on trade, so they didn’t focus on a specific combat style or ideology.

That was how most other Clans and Sects did it, and it led to them all being the same sort of Class. Not great for working together, but that was something that most of the Clans rarely did.

{Oh, there is a bookstore. We should go take a look.} Remi noted.

She had claimed all the books from the dungeon run, though she was going to give most of them back after she had logged them and made notes of what was interesting.

Most were skill books, but they were all basic skills that one of the group members already had, so they weren’t too valuable.

However, she needed to run an experiment, and see if Karl could use that [Breath of the World] skill to turn them into better skills.

They should count as magical resources or items, right?

"I will take her to the Library. It’s not a skill Library, but there are some Inscriptionists that work there, so we might manage to make some friends." Elder Socrate suggested.

Dana smiled at Remi, who was practically vibrating with excitement.

"I will come with you. I have a skill related to Inscription, but not as good. If they want to get picky, they can’t claim that we didn’t bring anyone who can trade on even terms."

Elder Socrate nodded. "That will be wonderful. What is everyone else going to do?"

Rae appeared beside them and pointed across the street. "I will go to that place. There are all sorts of clothes that aren’t uniforms. Elder Alix will come with me."

The Elder gave her a bemused look. "Do I look like a fashionista?"

"You got a skill during your class change that changed the colour of your wings. We need to redecorate you and update your wardrobe." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

He wasn’t quite sure how to respond to that.

"Are people a thing that can be decorated. Doesn’t that word usually apply to rooms?" He asked instead.

Karl and Rae laughed, and the spider wrapped an arm around his shoulder. "Oh, you sheltered researcher. There is so much that you don’t know about the world. Let me show you the joys of fashion. Once we’ve found you a few things from the city, I will make you the rest of what you need to look like a proper Immortal."

Elder Alix looked at his own outfit, then at her, then at everyone else on the street.

If anything, she was the one who didn’t look like a proper Immortal.

Sure, his outfit was dated, and rather plain, but there were extras at the Clan Warehouse because nobody wanted that colour of dark blue. It was very practical and in the common style.

Rae had gone for black leather pants that looked like she had painted them on, until they got to the lower legs and flared to go over her ankle boots. Paired with a red long sleeved silk top that showed off her ebony black midriff, she was attracting a lot of attention in the street.

Especially when she started to walk with him.

Elder Alix wasn’t certain if the spider had either mastered the art of walking, or didn’t understand it at all. She had a rather provocative sway as she walked. But it somehow didn’t feel sexual, it was more like the sensual stalking of a predator playing a hunting game.

Slightly disturbing, but nobody could look away.

She dragged the Elder into the shop, and an excited clerk with a pincushion on her arm rushed over to greet them.

"Miss, you look absolutely stunning. Might I ask who tailors your outfits?"

"Thank you Dear, I do them all myself. I met this lovely young man today, and I simply must decorate him before we go back home to make him a proper wardrobe."

The tailor circled the Elder, and he jumped when she gently ran her fingers over his wings, which were hidden under his coat.

"I see the issue. It doesn’t match his physique or his complexion. Yes, you are right. If you’re going to make him a whole new wardrobe, he simply can’t continue walking around like this."

Rae smiled. This was perfect. She had an excuse to learn firsthand what the locals thought as they were picking fashions, and she could ask in depth questions about it without seeming invasive.

She would thank the Elder for his sacrifice with clothing later.

Outside, Elder Kushal chuckled softly at the beastkin Elder being dragged away by the spider.

"Well, that only leaves us. Unless some of the others are coming out?"

Cara appeared on the Elder’s left and took his hand.

"We can’t leave you unattended. But I have a better idea than books or fashion. We are going to go sample all the street food snacks to find the best ones to bring to the menu at home.

Hawk says that they’ve got good meats, and I trust his opinion."