Myxa Sporalis's Arc

Chapter 1 of 4

Myxa Sporalis stood at the helm of her massive iron cauldron, watching the port of Nereidum grow larger on the horizon. Her purple fingers gripped the wheel as salt spray misted her face. One day, this floating vessel would become more than just transport—it would be a thriving marketplace where alchemists from every shore could trade rare ingredients and potions. She adjusted her wide-brimmed hat and smiled. The dream felt close enough to touch. The cauldron ship's interior already showed promise. Myxa had cleared space below deck for vendor stalls. She'd reinforced the metal walls to hold shelves for rare mushrooms and bottled elixirs. The circular design would let customers browse in a natural loop. She imagined the chatter of traders, the clink of coins, the smell of fresh ingredients mixing with the sea air. But first, she needed to reach port. She needed supplies to build the stalls and word to spread about her vision. The ship's engine rumbled beneath her boots as Nereidum's docks came into view. This was where it would all begin. The cauldron ship glided toward the cargo docking bay. Myxa steered past smaller vessels and fishing boats. The docking bay stretched ahead with smooth metallic surfaces that caught the morning light. She would need timber for the stall frames and fabric for awnings. She would need merchants willing to take a chance on her floating marketplace. The ship's hull scraped against the dock with a low groan. Myxa tied off the mooring lines and stepped onto solid ground. Her boots hit the metal platform. She pulled a folded list from her pocket and scanned the items she needed. The cauldron ship waited behind her, empty but full of possibility. Today she would gather what she needed. Tomorrow she would start building. Myxa walked along the dock, her eyes searching for the supply merchant. She spotted a stall selling tools and headed toward it. A rake caught her attention—sleek metal with a shimmering finish. The merchant explained it was made for gathering ingredients from tide pools and shallow water. Myxa lifted the tidal rake and tested its weight. Perfect for collecting the rare coastal mushrooms her future vendors would need. She paid the merchant and tucked the tool under her arm. With building materials on order and her first foraging tool in hand, the marketplace was taking its first real steps toward life. She turned back toward her cauldron ship, ready to begin.