Displaying contracted trade offer.

Offered: Ownership of 2x Neuron Shard containing information about "Vital Strike" and "Soulscape basics." (System Verified)

Price: 1600 Ether

Do you accept this trade?

Once again, Leo glanced at the merchant, one eyebrow quirked up. "Honestly? Thought it would be more expensive. This doesn't sound like common information."

"Not exactly," Naz'Tor hummed. "Contrary to what you may believe, information isn't the issue when trying to gain access to your soulscape. No, the issue lies in the technique. As I already mentioned, it differs from person to person, and that's why a lot of denizens of the Void have a problem with it. Knowledge, while important, isn't too hard to come by if you know where to look."

"Interesting," he muttered, accepting the trade. So, in the end, I probably could have gotten this info for free within the Void. Not that it's even an option, but still...

Almost two thousand Ether might have taken away a good chunk of his reserves, but he really needed this information. With Adam sleeping within his soul, he had to hurry, or the boy would wake up alone and most likely go into a rage. He had to be there when that happened...

Ownership transfer completed. Item protections disabled. Do you wish to transfer the goods you bought to your Soul Well?

This time, Leo didn't dismiss the message right away. He still stepped forward and grabbed the red shard, but the other one was left standing on the counter, waiting. Not for long though, as a quick mental command had the item consumed by a bright golden flash.

"My, a Soul Well already," the merchant chuckled. "I can see why you seek knowledge about Soulscapes... Hmm, would you mind sharing how you even found out about this ability? Was it pure experimentation, unique artifacts, or maybe a System reward? No fear, I will pay you kindly for this information."

"And then sell it to others?" He shot back instantly, already knowing the answer.

"But of course!" Naz'Tor nodded. "Business is business. As long as someone asks the correct question, I will give them what they need."

That's what I thought. Leo shook his head. "Then forgive me, but I'm gonna pass. That's not something I want to share yet."

The last thing he needed was for a Void merchant to discover his connection to an Old One. Even if his trust in the Lone Traveler might have faltered due to Nyx's influence, in the end, the man was likely correct. Once people learned about the shard within his chest, Voidlings would be the least of his concerns.

I need to be careful how I speak to him. I shouldn't have used Soul Well, but I thought he already knew... My mistake.

"Really now?" The merchant leaned forward, his tentacles swishing. "Now, you've made me curious... Oh well, hopefully, you will change your mind one day. My offer will stand till then. Tales of adventures and unique findings are some of my favorite things to obtain. You can never have too many of those."

"Knowledge is power, right?" Leo snorted.

"Exactly! I'm glad to see you understand." Naz'Tor beamed. "Even in battle, power alone can only take you so far... Well, at least that's the case if both combatants are of the same rank," he added a bit quieter.

Memories of dozens of slaughtered Voidlings flashed in his mind, all of them unable to even touch him. Yeah... On that, we can agree.

"Ah, but enough about that," the merchant shook the top of his body. "I already took enough of your time. So unless you want to buy something else, I would like to present you with a way for us to contact each other. My gift for my new regular customer."

Leo shared a look with Nyx before shrugging. "We're good for now. Go on."

"Wonderful!" Naz'Tor exclaimed, a pair of tentacles reaching deep into his body. They remained there for a good moment, but once they slithered out, something else stuck to them like glue.

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

A ball? He frowned, squinting at the small metallic orb. It didn't look like anything special, and once again, Identify refused to activate. He really should have expected that.

"Here you go, my new friend," the merchant stated, placing the orb on the counter. "A quick trade to transfer the ownership, and this TEK Transmitter is yours. It might not be the newest model, but it should serve you well."

Just as he finished speaking, another trade offer popped up in Leo's vision. This one required no Ether from him, so he accepted right away, his curiosity at an all-time high.

"Transmitter?" He murmured, picking up the item. "Let's see."

TEK Transmitter V6.7 (Uncommon):

A piece of technological and magical marvel created by the Technology-Essence Kompany. With just one click of a button, it offers a semi-connected System interface capable of contacting anyone almost anywhere. For software updates, please visit one of TEK's salons.

Leo blinked, then blinked again.

It’s a high-tech phone? He thought, placing a claw above the only button. And here I thought technology was dead.

Without waiting for another second, he pressed the button. Only for his eyes to widen when a notification appeared out of nowhere.

System connection established. Owner set to: Leonardo Brown. Activating...

And just like that, a brand new menu emerged, one similar yet different from the System's. It presented everything that Leo had expected after reading the description. Chat, calls, and contacts. Everything was there. Hell, he even found an option to change his display name. Which he used right away, setting it to just ‘Leo Hale’.

"That's... incredible," he muttered, eyes still wide.

Naz'Tor laughed. "I see you like the gift. Just so you know, I've already added my contact there. Anytime you need something, just call or message me. I will try to respond as fast as I can."

Leo quickly checked, and indeed, the merchant's info was already there. He looked up. "Just how much is this thing worth?"

Naz'Tor waved him off. "Definitely more than you possess, but not even close enough to put a dent in my holdings. Don't worry; this is just another investment on my side."

He narrowed his eyes, but nodded in the end. Even if the merchant didn't lie, this wasn't the full truth either. He had lived through enough to know that.

'Don't overthink it, Leo,' Nyx nudged him. 'We just got to be careful around him. Not much more we can do.'

Yeah, I know. Withholding a sigh, he bowed lightly instead. "Thank you. This will certainly make my life easier in the future."

"There's no need for that," Naz'Tor said. "This will benefit us both. I just hope you will remember to use it."

"I will," Leo swore, placing the transmitter in his Soul Well while his other hand still gripped the red Neuron Shard. "You probably won't need to wait too long for a call. Not with where I am going..."

"Ah, the fallen city of London is your next destination, I presume?" Upon getting a nod, the merchant continued. "Then, before you depart, let me give you a warning. Free of charge this time."

Leo tensed, giving Naz'Tor full attention.

"I haven't been there in this Outbreak yet, but my senses are strong enough to know that you won't have an easy time," the merchant explained. "Regions with higher population density tend to be more dangerous. Voidlings are stronger, more vicious, and level up quicker. You will still have an advantage, but it won't be as large as before. Another thing is the confusing signature I can’t recognize without getting closer. I have an idea what it might be, but there's something wrong with it. I can tell you more once you find the source."

Yeah... I'm not even surprised that London might be ten times more dangerous than Wolford. Leo shook his head, shooting the shopkeeper a look. "Already making sure I run to you for help?"

Naz'Tor chuckled. "What can I say? I have to keep my contacts fresh."

He snorted and nudged Nyx, motioning to the door. "Well, thanks for the warning. We'll be going now if you don't mind."

"Of course, of course!" The merchant gave a shallow bow. "I wish you luck in your travels, child. May the Void go easy on your soul."

Noting the weird goodbye, Leo nodded back and opened the exit, finally leaving the shop behind.

'That was an interesting pitstop,' Nyx noted, trotting next to him as they passed through the barrier.

That's one way to call it. He chuckled. I still don't believe this was a coincidence, but well, at least we didn't leave empty-handed.

At once, Leo crushed the Neuron Shard in his grasp. The knowledge filtered through his head, most of what he already knew. Yet, there was a small piece of information that stood out, something that he had been indeed missing.

I'm an idiot. He palmed his face, almost dragging his claws over it.

'What?'

Nothing. Nothing at all, Nyx... Come on. We still have a bit of the road left.

----------------------------------------

Back in the shop, Naz'Tor smiled beneath the hundreds of tentacles covering his true body.

"My, my... What an interesting pair we've found," he chuckled. "I can't wait for your call, Leo Hale."