“You’re nuts,” Elion, the young elven merchant, muttered, “I am nuts!”

David smiled, watching as Elion finally relented after a tense exchange.

He had expected the negotiation to be tougher—it hadn’t been easy—but in the end, Elion’s business instincts took over, as David had hoped.

Revealing his ID slate as proof of his Rift Boss kill, demonstrating the power of [Holy Touch], and materializing his soulbound weapon had all helped steer the discussion his way.

David had pointed out that supporting him and other combatants could significantly boost Elion’s reputation across Arc. Elion seemed to understand his reasoning.

He nodded in apparent agreement but downplayed the value of reputation, reminding David it wouldn’t matter if Arc ceased to exist. In the first place, convincing the elf to stay and support Arc rather than leaving had been the real challenge.

Elion’s reputation would be destroyed if he left, and he’d face a steep fee for breaking his contract with the Pantheon. Last but not least, the merchant’s relationship with the Pantheon would be destroyed. The Pantheon would no longer do business with him, but Elion made it clear he could accept that.

Elion’s pained expression showed that he struggled with the decision, but David guessed that, to him, survival came first, followed closely by his drive to earn.

That was what he had said over and over again.

“You don’t have to hand out your goods for free, but what about giving me a nice discount? You could do the same for others if you’d like to strengthen Arc’s defenses,” David asked, sensing an opportunity to strike. Elion’s lips parted to say something, but David had gestured him to stop, “Listen to what I have to say first, please.”

Elion’s cheeks reddened, but he’d followed David’s request.

“Since you’re willing to sacrifice everything you have to survive, why don’t you give us a discount to earn everyone’s favor and form a reputable impression across Arc? All you have to do is to sell your goods for little profit. You wouldn’t make much money, but the benefits outweigh the downsides,”

David had never been good at scheming, but it seemed to work. He watched Elion’s expression shift, slow realization dawning on him as he weighed the risks.

The downsides of leaving now were enormous; survival would be his only benefit, and there was no return once he abandoned the Pantheon. Since David didn’t know if every elven family was like Melach’s or if Melach was the only elf obsessed with making their family proud, he could only play the guessing game: Elion’s family would exile him and turn their backs on him. At the same time, his wealth would decrease significantly to pay the penalty fee.

It was uncertain if Elion would survive the aftermath of abandoning the Pantheon. However, one thing was certain—at least to David—Elion’s life would be a mess once he left.

David caught the slight nod, a reluctant acknowledgment of the plan’s appeal.

“You’re a sly fox,” Elion muttered.

David responded with a shrug. “I’m merely a human.”

Elion snorted, “Don’t even think about getting anything for free. I’m leaving with profit today!”

“Yes, yes.” David waved dismissively, “Get your stuff out and show me your treasures!”

Elion cursed but complied. He unpacked his goods.

“Do you want to create a sign to provoke the other merchants?” David asked lightly. “Maybe you can push them to lower their prices too.”

David didn’t expect much, but Elion nodded after a moment, his expression flickering between frustration and a sudden gleam of satisfaction as he eyed the other merchants.

He doesn’t want to become friends. Understandable—no sane merchant would want to be around someone threatening their revenue.

David shrugged. There was no need to become friends. If they survived the day, it would be more than enough.

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“So, what do we have here?” He muttered, eagerly rubbing his hands as Elion retrieved his goods.

After a few minutes, the stall was set up again, and dozens of valuable goods spread across the wide-open space. The sign was also.

You are brave enough to fight the Horde, but your equipment is lacking? Visit my humble shop and upgrade your equipment. Mass Discount for all brave warriors! Horde Discount! Special Event!

David couldn’t shake the feeling that the sign was a bit much, but it seemed to do the trick.

A handful of restless Protectors saw the sign and approached it. Even Protectors who had been fiercely negotiating with other merchants took notice as more “brave warriors” inched closer to the stall with discounted goods.

David smiled in satisfaction. His move was bound to change something. It would have been worth it, even if he didn’t have any money to buy something.

The more combatants upgraded their gear, the stronger their combat prowess—and everyone’s chances of survival rose with each new piece of equipment, just as it did with the serums and potions.

Equipment might not be everything, but it’s one of the easiest ways to drastically boost combat prowess.

I’m not sure what the other merchants will say to this,” Elion muttered, “but the Familia might take notice. Maybe they’ll even reward us if this helps.”

David didn’t know enough about the Familia to comment, but he saw the merchants’ reactions.

Some merchants still glared at Elion, while others seemed to be working on their signs to attract more customers. A couple of merchants froze, their expressions twisted in anger as they stared at Elion. David didn’t pay them much attention. He was more intrigued by a handful of merchants who started smiling.

Did they finally realize that taking a small loss now might save everyone later?

You were planning to buy something. What do you need? I don’t have many pieces of armor. Most of it is plated – nice to protect your body, but quite heavy – and I doubt you’re looking for something like that,” Elion said, pocketing the money he’d just earned from a trade.

David watched the elf turn away from some customers and noticed a subtle shift in Elion’s posture, a touch more relaxed. He wasn’t sure why, but it was an improvement.

“I have various Basic Skill Slates, some starter gear – which you probably won’t need – and some better weapons that would pair well with the bound weapon. Dual-wielding daggers could work well, or perhaps a shortsword or saber paired with your obsidian-colored blade .”

“You think I’m a Warrior?” David asked smugly.

He smiled as Elion looked at him from head to toe, “You’re not a Warrior?”

“Do you have the starter gear for Clerics? I don’t know what they usually get, but I want one of those,” David answered instead.

Elion squinted, his gaze sharp and skeptical, “Are you kidding me? You cannot be a Cleric!”

David shrugged, “Do you have it or not?”

I do…” Elion turned and returned with a small amulet. It was made of an unfamiliar white metal that radiated holy power. “You can stop joking.”

“How much is it?” David ignored Elion’s questions.

“I can give it to you for free if you tell me your Class,” The merchant responded through gritted teeth.

David couldn’t help but feel like this was overkill, especially since Elion should already be aware of his Class. He coated his hand in [Holy Touch], “I showed this to you earlier. Isn’t your kind known for a high affinity toward magic and spirits? Holy power should be classified somewhere close.”

Elion’s eyes widened briefly before his face tightened with displeasure.

Did he finally realize his mistake?

“I’m a Cleric.” David chuckled and pointed at the Cleric Amulet, “And that is mine now.”

Elion muttered something under his breath, but he handed over the Cleric Amulet as promised.

David put it on and inserted his holy power. The holy power coursed through the amulet once and returned to David without doing anything. The amulet didn’t start glowing or exploding. However, while there didn’t seem to be an immediate effect, David perceived something else. It was a subtle change, but David could feel it clearly.

The holy power flowing through the Cleric Amulet was noticeably easier to control.

That would have been much better to have at the start of the integration.

Then again, having to adapt quickly helped David master holy power faster. If he’d had the Cleric Amulet from the start, maybe he wouldn’t have come this far.

It could have ended differently, but David wasn’t mad that he spawned without starter gear. It might have been for the best.

He cleared his throat and smiled deviously at Elion.

“There are a few things I want to buy,” he said, licking his lips. You’re selling me your goods at your purchase price…right?”

Elion’s eyes narrowed, and he shook his head, “I need to make some–”

“Right?!” David felt the energy within him intensify, a subtle power radiating out.

“I hate you,” Elion cursed under his breath.

“I love you too.”