In the dimly lit chamber of his dungeon, Eddie stood before Argenti, outlining his latest plan with meticulous detail. His skeletal fingers traced over the map of the town laid out on the table, his glowing eyes reflecting a mix of anticipation and strategy.

"Argenti, I've realized there's no need for the doppelganger to walk into town. It's unnecessarily risky and consumes mana," Eddie explained, his voice echoing slightly in the cavernous room. "Instead, I want you to take it to the apothecary. We can activate it in a secluded spot near the shop."

Argenti listened intently, his demonic form still as a statue, save for the subtle flicker of understanding in his eyes. He nodded once, a silent gesture of agreement and readiness.

Eddie continued, "Once you're in a safe location, activate the idol. I'll take it from there, controlling it remotely. This way, we conserve energy and reduce the risk of being seen."

Eddie knew the importance of this venture. The potions they were about to sell could mark a significant turning point for his dungeon's reputation and financial standing.

Argenti carefully picked up the box containing the 18 potions, each vial a testament to Eddie's growing skill as a potion master. The potions, shimmering with a faint blue glow, were neatly arranged, cushioned by bundles of grass to prevent any damage during transport.

"Remember, Argenti, stealth is key. We can't afford any mishaps," Eddie cautioned, his tone serious yet filled with an underlying excitement. Argenti nodded, his large form moving towards the exit with surprising grace.

As Argenti disappeared into the tunnel leading out of the dungeon, Eddie turned his attention to the plant room. He strolled through the rows of waterwheat, his steps light and soundless. The plants, bathed in the soft artificial light, were flourishing, their leaves a vibrant green. He smiled, a rare expression for a skeleton, pleased with their progress.

"This is just the beginning," he whispered to himself. "Soon, we'll have a steady stream of ingredients for all sorts of potions."

Eddie's gaze lingered on the waterwheat, his mind already racing with possibilities. The petrification antidote, his next big project, would require more ingredients, more care, but he was ready for the challenge.

Eddie gave a nod to Bonehead who was working on looking through the plants, one of Boneheads daily tasks to ensure there were no parasites on the waterwheat.

With the hum of the dungeon core in the background, Eddie felt a sense of pride. He had come a long way from the thug life he once knew. Now, he was a dungeon master with a purpose, a creator of potions that could heal and potentially change lives.

As he left the plant room, his steps echoed through the corridors of his dungeon. He felt a surge of anticipation for what was to come. The sale of these potions was just a small step in his grand plan, a plan that would elevate his dungeon from a mere den of challenges to a center of alchemy and commerce.

Argenti moved with a purposeful stealth, his demonic form blending into the shadows as he navigated the alleyways of the town. He carried the doppelganger idol and the box of potions with a careful ease, his eyes constantly scanning the surroundings. Finding a secluded spot near the apothecary shop, he set down his load and glanced around one last time to ensure no prying eyes were watching.

Meanwhile, back in the dungeon, Eddie was trying to pass the time by engaging in a light-hearted game of cards with his skeletal comrade, Chuckles, and the imposing figure of Big Guy, the bone giant. The trio sat around a rickety table, a deck of worn cards spread out before them. Chuckles, true to his name, was attempting to bluff, his bony fingers fumbling the cards, while Big Guy simply stared, his large skull creating an amusing contrast to the tiny cards.

Eddie, however, found it hard to concentrate on the game. His mind was with Argenti and the mission. His eye sockets would occasionally flicker towards the dungeon core, his connection to the doppelganger idol. "Alright, Chuckles, I think it's time to wrap up this game," he said, a hint of impatience in his voice. "Duty calls."

As Eddie sensed Argenti's readiness through the dungeon core, he focused intently, initiating the remote activation of the doppelganger idol. In the alleyway, the idol stirred to life, its previously inanimate form now moving with Eddie's will.

Through the idol's eyes, Eddie surveyed the surroundings, ensuring the coast was clear. He then proceeded to dress the idol in the trader's disguise, a task made slightly cumbersome by the lack of his own physical presence. Every fold of the cloak, every adjustment of the hat, was done with painstaking care to ensure the disguise was flawless.

The trader's outfit was a simple, yet effective ensemble, designed to blend in with the locals while not drawing too much attention. Eddie made sure the hood was pulled up just right, casting a shadow over the idol's face, adding an extra layer of anonymity.

In the dungeon, Eddie's skeletal fingers moved as if he was physically adjusting the clothes himself. "This has to be perfect," he murmured, fully aware that even the smallest slip-up could jeopardize the entire operation.

Once satisfied with the disguise, Eddie, through the idol, took a deep, unnecessary breath. It was a habit from his living days, one that he hadn't quite shaken off. "Showtime," he whispered, a sense of determination filling him, even though his physical form remained in the dungeon, cards still in hand.

Eddie, ensuring Argenti was ready outside for the return journey, maneuvered the doppelganger idol into the apothecary shop, the familiar chime of the entrance bell ringing softly. The shop, a cozy enclave of fragrant herbs and vivid potions, welcomed him back like an old friend. The box of meticulously crafted potions, now in the idol's hands, represented Eddie's growing mastery over his alchemical art.

The shop owner, a portly man with a keen eye for quality, looked up from his ledger with a mixture of surprise and delight. "Ah, my mysterious alchemist friend returns!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with genuine excitement. "What wonders have you brought me this time?"

Eddie, operating the idol, couldn't help but inwardly chuckle. The only ‘wonders’ here was the dungeon system's unique capabilities. He replied smoothly, maintaining his trader persona, "I've crafted some more potions. I believe they might be of interest to you."

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The shop owner hurried over, eagerly peering into the box. His eyes sparkled as he examined the potions, each radiating a soft blue glow. "Incredible! You've outdone yourself. The quality is astounding," he praised, carefully lifting a vial to the light. "Last time you were here, I sent your previous potion to our main branch for sponsorship consideration. Alas, I've yet to hear back."

Eddie felt a twinge of disappointment but didn't let it show through the idol. "I understand these things take time," he replied. "Perhaps in the meantime, we could discuss a deal for these potions?"

The shop owner's demeanor shifted from excitement to businesslike efficiency. "Of course, of course. Let's talk numbers," he said, gesturing towards the counter.

Eddie, through the idol, set the box down on the counter, ready to negotiate. Despite the slight setback in sponsorship, he knew this sale was another crucial step.

"Well now, let's see," the shop owner began, his eyes appraising the vials one by one. "These potions are certainly of high quality. No doubt about that. But as you know, high quality demands a high price."

Eddie, maintaining the persona of the unassuming trader, nodded sagely. "Indeed, quality does come at a price. But I assure you, these potions will be worth every gold piece for your customers."

The shop owner stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I'm inclined to agree. However, as a businessman, it's my duty to negotiate a fair price. How does twenty gold pieces sound for the lot?"

Eddie feigned a moment's hesitation, as if pondering the offer. Inside, he was grinning. "Twenty is a fair starting point, but for potions of this caliber, I was thinking more along the lines of forty gold pieces."

"Forty!" the shop owner exclaimed, his eyebrows shooting up in mock surprise. "My dear friend, you drive a hard bargain. But let's not forget, we're both here to make a profit. How about we meet in the middle – thirty gold pieces?"

Eddie, through the idol, leaned forward, placing his hands on the counter. "Thirty is closer, but considering the exceptional healing properties of these potions, I'd say thirty-two is the magic number."

The shop owner let out a chuckle, shaking his head slightly. "You certainly know your trade. Alright, thirty-two it is. You've got yourself a deal."

Eddie couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. Negotiating was a dance, and he was becoming quite the dancer. "Thank you," he said, extending a hand. "You won't regret this decision."

The shop owner grasped the idol's hand, shaking it firmly. "I'm sure I won't. Your potions are some of the best I've seen. Let's hope we hear back from the main branch soon. I'd be proud to have you as a sponsored alchemist."

[System Message: Achievement Unlocked – Merchant's Accord]

Congratulations! You have successfully established a business relationship with a human-operated shop.

Reward: 500 Credits.

The mood in the shop was a mix of businesslike efficiency and good-natured humor, however, Eddie was even happier after having heard the ding of a completed achievement. The shop owner, though shrewd, couldn't hide his admiration for Eddie's products. Eddie, for his part, was pleased with the deal. Thirty-two gold pieces were a handsome sum, one that would greatly aid in the further development of his dungeon.

As the shop owner carefully packed the potions, Eddie felt a sense of accomplishment wash over him. Each step he took in this world of commerce and alchemy was a learning experience, a chance to sharpen his skills not just as a dungeon master, but as a businessman.

Thinking about such things he recalled the agility potions he and his skeletons consumed awhile back, although he didn’t have the Potion Maker skill yet. Their quality wasn’t bad because of the ingredients he had used in them, so he could have gotten a decent amount for them most likely.

The shop owner, with a flourish that matched the significance of the deal, counted out thirty-two gold pieces, each coin clinking melodically as it was placed on the counter. Eddie, through the doppelganger idol, watched with a sense of quiet triumph. The idol's hands, deftly and carefully, gathered the coins, securing them in a small leather pouch.

Eddie couldn’t help but let his mind wander to the potential these gold coins held. “Thirty-two gold pieces,” he thought, a sense of satisfaction rippling through him, “that’s 3200 credits in the dungeon system. The possibilities are endless.”

The exchange was more than just a transaction; it was a validation of Eddie's skills and a testament to the dungeon's growing influence in the world above. The shop owner, seemingly pleased with the deal, offered a few parting words of encouragement. "I have a good feeling about this," he said warmly. "Your potions are going to be a hit. I’ll be eagerly waiting for your next batch."

Eddie, through the idol, nodded appreciatively. "You can count on me. I'll be sure to bring you more of my finest creations."

Exiting the shop, the idol’s hood pulled up to maintain its guise, Eddie felt a wave of pride wash over him. The deal had not only brought in a significant amount of gold but also solidified his presence in the local alchemy market. The thought of turning the gold into credits was exhilarating. With the new influx of credits, he could enhance his dungeon, invest in more ingredients, and perhaps even explore new potion recipes.

As he walked through the town streets, heading back to the secluded spot where Argenti waited, Eddie’s thoughts turned to the waterwheat growing in his dungeon. “Soon, they’ll be ready for harvest,” he mused. “And with them, a new range of potions to brew and sell.” The cycle of planting, harvesting, and potion-making had become the lifeblood of his dungeon’s economy, a rhythm that he had come to embrace fully.

The triumphant mood was palpable even as Eddie disengaged from the doppelganger idol, leaving it to Argenti’s care for the journey back to the dungeon. As he stepped away from the dungeon core, back into the physical confines of his lair, the sense of achievement lingered.

He strolled back to the plant room, his steps echoing with a new sense of purpose. The rows of waterwheat, bathed in the soft, artificial light, seemed to greet him, their leaves whispering promises of future successes.

Argenti, with the deftness of a shadow, reclaimed the doppelganger idol and the precious pouch of gold. His form melded seamlessly with the dimming light as he made his way back to the dungeon. The weight of the gold, secure in its pouch, was a tangible reminder of the day's success - a success that reverberated with the promise of a flourishing future for Eddie and his dungeon.

Back in the dungeon, Eddie awaited Argenti's return in the central chamber, the heart of his underground realm. The flickering light from the dungeon core cast a soft glow, illuminating his skeletal form.

Left alone with his thoughts, Eddie pondered the significance of the day's events. The successful sale of the potions marked not just a financial win, but a pivotal moment in the evolution of his dungeon. “We’re not just a hidden lair,” Eddie mused, “we’re going to become a recognized name in the world of alchemy and commerce.”

His mind wandered to the rows of waterwheat, their growth soon to yield more potion ingredients. “Our potion business is just beginning,” he thought, excitement building within him. “With every potion crafted, we’ll expand our reach.”

In the midst of his contemplation, Eddie's gaze drifted to the ongoing card game he had left behind. Chuckles, surrounded by a few more skeletal minions, seemed to be the center of attention. Eddie’s eyes narrowed slightly as he noticed the edge of a card peeking out from Chuckles’ ribcage.

Approaching the table with a mix of amusement and feigned sternness, Eddie eyed Chuckles. “Seems I can’t leave you alone for a moment,” he remarked. “Hiding cards now, are we?”

Eddie chuckled, the sound resonating through the chamber. “Always the trickster, eh Chuckles? But you’re not fooling anyone.” The skeletons’ response was a series of clattering that filled the room with an air of comedy.

As his laughter subsided, Eddie gazed around at his loyal crew. “Our journey’s just begun,” he said quietly to himself. “We have much to do, and I have no doubt we’ll succeed.”