In the heart of the dungeon, near the pulsating dungeon core, Eddie's skeletal figure loomed, lost in thought. The conversation with Argenti about the legendary lich lord Zarthos had stirred something within him.

"Argenti," Eddie began, his voice echoing with newfound excitement, "I've been pondering over our financial situation. It strikes me that we might be approaching this all wrong."

Argenti, always attentive, turned towards him, his demonic eyes reflecting the dim light. "Oh? What do you have in mind, Eddie?"

Eddie paced slowly, his bony fingers tapping rhythmically against his chin. "Remember the potions we sold to that apothecary in town? I can't help but think he made a far greater profit on them than we did. It's the classic middleman scenario."

Argenti nodded, his stance indicating his understanding. "Indeed, the markup on alchemical goods can be quite substantial in the hands of retailers."

"That's just it, Argenti," Eddie said, his eye sockets glowing brighter with each word. "Why not cut out the middleman? We could establish our own storefront. But not just any store - something more... unique."

Argenti's interest seemed piqued. "Go on," he prompted.

Eddie stopped pacing and faced the dungeon core. "An information brokerage, Argenti. Think about it. We have access to a wealth of knowledge thanks to this dungeon core. Information on dungeon layouts, monster weaknesses, hidden treasures, local lore, and so much more."

The idea seemed to hang in the air between them, like a tantalizing possibility just out of reach. Argenti mulled over the concept, the gears in his mind visibly turning. "An intriguing proposition, Eddie. Information is a valuable commodity, especially to adventurers and scholars. But what about your alchemical pursuits?"

Eddie chuckled, a hollow sound that reverberated off the dungeon walls. "Oh, we'll get to that. Our garden isn't quite ready yet. Once it is, we'll have a plethora of ingredients at our disposal for potions. Until then, we can start small, build our reputation and funds through information trading."

Argenti nodded, slowly warming up to the idea. "A sound plan, Eddie. It provides a cover for our operations and a steady flow of credits. Plus, it would place us in a unique position within the local market."

Eddie's skeletal grin widened. "Exactly! It's perfect. We'll be the go-to source for information and eventually, the finest potions. We just need to set up the store, make it look inviting yet discreet. A front to conceal the dungeon's entrance."

Their conversation gradually shifted from the tales of Zarthos to the more immediate task at hand. They discussed logistics, potential challenges, and how to make the most of their limited resources.

Eddie's excitement was palpable, his bones clicking with each animated gesture. "This could be the start of something big, Argenti. Our own little empire, starting right here. First as an information brokerage, then expanding into a full-fledged store."

Argenti's usual stoic demeanor softened, a hint of enthusiasm creeping into his voice. "I must admit, the prospect is rather exhilarating.”

The atmosphere in the dungeon was filled with a sense of burgeoning enterprise as Eddie and Argenti continued their enthusiastic planning. Suddenly, Eddie paused, a contemplative look on his skeletal face. "You know who we haven't consulted about this? Big Guy," he said, referring to their bone giant, the towering sentinel of the dungeon.

Argenti raised an eyebrow, a mix of curiosity and skepticism in his gaze as he still wasn’t sure about Big Guys sagely advice. "Big Guy? But he still doesn't speak, Eddie."

Eddie simply replied with a knowing click of his jaw. He strode over to where the bone giant stood, a silent behemoth made of compacted skeletons, its massive form dominating the chamber.

[Status Screen: Big Guy]

Name: Big Guy

Type: Bone Giant

Rank: Elite Guardian (C+)

Special Abilities: Intimidating Presence, Unbreakable Guard

Eddie looked up at the bone giant, his eye sockets glowing. "Big Guy, we're thinking of setting up a store out front, a cover for the dungeon and a source of income. What do you think?"

The bone giant remained motionless, its hollow eye sockets staring into the void. The silence stretched on, filling the room with a palpable tension. Eddie stood there, nodding occasionally as if receiving profound wisdom from the silent guardian.

Argenti watched the one-sided conversation with a growing sense of bemusement. To him, it seemed as if Eddie was speaking to a statue. Yet, Eddie's nods and thoughtful hums suggested a deeper understanding, a connection that transcended the need for spoken words.

Finally, Eddie turned back to Argenti with an air of having concluded a meaningful discussion. "Big Guy agrees. He thinks it's a great idea and believes in our success," Eddie announced confidently.

Argenti looked from Eddie to the unmoving bone giant and back again. "Does he now?" he asked, an edge of humor in his voice.

Eddie chuckled, tapping the side of his skull. "It's all about reading the bones, Argenti."

Argenti shook his head, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Well, if Big Guy is on board, who am I to argue? Let's get this store set up."

As they turned to leave, Eddie gave the bone giant a respectful nod, and for a moment, it almost seemed like the giant shifted ever so slightly, as if acknowledging their plan.

Eddie and Argenti navigated the stone corridors, their steps echoing in the silence. Their mission was clear – to gather a team for their new venture. Eddie's gaze settled on the skeleton knights, their sturdier frames ideal for the heavy lifting required in constructing the storefront.

"Eddie, are you sure about using the knights?" Argenti questioned, his tone tinged with concern. "They are among our strongest defenses."

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Eddie nodded firmly. "I've thought it through, Argenti. We'll only use a few of them and we won’t stray far. It's a balance – we need to begin progress with the store but can't leave the dungeon vulnerable."

As they approached a group of skeleton knights, Eddie addressed them with a commanding presence. "We need volunteers for a special task – gathering materials for a vital project. Who's ready to lend a hand?”

The skeleton knights, ever obedient, clattered in response, stepping forward to signify their readiness.

Eddie nodded to their eagerness, although that was expected from them given their ‘Undying Loyalty’. Eddie turned to Argenti, switching to the topic of information brokerage. "Now, about the type of information we'll be dealing with – we have a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips through the dungeon core, but we need to be selective."

Argenti nodded, adding, "We should focus on information that's in high demand. Dungeon layouts, secret paths, maybe some local legends and lore. Things that adventurers and scholars can't easily find elsewhere."

Eddie's eyes gleamed at the possibilities. "Exactly. And we need to be careful. Some information could be dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands."

Their conversation took a pragmatic turn as they discussed the potential risks and rewards of their information trading. Eddie brought up a critical point, "There's also the issue of our... unique staff. We can't have customers getting spooked by our skeletal crew."

Argenti mused, "A valid concern. Perhaps we should invest in a magical item from the dungeon core that can conceal their undead nature. Something to make them appear more... palatable to the living."

Eddie agreed, already thinking of the logistics. "I'll look into it. A charm or an amulet, perhaps. Something to keep up appearances while the store is active. If that’s not doable then perhaps a field or magic that can hide their presence, then we will have you or the doppelganger core run the store."

Eddie then led the skeleton knights outside of the dungeon, an industrious scene unfolded as Eddie and his skeleton knights began constructing the storefront. The area was a flurry of activity, echoing with the rhythmic clatter of bones and the sounds of construction.

Eddie and his skeleton knights worked diligently at the site of the future store. The area, just a stone's throw from the dungeon's entrance, buzzed with the energy of creation and progress. The skeleton knights, under Eddie's guidance, were in the midst of shaping and assembling the sturdy wood they had gathered from the nearby forest.

Eddie, standing amidst the bustle, oversaw the construction with keen precision. His skeletal fingers pointed here and there, directing the knights with an expertise that seemed to transcend his former life as a dungeon master. "Remember, we're aiming for sturdy and functional, yet inviting," he called out to his crew. "This store is the first impression we'll make; it needs to strike the right balance."

The knights, though devoid of flesh and voice, worked with a synchronized efficiency that spoke volumes of their dedication. They sawed, hammered, and lifted, their movements precise and unwavering. The framework of the store, a simple but robust structure, began to take shape, each beam and plank fitting perfectly into place as if guided by an unseen hand.

Eddie watched as the framework rose from the ground, his bony jaw set in a determined line. This store was not just another structure; it was the embodiment of his aspirations and dreams—a physical representation of his ambition to expand beyond the confines of his dungeon.

As the skeleton crew affixed the final beam in place, a collective sense of achievement permeated the air. Even without the ability to express emotion, the knights seemed to share in the moment, standing back to admire their handiwork.

Eddie and Argenti stood before the developing storefront. The skeleton knights had completed the basic frame – a modest structure that now awaited their creative touch.

Eddie found his eye sockets focused on the structure. "It needs to be welcoming but not overly conspicuous. We don't want to draw too much attention."

The store, measuring a humble thirty feet in length and fifteen feet in width, was divided into two main rooms. The first, slightly larger, was designated as the main sales area, where they planned to display information and, eventually, Eddie's potions. The second, smaller room would serve as a storage and back-office space.

Eddie walked around the store, visualizing their plans coming to life. "I can already see it, Argenti. A cozy little nook that adventurers and townsfolk can't resist visiting. Our very own information hub, and soon, a hub for potions too."

Argenti smiled, a rare sight. "It's a solid start, Eddie. Small, manageable, but full of potential. Just like the dungeon."

The structure's simple wooden frame echoed the beginnings of their ambitious venture. Eddie, brimming with enthusiasm, cobbled together a makeshift desk assembled from spare planks.

"This," Eddie announced with a flourish, "will be our command center for the soft opening. It's not fancy, but it'll do the job for this example."

Argenti surveyed the sparse interior, his gaze lingering on the rudimentary desk. "It's a start, Eddie. But how do we make this... functional? We need to think about presentation, especially since we're selling information."

Eddie's skeletal jaw set in a determined clack. "That's the easy part. The hard part will be customer service. Argenti, you're up front. You need to be ready for all kinds of customers, friendly or otherwise."

Argenti, usually unflappable, looked slightly bewildered. "Customer service? I'm not sure I—"

Eddie cut him off, adopting a gruff, demanding voice. "Imagine I'm a difficult customer. 'Hey, I want the best dungeon map you've got, and I want it cheap!' Go on, handle it."

Argenti hesitated, clearly out of his element. "Well, uh, we have maps... and they are... not expensive?"

Eddie sighed, dropping the act. "No, no, Argenti. You've got to sell it. Make them feel like they're getting a deal, even when they're not. My manager at MrRonalds used to say, 'The customer's always right, even when they're not.' It's all about the experience."

Argenti tried again, his response still faltering. "Right... So, you want a map... and it's a good deal... I think."

Eddie rubbed his temples, a humorous gesture given his lack of flesh. "Okay, let's stop there. You'd never make it at MrRonalds, Argenti. But that's alright. We'll stick to what we're good at. I'll handle the talking through the doppelganger core until you’re feeling up to it."

Argenti looked relieved, a small nod acknowledging his agreement with the revised plan. "That, I can do."

The sun streamed through the open spaces where windows would soon be, casting long shadows on the wooden floor. Eddie turned to Argenti, holding the doppelganger core in his hand, a serious look in his glowing eye sockets.

"Argenti, the time has come to put our plan into action. We need to understand what kind of information will be most valuable to our potential customers," Eddie explained, his voice echoing slightly in the empty space.

Argenti nodded, a look of determination on his face. "I understand, Eddie. So, I'm to go into town and act as an information broker? Gauge the market?"

"Exactly," Eddie said, pulling out the doppelganger core and handing it to Argenti. "Take this with you. It could come in handy if you find yourself in a tight spot."

Argenti examined the core, a slight sense of unease crossing his features. "I'll be cautious, Eddie. But what exactly should I be looking for?"

Eddie paced a little, then stopped, facing Argenti. "Start by listening. See what adventurers and locals are talking about. What are they curious about? What information do they seem desperate to find? It could be anything from simple town gossip to complex dungeon layouts or hidden treasures. We need to identify what's in demand."

Argenti listened intently, absorbing every word. "And how do I approach this without arousing suspicion?"

"Be subtle. Maybe pose as a traveler or a novice adventurer. Engage in conversations, offer small tidbits of information, and see how they react. We need to find out what's valuable to them. Remember, you're not there to sell just yet – just to learn and observe."

Argenti gave a firm nod, the weight of the task evident in his posture. "I understand, Eddie. I'll gather as much insight as I can."

With that, Argenti set out towards the town, the core held securely in his grasp. Eddie watched him leave, a mix of anticipation and nervousness in his hollow chest.