The student store was a squat one-story stone building with no windows. It seemed as though window shopping wasn’t a thing here. He read the signpost on the way in. It proclaimed that inside held all kinds of goodies that Jack didn’t recognize, but rather than standing outside and asking what each item was, he charged in. Seeing is believing after all.

The inside of the store was a bizarre blend between a museum and a jewelry store. Glass cases full of sharp weapons, various armor, sparkling jewels, glowing potion bottles, and a dozen other things he did not recognize we're in glass cases that lined the walls. In the center of the store was a hollow, square counter with a person stationed on each side, facing out.

Instantly, Jack pressed his face against the glass, only to recoil and land on his but. It bit me, he thought irritable. The sensation was like wrestling an electric eel in a filthy sewer, not pleasant. The experience indicated two things, the glass was enchanted with mixed mana and it was warded. This was by far the most tainted source of magic he had encountered yet. Everything else was skewed towards a specific sigil, that made it easier to purify because he only had to scrape the grime off the top and throw it into the Fire. This mana had to be completely scrubbed. As he funneled it into his core, he felt a large deposit of kindling onto his log pile.

“Customer, please do not touch the glass for your own protection. If you wish to closely inspect any wares, then inform a service representative of your interest.” this voice came from the woman standing behind one of the desks in the middle. She was wearing a name tag that read. “Hello. My name is Synthia.” Some things never change.

Virus and Lillian had entered the store behind him and only saw the end of his part fall. Virus facepalmed and Lillian stifled a laugh before moving to lend a hand. Her hand was arrested mid-motion by the guardian. who gave her a stern glare and used his own hand to help Jack up.

After getting up he took a second to collect himself. Now calm and on his feet, Jack looked around and started to read the signs. There were four sections, one against each wall. They were combat gear, alchemy, magic items, and magical resources. Jack did what any teenager boy would do and headed straight for the sharp and pointy things. Weapons of all kinds and styles festooned one of the glass cases. They seemed to be mostly of Etruscan design, though he saw a few curved weapons with a wavy design in the metal. He thought that was called Damascus steel, but this world didn’t have either of those places. He just pointed to the weapons and badgered Virtus about them.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Five minutes later, Jack was the proud owner of a new gladius. It was one of the few weapons he could actually use and wasn’t enchanted at all. There were three kinds of weapons, mana forged, runecrafted, and mana machines. The first would be absorbed into his soulscape, the second would stop working after being held for a while and the last would explode if he put his mana into it. It physically hurt to turn down the reciprocating sword, but beggars can’t be choosers.

This led to questions about what these items were exactly, but Virtus reminded him that he had his introduction to magical crafting class today. He could get answers then.

He took a small your of the place after that. The alchemy section was full of strange potions, as well as hundreds of labeled jars, filled with bits and bobs.

The magic item section was filled with a variety of items as well. He saw everything from flying carpets to crystals that created water. Again, he could not use most of the items there and he didn’t have time to sort them out for the hidden gems. That brought him to the last section.

The section had three atractions. There were ingots of metal, different pieces of magical wood, and beast cores/mana crystals. He bought a dozen of both the ingots and pieces of wood. As for the gems, he bought all the ones that he had an affinity for.

On the way out with his purchases, he stopped by the checks and to pay. “That will be four octals, three sextal, six quadrals, and three copper chips.” the cashier informed him.

Jack expected the first three items, but had no idea what a chip was. “What’s a copper chip?” He asked. He heard a jingle behind him as three copper coins landed on the table. The feminine hand that had tossed them retreated from his vision.

“Chips are international currency. Most nations use more traditional coinage for money than the Eternal empire. They are just metal and don’t have most of the protections that credits have.” Virtus explained.

“What he means is that chips are valued on the metal used while a credit is as valuable as the Empire says it is, since only they can create credits. They love fixing prices here.” Lillian interjected acerbically.

Jack swore they looked like they were two bulls getting ready to lock horns, and since he was getting hungry, he stepped between them. “I think it’s time for breakfast.” He cheerily informed them.

“I don’t trust her Jack. What was the imperial handmaiden doing in the orphan ward last night? She is far too friendly with several unsavory people for my liking.”

Lillian scoffed. “Her highness is perfectly aware of my actions. I kept her apprised of the situation. Did you make a report about last night's events?”

“Well, of course, I di….” He broke off in sudden understanding. “She didn’t!” He gasped in shock.

“I think that is her business. Our duty is to serve her will. Now I quite agree with Jack. It is time to eat.” They headed out. Virtus’ seemed shell shocked as he followed behind.