Gra’loch’s Covenant Shop (Pt. 2): Warranty Null And Void

--- Jon ---

(I’m going to regret this. I know I’m going to regret this. So why am I still doing this?)

Despite his many, many reservations, he forced himself to tell Gra’loch that, “I’ll take the Void Core.”

(“I knew you couldn’t resist me forever Huntsman…”)

He shook his head, and ignored the whispering.

“Are… are you sure?” The merchant swallowed looking deeply uncomfortable. “This, this isn’t the kind of thing I should be giving a child of any species.”

“No it isn’t.” He agreed, before sighing. “Unfortunately, you were also right that I’m probably one of the few people who know how to handle this thing and… it’s better if this is taken off the streets before someone does something they regret.” (Then again I’m pretty sure me taking this means it’s too late for that…)

Gra’loch stared at him for another moment before reluctantly nodding. “Perhaps… After all, you did notice it… influencing you faster than I ever have…”

“If it’s influenced you more than once, you really need to be rid of it.” He warned the merchant Traveler. “Each time Madness gets a… hook in you, the next one is even faster until you’re drowning in it.”

“Y-you’re right, I… I know you’re right.” Gra’loch grimaced. “I just, I don’t like leaving this with a child. It’s irresponsible in a way that is… dishonorable.”

“Maybe, but… I don’t think I’ve counted as a kid for a while.” He admitted before tossing his pack next to the chest and forcing it into the bag’s significantly smaller opening, magic the only reason it was even possible.

“Well, young man… I hope you know what you’re doing.” The merchant told him.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

(So do I.) He didn’t say as he closed his pack, its contents even more dangerous than the Demon arm from a week before or any explosive he’d ever stashed within it.

“I’ll admit, I almost feel bad charging money to be rid of that thing.” Gra’loch confessed as he slung his pack over his shoulder.

“Well I’m not the one you’re taking money from, so… don’t I guess.” He shrugged, wondering if he should be the one getting paid for dealing with what was sure to be a brain aneurysm inducing headache. (Literally…)

The merchant let out a huff of amusement. “Yes, I suppose I should inform Tru that his bill for this particular… gift,” the Traveler scoffed, “is a hundred thousand american.”

He couldn’t help but cough at that amount. “A hundred thousand?! That’s, that’s enough to pay my rent for four years! That’s, that’s almost double my Ma’s yearly pay!”

“Ah, yes, I forgot your species rents property… ugh, such a disgusting practice.” Gra’loch shuddered for something unrelated to the thing he was selling. “To be fair though, your entire economic system is just… a blatant mess. So inferior, and if you just- ahem, sorry. That was going to be a racist rant on my part.”

“It’s… fine?” He was pretty sure it wasn’t, but (at least he caught himself? I don’t know.)

Deciding it was better to… push past this he instead asked, “Out of curiosity, how much does the rest of this run for?”

“Anywhere from a thousand dollars for the knife, to ten for the Cambion catalyst.” Gra’loch explained, seemingly far more comfortable talking about trade than their previous two topics. “I understand that at your age that’s likely a fair bit, but if you do decently enough in the tourney you’ve been invited to you likely could purchase everything on this counter with the pay from third place on.”

“Good to… know.” He nodded, having not actually considered just how much money Tru’s tournament was worth or what he’d do with that money should he win any. (No, that’s… almost two months away, no reason to bother thinking about it yet. I’ve got enough on my plate right now…)

He shifted his backpack on his shoulder, the thing feeling notably heavier than it had moments before despite carrying the same magical weight. Something he knew was all in his head.

“I think… I think I need to get this taken care of before thinking about anything else.” He told the merchant with a grimace.

Gra’loch matched his grimace with a nod. “I… I understand.”

Not needing to say anything else on the matter he started making his way for the exit out of club, all the while unable to bitterly help but consider the fact that, (I came here to blow off some steam and somehow picked up twice as many problems…)

Madness, that was just his luck.