Faelde city surged with activity. Construction workers cleared out rubble while cleaners cleared the splattered blood. It must have been no more than a couple of hours, yet they’ve already begun to repair the city.

Leo saw the streets filled with energy. While there were those who helped with rebuilding, others did whatever they could. Clerics healed the injured all across the city. There were people giving out food and clothing to those who lost everything. While he could’ve easily grabbed a free pair of clothes, other people needed them more.

Leo walked through the city. He observed acts of kindness springing up on every corner. He made his way down main street in search of an open store. A small blue shop seemed to be open.

The building had suffered minimal damage, a lucky feat in comparison to its neighbors. The building on the left was nothing but rubble. To its right, the building was turned into some type of survivors' base. There were overturned tables inside, and visible traps blocked the entrance.

The open shop was filled with goods to buy. It overflowed with mundane objects such as food, furniture, and clothing. A small display in the corner seemed to showcase all manner of magical items. Leo was pulled to the items like a kid to the toy aisle. Yet, he tried his best to resist.

He quickly shuffled through the clothing options available. For some unknown reason he only focused on the cheapest outfits. He grabbed three of the cheapest outfits as he eyed the magic section. The portly shopkeeper struck up conversation while calculating Leo’s total for the clothes.

“Damn shame what happened here,” commented the old man.

“Yeah, it’s horrible what the city has gone through.”

“Two whole weeks without sales, and now even fewer people are buying,” the shopkeeper sighed.

Leo paused, “Well, yeah I guess that’s also unfortunate?”

“I’m telling you, I have to get out of this city. Ain’t no good selling to the destitute,” he grumbled.

“How much for the clothes?” bluntly asked Leo.

“Hm, it’ll be six gold for everything.”

Leo stopped rummaging through his pouch, “Wait, six gold? I could’ve sworn these were only a few silver.”

This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

“Emergency prices,” shrugged the old man.

“Emergency prices?”

“Look, kid, someone needs to supply these people with clothes and food. There’s too much demand, so I need to raise the prices to make it fair,” the shopkeeper’s eyes darted at Leo’s gold pouch.

Leo closed his pouch, “There are people giving out free clothing and food as we speak. Why would you raise prices when no one needs to buy from you?”

“Tell me, do you think they have endless wares? They’re going to run out of crap to give, so people will soon come buy my quality products,” a smile grew on the man’s face.

Leo hated the smugness on this man’s face. The thought to just take these clothes began to run through his mind. Who would arrest the hero that helped save the city? Hell, who could arrest him? The spears of guards would shatter against his skin.

Before he acted out of anger, Leo took a deep breath. He still wanted these outfits, but he didn't want to rob the man or buy from him. His nerves cooled down as he thought of a plan that wouldn’t ruin his reputation.

“Still, you won’t sell out of everything. There is only so much need, and I’m certain other shops have the same idea as you,” taunted Leo.

“So? I’ll still make more than enough to account for lost time,” gruffly responded the shopkeeper.

“Well, what if I can guarantee that you sell out of everything you have?”

“Hm?”

“You don’t seem to recognize me, but I am the one who saved Faelde city. People cheer my name when I pass through the streets. If I tell everyone to buy from you, then they will buy,” a wide smile sprouted on Leo’s face.

The shopkeeper’s pupils dilated, “So, you’re the Leon everyone is talking about? Well, I do think we can arrange a deal. What would you need in return advertising?”

“Just these clothes and a gift from your magic items section, and I’ll be sure to draw a crowd here. Everyone loves Leon, the adventurer, afterall,” promised Leo.

The man looked around his store in thought, “Alright, I’ll take you up on your deal. I expect to get some good results.”

“Of course,” Leo replied.

Leo strode to the display of magical items. They ranged from twenty five gold to five hundred, assuming they weren’t subject to emergency prices. Sadly, he didn’t have any idea as to what he was looking at.

There were odd glass cubes that violently swirled, talismans with glowing eyes, and oddities far past what Leo knew. He wasn’t well experienced with magic, but he felt clueless as he looked things over. There wasn’t a single label or description he could fall back on.

Leo figured that he may as well grab something at random. He picked up a small stone that had odd runes on one side. Leo gave the shopkeeper a wave goodbye as he left. While this certainly wasn’t what a hero should do, Leo figured that it was deserved.

He was merely a few feet away from the store when he was suddenly stopped. A young couple had blocked his path.

“Excuse me, we’ve only recently made it back to Faelde. Our house was destroyed and we’re in need of food and clothing. Where did you buy your supplies?”

Leo pointed to the store, “Oh, Leon got things from there. Leon recommends that place.”

“Who is Leon?”

“No idea, my name is Leo. That place sucks though. You should look for aid down the road,” chuckled Leo.