For once, Cooper was happy when coming back to town. Sure, it was far more civilized than the woods, but Willowdale was a hellhole on the best of days. Albert was tucked into his satchel, head poking out to stare at the passing crowds. But what lay beneath him was the real exciting part. Another [ARTIFACT], given to him by a talking, and apparently merciful, [DUNGEON]. He had already given the first one he had found to Julian, and was expecting to get his money any day now. With another to give the trader, Cooper was set for life. Money would never be an issue again.

"You're back already Mr. Jacobs? Got any coin to spare?"

And there was Tobias, right on cue. The street rat always seemed to find him whenever Cooper visited the town. The hunter wouldn't admit it, but the kid had grown on him. He flicked a copper towards the kid with a grin.

"Sure thing kid, long as you got some stories to tell."

This was their deal. Cooper would give the kid a few copper throughout the week, and got information in exchange. Tobias always had his ears to the town's gossip, and not a thing happened in the town that he and his little gang didn't know about.

"Lord Sullivan returned to the town last night angrier than a wet griffin. One of his legs was basically torn off. He's going about swearing revenge on that new [DUNGEON] you found."

That was... a problem. Cooper had thought that Sullivan was dead. Honestly he was a little disappointed. The man was always a little too quick to flaunt his wealth and status, not to mention his mental ability. Cooper had only been under the man's control once, during a riot that the man had quelled. The feeling of his body no longer obeying him had left him with plenty a sleepless night.

"Alright kid, run along. I've got business to attend to."

The street rat flashed a toothy grim before darting off into an alley. Well, Sullivan being alive complicated things. Good thing all problems could be solved with money. It was time to see Julian.

Cooper entered the trader's tent through the flap at the front, letting it fall closed behind him. The gloom with the place was always at a stark contrast with the vibrant bazaar just a few steps away. He walked towards the desk in the back, passing tables filled with every odd and end a man could imagine. Tendrils of darkness snaked along them, straightening wares, updating prices, and just generally being busy. Cooper would never get used to the sight of [GREATER UMBRAMANCY] at work.

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"Cooper, is that you? I'll have your money soon as long as all goes wel-"

The man was cut off as Cooper held out the second [ARTIFACT]. The pure black pits of Julian's eyes met his with a rare look upon them.

Shock.

"Well my friend, that is quite the surprise."

Julian lifted said surprise from his hands with a delicate touch. The middle of his obsidian eyes lit up with a pinprick of white as the man used [INSPECT]. Cooper had no idea where the man had gotten the ability, and made a point to never find out. Julian nodded, declaring this new find worthy to be sold.

"Not to state the obvious, but what the hell? Two [ARTIFACTS], both high quality, in the span of a few days? All from this little backwater dump? People are going to ask questions. Questions I'm not sure you want to give answers to."

Cooper remained steadfast in his optimism.

"Counterpoint: money. People won't care where it came from so long as it's for sale. Whatever stuck-up noble buys it probably won't even use it. It'll most likely be shoved into some display case for people to gawk at during galas."

Julian let a small smile onto his face, before nodding. With a wave of his hand, the [ARTIFACT] vanished, safely stored in [VOID WITHIN].

"Cooper Jacobs, you continue to impress me again and again. Keep this streak of luck up and you'll find yourself a very important man. Now that you're done selling, care to buy? I'll just subtract the cost from the two mithril that you're owed."

Ah, and there was the pitch. One could never leave Julian's tent without spending some money. And with a plethora of wares and oddities, there was always something new.

"How about abilities? I know you have some hidden somewhere in here."

"Actually, there's one I've been saving just for you.[PREDATOR'S TERRITORY], a general scouting skill. But I have it on good authority that it will merge with [PREY'S DENIAL]. The fusion is supposed to be quite the asset. For you my friend? Just sixty silver."

Cooper bellowed out a laugh. Before this new dungeon, sixty silver would have been robbery. It would take him weeks to make that much, and that's taking into account a pinched budget. Now, with two mithril on its way to him. Pocket change. He would soon have more money than he could possibly hope to spend.

"Why not you greedy bastard, it's a deal!"

Julian smiled, and withdrew the ability from [VOID WITHIN]. It was a small thing, like a ball of condensed mist. It was mostly a vibrant green, but was shot through with threads of a deep gold. Cooper accepted the offered treasure, and held it to his forehead.

[ABILITY UNLOCKED: [PREDATOR'S TERRITORY].]

[ABILITIES: [PREY'S DENIAL AND PREDATOR'S TERRITORY] HAVE BEEN CONSOLIDATED TO [NATURE'S DOMAIN].]

Julian smiled, and so did Cooper. This was the start of a new life for the hunter, and a surge of good business for the trader. The two spoke their goodbye in unison, grins still plastered on their faces.

"Good doing business with you."