I'll do that here... and there... and then...

In the dimly lit proclaimed magic store, filled with shelves of antiques, my eyes' trajectory was randomized all around the area. My walls were now adorned with scattered notes. I stood before a corkboard covered in a mosaic of ideas. The air was heavy with the scent of aged paper and the faint sound of a ticking clock provided a steady rhythm to my thoughts.

With the precision of a seasoned chess player, I reached out and delicately pinned another slip of paper to the corkboard. Each note held a fragment of an idea, a fleeting thought, or a glimpse into a realm of possibilities. They formed a tapestry of my mind's musings, an intricate web of interconnected concepts.

In the corner of the room, perched on my granite counter, my portable radio played with unwavering dedication. Its speakers emitted the familiar crackle and hum as it tuned into the frequency of the local news station, becoming a conduit for the outside world. Immersed in my thoughts, the radio faithfully absorbed every word, every melody, and every story that emanated from its speakers. It seemed almost alive, pulsating with the energy of the world beyond the confines of my room.

Illuminated by a soft overhead light, stood my corkboard adorned with an intricate web of information. Its surface was covered with an array of notes, and newspaper clippings connected by bands and yarn each representing a chapter in the lives of my old customers. What they hold are items of a different world, I cannot trade them with them and live them unattended...

I gazed at the corkboard, my eyes tracing the intricate connections that crisscrossed its surface. Each pinned item held a chunk of information. The handwritten notes detailed their journeys, successes, and achievements that I managed to scourge from the radio. Newspaper clippings showcased their achievements, their names etched in bold headlines.

I took a moment to pin a note on the corkboard detailing the fate of my old customer, the one known for his tattered suit. As I wrote, the weight of the story settled upon me, both intriguing and tragic. The man had made a desperate choice, sacrificing both of his eyes, which held powerful mana, in exchange for a legendary item known as the [Mirage Casino Chip(Legendary)]. This extraordinary artifact granted him access to a hidden casino, a place where fortunes could be won and lost with a single bet. However, the catch was that the chip could only be used once.

According to my findings in a recent newspaper release, in a twist of fate, the blind beggar's unfortunate circumstances took a turn for the worse. He became the target of a robbery, falling victim to a heartless act that left him even more vulnerable and destitute. The irony was stark – he had traded his sight, a precious asset, for a chance at prosperity, only to be robbed of everything. What luck he has...

Ding! Ding! Ding!

The tinkling chime of the entrance door alerted me to the arrival of a new customer. I looked up from behind the counter, and my attention was immediately drawn to the tall figure that stepped through the door. The man possessed an imposing presence, his physique suggesting strength and athleticism.

He stood tall, his broad shoulders filling the space as he navigated the aisles with purpose. His confident stride exuded a sense of self-assurance, and his well-defined features hinted at a life filled with discipline and determination. With each step, he exuded a quiet intensity that captured the attention of those around him. And as my eyes looked upward, I saw... his veil?!

Is coming to this store not a one-time mode? Can one actually re-enter this store? Because I'm pretty sure this person I sold the [Veil of Ishtar] that became the 'Veiled Hunter'... If this is him, then why does he get two arms now? Plus, his build changed multitudes, I haven't expected this much from him...

"What brings you here back in my store, veiled hunter...", I spoke. If I'm wrong about this being him, then I'd be greatly embarrassed.

"I'm quite flattered you remember me, legendary merchant.", he replied. I guess I'm right. "Personally, I would like to thank you as you have changed my life..."

Actually, I didn't. I just traded him something more compatible with his skillset which resulted in this... something... "I'm just doing my work...", I cleared my throat comforting myself behind the counter. "I guess you found a random door that led to my store?"

"I looked for it the past month..." Huh? He did what now? "It seems I became familiar with your store's mana the moment I traded my hand with you that I managed to track it down in the base of the Mayon Volcano. Mayon- what now? Can people really do that?

"You didn't bring anyone with you, did you?"

"Negative, legendary merchant.", he gently smiled. "I wouldn't tamper the opportunity you have given to me..."

"It seems you have another hand now."

"That's the power of the veil, legendary merchant.", he added. "I can take away, add, edit, and manipulate any part of my body just as the goddess Ishtar terraforms warriors in war." The atmosphere in the store shifted as the man's presence seemed to undergo a remarkable transformation. With a subtle, fluid motion, his hand underwent a metamorphosis, shifting and reshaping until it resembled a gleaming sword, emanating an otherworldly glow. The sight was both captivating and unnerving, as the blade seemed to pulsate with raw power.

But the spectacle did not stop there. As if responding to some hidden command, a pair of majestic wings sprouted from the man's back, unfurling with grace and splendor. The wings shimmered in iridescent colors, casting ethereal hues across the room. They seemed to exude a sense of freedom and strength, a symbol of untamed potential.

Just as quickly as the transformation occurred, the man reverted back to his original form, the sword, and wings fading away. It was as if the whole display had been a fleeting glimpse into a world of magic and wonder. Holy shit? That item did that? I did not know it could do that... Is that veil a compatibility type? I also made that word up but what I mean is some features could be invoked when a certain user wields it.

"Exhilarating.", I smiled away the shock in my counter.

"I actually would like to trade you this in exchange for something, legendary merchant." As the man reached into his pocket, a sense of anticipation filled the air. With great care and reverence, he retrieved an object that seemed to radiate an otherworldly aura. Cradled in his hands was a mythical dragon egg, the surface adorned with intricate patterns that shimmered and glistened under the store's lights. "A darkness dragon egg." Holy shit?! How did he acquire such a thing?! I don't even have a dragon egg in this store!

The egg was a breathtaking sight to behold, its size and color reminiscent of legends and ancient tales. Its shell held a mesmerizing mix of vibrant hues, blending fiery reds, deep blues, and shimmering golds. It seemed to pulse with a life force of its own as if containing an immense power waiting to be unleashed. Also, how did he fit that in his pocket? Weird guy.

The 'Veiled Hunter' approached the counter, and a sense of reverence and anticipation hung in the air. He extended his hands towards me, offering the mythical dragon egg. The weight of the moment settled upon me, and I delicately reached out to accept the precious gift.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

The surface of the egg felt cool and smooth against my palms as if it carried the echoes of a bygone era. Its vibrant colors danced beneath my fingertips, radiating. With each breath I took, I could almost sense the ancient power coursing through its shell. This is my first time handling a dragon egg...

"What item would that equal to, legendary merchant?"

As I stood behind the counter, holding the mythical dragon egg with reverence, I couldn't help but marvel at the untapped potential it held. A hunter, when this is hatched, could become some sort of a dragon-riding monster. Nobody is like that just yet... I've lost all resolve to ask him where this is from, but let's go ahead and check anything in this store that equals the value of this...

「Dragon Egg is worth 5000 Credits. 」

I hate currency conversion. Now, I'm confused about what that's worth in RP. I could only guess that a single RP is worth 10 credits. I can just go with that by now. So, that's like... alright... the veil once is worth 1000 credits... Holy shit... This dragon egg is so much... 4,250 credits... that's 85% with a 15% profit...

Can this updated system search for anything worth that value in this store?

「There is currently no item in this store that is worth that huge. 」

I kind of guess that... I guess he'd have to buy multiple items-

「Would like to order it from []?」

An empty text box? I thought Beltane had fixed all these things already... Or is this some part of the system that she wasn't able to counter. A random thought came to my mind... I should learn how to code the system...

「Would like to check the selection of []-rank products?」

Hesitant yet intrigued, I cautiously reached out and touched the ethereal screen. It responded instantly, illuminating the room with a soft glow. My mind whirled with excitement and trepidation. What the hell are these []-rank products?

「Information access not granted.」

What the hell, why do I even bother? I would like to check the products.

As I ventured into another area of the system which I already had enough problems knowing about, it led me into a sketchy site-like platform. The interface is adorned with cryptic symbols and glowing glyphs, an enigmatic display of technology or magic. Floating menus display various categories was quite similar to an online store...

As I browse, fragments of information and ancient whispers flutter through my mind. Each item carries a story, a history waiting to be uncovered. The arcane store seems to understand my desires, offering personalized recommendations and suggestions tailored to my search. I see stat-rising potions that are priced up to more than the dragon egg, and some luck-based skill enhancement stuff. I am intrigued...

However, this is not about me... I need to look for something that is worth 4,250 credits that is compatible with the body-morphing veiled hunter.

As I browse through the vast catalog of the online shop, my attention is drawn to a particular section that seems to resonate with the needs of my customer. The interface is sleek and modern, displaying an array of cutting-edge products designed to enhance the customer's lifestyle.

This is it...

Assuming their needs, I enter the customer's preferences into the search filters, refining the results to match their specific requirements. The screen refreshes, and a selection of items tailored to their needs materializes before me.

I carefully read through the descriptions, comparing features and benefits, and searching for that perfect match. My goal is to find an item that not only meets their requirements but also exceeds their expectations, offering a solution they never knew they needed.

Time loses its grip as I immerse myself in this mystical experience. The physical room fades into insignificance, and my world becomes solely focused on the luminescent interface before me.

And there it is, gleaming amidst the other options—a shining gem that seems to align perfectly with my customer's desires. Its description paints a picture of versatility, innovation, and functionality—a product that promises to seamlessly integrate into their daily life. Tammuz, the love of Ishtar.

「Halo of Tammuz - description encrypted. Order time: 2 weeks. [4,000 credits]」

2 weeks?! That's so long! With my customer's satisfaction as my top priority, I contemplated how to handle this situation. I understood the importance of ensuring their needs were met promptly. The thought of disappointing them weighed heavily on my mind- would he accept if his item would arrive quite later? And I guess I might have to deliver it to him in person...

"Hunter..."

"Yes, legendary merchant?"

Taking a deep breath, I composed a thoughtful message or prepared for a conversation that would convey the situation clearly, while also expressing my commitment to their satisfaction. I explained the unforeseen circumstances that had led to the delay and apologized for any inconvenience it may cause.

"Would you accept the terms if the item you seek would go for a couple of weeks? The item you seek requires time and it's the only thing I can give justice to what this egg is worth.", I sighed. "I will deliver it to you in person."

Awaiting their response, a wave of concern washed over me. I held my breath, hoping for understanding and cooperation. Moments passed, and then their reply came. Their words were unexpected, filled with trust and confidence in me and my abilities.

"I understand.", they replied. "Life is full of unexpected twists, and delays are sometimes unavoidable. I trust your judgment and expertise."

Relief and gratitude flooded my being as I read their reply. Their unwavering trust in me was humbling, and it solidified the importance of the relationship we had built. Knowing that they were willing to stand by me in this situation gave me renewed confidence to address the challenge at hand.

Also, this could be an opportunity for me to test out the new skill I acquired from Beltane tampering with my system. I should check it out...

"Well, then...", I smiled. "I extend my gratitude." With a deep breath, I focused my thoughts and channeled the energy within me. The air crackled with a subtle electric charge, and a gentle hum filled the room. As I extended my hands over the granite table, a surge of power coursed through my veins, mingling with my own essence.

「Activating [Contract Bind (A)]」

Suddenly, the air around me shifted, and my eyes widened in astonishment. Three stones, previously unseen, rose gracefully from the granite surface. They hovered in the air, suspended by an invisible force that emanated from my touch.

「State your conditions.」

Oh, I need to follow the things on the screen? "I bind my words that I shall owe this man in front of me the item he had requested and if I shall not give him he item he seeks, I shall return the egg."

Overwhelmed by the realization that this was the manifestation of the skill I had inherited, I stood rooted to the spot, my mind reeling with a mixture of excitement, surprise, and a touch of fear. I had expected something significant to occur, but the sight before me exceeded any preconceived notion I had held.

「Waiting for the other party's agreement.」

My customer stood frozen, their jaw slackened, trying to comprehend the sight before them. It was as if a window had opened. The invisible screen hummed softly, the faint glow emanating from its edges casting an ethereal light upon their astonished face. "Wha-", he hesitated for a moment and instantly recollected himself. "I agree with the conditions."

「Place your hand on one stone.」

With a gentle yet purposeful touch, I placed my right hand upon the stone on the right side of the table. Its surface felt cool against my skin, resonating with an energy that seemed to flow through my veins. The stone responded to my touch, emitting a soft glow as if acknowledging my connection to it.

Simultaneously, my customer extended their left hand toward the stone on the left side of the table. Their fingertips brushed against the stone's surface, and a jolt of energy passed between us, creating a bridge that united our intentions and desires.

「Contract definite.」

A moment of silence enveloped us as the stones absorbed our touch, channeling our combined energies into a harmonious convergence. Suddenly, as if awakened by our connection, the three stones began to stir. Vibrant hues emanated from their cores, intertwining and swirling together, forming a dazzling display of colors that danced in the air between us. Ribbons of energy shimmered and weaved, creating an intricate tapestry of enchantment.

As the stones gently settled back onto the granite table, their vibrant glow began to fade, returning them to their dormant state. The room once again embraced a sense of stillness, and a hush fell over the air. And in the wake of the stones' departure, a transformation took place. A faint, ethereal light emanated from our wrists, drawing our attention to the very place where we had made contact with the stones. As we looked down in astonishment, a delicate line began to materialize on our skin, etching its way across our wrists with graceful elegance. A tattoo... of a line?

The tattoo, seemingly composed of iridescent ink, seemed to pulse with a life of its own. It formed a slender line that wrapped around our wrists, mirroring each other perfectly.

"And so mote it be...", I looked at the veiled hunter. This was my first time trying this skill out, and I guess it was... quite successful...