"S-Rank hunter Gwendoline Marmite found dead in Mexico City, Mexico. Trigger warning for our loyal listeners, only her severed head was found near what seems to be a Mythic-class artifact. International Hunters Association or IHA and South American Anomaly Organizations are looking into the matter. Will this spark a conflict in European and South American ties?-"
I turned off the radio I was listening to. I knew it was my fault for not abiding by the rules of the newly-acquired skill [Magic shop]. But, deep inside I wanted to know what was the reason why I have entrusted this ability in the first place. The more I look into it, the more it felt like a responsibility than a blessing in disguise. I have to be more careful. The weight of Gwendoline's death was in my hands. I was the cause of her death. It was my incompetency. It's my fault...
Ma, if you're out there, what shit have you gotten me into. A responsibility that the fate of mankind relies on? There's a worse question. Who got you into this mess, Ma?
I left the cafe where I was drinking tea, ate a meal- paid the bill in cash. I kept the portable radio I was holding in my black drawstring bag and left with a full stomach. It has been a while since I had a tasty meal. I used the cash from the strange figure to buy an awesome meal. At least the food relieved a portion of that remorse.
Come to think of it, what did he buy that he called "cheap"? If all the things inside the store were magic items, even reaching mythic, what did he grab that he paid me with a whole skill system- did the one he got weigh as much as how this system is valued? How much did it value that he gave me the old system my mother once owned? What did he give me really? The real ownership of the store?
Genuinely thinking about the nature of the unique system, I thought about tampering with the settings to identify the truth within. As I was tinkering with my abilities while walking through the alley, I noticed certain features of the RFS. I picked up some of them as I walked through the scorching-hot sun. I never thought the system would be this detailed... Who created this? I picked a wooden spoon.
Appraise.
「A wooden spoon.」
But when I use the skill [Luck Alchemist] on it, the description becomes different all so suddenly. I poured some mana on the wooden spoon, and my hands just automatically formed a pentagram.
Appraise.
「A lucky wooden spoon.」
I stood amidst the mystical ambiance of the magic shop, my mind filled with uncertainty and the weight of this newfound concept that seemed so alien to me. The enormity of the responsibilities and expectations placed upon me seemed insurmountable.
With my feelings overwhelmed, I knew I needed a moment of solace and a chance to collect my thoughts. So, I made my way back to the comforting familiarity of my humble abode.
The streets stretched out before me, bustling with activity and vibrant energy. The sun cast its warm rays, creating a gentle interplay of light and shadow on the cobblestone pathways. As I walked towards my mother's shop, I passed by numerous hunters who carried themselves with an air of confidence, their weapons strapped to their backs. Their eyes held a mix of determination and weariness. The glint of steel and the distinctive scent of leather armor filled the air as they exchanged stories and whispered rumors.
The streets themselves seemed to breathe with history and character. Buildings lined the sidewalks, their architecture ranging from quaint and traditional to grand and imposing. Shop signs swung gently in the breeze, announcing the wares and services within. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted from the nearby bakery, mingling with the fragrant blooms of the flower carts that dotted the corners.
As I stepped through the front door of my house, a wave of familiarity washed over me. The weathered exterior betrayed the passage of time. The windows were adorned with a thin film of dust, distorting the view of the treasures that lay within. As I pushed open the creaking door, a gust of stale air greeted me, carrying the unmistakable scent of withered wood and aged antiques.
Shelves sagged under the weight of forgotten trinkets, worn-out books, and mismatched curiosities. The light filtered through the murky windows, casting a soft, muted glow that accentuated the forgotten nature of the objects. I can't believe these items are valuable...
Appraise.
「A wooden spoon.」
The air was thick with the musty scent of time as if the artifacts held stories of bygone eras and lost adventures. It mingled with the lingering aroma of old paper and the faint hint of decay. As I moved deeper into the store, I navigated my way through narrow aisles.
I held a knife from one of the shelves. The knife had a simple and unassuming design, its handle crafted from weathered wood that had darkened over time. The surface was rough and worn, yet it retained a comforting familiarity as if it had been held and wielded by countless hands throughout the ages.
Appraise.
「Creepy Knife - A blunt knife that increases luck by 10% [Rare]」
Lost in contemplation, I stood near the display of the ancient blunt knife, captivated by its worn beauty. How did these items get here and how did this manage to get off the government's radar?
Ding! Ding! Ding!
A gentle chiming sound echoed through the store. The familiar sound of a bell rang out, announcing the arrival of another customer, drawing me back to the present.
Turning my attention towards the entrance, I spotted a figure standing at the threshold, their presence casting a subtle aura of curiosity. However, what I saw took me aback. Standing before me was a figure, bloodied and bruised, their clothes torn and tattered. Their weary eyes conveyed a sense of defeat as if they had been through an arduous battle against formidable monsters.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
The customer's appearance told a harrowing tale of struggle and despair. Deep gashes adorned their skin, a testament to the battles fought. Dirt and grime clung to their exhausted frame, while their disheveled hair hung in disarray, dampened by sweat and exertion.
As I approached the counter, their steps were slow and labored, as if every movement was a burden. The weight of their past experiences seemed to crush their spirit, leaving them drained and devoid of hope. Their eyes held a hollow gaze as if they had given up on life's relentless challenges.
Silently, I observed their weary form, my heart heavy with empathy. Sensing their fatigue and desolation, I spoke softly, offering a compassionate greeting and a supportive presence. The store's ambiance seemed to shift, enveloping us in a cloak of understanding and solace.
Where could this man come from? "Uh...", I hesitated to speak. "How may I help you?"
Their gaze darted around the store as if trying to reconcile their surroundings with their own fragmented memories. Furrowed brows and a slightly agape mouth conveyed their state of disorientation. The flickering light from the store's fixtures danced across their face, emphasizing the creases of perplexity etched upon their forehead.
"Wh- Where am I?", he asked.
To be honest, I'm not quite sure either. I cannot guarantee the answer, but I can simply say... "You are in the legendary merchant's store."- did that sound cocky?
Setting aside my musings, I made my way towards the customer, the sound of my footsteps resonating against the wooden floor. The air held a tinge of excitement as they approached the counter, their gaze scanning the eclectic assortment of items displayed throughout the store.
With a polite smile, I welcomed them and inquired about their interests.
"So... this is what they said in the myths...", he chuckled.
Huh? Myths? As in mythologies? This was said in the myths? I'm not sure if I follow...
I just need to get this over with. I want to rest... Just like how my mother taught me if I want to end the shift- prioritize the customer, make him comfortable, and then scare him. Here goes... "You have been given the chance to redeem yourself. I can see you have been an outstanding warrior. You can select anything from this store as long as you can pay something of equal or more value!"
As the words left my lips, I noticed a subtle change in the customer's demeanor. Their brows furrowed, and a flicker of apprehension danced in their eyes. It was clear that my statement had struck a chord within them, perhaps revealing something they were not entirely prepared to confront. Did I go overboard with the scare part? I was just being honest...
However, despite their initial unease, there was a glimmer of understanding that flickered within their gaze. It was as if they recognized the authenticity in my words, acknowledging the significance of the current situation on the overall turning point of his character.
"I see you're selling legendary items...", he smiled as he released one soft sigh. "I can't believe I'm in the presence of a demi-god..."
I was confused... It seemed from his point of view, it went like this:
'I stood before the legendary shopkeeper, and a sense of awe washed over me. The words they spoke resonated deeply within my being, leaving me both humbled and intrigued. It was as if they possessed power beyond mortal comprehension, radiating an aura of wisdom and authority.
My gaze met theirs, and at that moment, it felt as if they peered into the depths of my soul, seeing the struggles and aspirations that lay hidden within. Their voice, imbued with a gentle yet commanding tone, cut through the air, capturing my attention.
"You have journeyed far, and faced battles that have tested your resolve," they said, their words carrying an undeniable weight. "But I sense a fire within you, a desire to grow stronger, to surpass your current limitations."
I felt a surge of anticipation and curiosity intertwine within me. What were they offering? What price would I need to pay for this potential increase in power? With a mix of trepidation and excitement, I listened intently as they continued.
"I can grant you a chance to become stronger," they proclaimed, their voice carrying the weight of ancient promises. "But such gifts come at a cost. I ask something of you in return—a commitment, a sacrifice."
At that moment, it felt as if the world around me faded into the background, and I was locked in a profound connection with the shopkeeper. The air crackled with energy, anticipation swirling between us like a dance of possibilities.'
I was just asking him what item of value he has that can be traded with anything here in the shop.
The room fell silent as the weight of the customer's actions hung in the air. With a mixture of astonishment and concern, I watched as they gracefully dropped to their knees, their head bowing low in a display of utmost reverence and submission. The gesture spoke volumes of their commitment and the depth of their desire for something.
As the customer extended their arm, their eyes never wavered from mine. Their unwavering gaze carried a resolute determination, a willingness to give a piece of themselves in pursuit of their aspirations. It was a profound display of trust and surrender.
"I offer you my right arm.", he said with commitment. "This has been blessed by the dragon of the wind on the 14th floor. Please tell me anything that it's worth."
Is this... even possible?
「 Character's hand is worth 100 Revenue Points. 」
Revenue Points?
「 Everything can be valued using revenue points. Revenue points can be used to procure any goods including legendary to mythic items, and can also be converted to money. 」
Oh... Wait... I'll digest this information later... I'll just try to be more professional with this man...
Let me remember what my mother had taught me. Leave the 15% as profit, so I need to sell this man something worth 85 Revenue Points. Let me see, which of the products here are worth that much.
System, can you search for any products worth 85 Revenue Points that is suitable for this man?
「 Searching 」
Oh... It's working. It was a wild guess that that command would actually work.
「 Two matches found. [Veil of Ishtar] or [Talking Drum]」
"Uh...", I looked at the man.
On the rusty counter, I carefully placed two ancient artifacts, each radiating a distinct aura of power and mystique. To the left, resting gracefully, was the Veil of Ishtar, an exquisite tapestry woven with golden threads. Its delicate fabric shimmered with ethereal beauty, depicting scenes of ancient goddesses and celestial beings. The Veil was said to possess the ability to grant visions of hidden truths, unlock forgotten memories, and provide glimpses into the realms beyond mortal perception.
To the right, standing tall, was the Talking Drum. Its smooth wooden surface was adorned with vibrant patterns and symbols, telling stories of ancient civilizations and ancestral wisdom. As if alive, the drum seemed to pulse with rhythmic energy, ready to carry messages and unlock the secrets of the universe. The Talking Drum held the power to communicate with spirits, convey ancestral guidance, and connect the bearer with the rich tapestry of African traditions and culture.
"Now, which would you choose?", I asked the man.
Without any hesitation, he took a sharp dagger from the back of his pocket and focused it on the veins of his right arm. Slowly piercing through his skin, he detached his arm from his body as if it was some mere attachment.
The arm wiggled like a worm as it fell through the dusty floor of the store. Though the man's arm was bleeding, he made a makeshift trebuchet with some fabric from his clothes cut with the same bloody blade.
The hand, however, did not bleed but rather acted like a sentient life form a couple of seconds prior to petrifying.
Kss! It released some odd tune.
"I'll take the veil.", he smiled.
「 Trade Success. 」