"Right this way Sir 0690, the trader is in a special room, you can use your mana to scan his biology or use any instrument that you think can help. And as a reminder, there are stealthed guards in the room, so as to prevent any accidents."
"Okay, show me in."
The room was all black and the various magic runes and ancient spells, seems to be the only source of light, black room and white light from runes....its makes it all seem mysteriousy and if it wasn't me, maybe even invoke an: "ooh....ahhh" moment.
Unfortunately such measly entertainment won't make do that...since I'm already used to seeing such things. The room is covered with runes, the same way the person sitting in the middle of the place, and yep....its to totally hide his identity.
The runes and magics placed, prevents anyone from discerning the features of the trader, you're allowed to "scan" his internals but not his face...and even the body outline is being blurred, if you force and continue to intrude on this, well....its like touching a porcupine...you will get pricked.
Plus the hidden, actually not hidden from me, guards will also attack unceremoniously, should one continue on identifying the trader.
My android eyes are even being jammed, the Secretum Artis covered every point of weakness, technology and magic wouldn't work.
That is....if they weren't me.
"Do.not.be.shy.come.closer.and.confirm."
Even the voice of the trader has been heavily altered, well what do I care, I'm just as curious as anybody as to what kind of disease is it, to force someone to make the Dragon Heart a tradable item.
I went closer and touched the exposed arm, I did a standard scan using mana but without directly touching him, I myself disliked being scanned by healers by this method, with this....it should build some sort of amiability with the trader.
"You.seem.different.than.the.others."
"Thank you....I guess."
Oops there it is.
Its a parasite.
I've seen it before on Gaion, its a parasite that lives inside a Shadow Puffer Eel. On Gaion, the Shadow Puffer Eel has a very toxic shadow toxin, it causes one to experience euphoria while dying.
Its mainly found on illegal drugs as a key ingredient, the shadow toxin however must undergo extensive distillation in order for it to become a viable ingredient.
And as we can see the result, this "trader" must've ingested a shadow toxin laced: food, drug or wine, but the distillation process must've been poor or lax. Ingesting the shadow toxin in itself is dangerous but if its discovered early and remedied, then they will live....and be bedridden for months to two years.
Not discovered....well, let's just say they will find this trader with a smile on his face----as a stone cold corpse.
My guess is that its drugs.
Food is cooked and can kill the parasite, since it stays in the hot container for very long, wine as well or any alcoholic beverage, as the parasite will totally die from direct alcohol exposure.
But if its related to drugs....well, some drugs are not processed very efficiently, and the key process is the temperature during distillation. 300 degrees is the average temperature used when distilling shadow toxin to be used as a viable drug ingredient, the reason is the parasites die at this temperature.
No one knows if there are parasites in the shadow toxin, unless someone does an intensive scan using the best scanning technology. But let's face it, some drug dealers opt for a fast production to get a fast return and skimping on several process is not unheard of.
I think this person unknowingly used and bought a drug from a....questionable source.
"Uh. Let me step back for a moment, I need to make a call."
As soon as I'm out I whipped out my smartphone and pretended to call someone, I started scanning the government servers of the whole world, via wireless connection to a satellite.
As usual per my safety protocols, my android self is using quantum encryption to prevent tracking, I found several key drug dealers....especially the notorious ones, who do not care if their product is shitty.
I went back inside and directly asked....
"When did you partake in using drugs?"
A moment of silence filled the room, before dozens of armed guards, melee and energy weapons, uncloaked their stealth and appeared all around me pointing their weapons.
"Haha. Aspin Brigade?"
"You...DARE TO LAUGH AT THE SITUATION!?"
"I'm only asking for the truth....oi, when did you consume drugs?"
"FUCKING DIPSHIT! PREPARE TO DIE!!"
"Stop.its.a.legitimate.reason.for.asking.he.is.the.only.one.to.find.out.about.it."
"Now.how.did.you.found.out.about.it?"
"Easy. I know how to cure it so of course....I know how you got it."
"How.did.you.know.of.the.Aspin.Brigade?"
"I made a "call" before right? It was just a ploy, to use the internet to look for the way on how you got your "disease"....but I also looked for the possible people or peoples, who are able to obtain the Dragon Heart....and look who I found among the list?
The Adventurer Guildmaster, Galvanizer Thomas, the Mayor of Frontier City and the Governor of the Frontier Zone.
I know the Guildmaster and its well known that he doesn't have any relatives, the Guild is his family, so I crossed him out.
The Mayor?
Possible, he has several children, twelve to be exact, only two are teenagers and the rest are all below teenagers' age.
Besides, the two possible suspects' height doesn't match to yours....so of course, there goes another clue and eliminated.
The only one left is the Governor, and who do we have here....the most beautiful only daughter of the Governor and the one called "The Pearl of the Frontier".....Ayrinne Pearl Sauve-Brehceda."
I then did the traditional greeting that the people of the Frontier Zone does in the presence of the of those in power---including their offsprings, the one that I found on the internet a while ago, I did this to make Ayrinne trust me a bit because the cure....is quite painful.
Let's not tell her about that...just yet....I don't think its bad to create some....political connections.
I'm put in isolation after that fiasco, I guess teasing the Pearl was the last straw. But in reality, I wasn't teasing it was a legitimate question, if she took drugs and the timeline must be known, so that we can find who made the terrible drug she bought or was gifted to her.
See?
I can't make shit up and I need data to get a conclusion.
Oh!
Its my smartphone being advertised on the Crystal Monitor....
[Scene: A sleek and futuristic setting. The camera pans across the MagiCrystal smartphone, showcasing its cutting-edge features.]
Narrator (V.O.): Introducing the MagiCrystal smartphone—the ultimate revolution in mobile technology. This device is the bomb!
[The camera zooms in on the sleek design of the smartphone, emphasizing its simplicity.]
Narrator (V.O.): No buttons! With a seamless interface, the MagiCrystal takes user experience to a whole new level. Say goodbye to cluttered screens and hello to intuitive navigation.
[The camera showcases the massive internal storage capacity of the smartphone.]
Narrator (V.O.): No need for extra SD (security digital) cards! The MagiCrystal offers the highest memory capacity available—BB (brontobyte)! That's right, you'll never run out of space for your favorite apps, photos, and videos.
[The camera focuses on the dense light hologram technology, revealing a vivid and immersive gaming experience.]
Narrator (V.O.): But that's not all! With Dense Light Hologram Technology, gaming controls and the screen become larger than life. Immerse yourself in your favorite games like never before, with stunning visuals and responsive controls that will leave you in awe.
[The camera zooms out, showcasing the smartphone's impressive battery life.]
Narrator (V.O.): And the best part? The MagiCrystal's battery can last a full year without recharging! That's right, no more scrambling for power outlets or carrying around bulky chargers. With the MagiCrystal, you can keep going for longer, wherever your adventures take you. Because of ultra-secret high-tech gizmos, the MagiCrystal smartphone recharges itself whether: solar energy, mana energy from the air or even directly from your own body, there is simply nothing can make you put this smartphone and leave your hands!
[Cut to a montage of people using the MagiCrystal smartphone in various settings, highlighting its versatility.]
Narrator (V.O.): Whether you're a gaming enthusiast, a photography buff, or a multitasking pro, the MagiCrystal is your perfect companion. Stay connected, capture stunning memories, and unleash your creativity with the power of this incredible device.
[The camera zooms in on the MagiCrystal logo, accompanied by a catchy jingle.]
Narrator (V.O.): MagiCrystal smartphone—the future is in your hands!
♪♫ MAGICRYSTAL SMARTPHONE! THE.PHONE.FOR.YOU!! ♪♫
Its the most trending gadget of the era, even children owns such a phone. I not only made a good investment, but is also able to keep up with the times.
Not bad for a former Gen X.
Ahh....I remember those days when I was being bullied, if only I was reincarnated at that time, I would love to torture those assholes who made my school life miserable.
I would also love to see my very first crush, a fourth year high school girl, older than me, smart, beautiful, you name it. She was also an officer of the Citizen's Army Training, women are not the only ones who love those who have power....or ranks.
But I'm afraid to be exposed to the reality, there is a saying that the past may not be the one you actually remembered....what if my crush was actually a hideous deformed monster?
*SHIVER
Just the thought of being in love with someone, only to find out that you're more beautiful than they are. The thought of my crush being fugly just....scares, sickens and disgusts me.
I can verify it, since I can just travel back there by opening a portal but....I don't know MY Earths' dimensional coordinates. Opening dimension portals are easy, but going to a precise locations is....a pain in the butt.
*SIGH
I guess I can only put the idea in the corner of my mind, under the folder of "what if".
Sheesh.
Its already almost dinner time and they let me wait for fou....five hours now. If they don't serve food, I will complain and leave a scathing review on Felp.
That should put their panties' in a bunch.
*KNOCK KNOCK
"I brought some food in Mr. 0690, the Pearl insisted that there is not poison or anything, and just enjoy your dinner for tonight."
"Do they still not made any decision? You know MY time is utterly precious and every waking moments I become idle, I lose money you know."
"Unfortunately, the Pearl is having issues, as the Head Guard of Aspin Brigade is determined NOT to let you get anywhere near her. So kindly stay put Sir and I think it will be resolved soon....as the Governor himself will be coming."
"The guv'nor? He's a coming?? I guess I can stay put for a while, since you brought a nice buffet for me."
"All right. If there's anything you need, you can call me at this intercom, it sends a message link directly to my smartphone."
*SIGH
"Okay. You do your thing and I'm gonna ravish these dishes and drinks and party like its 1989."
"????"