"What's on the market today?"
Hunched over the humble stall, I posed the question to Nameless, who nonchalantly motioned towards his offerings.
"The inventory's dynamic, always changing, but one thing's for sure: these are relics you won't stumble upon in the world of humans."
Indeed, that much was evident. The dungeon we were in, a domain touched by demonic influence, bore a stark contrast to the world we hailed from.
The items before me were undoubtedly premium. At the very least, they were rarities not to be found within the confines of Crossroads.
'This stuff is incredibly valuable.'
With a ring in hand, I inspected it, a low groan echoing in my throat.
The wares were steeped in hues of gold and violet, a clear indication of their superior SR~SSR grade. And astoundingly, they were selling at a discounted price at this shop.
'Everyday vendors have their fair share of treasures, but this... this is unparalleled.'
Could it be that this character, Nameless, was an exceptionally beneficial NPC?
Just as I began to dive deeper into my investigation of the items, my party members started to cluster around me, each one trying to catch a glimpse of the goods.
As the gathering crowd swelled, Nameless casually flicked an item with his fingertip.
"These are the spoils of my travels throughout the Lake Kingdom. Their quality should fare well against worldly counterparts. Feel free to peruse at your leisure."
"And how do we agree on a price?"
"Your outside currency holds little worth in these parts."
From his pocket, Nameless extracted a luminous magic stone.
"We deal in magic stones or magic cores here."
That sounded about right.
Magic stones were a type of exchangeable commodity. They could be bartered for the currency of the empire or be put to use when crossing paths with a random merchant NPC in a dungeon.
My predicament lied in my current stock. Each magic stone I managed to accrue was immediately traded for the empire's currency, leaving me bereft of any.
'Who would've thought I'd run into a merchant NPC this soon.'
I felt like a pauper gazing at unreachable riches laid out before me.
I mustered all the magic stones and magic cores I had gathered on this dungeon run and presented them to her.
"What can these buy me?"
"Hmm, let's see..."
In Nameless' hands were three R-grade magic cores and a sack full of magic stones, which she weighed thoughtfully.
"To be frank, not a whole lot."
Having deposited the items in her pocket, Nameless then offered a consoling nod.
"But, considering this is our maiden trade, and given your commendable resolve to master this place... as a token of encouragement, you may choose one item."
"Are you a celestial being in disguise?!"
The shock of her generosity left me nearly on my knees in reverence.
Was she truly going to let me select one SR~SSR grade item in return for these meager magic stones? It felt like a handout.
As I swallowed my awe, my eyes darted over the stall's treasures, each item a potential talk of the town.
Simultaneously, my party members, who had been spectating this negotiation from behind, began to point out their preferred items one by one.
"Your Highness, I'm a simple old lady with few desires. However, if I were to consume this 100 Year Old Ginseng, I could perhaps regain the vitality of my youth by a decade..."
What? It's not even a combat item. She's opting for a health-enhancing ingredient?
"Spare your cash and get it on your own."
"Hmph."
Jupiter stepped back with a grumble, making way for Lucas, who carefully extended an item to me.
"Sire, what about these Feather Boots?"
The boots were snow-white, and upon brief inspection, I discovered they offered an 'Explosive Speed Increase' perk. Intriguing.
"Lucas, you wish to boost your agility?"
"No, I believe it would be beneficial if you, Lord, wore these boots. They might aid in swift evacuations during emergencies."
"Lucas...!"
His thoughtfulness choked me up. Even in this predicament, he considered me first. The lad was indeed exceptional.
However, there's no need to deliberate my gear presently as I'm not a main fighter. Thus, his suggestion too, was dismissed.
Next up was Damien, who, after a moment of hesitation, presented his choice.
"It appears to be... a Potion Generator."
"Hmm?"
It looked much like a portable water filter.
Upon examining it, it indeed proved to be an item that replenished potions after a set duration. It really seemed like one could find anything here.
"If we position this within the temple, it could significantly aid in healing the wounded."
A valid point. Even if the refill interval was somewhat lengthy, a continuous supply of potions could indeed facilitate efficient wound management.
Nonetheless, this wasn't an irreplaceable commodity exclusive to this instance.
After all, potions could be sourced externally. It seemed wasteful to utilize this once-off exchange opportunity for such an item.
I gently explained my reasoning to Damien and reassured him, before directing my attention to the final party member, Evangeline.
She stood at a distance from the panel, surveying the surroundings. I motioned her over with a nod.
"You're not selecting anything?"
"I'm merely a temporary addition to this party."
Evangeline shrugged.
"Besides, I don't particularly care for gear. Upon my graduation, the principal bequeathed me a superior-grade lance and shield."
"...Ah."
"You are having them repaired at the blacksmith's shop at the moment, right? That's sufficient for me."
I stood there, dumbstruck.
Lucas, adjacent to me, also began to perspire anxiously.
'Right! I shattered her lance and shield, and she joined us here to grind for Magic Cores to cover the repair costs!'
In my greed-fueled haze, I had overlooked that fact. Damn it.
After gulping down my apprehension, I inquired in a low voice to Nameless.
"Hey Nameless. Any chance you've got... a lance or shield available...?"
"Hmm. I do have a set."
From the opposite side of the panel, Nameless fetched a lance and shield, placing them before me.
Their gleaming golden hue revealed them to be of SSR Grade!
[Demon's Spear (SSR) Lv.35]
- Category: Cavalry Lance
- Attack Power: 35-40
- Durability: 20/20
- When an attack accurately targets an enemy's weak point, the damage dealt increases by 30 percent.
[Giant's Shield (SSR) Lv.35]
- Category: Shield
- Defense: 35-40
- Durability: 20/20
- When an attack from an enemy is successfully defended against, the damage received is reduced by 30 percent.
> Set Effect: Demon and Giant (2/2)
- If both items are used simultaneously, the coefficient of special abilities sees a 50 percent increase.
""The beast's aura... It's disappeared...?" - A certain teammate of a Spear Knight"
"Ugghh!"
An unexpected sound escaped my lips.
Excellent. Beyond excellent. Whether it was a snake or a dragon etched into the spear, it was stylish, and the shield, seemingly formed in the likeness of a colossal fist, was equally striking. The functionality was stellar. All was superb.
'It's a set equipment!'
The full potential is only achieved when both items are in use.
To acquire it, both are necessary... but earlier, she mentioned only offering one.
As I muttered, eyes darting between the spear and the shield, Nameless shot me an enigmatic smile.
"I mentioned at the outset, didn't I? There's a buy-one-get-one-free event ongoing. Do you recall?"
"Uh, huh?"
"As a courtesy, I'll give you both. They're a set, after all."
I was wide-eyed. The peculiar woman standing before me started to resemble a beacon of light more than a celestial being.
"Re, really...?"
"Yeah. Just take them quickly. They're of no use to me anyway."
Nameless gestured, extending the spear and shield in my direction.
"Just keep thoroughly exploring this place, and should you encounter me now and then, let's make a trade."
Was this akin to a seasoned player easing a newbie into the game?
Regardless, there was no reason to decline the generous gift of items. With gratitude, I accepted both the spear and the shield.
As I pivoted around, Evangeline wore a puzzled expression.
Handing her the pair of items, I confessed about the previous night's incident.
"In truth, last night..."
When I revealed that her gear was shattered by my fist and that this was reparation, Evangeline's expression grew even more perplexed.
"I don't follow."
"Huh? What part?"
"I was the instigator of the conflict yesterday. In theory, you simply responded in kind."
"Um, but we attacked 2 against 1..."
"What significance does the count hold if you were the ones assaulted?"
Evangeline pushed back the spear and shield without accepting them.
"I was the one defeated, and my gear got damaged in the process. It's my liability for the loss. There's no need for you to intervene this way."
However, I wasn't prepared to give up either. A grin stretched across my face.
"Then don't perceive this as compensation, rather as a gift from Ash, the third prince."
"Huh?"
"A graduation present from the prince to Evangeline Cross, my fellow academy mate. You surely wouldn't refuse a gift from a prince, would you?"
And it was also a gesture for Margrave Cross who had devoted himself to the city.
If I were to leave her without equipment, the guilt would gnaw at me.
Naturally, I wouldn't dare voice such thoughts...
"Listen, don't turn it down, just accept it! Where are your manners, eh?! When an adult gives you something, you should just smile, say thank you, and take it!"
"..."
Pressured into accepting the gift, Evangeline looked up at me, finally dipping her waist in a polite nod.
"Thank you, senior. I promise to put it to good use."
"Absolutely, absolutely. Just make sure you do."
Watching Evangeline gear up with a grin, I felt a weight lift from my shoulders.
Next, Jupiter, who'd been standing beside me, gestured towards herself.
"What about me, Your Majesty? Don't I deserve a gift too?"
"You receive a salary, don't you?"
Just hold your horses, I'll sort you out when a magic item comes up.
Now it was Lucas's turn, pointing at himself.
"And what about me, sire?"
"I've already given you armor..."
Don't fret, just wait. I have a separate plan for your equipment.
Lastly, Damien laughed heartily.
"I'm all set, Prince!"
Of course, you should be. I gave you a magic gun not long ago, and I'm planning to give you a few more. They cost a pretty penny.
"Merchant, could I have one of those, please?"
After buying a century-old ginseng with a magic stone that Jupiter had saved up, our shopping spree came to a close.
"Hehe, hahaha... If I just boil this and eat it..."
Clutching the century-old ginseng, Jupiter cackled ominously.
Hold on there, granny, that won't make you younger. Don't get your expectations too high.
After the transaction, Nameless began to clear her booth. I hesitated before addressing her.
"Nameless, may I pose a question?"
"Hm? Sure. If it's something I can answer."
With Nameless's casual affirmation, I cautiously posed my question.
"Are you familiar with the 'Pied Piper'?"
"The Pied Piper? Who might that be?"
"A man dressed like a bard, donning a black wide-brimmed hat. He controls monsters with the melody of his flute. He's believed to be local."
"Ah..."
After a moment's thought, Nameless slowly nodded.
"That man, indeed."
"You know him?"
"There are quite a few oddballs roaming the depths of this lake, but he's especially... notorious. I know him quite well."
I cast my mind back to the bard who had intruded on the last stage, nearly wreaking havoc.
In the game, he was just an inconspicuous NPC. So, he's a notable figure here?
"If you proceed, there's a somewhat large safe area between Zones 3 and 4."
Nameless gestured to the path ahead.
"It's a common ground for those who've kept their sanity in the dungeon beneath this lake. Locals often refer to it as the 'base camp'."
Base camp.
I know it. It's a secure checkpoint that becomes accessible once Zone 3 is conquered.
It's a location set up by the NPCs of this region, a hub teeming with diverse facilities and merchants.
The area was spacious, a crucial staging ground for the looming dungeon challenges.
"To find the man you seek, your best bet is there. Even if he isn't present, others could provide you with information. Naturally, you've got a bit of distance to cover before you get there..."
Nameless affirmed with a nod.
"I reckon you folks should make it there without any hiccups."
Having packed all his wares, Nameless threw us a quick wink.
"Well then, till next time. Do stay alive till we cross paths again."
With that, she vanished into the enveloping darkness.
"A merchant in such a place... Quite a character, isn't she?"
Damien remarked with a trace of innocence.
However, the rest of the group remained wary. Lucas, his gaze still piercing, muttered.
"That woman... I find her hard to trust."
"Why?"
"She's too formidable."
Lucas cast his eyes toward where Nameless had been.
Five, no, six entirely demolished steam golems.
The evidence left in the wreckage undeniably pointed to one individual. Most likely, Nameless had handled them single-handedly.
"Taking care of this alone and still appearing so nonchalant... Her power is no ordinary feat."
Well, if you've been mastering the strategy for three years, hit max level, completed the attribute system, and equipped a full set of exclusive gear, you'd manage this too.
It's only expected she'd appear extraordinary from our current viewpoint. But in my mind, I marked Nameless as a 'friendly' NPC.
'Anyone generous enough to hand out SSR set items can't be all bad.'
Even if they were unpleasant, if they provide me with valuable items, they're a good sort of bad. It makes no difference.
Dusting off my hands and standing up, I eyed the colossal stone structure across the square.
"Alright, let's go take out the boss mob."
The next section was the boss room.
'I need to defeat the boss and farm the boss treasure chest!'
Needless to say, the best part is grabbing the loot!