Alex's preparations for another venture into the otherworld were meticulous. Armed with additional college leave, he had dedicated the past days to the pursuit of Elsin, akin to a scholar consumed by his research. Now, with a basic understanding of the language, he felt ready to delve deeper into the mysteries of the otherworld, particularly within the confines of the library.
A fresh experiment awaited him today. The previous evening, he had purchased a simple, minimalistic analogue watch – a convincing imitation of the renowned Nordgreen brand. He planned to test if he could transport this item to the otherworld and potentially sell it. Observing locals with pocket watches, he discerned that time measurement there was similar to his world. Eager to know the worth of this timepiece in the otherworld, he set forth.
Determined to explore the city further, Alex opted for different routes as he moved between destinations. His journey unveiled a vibrant tapestry of establishments, each imbued with a unique charm: a school for the curious minds, a solid stone bank exuding permanence, a park teeming with natural wonders, and restaurants tempting the palate with exotic flavours. Alongside, inns offered respite, while the knight hall and garrison stood as bastions of protection. The royal office bustled with bureaucratic affairs, while bakeries infused the air with enticing aromas. Herb shops, clinics, antique stores, and pawn shops occupied quaint corners. Weapon and tailor shops, along with footwear stores, catered to varying needs.
Hence, it was the knuckles pawn shop, adorned with a sign proclaiming "WE BUY ANYTHING," that Alex intended to visit today. He had chosen the analogue watch for its unremarkable nature, easy to transport in his mouth, albeit with some effort.
Donning a simple shirt, black formal pants, oxford shoes, and a long black overcoat, Alex examined himself in the mirror. His attire was carefully selected to align with the otherworld's fashion. While he contemplated purchasing attire from this realm, the custom-made garments were beyond his current means.
Satisfied with his appearance and confident in his plan, he concealed the watch in his mouth and passed through the cupboard, familiar with the fleeting sensation of descent. Emerging on the other side, he swiftly removed the watch and concealed it within his overcoat pocket.
During his journey to the pawn shop, he paused to cleanse the watch at a water fountain. He knew that no one would be interested in an item tainted by his saliva. After the purification ritual, he carefully wiped it dry with a corner of his overcoat.
As he arrived at his destination, the sign above the shop read, 'THE KNUCKLE'S PAWN SHOP.' Stepping inside, Alex encountered a spacious, wonder-filled emporium. A cosy ambience embraced customers, while a middle-aged man manned the counter, and the shop bustled with activity.
Approaching the middle-aged man, Alex greeted him in his crude Elsin, emphasizing his need for a purple language crystal. The man scrutinized him, judging Alex, before retrieving the requested crystal from a drawer.
Their conversation unfolded, with the middle-aged man inquiring if Alex sought to buy or sell. Alex revealed his intention to sell, and the man, nodding in agreement, instructed him to present the item for appraisal.
Alex retrieved the watch and handed it over, momentarily witnessing a flicker of awe in the man's eyes. Composing himself, the man scrutinized the watch's intricate details (describe these details) and asked about its nature.
"It's a simple timekeeping device," Alex explained, "worn on the wrist, highly accurate, and devoid of any dark energy consumption."
The man, now satisfied with the peculiar artefact, inquired about Alex's price expectations. Alex, considering his options, questioned the man in return.
"How much are you willing to offer?"
The man, engaging in some mental arithmetic, suggested 70 Gold coins. Alex, noncommittal and uncertain of the watch's true value, remained silent.
Observing Alex's hesitation, the man revisited his offer. "Alright, alright, 90 Gold coins, but that's my final offer. If you're not content, you're free to leave."
Coming back to reality, Alex weighed the pros and cons, realizing that even if he suffered a loss, he could replenish his stock by selling another item in his possession.
"Agreed," he finally accepted, and the deal was struck. As the man counted out the Gold coins, curiosity overcame his professionalism.
"It's not customary for me to ask," the shopkeeper inquired, "but where did you acquire this artefact? The craftsmanship suggests Dwarven origins."
Alex, thinking on his feet, responded, "It's a family heirloom, but I find myself in need of funds."
The shopkeeper nodded in understanding, presenting 90 Gold coins in a tray. Alex, observing these unique coins their sheen glinting in the light as they lay in a tray. Alex's gaze lingered on these unique coins, each bearing the emblem of a majestic tiger with wings, a symbol of the Veilwood ruling family. He couldn't help but marvel at the intricate design.
However, as he contemplated the practicality of carrying such a substantial sum, a realization dawned upon him. Storing these coins in his pockets would be unwise, potentially drawing unwanted attention and raising suspicions. His mind raced, searching for a solution that would safeguard his newfound wealth.
He turned to the shopkeeper and asked, "Do you have a bag for these coins?"
The shopkeeper presented two options: a simple bag for 60 silver designed to keep your wealth secure and hidden. It can be easily concealed beneath your clothing, ensuring your safety another option is a storage bag with a cubic meter of space for 400 Gold. Surprised by the exorbitant cost of the latter, Alex opted for the former, reasoning that he could afford to upgrade in the future.
With the coins safely stored, concealed within his long coat, Alex departed the pawn shop, his thoughts oscillating between the newfound riches and the risks of potential robbery. However, he arrived safely at his ultimate destination, the library, ready to continue his journey of exploration and discovery.