Reed, Zora, and Ellie continued their journey toward the nearest town, Springlaw. The path was long, and they walked side by side, mostly in silence, as the excitement of entering the tower was still fresh in their minds.
They were walking together simply because they had to go the same way.
As they neared Springlaw, they noticed a group of people heading down an adjacent path. Zora, always curious, approached one of them and asked, "Where are you all going?"
The person replied with a friendly smile, "We're headed to the market. It's just a short walk from Springlaw. They say you can find all sorts of weapons, armor, and items there. It's a great place for new Heroes like us to gear up."
Reed, overhearing the conversation, turned to Zora and Ellie. "We should go there too. It might be a good opportunity to find some decent equipment."
Ellie nodded in agreement. "I also need to gather information about the markets. It'll be crucial for my merchant aspirations."
Even though Zora didn't have immediate equipment needs, she thought it would be a good idea to stock up on some potions, so she decided to join them on their visit to the market.
When they arrived at the market, it was bustling with activity, resembling a festive fair. Stalls and vendors lined the streets, displaying a wide variety of items. The market was so crowded that it seemed like the entire population of Springlaw had gathered there.
Gatekeepers at the entrance welcomed the new Heroes with speeches filled with motivation and encouragement. They emphasized the availability of all types of items, including epic and legendary gear that would typically only drop from boss monsters on higher floors of the tower.
Reed, Zora, and Ellie strolled through the market, taking in the lively atmosphere. The stalls were colorful and diverse, showcasing a wide array of goods, from weapons and armor to potions and trinkets. Some vendors competed with each other, offering similar items at varying prices.
Ellie was inquisitive, stopping at numerous stalls to ask questions without making any purchases. She wanted to gather as much information as possible about the market and its goods. Reed, however, was growing impatient with the slow progress.
Sending a knowing look to Zora, he suggested, "Why don't you and Ellie enjoy the festive fair? I'll go ahead and buy what I need. If we're lucky, we might meet again here or at the inn."
Zora hesitated for a moment but then nodded. She walked over to Ellie and explained her decision. Ellie, understanding the situation, apologized and assured her that she would need some time to explore the market thoroughly.
Now alone, Zora continued her exploration. She stopped at weapon and potion booths but was taken aback by the prices. Everything was much more expensive than she had expected, and she realized that she didn't actually need to buy anything at the moment.
Sighing, Zora made up her mind to leave the market and head to Springlaw. The crowd was thick, but she managed to find her way out. As she walked through the town's streets, she wondered if she should just find an inn to rest.
However, her thoughts were interrupted when she heard a familiar voice. She turned around and saw Reed in a heated discussion with a shopkeeper at the weapons stall. It seemed like he was fervently negotiating the prices.
Zora couldn't help but be puzzled. "Is he... bargaining the prices?" she wondered. But then she shook her head. "No, that can't be. He's wealthy. Why would he need to bargain?"
Curiosity getting the best of her, Zora decided to approach Reed to find out what was really going on.
Zora approached Reed and asked, "What's going on here?"
Reed turned to her, his expression a mix of frustration and annoyance. "This merchant is refusing to accept our real-world currency. He insists on being paid in the tower's currency."
Zora raised an eyebrow, perplexed. "But why? We don't have the tower's currency. We just entered the tower."
Reed sighed, his irritation evident. "Exactly. It's absurd. He's basically asking for something none of the new Heroes possess. We'll have to earn it by completing quests, clearing dungeons, participating in raids, and events. And it's not easy to come by."
It was indeed highly unlikely for new Heroes to have any of the tower's currency at this early stage in their journey. They would need time to accumulate it. Reed was well aware of this fact and shared Zora's concern.
Zora frowned, realizing the dilemma they were facing. "But this is ridiculous. Why is the merchant doing this?"
Reed shrugged, a sense of helplessness in his voice. "I have no idea, but I doubt we can do anything about it. The tower operates outside the laws of the real world, and they have their own systems and rules. The outside world can't influence it. It's like a completely different reality."
Zora nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "So, what are we supposed to do now?"
Reed looked at the vendor, who remained obstinate in his stance. "I suppose we'll have to find a way to earn the tower's currency. It's going to be challenging, but we don't have much of a choice."
The unfairness of the situation hung heavily in the air. They couldn't change the tower's rules, and even the passage of time operated differently within the tower compared to the outside world. It was a frustrating reality they had to accept.
As Reed and Zora contemplated their predicament, a harsh reality began to sink in. The tower operated by its own rules, separate from the real world. The passage of time was one of those unique aspects that set the tower apart.
Zora couldn't help but voice her frustration. "The fact that the tower's merchants stopped accepting real-world currency might have happened years ago. And since time moves differently here, we wouldn't even know."
Reed nodded solemnly. "You're right. If the gates last opened a year ago, for example, it could have been four years in the tower already. The outside world remains oblivious to these changes. The tower operates independently of the laws and systems of the real world."
Zora muttered in disbelief, "It's mind-boggling how time works in this place. I mean, just think about it. If a Hero spends four days inside the tower, it's only one day in the real world. It's like we're living in an entirely different temporal dimension."
This revelation was unsettling. It meant that the tower's inhabitants, including merchants, had the power to shape their own economy and systems, and those trapped within had little influence over these decisions.
Zora sighed in resignation. "So, we'll need to find a way to earn the tower's currency, no matter how long it takes. It's our only option."
Reed's determination remained unshaken. "We may be newcomers, but we'll adapt and overcome. We'll become stronger and more skilled. And when the time is right, we'll show the tower that we're not to be underestimated."
As Zora looked at Reed, her internal turmoil grew. She didn't know much about him, but his determination and the way he argued about getting the weapon indicated how much he desired it. She felt a growing sense of responsibility to help her fellow Hero.
'The fact is that I have the tower's currency. It's something my older sister left me, but it's not that much. Although according to the current currency exchange in the real world, 1 tower coin is worth $500 in the real world. Inflation should exist here too, so when sis left 150 for me, at that time, its value should have been much more.'
Her conflict deepened. On one hand, helping Reed acquire the weapon was an act of solidarity and support. On the other, Zora needed to conserve her funds for her own expenses, such as food, travel, and accommodations in this unfamiliar and challenging world.
Zora took a deep breath and looked at Reed with a determined expression. She said, "I'll pay for your weapon, Reed."
Reed's eyes widened, and he couldn't hide his surprise. "You're willing to do that? You don't have to, Zora."
Zora smiled, appreciating Reed's concern. "I know I don't have to, but I want to help. We're in this together, right? It's the least I can do to support a fellow Hero."
Reed felt grateful for Zora's generosity. "Thank you, Zora. I promise to pay you back as soon as I can."
The items in the tower were categorized into different grades, each offering various levels of power and rarity. The four primary grades were Common, Rare, Epic, and Legendary, and within these grades, they were further divided into five tiers, each denoting their quality and potency.
Reed's eyes were locked onto an imposing Epic-grade sword, a gleaming masterpiece that stood out even among the impressive selection in the shop. It was a Tier 4 weapon, signifying its remarkable quality and effectiveness. This sword was what Reed desired, and it was worth a staggering 5000 tower coins.
Zora, however, couldn't help but feel her heart sink at the sight of the price tag. With a heavy heart, she turned to Reed, her voice filled with regret, "Reed, I want to help, but I can only afford to buy something worth 50 coins. It's not nearly enough for that sword. I need to save the rest for my own expenses."
The shopkeeper's condescending tone rang in the air as he dismissed Zora's humble offer of 50 tower coins with a scoff. "My dear, for 50 coins, you might manage to buy the sheath of the sword at best."
His sharp eyes then shifted to Reed's smaller sword, the one he had received from the girl on the trial floor. Reed had intended to return it to her upon entering the tower's first world, but she was nowhere to be found, so he had kept it with him, determined to return it when the opportunity presented itself.
Upon noticing the shopkeeper's interest in the sword, Reed cautiously handed it over for inspection, considering the possibility of selling it. The shopkeeper meticulously examined the sword, analyzing its craftsmanship and details. After a brief silence, he offered Reed a sum of around 500 tower coins for the weapon.
Reed raised an eyebrow, a glint of doubt in his eyes. "You value it that low? I'd say it's most likely an Epic-grade, Tier 5 sword."
The shopkeeper let out a dismissive chuckle, his confidence unwavering. "My dear boy, it's impossible for this to be anything more than a common-grade sword."
Zora, intrigued by the discrepancy, couldn't help but ask, "If you believe it's a common-grade sword, why are you willing to pay 500 coins for it? Common-grade swords can be found for under 100 coins in this market."
Reed, displaying a confidence that came naturally to him, asserted, "I'm certain this sword is not a common-grade, but an epic-grade Tier 5 weapon." He glanced at the shopkeeper, his challenge clear in his eyes.
The shopkeeper, seemingly unperturbed by Reed's conviction, issued a proposal. "Very well, my young hero. Let's have a true evaluation, then. However, there's a condition." He leaned forward, his tone conspiratorial. "The evaluation fee is 500 coins. Should it reveal that the sword is, in fact, a common-grade, it becomes my property as compensation."
Reed, without a second thought, readily agreed to the terms, intent on proving the sword's worth. He was about to hand over the small sword for the evaluation, but Zora intervened, stopping him in his tracks.
She whispered to Reed, "We don't have 500 coins, and it's not even our sword. We can't make deals with other people's possessions."
The shopkeeper, overhearing Zora's words, let out a mocking laugh. "Ah, it seems your companion possesses some wisdom, young man. Listen to her if you want to survive the tower."
Reed, maintaining his composure, countered, "Let's proceed with the evaluation, as you suggested. But here's my condition: if the sword indeed proves to be an epic-grade, then I won't pay the evaluation fee. In fact, you'll provide me with the epic-grade Tier 4 sword I came here for, free of charge."
The shopkeeper's eyes narrowed, pondering Reed's terms. After a moment, he nodded, sealing the agreement. "Very well, young hero. We have a deal. The true evaluation begins now."
The shopkeeper, after agreeing to Reed's terms, began the evaluation by placing the sword into a gleaming machine designed for this exact purpose. The device hummed with an ethereal light as it worked its magic,
However, mere seconds later, the shopkeeper withdrew the sword, a sly grin forming on his face. "I'm afraid the evaluation machine isn't working today," he declared with false regret. "You, young hero, seem to have luck on your side, it saved you from spending 500 coins and losing the sword."
Reed's patience, already stretched thin, finally snapped. He glared at the shopkeeper, an intensity that sent shivers down the spines of those nearby. The onlookers fell silent, curiosity piqued as they gathered to watch the unfolding confrontation.
Reed's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "This is a blatant scam! You're preying on new heroes who lack knowledge and experience. You're nothing but a con artist, profiting from their misfortune!"
Zora, standing beside Reed, was taken aback by the sudden turn of events but didn't object. She knew Reed had a point, and it was high time someone called the shopkeeper out on his shady practices. The crowd listened in rapt attention, waiting to see how the shopkeeper would respond.
"Lies and slander!" The shopkeeper vehemently defended himself, his face contorted in anger.
But Reed wasn't about to back down. He continued to point out the shady tactics and dubious practices the shopkeeper had used to exploit new heroes who entered the tower.
The situation was escalating, and the shopkeeper's face began to pale as he realized the severity of his actions. He nervously gulped down his fear and attempted to calm Reed, but it was too late. Reed was determined to expose the scam.
Just when it seemed the confrontation might get out of hand, an old man with impeccably combed hair and a neatly trimmed beard approached. He inquired about the commotion and then introduced himself as the supervisor of the shopping district.
"What seems to be the trouble here?" the supervisor asked in a calm and composed manner, his presence commanding immediate attention.
Reed, his voice steady and assertive, elaborated on the shopkeeper's unethical tactics. "He was willing to pay 500 coins for the evaluation of a sword he claimed to be 'common,' even though common swords can be bought for under 100 coins. And he wanted to charge us 500 coins for it. This is an attempt to rip off new heroes who may not be familiar with the tower's currency or the true value of their items."
The shopkeeper's face turned even paler as Reed exposed his schemes. It was clear that the shopkeeper had been caught red-handed.
The supervisor, maintaining his air of authority, nodded as he listened to Reed's explanation. "I see. Thank you for bringing this to my attention," he said, addressing Reed. "This kind of behavior will not be tolerated in the shopping district."
With a stern look, the supervisor turned to the shopkeeper. "You, on the other hand, have some explaining to do."
The crowd that had gathered around began to murmur, and it was evident that the shopkeeper's reputation in the district had been tarnished.
"If I may, can I check the sword you were talking about? I have to be sure before I take this any further," the supervisor asked calmly.
Reed nonchalantly handed the sword to the supervisor saying, "Prove me wrong."
The supervisor, now holding the sword, brought it close to his face and inspected it meticulously. His expert eyes scanned every inch of the blade. After his examination, he decided to demonstrate the sword's potential by executing a series of flawless sword arts, showcasing its superior craftsmanship and power. The audience watched in awe as the supervisor's movements seemed almost ethereal.
Finally, he handed the sword back to Reed. "Yes, this sword is definitely an Epic grade item. Any experienced shopkeeper would recognize it simply by holding it in their hands."
Turning to Reed, he said, "I'm truly sorry for the inconvenience and unethical behavior you had to endure. This incident should not have happened."
The supervisor then directed his attention to the disgraced shopkeeper. "What's your merchant code?"
The shopkeeper, visibly shaken, provided the required information.
The supervisor's stern expression did not waver as he turned to the shopkeeper. "Your actions have brought shame upon this district, and I cannot allow such behavior to continue. Based on your unethical conduct and attempt to deceive customers, you have violated the trust of our heroes, and your merchant license is hereby revoked."
The shopkeeper's face paled as the weight of his actions sank in. He stammered, "But I... I've been a merchant here for years. Please, have mercy!"
The supervisor remained resolute. "Your merchant code will be struck from our records. You will not be able to obtain another license in this district, and your name will be shared with other shopping districts. Your career as a merchant in this tower is over."
The shopkeeper could only hang his head in shame, knowing that he had brought this upon himself.
The supervisor turned back to Reed and Zora, and extended his hand in a gesture of apology. "I apologize for this unfortunate incident. Please accept my apologies on behalf of the shopping district."
Reed shook hands with the supervisor as he continued, "And thank you for bringing this to our attention. We take the integrity of the shopping district very seriously, and we will not tolerate such practices."
Reed nodded, satisfied that justice had been served. "Thank you for your swift action."
With the matter resolved, the crowd that had gathered began to disperse, and the shopping district returned to its lively atmosphere.