The supervisor, seeing that Reed and Zora were no longer in distress, decided to make amends. He turned to Reed and asked, "Is there any way I can make up for the inconvenience caused by the seller in my shopping district?"
Zora, always respectful and considerate, immediately stepped forward and said, "Thank you for your offer, but we don't want to trouble you any further. The matter has been resolved, and that's enough for us."
But Reed, ever shameless and driven by his desires, didn't miss a beat. He looked at the supervisor with a gleam in his eye and said, "Well, if you really want to make it up to us, how about you compensate me with an Epic-grade weapon? I think that would be a fair way to settle this."
Zora's jaw dropped in astonishment at Reed's audacity. The supervisor, too, was taken aback by the unexpected request. After a moment of silence, he finally managed to respond, "An Epic-grade weapon, you say? That's quite an unusual request, young hero."
Reed shrugged, undeterred. "I figure it's the least you could do for the inconvenience, and it would help me on my journey through the tower."
The supervisor exchanged a glance with Zora, who could only shake her head in disbelief. After a moment's contemplation, the supervisor let out a small chuckle and said, cleared his throat and tried to find the right words.
"Well, I understand your frustration, but I'm just the supervisor of the shopping district. I don't have the authority to provide you with an epic grade weapon. Those are quite valuable and not something we can just give away."
Reed, however, was not one to give up easily. He flashed a confident grin and leaned in closer to the supervisor, whispering as if sharing a secret. "How about this? You help me get an epic weapon, and I'll make sure to tell all the heroes I meet in this district about how friendly and accommodating the shopping district supervisor is. Word of mouth can be quite powerful, you know?"
The supervisor was stunned for a moment, his eyes wide with disbelief. Internally, he thought, 'This guy is shameless. Who let him inside the tower? He is asking for an epic grade weapon that would easily cost over 5000 coins, which is equivalent to 2.5 Million dollars. Is he out of his mind?!'
He nervously chuckled, trying to keep the situation lighthearted. "Well, I appreciate your offer, but obtaining an epic weapon is a significant matter. I'm afraid I can't make such arrangements. It would be unfair to the seller and my job is to make sure everyone is treated equally. However, I'll do my best to ensure your future experiences in this district are pleasant."
Zora, standing beside Reed, was almost embarrassed by his boldness. She chimed in, "We appreciate your offer, but we don't want to cause any more trouble. It's not your fault, and we'll manage without any compensation."
The supervisor nodded at Zora, appreciating her maturity in handling the situation. "I understand your perspective, and I apologize once again for the inconvenience caused. If you ever need any assistance or have questions about the tower, feel free to ask. We're here to help."
Reed shrugged, seemingly undeterred. "It was worth a try. Thanks for your understanding, supervisor. We'll make do with what we have."
With that, Reed and Zora prepared to leave the shopping district, their encounter leaving the supervisor both baffled and amused.
As Reed and Zora walked through the bustling shopping district, Reed's gaze remained fixed on the path ahead, lost in thought. Zora, on the other hand, kept stealing glances at Reed, her curiosity growing with each passing moment. Finally, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, she spoke up.
I was just wondering if you were annoyed with me for interfering with the supervisor earlier."
Reed shook his head, a faint smile on his face. "No, not at all. In fact, I should thank you. I didn't have a clue about how to get out of that situation. You saved the day."
Zora smiled in relief, grateful that Reed wasn't upset with her. "I'm glad to hear that. So, why did you want that Epic-grade weapon so badly, anyway?"
Reed chuckled, his carefree attitude shining through. "Well, I figured I'd try my luck. If I got the weapon, it would've been a nice little bonus. But it was worth a shot, right?"
Zora couldn't help but laugh at Reed's candid response. "You certainly have a unique way of looking at things, Reed."
As they continued to walk through the shopping district, Zora couldn't help but ponder the earlier situation with the sword and the shopkeeper. She turned to Reed, her curiosity getting the best of her.
"Reed," she began, "I couldn't help but wonder how you knew that the sword was an Epic grade. I mean, the shopkeeper claimed it was a common grade, and I've never heard of anyone being able to randomly pick up a weapon and see its stats. That's something you can do only if you own the weapon, and you didn't own it."
Reed simply grinned in response. "I used the sword. I could tell which grade it was by holding it."
Zora's eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't press for further details. Instead, she decided to accept Reed's explanation, even if it sounded unusual.
Just then, a worker from a nearby booth called out to them, trying to get their attention. Reed initially ignored them since their booth was separate and away from the other booths in the shopping district , but the shopkeeper persisted, offering a special price on their wares. Reed's desire for a new weapon overcame his initial indifference, and he turned to Zora.
"Zora, why don't we check it out? If we find a good deal, you can help me get the weapon. I will pay you back once I make some money."
Zora agreed and followed Reed to the booth, hoping they might find something suitable at a reasonable price.
The shopkeeper led Reed and Zora to a display of various weapons, each gleaming with its own unique charm. Reed's eyes shone as he examined the selection, but his excitement was soon dampened by the price tags. The weapons he favored were way beyond their budget, and the ones they could afford didn't seem to be of the best quality.
Frustration began to creep into their expressions, and even the shopkeeper seemed unsure of how to proceed. Seeing their disappointment, the shopkeeper approached Reed and inquired, "Is there anything specific you're looking for? Perhaps we can find something that fits your budget."
Reed pondered for a moment, his gaze eventually falling on a display of daggers. He turned to the shopkeeper with a resigned smile and said, "I'm fine with anything."
"..."
The shopkeeper nodded and disappeared into the back of the booth. After a brief pause, he returned with a finely crafted dagger and its sheath. The weapon had a sleek design and was of a rare grade, tier 2, not the most exceptional, but certainly respectable.
Reed asked the price, a glimmer of hope in his eyes, and the shopkeeper replied, "This rare-grade dagger and sheath will cost you 200 coins."
Reed hesitated for a moment, considering their limited funds. He then glanced at Zora, silently asking for her opinion.
Zora shook her head with a regretful expression and said, "I'm sorry, Reed, but I can't help you with 200 coins. The most I can contribute is 100 coins. I know it might not be enough for a top-tier weapon, but I hope it can still be of some help."
Before Reed could respond, the shopkeeper interjected, waving his hands dismissively. "I can't go as low as 100 coins for this fine piece. The best I can do is 150 coins."
Reed leaned in closer, determination in his eyes, and stated firmly, "I'm only interested if it's 100 coins, no more."
The shopkeeper, however, didn't seem inclined to accept Reed's offer. He countered, "I can assure you that you won't find a weapon of this grade for such a price anywhere else in the shopping district. Feel free to explore, inquire, and compare, but you'll soon find that even 300 coins is a more common asking price."
Reed sighed and turned to the shopkeeper, "I appreciate your offer, but it seems we don't have the budget for it right now. I could buy the weapon and pay you later, but I understand if you can't do that kind of trade."
The shopkeeper shook his head, "I'm sorry, but I can't make exceptions. We only deal with immediate payment."
After a brief pause, Reed's gaze shifted to the sheath of the dagger, and he inquired, "What if I buy the dagger without the sheath? Would that lower the price?"
The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow, considering Reed's offer. After a moment, he responded, "I usually recommend purchasing the dagger with its sheath for safety, but if you're adamant, I can sell you the dagger without the sheath for 120 coins."
Reed turned to Zora and asked, "Can you pay 120 coins?" Zora nodded and paid the money. With the dagger in hand, they left the shopping district and headed towards Springlaw.
As Reed and Zora disappeared from their view, the shopkeeper and his worker exchanged glances, knowing that they had been successful in their mission. They let out collective sighs of relief as their appearances slowly began to change.
The shopkeeper transformed into a tall, dark brown-haired man in his mid twenties, with a chiseled jawline and a charismatic aura.His name was Levi, a skilled shape-shifter with the ability to assume the appearance of anyone whose DNA he had access to.
The worker, who had been impersonating a young shop assistant, was Yuri. He was a man in his early twenties, with short crimson-red hair and a mischievous glint in his eyes. Yuri possessed the power of illusion, capable of creating convincing fake images and making people see things that didn't actually exist.
They were the sixth and seventh member of the 'Shadow Stars,' a clandestine group that specialized in information gathering and espionage, using their unique abilities to infiltrate and manipulate situations to their advantage. With their successful ruse, they had just obtained valuable information about Reed and Zora, and their next steps in the tower.
Yuri leaned against the counter, shaking his head in amazement. "Reed is no pushover, that's for sure. He played that shopkeeper like a fiddle. First, he was all calm and composed, but as soon as the supervisor showed up, he turned into a fireball of anger. Shouted and called out the shopkeeper, making sure the supervisor took notice. It was like watching a skilled actor at work. I'd say he's not someone you want to cross paths with lightly."
Levi, with a thoughtful expression, tapped his fingers on the wooden counter. "But why would our boss want to give him that dagger? I have to admit, I have never seen the boss being this obsessed with a new hero."
Yuri let out another sigh, his eyes fixed on the sheath of the dagger. "Well, here's the thing, Levi. Our boss pulled a sneaky one on us. He used his ability and faked the stats of the dagger. As you know, it's not just a rare grade tier 2 weapon. It's a legendary grade tier 5 weapon with unique skills and usage effects."
"Indeed." Levi nodded. "And Reed won't suspect a thing since the thought of the dagger having fake stats won't ever cross his mind. Unless, of course, he performs an evaluation of the dagger. But why would anyone spend 500 coins to evaluate a 120 coins dagger."
Yuri scratched his head and looked at the sheath. "The catch is the sheath, Levi. It's not just for show. Without it, the dagger is incomplete, and the skills and legendary status won't work. Reed bought only the dagger. The sheath is what activates its true power."
Levi sighed, realizing the missed opportunity. "So, he got a legendary dagger, but he won't even know what it's capable of because he didn't buy the sheath. That's quite the twist."
"Oh well, the boss asked us to somehow make him earn the dagger, and if we find him worthy and interesting, we should give him. We gave him the dagger but… what about the sheath, now? How are we going to explain this to the boss?" Yuri wondered.
Levi smirked and straightened up. "Well, we're the 'Shadow Stars,' right? We thrive on complexity. Let's gather what we've learned and report back to the boss. Maybe there's another angle we can use to our advantage."
8==>
Springlaw was a town that could be best described as a quaint beauty. Nestled as the first town of the tower, it wasn't the grandest town, but it had a unique charm of its own. The town's streets were lined with cobblestone, and the buildings, though not towering, were designed with intricate architecture. Blooming flowers in window boxes added splashes of color to the town's streets, and the air was filled with a sense of bustling activity.
At night, the town transformed into a captivating spectacle of lights and vibrant energy. The cobblestone streets glistened under the soft glow of lanterns that adorned every corner, casting a warm, inviting ambiance. The buildings, though not imposing, were now illuminated with a variety of colorful lanterns, turning the town into a picturesque mosaic of light.
Most of its population consisted of new heroes, fresh arrivals from the tower's trial floors. The town's atmosphere was welcoming and celebratory. Flyers and banners were strewn across buildings, lamp posts, and even the cobblestone streets, extending a warm welcome to the new heroes who had just taken their first steps into the tower, seemed to shimmer in the night's gentle breeze, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.
The town's atmosphere took on a different character in the darkness. It was as if Springlaw had donned its finest garments for a night of celebration. The streets were still lively, bustling with new heroes and townsfolk who relished the night's festivities. Laughter and chatter filled the air, creating a harmonious symphony of voices.
Inns and private residents competed to offer enticing deals and incentives to the fresh arrivals. Flyers at every corner advertised discounted rates for accommodations, free meals for the first week. The local businesses, from weapon shops to potion stalls, were filled with a sense of camaraderie as they vied to attract the new heroes as customers.
Reed and Zora strolled down the well-lit streets of Springlaw, their eyes scanning the numerous flyers and banners that adorned the bustling town. They had a mere 30 coins left to their names, and most inns demanded at least 50 coins upfront, making their search for a place to stay quite challenging.
As they reached the end of a winding street, a modest wooden board caught their attention. It displayed a tempting offer: a month's stay for just 30 coins, complete with a complimentary meal each day. Reed and Zora exchanged curious glances before deciding to inquire about the peculiar deal.
The inn was called 'Street's Edge.' A fitting name for where it was located.Entering the inn, they were greeted with the sight of a somewhat sparse common area, filled with a mix of patrons. It was apparent that the inn was not bustling with new heroes, unlike some of the other inns closer to the town center.
Reed couldn't help but wonder if there was something amiss with either the inn or its patrons. But surmised that this particular inn's location at the town's edge might be the reason for the lower occupancy. He thought that newcomers probably settled in the more prominent inns at the town's heart, leaving this inn somewhat overlooked.
Despite the sparse appearance, the inn had an inviting atmosphere, and the prospect of saving coins while enjoying free daily meals was too enticing to pass up. Reed and Zora decided to inquire about the available accommodations, their hopes cautiously raised by the promising offer.
Zora, with her inquisitive nature, decided to test the waters and see if the innkeeper was open to any negotiation or alternative arrangements. She asked if they could potentially haggle on the price or if they could rent two rooms but pay for each one in halves, with the remainder due after two weeks.
The female receptionist, with a sympathetic yet firm expression, responded, "I'm sorry, but the inn is barely staying in business as it is. We can't afford to make any special arrangements."
With only 30 coins to her name, Zora had the means to secure a room for herself, but Reed, standing beside her, was left without a single penny. Zora wanted to help him, but her options were limited.
She glanced at Reed and then turned back to the receptionist with a hopeful inquiry. "Is it possible for two people to stay in one room?"
The receptionist considered her request, her eyes flickering to Reed, who looked somewhat defeated at this point. She then responded, "Well, the room has a single bed, but there's enough space for a dozen people to sleep on the wooden floor without pillows and futons, if you're fine with that."
Zora turned to Reed and posed the question, "Reed, are you okay with sharing a room?" She knew it was his only option, and she was essentially holding the keys to his current predicament.
Reed, feeling somewhat at Zora's mercy, nodded in agreement.
Zora paid for their month-long stay, and the receptionist instructed them to wait in the lounge until their room was prepared.
A while later, an inn worker approached Reed and Zora with a friendly smile. "Your room is almost ready," she informed them. "In the meantime, we'd like to invite you to our food court for dinner. It's our way of welcoming new heroes to Springlaw."
Both Reed and Zora were pleasantly surprised by the offer. Hunger gnawed at them, and the prospect of a free meal was more than welcome. They exchanged glances and then followed the inn worker to the food court, where they saw a few newcomers enjoying their dinner.
Reed and Zora enjoyed a satisfying dinner, savoring the variety of dishes and flavors available.
After their meal, the inn worker returned to their side with a brass key in hand. "Your room is ready," she said with a warm smile. "You'll find it on the third floor, Room 302. Enjoy your stay in Springlaw."