"Incredible! You actually have a ton of steel ingots on hand. We must inspect them to ensure they all qualify as steel. Just making sure you're not trying to deceive us."
Argus remarked as the brothers meticulously examined each steel ingot. After a few minutes, they unanimously agreed that the ingots were of high quality.
"Well, you weren't lying, Elf. But we're also in need of some iron ingots. Bring us some, and I'll buy three tons for 120,000 gems. Do you think you can manage that?"
Eli acquired three tons of iron ingots for 240 MSP, summoning them next to the steel, causing further astonishment among the three dwarf brothers.
"Hahaha, well played, elf! Proceed to the front desk for your payment, then you may continue shopping for whatever you desire."
They approached the front desk, where Argus handed him 320 gold coins.
"It's been a pleasure doing business with you, Eli Rivers. You're exactly what we expect from most elves—truly reliable."
Eli began inspecting the items in the shop with his Appraisal skill near the front desk, but found them too expensive. He opted to buy some steel longswords and claymores instead. That was until he reached the Magic Stone section and noticed diamonds and other gems being sold at incredibly low prices.
'They're offering 15 amethysts for 20 gems each, which I can resell for 800 MSP apiece. 20 garnets are going for 30 gems each, and I can sell them for 2,000 MSP, 10 rubies for 25 gems each to be sold for 5,000 MSP, 8 sapphires for 80 gems each which I can sell for 10,000 MSP, 12 emeralds for 80 gems each to be sold for 9,000 MSP, and 5 diamonds for 90 gems each that I can sell for 25,000 MSP.'
"Excuse me, Argus, I'd like to purchase all the gemstones from your jewelry display."
"Really? You're interested in those stones? Are you certain you don't want any of the Magic Stones from the jewelry section? I only display those because my little brother enjoys collecting them as good luck charms when we go mining. Personally, I find it odd."
"No, I want all the gemstones. And if possible, I'd like to make another contract to acquire as many gemstones as you can find."
"Very well, we can provide you with as many of those stones as you wish. Though I still find it odd to collect such stones when Magic Stones have so many uses in this world."
Eli handed over the coins and received all the gemstones, which he then traded in the system's store, earning a total of 415,000 MSP from the transaction.
"You are quite the peculiar Elf! Typically, customers desire gemstones solely to adorn their Magic stones. We seldom sell them independently; they're displayed so shoppers may select them to embellish their armor, weapons, and jewelry."
Argus persisted in his stance on gemstones.
"I presumed more individuals would purchase these gemstones, given their allure."
Eli countered.
"Indeed, they are beautiful, which is why my younger brother amasses them. However, they are virtually worthless. People everywhere prefer magic stones for their gear. Those not only look splendid but also serve a purpose, enhancing your equipment or acting as a substitute for magic for non-mages."
"Why then are there no additional magic stones on display?"
Eli inquired.
"You must be jesting. Those stones are exceedingly rare and potent. We only exhibit the lesser quality ones; the potent ones are secured in our workshop's safe. No one exits our workshop alive without our consent, a measure to thwart theft."
"If you have more goods to sell, the Merchant's Guild is your best bet. Other shopkeepers might swindle you."
"So, you didn't attempt to swindle me?"
"Ha! I noticed you examining our merchandise. Thus, I'm aware you possess Appraisal, and you're conscious that I charged you the precise cost. No markdowns, no surcharges. We're forthright blacksmiths; what you see is precisely what you purchase."
"You've concluded your shopping, correct?"
"Yes, I'm finished."
"Excellent. Now you can vacate and allow the genuine craftsmen to work. Hahaha!"
"Until next time, you venerable stone gnawer."
Eli returned to his shop, elated. He had purchased a new alarm clock, a camera, and an assortment of baby items, carrying bags in each hand along with other new purchases scheduled to arrive the next day. However, his broad smile vanished when he spotted a familiar group in front of his shop. Taking a deep breath, he approached them with calm resolve, ready for any mischief the shady tailors might attempt.
"Hello, can I help you folks?"
Eli inquired, tipping his hat.
"Are you the owner of this place, Elf?"
Beatrice, Garek's crimson-haired assistant, asked condescendingly.
"Yes, that's me."
Eli confirmed with a nod.
"We've come to purchase your special potions that everyone in the city is talking about."
She stated, seemingly the group's leader.
"I'm sorry, but they were all sold out yesterday. If—"
"When will you have more?!"
She interrupted loudly.
"Please come back tomorrow; I should have some in stock, provided I can acquire the necessary ingredients."
Eli responded, visibly irritated by her demeanor.
"You'd better reserve them all for us!"
She demanded, her intimidating presence palpable as Eli's Appraisal revealed Beatrice's B-Rank power, while he remained at F-Rank.
NAME: Beatrice ■■■■ [Need Higher Appraisal Level]
Level: B- Rank
RACE: ■■■■ [Need Higher Appraisal Level]
Job Level: ■■■■ [Need Higher Appraisal Level]
Health Points: ■■■■ [Need Higher Appraisal Level]
Mana Points: ■■■■ [Need Higher Appraisal Level]
Stamina Points: ■■■■ [Need Higher Appraisal Level]
"I'm sorry, ma'am, but I can't do that."
Eli shook his head, placing his hands on the gun's Handleitgrip.
"What did you just say?"
Beatrice stepped closer to him.
"Do you know who we are?!"
"Beatrice, haven't I warned you about intimidating individuals who are trying to build a reliable friendship?"
Garek's reply came as he appeared from behind her, causing her to widen her eyes in astonishment.
"I'm sorry, Father."
She replied, trembling with fear.
"It's all right, my dear daughter. All will be forgiven as long as you learn your lesson. Now, Mr. Rivers, you said that you could restock your potions as long as you had the ingredients. If you can give me the list of ingredients you need, I will have my children get them to you as quickly as possible, today."
Eli thought for a moment. Even if they knew the ingredients he used to create the potions, they still didn't know the process. They would never be able to replicate what he could do by following the instructions in the book. Still, he cursed that damned book and handed Garek the ingredient list.
"Well, let's see. You need various sorts of fauna, fungi, insects, eggs, bone powder, oil, and parts from monsters and animals. That's quite the list, young man."
Garek said, looking through the list.
"So, will you be able to acquire the ingredients by today?"
"Youngling we will supply you daily with ingredients, as long as you can supply us first with your special potions, and don't worry, we will pay you for them, and you will get your ingredients for free."
As Garek finished speaking, Eli thought it over for a second, knowing this was a very good deal.
"I might be able to specifically save them for you, Garek, if you can supply me with the ingredients. But if you come in early and buy them before anyone else, then I can't do anything about that."
Eli decided to respond with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders. He might not appreciate Beatrice's forceful approach, but he didn't want to provoke them either. Thus, he chose to sweeten the deal.
"Oh, Mr. Garek, I believe I have a deal that you'll find irresistible."
With that, Eli presented Garek with several issues of Cowboys & Indians, The Premier Western Magazine, and Western Runway Magazine. Garek was ecstatic, flipping through the pages with glee at seeing new and fascinating designs.
"These magazines will be my new treasures, young one. In return for these art books, you shall have the first creations I make from them."
Garek declared, cradling the magazines like precious gems.
After they parted ways, Eli returned to his potion-making. He had just completed a batch of potions when a loud banging at the front door interrupted him.
"What now!..."
Eli muttered under his breath as he approached the door.
"...The store isn't open yet!"
He stopped short and swallowed hard upon seeing Willow in tears.
"Hey, there 'sniff' Eli, I heard 'sniff' you're buying rare items. 'sniff' I was wondering if you're interested 'sniff' in purchasing my magic items."
As he attempted to close the door hastily, Willow's foot blocked the way.
"Nooooooooo, please don't close it! I can't take being hit by Tabitha anymore."
NAME: Eli Rivers
Level: F Rank
RACE: Sun Elf
Job Level: 5
Health Points: 290
Mana Points: 225
Stamina Points: 380
Attunement: 13
Vitality: 13
Endurance: 17
Strength: 14
Dexterity: 19
Perception: 15
Skill: 16
Charisma: 16
Luck: 18
Skill Points: 0