Logan drove to the eastern suburbs, searching for over an hour before finally finding the pawnshop next to an old, run-down apartment complex.
The faded sign read: Honest Pawn Shop.
The storefront was small and dimly lit, with an air of secrecy.
After a moment's thought, Logan took out his handgun from the Cornucopia, checked the bullets, and slipped it into the inner pocket of his jacket before getting out of the car.
Better safe than sorry.
He slung the backpack, pre-packed with five pounds of gold, over his shoulder and walked into the shop.
Inside, a large screen with a bold "PAWN" character greeted him.
Beyond the screen, a man was engrossed in tinkering with something behind the counter, so absorbed that he didn't even notice Logan entering.
Logan approached the counter and knocked on it.
The man looked up, his expression turning wary at the sight of an unfamiliar face.
It was then that Logan noticed what the man was working on—a crossbow.
It was sleek, black, and powerful-looking, with a scope and various attachments laid out on the table. The crossbow's design and craftsmanship were unmistakable—it was an Interceptor crossbow, manufactured in the Tower Country.
This was a compound crossbow far more powerful than a handgun.
Rumor had it that it could penetrate an elephant's skull from 150 meters away.
Its firing speed rivaled that of a handgun, with high precision, easy operation, and customizable components.
It was quieter than a gun, and the arrows could be reused.
In his past life, if Logan had owned such a crossbow, he could have practically walked through the wilderness during the apocalypse without fear.
He had definitely come to the right place.
Noticing Logan's gaze, Sidney Reynolds pulled a cloth over the partially assembled crossbow.
Though he doubted the young man would recognize it, Sidney still offered an explanation: "My kid likes to play with these toys. What can I do for you, kid?"
Logan didn't push the matter. Instead, he set his backpack on the counter and unzipped it, revealing the gold inside.
Sidney's eyes lit up as he picked up one of the bars to examine it.
"You selling or pawning? Cash or bank transfer?"
"I'm looking to trade," Logan replied.
Hearing this, Sidney immediately became more serious, giving Logan a closer look.
Not just anyone would know that you could "trade" at his shop.
The only ones who knew they could trade here were either repeat customers or those introduced by someone in the know.
Since the apocalypse hadn't arrived yet, Sidney hadn't "opened his doors" to everyone.
"Who referred you? And what are you looking to trade for?" Sidney asked.
Logan steered the conversation, "Can I trade for that crossbow you were just working on?"
Sidney's eyes narrowed as he gave Logan another once-over, seemingly judging his age before asking, "Do you even know what that is?"
Just as Logan was about to answer, the door behind him opened again.
Before the person even appeared, a loud voice boomed, "Hey, Sid, did my stuff arrive?"
A tall, burly man walked around the screen and into the shop, only then noticing Logan.
He immediately sized Logan up, his demeanor turning guarded.
"Your stuff's here, but it's not assembled yet," Sidney told the burly man. "Why don't you wait in the back while I finish this deal?"
The burly man, Harold, then noticed the bag of gold on the counter. A glint of greed flashed in his eyes.
After Harold disappeared into a back room, Sidney turned back to Logan. "What do you want to trade for, and make it quick. I've got another customer waiting."
"I want that Interceptor crossbow, or a Precision crossbow, or a Stealth crossbow—whichever you've got. And I'll need some compatible arrows. Also, I want as many Type 54 bullets as you can provide," Logan said.
Sidney's eyes widened slightly, and he studied Logan more intently.
In their line of work, it was crucial to have a good eye for people.
Sidney could usually tell at a glance whether someone was trustworthy enough to trade with.
He never dealt with desperate criminals who might bring trouble back to his door, nor did he trade with ordinary folk who had no use for his goods.
His clients were typically those who frequently operated in dangerous territories or mercenaries—people who lived on the edge and valued the equipment he provided.
Sidney had been in the business for years, relying on his sharp instincts.
But when he looked at Logan, he couldn't quite get a read on him.
At first glance, Logan seemed like a student, maybe here to pawn something.
But upon closer inspection, he noticed that Logan's eyes were calm and restrained, yet sharp. His body was tense, his limbs appeared relaxed but were actually poised to strike at any moment.
Sidney had only seen such wariness in seasoned veterans who lived on the brink of life and death.
Yet, the young man's skin and hands were too smooth, without the calluses typical of someone who had experienced such hardship. Nor did he exude the air of a desperate criminal.
However, Logan had immediately identified the partially assembled crossbow as an Interceptor.
Sidney was conflicted for a moment.
Finally, Sidney decided to trust his instincts.
"Kid, the stuff you're asking for, that gold alone isn't enough to cover it."
"As long as you've got what I want, money won't be a problem," Logan replied.
Sidney nodded. "Follow me."
He led Logan through a door behind the counter.
Harold was still standing nearby, and he didn't like the idea of Logan being there.
"Why'd you bring the kid in, Sid?" Harold growled.
"Don't worry about it. Let the kid pick out what he wants first," Sidney said dismissively.
Clearly unhappy, Harold shot Logan a contemptuous look and said, "Sid, you're doing business with just anyone now? You're really going to sell to some kid? Aren't you afraid he'll get us all busted?"
Sidney squinted slightly, his smile fading. "I know what I'm doing. Don't need you yapping about it."
Logan silently added the unspoken words: "Now shut up and let me do business."
"Hmph! I just don't want some brat messing up the trade we've had for years," Harold grumbled, glaring at Logan.
Logan met his gaze calmly.
When facing a predator, it was best to remain composed to avoid being seen as prey.
Sidney was done talking and motioned for Logan to follow him.
They passed through a dark corridor to a solid aluminum door. Sidney pulled out a key to unlock it and felt along the wall inside until the lights flicked on.
From the gap in the door, Logan saw rows of wooden shelves.
"Come in," Sidney said as he stepped inside.
The room was indeed filled with shelves, stacked with sealed wooden crates of various sizes. Logan followed Sidney to one of the shelves, where he pulled down a crate and pried off the iron fastenings.
After removing the straw on top, Sidney revealed an unassembled Interceptor crossbow inside!