Fuck, fuck, fuck. Why am I always so impulsive!? All I had to do was get inside, ask a few questions, and THEN pull out a crystal.
As I panicked inside, the trio slowly calmed down. The first one to speak was, expectedly, Yang, who directly addressed the elephant in the room: "Where the hell did you obtain a 5th-tier crystal from?"
That made me realize a few crucial things. Firstly, I had no idea that the crystals had some form of tiering system. Not only that, but I was unaware of what rarity the 5th tier represented.
Going by their reactions, I could only assume that it definitely wasn't a common crystal you'd find anywhere. But then that gave rise to the question of why something so precious was placed on display behind a glass pane—a very easy spot to rob.
Ultimately, I decided the best way to go about it was to pretend. I couldn't just reveal that I had the ability to create as many of the Night Crystals I wanted, regardless of their rarity. That was nothing more than putting a bright, red target on my head.
"I found it on my way to Pera," I revealed in a casual tone, not betraying any of my emotions.
That only made the trio feel even more incredulous, especially the storekeeper. He was giving me a look that I couldn't figure out.
"Sir… I can't handle such a precious Night Crystal," the man began nervously. "If you have time, I will inform my supervisor."
I considered my choices for the moment: either wait for that to happen and go through with a trade without any actual knowledge about the Night Crystals, or simply take my leave and make the trade in another store.
Ultimately, the wisest choice was, obviously, for me to take my leave.
"No, thanks. I've got places to be," I informed the man with a warm smile as I grabbed the white crystal and turned to leave.
Behind me, the man flinched as he shuffled closer, seemingly thinking of a way to keep me in the store. But, in the end, he uttered no word as I exited the store.
Looking down at my hand, I wondered if it was possible to "uncreate" something. I might as well try since I've got nothing to lose.
The fairy duo, who had remained silent for the past ten seconds (somehow), shrieked again—most likely as a result of witnessing a purple mist cover the white crystal in my hand.
A moment later, the mist disappeared, revealing my palm, which was now empty.
"What… the hell just happened!? Was the Holy Crystal just a fake!?"
This thing's called a "Holy Crystal"?
I wondered if the name was simply due to its appearance or whether it had something to do with its usage or capabilities.
"Think what you will," I said dismissively as I began walking around in the market.
"You know… I knew you weren't ordinary the moment we found you," Yang said as I walked. "That's probably why Sis and I felt comfortable with you."
"What's THAT supposed to mean?" I remarked as I felt my left eye twitch.
"Nothing~"
I knew that she didn't mean anything bad by it, so I simply chuckled as I continued to walk around while looking at every store.
Sylvie, what was the difference between the crystals that were put on display?
"Master, all of the crystals that are labeled as Night Crystals seem to be interacting with some form of energy in the air. The way they do so varies based on color and size."
That was the extent of Sylvie's response, which was understandable since it was her first time "seeing" those crystals.
"Yang, what other store is a notable one when it comes to dealing with Night Crystals?"
A few seconds passed before she responded, "That… I guess the Crystal Palace?"
"Crystal Palace?" I repeated, hoping for clarification.
"Yes. I've heard that it has around twenty branches in Pera alone. The Crystal Palace is sponsored by the Black Wings."
Black Wings? Is that a company, or…?
"What's–"
"I knew you'd ask," she interrupted me smugly. "The Black Wings are one of three factions dominating Pera. Each faction is run by like-minded nobles, or so I've been told."
"About that. Can you tell me what exactly is a noble?"
"Seriously? You are one and not even aware of what it means!?"
"Just explain, would you."
"Fine," she uttered, dragging out the word. "Nobles are the descendants of the Progenitors who have inherited a certain portion of their powers."
That makes a lot of sense. I think so, anyway.
"So, someone like Leron Greene?" I asked.
The only response I got in return to that question was some noises of confusion from the duo.
"Who?" Yin was the one that asked after a while.
"Did you mean Arden Greene?"
"No, no," I said quickly. "That's the name of the Sixth Progenitor, isn't it? I'm referring to his son, Leron Greene, who is the City Governor."
"Uhm," Yin voiced. "Mr. Arden has no children."
"Yeah, and Pera's had the same City Governor since a century ago, which is none other than Arden Greene himself."
Did… that son of a bitch, he did.
I just realized that I was messed with much more than I had thought. And then, I realized something. If he didn't have a son, then who was the female elf that "Leron" claimed was his granddaughter?
"Does… Arden have any relatives you guys know of?"
"Nope." "No."
"Oh, fuck that asshole," I cursed as I suddenly felt like pulling out a particular mini-nuke launcher from the post-nuclear-war game.
"What? Why're you cursing?" Yang wondered as she flew in front of my face, probably to get a good look at the expression on my face at that moment.
"Arden, that asshole. He messed with me the whole time I was in the City Center," I spat out.
"What!? You've met the Sixth Progenitor!?" Yang practically screamed with widened eyes.
"Bigshot…" Yin muttered to my right.
"Forget it!" I said quickly. "Just show me where the closest Crystal Palace store is."
"You just passed it though," Yang said while floating in front of me as she lifted her arm to point a finger at somewhere behind me.
Turning around, I saw a much more luxurious-looking store compared to Mirage Crystals.
Time to get that bank. I'll be more careful this time around.