A solemn silence settled over the room for the moment.
The dealer's eyes twitched a few times, and he coughed awkwardly, trying to break the tension.
"Sir, how did you know that?"
"Was it supposed to be a secret? If so, how did so many people come to know about it?"
"I see!" He mused and then spoke slowly.
"It seems you are someone from the upper circle. With a face like that, it's hard to believe that you hail from ordinary roots."
I wanted to refute that not every good-looking guy hails from a powerful family, but on second thought, I thought that it was better to let the misunderstanding brew. Even if he figured out the truth later, it wouldn't be a problem since I hadn't done anything dangerous or illegal to provoke trouble.
"I will take a fair measurement," the dealer said, beginning to pick up the stones.
His eyes glowed a bit as he examined each stone from different angles, tracing the contours of the rocks with care.
One by one, he picked the stones and examined them before keeping them aside. At first, his expression was calm, but as he continued, amazement and shock started to flicker across his face. Though he tried to conceal it, it was obvious that he was impressed.
"I have examined everything. A few of them contain precious stones. Altogether, they would be worth about 100,000 Crypts."
After saying that, he paused, watching for my reaction. But upon seeing the blank look on his face, his confidence faltered.
Raising my hand, I drew a line across my forehead. "Is there something written on my forehead?"
"Not that I can see?" he answered, puzzled.
"Then why are you treating me like an idiot? Do I have a mark that says I am one?"
"What do you mean?" his eyes slightly narrowed.
"Do you think I don't know what's in there? Or is it just because I am a kid that you think you can scam me."
"Cough… cough…"
"Dear customer, don't get upset. I will raise the price. How does 200,000 sound?" he offered with a strained smile.
"Tsk!"
I clicked my tongue, massaging my forehead.
Folding my legs, I assumed an authoritative stance, trying to act as coldly as possible. I kept my tone calm but firm, imitating the demeanor of someone with high power while still maintaining a charismatic smile and acting benevolent.
"Listen here, man, we both know what it's really worth. As a merchant, I know it's your job to make profits for yourself, but I don't have time for all this bullshit"
"Listen here!"
SNAP!
I snapped my finger and pointed at a square-shaped stone.
"This one contains an Ignis—about 15gm, isn't it…?"
The moment I said this, the dealer's eyes sprang open in shock, as if he had seen a ghost.
Ignis gems were fiery bright red stones used by people in cold regions. When infused with mana, they would emit warmth, keeping your body hot even in freezing cold.
Compared to the method of using mana, it saves a lot. They were efficient and valuable, although not priceless, they were certainly precious.
"This alone is worth twice what you are offering. Once polished, refined, and crafted into jewelry, it can fetch almost a million in an auction. If I wanted to, I could just take it and sell it by myself. Frankly, I wouldn't even come here if I knew you were such a scammer."
"Sigh! I thought you could be some good guy."
The dealer kept quiet as if I had hit the nail.
Yes, that's what I wanted.
That guilt, anxiety, and nervousness of wondering the identity of the person who had referred him to me and had even disclosed his power.
Everything you think now is gonna weaken your resolve.
As for thoughts of letting it go, it won't occur since he knew he would lose millions if he didn't make a deal with me.
Finally, the man stood up and gave a small bow. "I apologize."
"No need for that," I said coolly. "I just need something in return. I know you need to make a profit so here's the deal."
"I want a set of daggers—one sharp and the other poisoned. And I also need a pair of guns."
Guns, though not commonly used, were carried as a secondary weapon for quick means to escape danger.
But it was rarely used because the bullets were too costly. Normal bullets won't work and a single novice bullet was already expensive and prices climbed steeply for the advanced types.
Thinking about this, I knew I needed to build a growth-type gun later.
"What types of guns and ranks of daggers do you want?"
"Give me the dagger of Novice rank. As for the guns, give me a pair of semi-automatic, one-hand pistols, also with Novice rank bullets. By the way, is it possible to enchant them?"
"That would be difficult sir," the dealer replied, making me sigh.
I didn't want to head to the church outside; it would be crawling with specters and wraiths.
I requested a few more items: storage rings, cartridges, survival kits, and beginner and intermediate potions.
"After all this, transfer 200k to my account," I said, placing my smartphone on the counter.
The man nodded and was about to leave to fetch the items, but I stopped him.
"Wait. Let's get to the main point."
The dealer froze, his expression immediately alarmed.
"Main point… what is it?"
"You have heard of the Emberhearts, right?"
"Of course, I know. Who wouldn't know of it?" he replied, nodding cautiously.
"Then you must know that the Duchess's lovely daughter is entering the Arcadia Academy?"
"Umm… sure, but what of it? Are you looking to buy some information?"
"No," I said, leaving in closer. "Rather, I want you to give a very important piece of information."
After saying that, I pulled him closer and whispered into his ears.
"WHAT!"
The man recoiled, his face pale upon hearing my words.
"What! Are you kidding me? I can't do that! I refuse. If this is false, my head would be displayed all over the world—after they cut it off!" The dealer screamed and backed away in panic, but I grabbed his arm firmly.
"Listen here, Samuel… Umm… is that your name, whatever…"
"Don't miss this opportunity. This is a once in a life-time opportunity, you can't miss it."
His eyes nervously darted.
"Just think about it. You aren't taking the risk, rather it's me, after all, I am the one who provided the information. If it turns out to be false, they won't do anything to you, and will come after me."
Samuel's eyes flickered with uncertainty as my smile widened and I started whispering like a devil tempting a soul, showing him the prospect of the future.
"I will even guarantee it. You can even disclose my identity if necessary."
"If the information turns out to be true, just wonder what it could mean to you. You will gain Emberhearts' trust. With their backing, you could expand your business, becoming a world-renowned merchant. So think. You can even step into the black market which you aren't able to because of the lack of noble support."
Samuel's eyes quivered and his Adam's apple twitched as greed, caution and anxiety played across his face.
"Just think…" I urged.
"Is this… true?" he asked, still skeptical.
"Of course it's true," I nodded with a grin that grew wider with every second Samuel hesitated.
"If you believe that I am lying, take my pic and name for future reference. Also, you can find me in Archeon Academy. You can even reveal to her that it was me who provided the information."
"Just do it—and be her savior." I added, my voice dripping with reassurance and patted his hands that were trembling violently from fear and excitement.
"Uh… Okay…" he stammered. "I will send the message."
'Good!'
I raised my thumb in approval.
With this, the first piece was placed on the board. And the game had finally begun.