Chapter 10 “Hunting materials II”

"Hunting materials II"

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He hesitated, clearly weighing his options. I could see the calculations flickering behind his eyes—wondering if I was bluffing, considering if he could push for more. 

Finally, with a sigh, he nodded, "700 Drakens it is, then," 

I almost brought out my House card to pay, which would have been troublesome. I mentally looked through my spatial storage and brought out the Black Gold card of Infini Industries, Aunt Nora's company. Well she is the CEO but it is our house subsidy but Aunt Nora is also part of our house...

As soon as the merchant's eyes landed on the Black gold card, I could see his eyes widen as he straightened his posture and with a silly smile, He carefully folded the silk, wrapping it in a protective cloth bag before handing it over to me.

"This Humble merchant's name is Smitty, good sir!, What else would you like to buy I can assure you I have it if then I will arrange it"

'Woah his attitude flipped 180 degrees and that it's only a black gold card. I wonder how he would have reacted if I brought out my House card. Hehe, though that would lead me into a lot of trouble but would be fun to see.'

"Then show me some metals preferably malleable ones", The merchant, Smitty, practically scrambled to open a new section of his stall, where various metals were displayed—each shimmering faintly under the sunlight. He laid out an assortment of ingots and metals that glimmered with iridescent sheen.

"This here is the finest selection of metals, good sir. Mitir for a light yet durable armor, Ortheon steel for unparalleled strength, and this... this black beauty is Sallowstone, incredibly malleable and perfect for enchanting."

I ran my hand over the Shadowstone, feeling its cool surface.

It was soft and had a consistent pulse, so it must be something. I gave it a light tap with my knuckle, and it let out a low hum, absorbing the force without a single scratch.

'Hmm, absorption huh…. Could use it and Mitir is an excellent conductor though very rigid in composition and making an alloy with ortheon and sallowstone should do the trick'

"How much for the Sallowstone? And how much quantity is available?" I asked.

Smitty's grin stretched from ear to ear. "For you, my esteemed sir, 1200 Drakens per ingot which is around 1.25 Kg. Sallowstone is most stable in this composition Sir."

"And I have around 10 available and if you buy them all I'll give a 15% discount"

' I need to make chains and probably sockets out of the metal but to make the alloy some testing would be required… well I have the money anyway'

I raised an eyebrow pretending to drive a hard bargain. "15% is too low.. Make it 25% and I'll get mitir and ortheon as well as 10 ingots each."

He flinched and was ready to counter the offer but stopped when he realized I didn't haggle the prize or even ask for the price of other metals.

"Seems like I've been getting dull Sir, we have a deal"

Smitty eagerly placed Sallowstone ingots and the rest in a box, a small box. Probably spatial storage lower end but was still expensive in the market.

"Ok Smitty, Now the only thing left is some elemental or natural gems"

Smitty pulls out a small velvet box filled with jewels.

He opened it carefully, revealing a collection of gleaming stones—emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and a few rarer stones I recognized only by their energy signatures.

"These gems are perfect for enhancing magical properties or simply for decoration. This jaded sapphire here is rare in the market, it is known for stability and peace"

I picked up a sapphire, feeling the cool energy coursing through it. Its energy resonated with the metals I'd just bought, which could be useful for something specific I had in mind, along with rubies.

"I'll take all 4 of that sapphire and 4 rubies"

"Anything else you'd like to see, sir? My humble stall is always open for esteemed customers like yourself," Smitty said, his tone ingratiating.

"That's all for today," I replied. "But I'll remember your name, Smitty. You've been quite helpful."

Smitty's eyes sparkled with hope at my words. "I'll be here, always ready to serve, sir! Anything you need, just ask!"

"You are a generous patron, you may as well be the prince in disguise. Ohh how much I gained thanks to you, Sir"

"I'll let you know a secret Sir, our Prince is here at the Bazaar"

'Hehe, Oh man if only you know…haha'

With that, I turned and left the stall, I smirked to myself—this was turning out to be a productive day.

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Various shops and stalls lined the perimeter of the lake, while a smaller island in the middle hosted a park and several food stands.

I travelled along the lake finding various stalls selling interesting stuff, some outright ripping unknowing customers. Further, along the circle, a man was loudly promoting his assortment of strange, exotic trinkets, promising that each one held ancient, mystical power.

Whether anyone believed him or not didn't seem to matter—the people loved the show.

I bought some small trinkets which I thought looked cute for Ari and the twins. They have been wonderful guides but for now, these small stuff will suffice.

Still, something was missing. My eyes flicked around, scanning the various stalls and merchants, seeking something more… unique.

'Only thing I want now is unique material… there... That is pulsing brightly'

I weaved my way through the throng, dodging a pair of children who rushed past, their laughter cutting through. Their carefree energy was contagious, and I found myself smiling despite the noise. It was hard not to get swept up in the atmosphere.

'There…'

My gaze was drawn to a corner stall at the edge of the market, tucked away from the bustle of the main thoroughfare. From afar, it looked like a beggar sitting and selling what looked like junk — a mishmash of old tools, chipped pottery, and weather-beaten artifacts. But the pulse… it was coming from there.

As I drew near, I felt it. A pulsing, faint yet steady, like the heartbeat of something hidden.

'Found it.'

As I approached the vendor my gaze wandered onto him. His appearance struck me immediately, clothes were ragged and torn, barely holding together, as if they had been worn for years without care. A blindfold covered his eyes, its fabric frayed and worn, all of the indications he was just a beggar. And yet, something deeper gripped me—a gnawing pressure hammering inside my skull.

'Arg…'

'Dum dumm..'

My heartbeats flared up as EXIRA arose from the deep within, My gaze fell back on the old man. He had no Aura or visible presence around him, just that fact sent shivers down my body as sweats formed.

EXIRA allowed him to see what existed, feel what existed and the person in front had no presence... no no presence that I could feel at my level.

He is at Uncle Sebastian's level… probably close to Mom's…

The old man rose from his slumber-like state as he spoke, his voice bearing down on me, overwhelming.

"It seems," he began, his tone measured, deliberate, "it is fated for us to meet, my prince."

"How does this pariah," he gestured with one hand, a faint smile curling on his lips, "be of any help to you, young prince?"

A shiver ran down my spine, EXIRA flaring crazily...

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