John's hand instinctively rose, a silent gesture to stop both Alice and Ash from touching anything when he saw their wide-eyed curiosity, clearly wanting to touch and handle whatever caught their attention. He'd seen enough sketchy vendors in media and dealt with enough gaming mechanics as well, to know that a simple touch could cause them to have to buy the item. The air in this peculiar shop, filled with a scent that was a mix of old parchment, exotic spices and something faintly metallic only proved to heightened his caution.
"Before we get too ahead of ourselves," he began, his voice firm but polite when addressing the figure behind the cluttered counter, "what currency do you accept here? You mentioned coins so I was hoping you could tell us more about that and are trades a possibility? If so, what exactly can be traded and how do you determine its value? Also and I think this is probably the most important question, can we touch items or is it strictly a 'look with your eyes not your hands' situation?" His gaze swept found its way onto the merchant.
A low, distorted chuckle came from beneath the scarf. As a hand slipped from there sleeve to tap their chin. "Clever, very clever," the merchant praised, their eyes seemingly crinkling at the corners. "Most rush in, captivated by the trinkets without a care. But you instead start throwing out questions first, luckily avoiding our traps to make people buy our stuff. To answer your questions though I primarily use coins, but we all skyrocket our prices for those with classes that make easy coin like 'gamers.' Trades are absolutely acceptable by any merchant and we take absolutely anything and just so you know you can barter but there's strict rules depending on the merchant. I only deal with inanimate objects or unique items and yes, before you ask souls and people can of course also be used as trade, but they are… complicated to deal with and you would need a different merchant for that stuff since I am an honest upright merchant who follows the rules and doesn't deal with that or others who do. And it's not just because it's far too much work, but because I am not a black merchant!"
The casualness with which they mentioned such unsettling commodities and constant denials sent a shiver down John's spine making him wonder if they might actually be in danger here. "As for handling," Z continued, oblivious or indifferent to John's momentary unease, "it's largely a 'you break it, you buy it' kind of policy I use. You can feel free to touch and examine to your hearts content unless an item explicitly bears a note or sign saying otherwise."
With the ground rules set, he finally gave the girls a nod and his permission to explore. Alice with a soft squeal of delight instantly darted towards a display of shimmering crystals while Ash moved more deliberately, carefully scanning the shelves with an almost predatory focus well muttering about trying to find talismans, grimoires that would implant spells into her mind or even a badass Mecha-shift weapon. Meanwhile, he stayed where he was, still looking at the merchant. "You mentioned coins and how you charge gamers far more because they can get them easily but you still haven't explained the value to me," he pressed, his gaze briefly flicking over the eclectic goods on display mixed between dusty scrolls, glowing orbs and peculiar, small, taxidermized creatures. "And you haven't told me how you can judge the value of traded items I want things to be fair."
Z's unseen mouth seemed to spread into a wide, proud smile. "Ah, the value of coins! As I said, coins are often easy to get for gamers and the main source of currency, gamers coins though tend to have a special mark so they can't trick us by giving them to a non-gamer to buy for them. The normal ones aren't easily stumbled upon in the wild, often gained through luck, trade or sponsors but even so they represent a fundamental economic pillar for merchants like myself and those of higher standing in… well its not important for you to know. As for assessing items and goods you want to trade, that," Z declared leaned forward, patting the scale device next to them with almost parental affection, "is where this baby comes in. My personal pride and joy! It operates on a principle of equivalent exchange, calculating the true, inherent value of any object placed upon its pans. Once the scale achieves a near-perfect balance, the deal is considered fair and complete. It even accounts for coins in a way that, dare I say, ensures a far more equitable transaction than most marketplaces you'll encounter. But I only really use it for trades though if your planning to try and get my items that way."
"Hey there, amazing, super awesome merchant Z!" Alice's voice cut through the air, brimming with irrepressible excitement that caused them to look over, she seemed to be captivated by a display of unusual masks. They were crafted from various materials—some hardened leather, others polished wood, depicting a bizarre range of visages: grotesque, horned demon-like faces coexisted with stylized, serene animal visages. "Could you tell me what these things are and what they cost?"
"Ah, my curious young friend has quite the eye!" Z's voice adopted an even more energetic, almost theatrical cadence, like a fast-talking salesman. "Those are special possession masks! Should you possess an appraisal skill, you would instantly uncover their multifaceted details: the precise changes they exact upon their wearer, the beneficial buffs they bestow and of course, any latent curses or debilitating debuffs they might carry. And take note my dear! Their quality ratings are all 'normal' at the very least with some even reaching an impressive 'high' quality rating!"
Z's tone, full of rapid-fire enthusiasm and a peculiar digital-sounding lilt immediately triggered a memory in him. He'd seen a video once, about some kind of digital circus, featuring a character who spoke with that same, almost manic chatter, they also brought a sour look onto his face as it reminded him of what happened with his brother. A quick glance at Ash showed she also understood the first part of his thoughts and unlike him, but seemed unable to restrain herself as she blurted out, "Where's the bubble that should be around you?" before dissolving into a fit of uncontrolled giggles. He couldn't help but also let out a small laugh, the absurdity of the situation momentarily breaking him from the dark thoughts regarding his brother. Z and Alice though just seemed to look at them strangely before exchanging confused glances.
Z's earlier sales persona momentarily faltering, before quickly recovering with a renewed burst of zeal. "Bubbles, you say? Why, I… I believe I have some bubble-related inventory somewhere! Are you seeking trap bubbles, air bubbles, dirty bubbles, aesthetic blowing bubbles or perhaps protective shield bubbles? If, by some oversight I don't currently possess the specific bubble you desire I shall personally make it my solemn mission to procure it for you! And as a special bonus, I'll offer a 20! No, a 10% discount for the inconvenience it may cause!" Z's voice tapered off slightly, a clear attempt to gauge the girls' reactions, before puffing out their chest as if the discount was some revolutionary idea they had just thought of on the spot.
"Ooooh, a whole tenth off the price!" Alice exclaimed, her eyes practically sparkling with stars as she bounced in place, already calculating the potential savings. "If we were to buy a lot of things, or perhaps purchase in bulk, could we also qualify for an additional discount on all the stuff rather than cow tits bubbles?" Her excited tone mirrored Z's, a perfect reflection of a budding consumer.
"Indeed, my discerning patron!" Z crowed, seizing the opportunity. "If you acquire three—no, let's make it five—of the same item, or even items of the same general type, I will graciously bestow upon you an entire 2% off the total cost! And should you decide to buy a whole lot and diverse selection of items will even double that discount to an astonishing 4%!" Z's voice swelled with a theatrical flourish, clearly believing this to be an unparalleled bargain, despite John inwardly calculating the minuscule savings and raising a sceptical eyebrow after seeing some of the item's prices. Such small percentages may seem amazing but would need to have him spend a whole lot to truly be worth it.
"I actually have a question stemming from your… extensive bubble inventory discussion," Ash interjected, her initial giggles subsiding, though a hint of apprehension laced her voice. Her hands clasped together well her posture betraying a deep-seated hope she was trying to temper. "Does that mean, then that if we ask for something specific, you can supply virtually anything, even if you don't currently have it in stock, you could get it for us?"
Z thumped their chest with a gloved hand, the sound muffled by the thick fabric. "But of course! Within reasonable guidelines and as long as they follow the rules." They seemed to give John a look at that, still seemingly sceptical if he were an honest client or undercover dog.
"Should the item prove dangerous or particularly challenging to acquire, the price will assuredly reflect that difficulty, potentially even requiring a half-upfront deposit to cover my efforts. However," Z declared, puffing out their chest dramatically, "while other, lesser merchants might shy away from true danger or monumental challenges, you, fortunate souls, have managed to encounter the amazing, mega, super, ultra-awesome merchant Z! And I can get anything as long as it's within the rules."
John, despite feeling a pang of guilt for cutting into Ash's moment, knew his question was too important to wait. "Sorry, Ash, but I really need to ask something," he said, stepping slightly forward. "When you mentioned appraisal skill for the masks, does that imply that skills themselves and abilities can also be traded or bought?"
A subtle, almost imperceptible shift seemed to sweep over Z, a glint in their eyes that suggested a hidden network of dealings they wouldn't mention. "Indeed, my fine fellow," Z purred, a tone that implied a knowing grin beneath the scarf. "Skills of all kinds can be acquired for the right price well others can even be sold, but would need to be done through a special but rather cheap for me as I know someone who can do it! Although those are typically handled by 'black merchants.' And again, well I might know one I will again assure you that I am not one of them," Z added quickly, though the lingering smirk in their voice somewhat undermined the denial once again. "However, should you ever encounter one of these… less conventional vendors and decide to procure an additional class or any other 'not so acceptable' product or items, I would suggest doing it through my friend who I could introduce, I can vouch that their items would still be of good quality, often being 'normal' ranked at the very least and surprisingly affordable."
He couldn't help but pressed further, his mind reeling with the implications and the possibilities it could bring. "How much do these skills and classes typically cost? Are there different tiers or qualities to them, similar to the masks?"
Z paused, tapping their chin thoughtfully for a longer moment this time. "Hmm, well I can't give you exact figures across the board, but from what I've 'overheard'," they emphasized the word with a wink, seemingly beginning to trust him a bit more "the cheapest common skill or class would likely fetch around 250 coins at a minimum if sold and twice that if bought. That would be for something practical like a 'Cook' class and its skills. But if you're aspiring for one of those truly potent and high-tier classes like a Supreme Sith Master, or perhaps a something called a 'Saiyan' then you're looking at sums in the tens of thousands if there sold but easily in the millions if you're trying to buy them, that's when there at their bare basics and untrained just so you know. There are also mythical classes and rumours of some that transcend even that, well their costs easily soar into the hundreds of millions. As for contraband items and other… unsanctioned good, the prices of those vary wildly too: from as low as a single coin for a basic strength-boost potion, to staggering millions for something as grand as a galactic cruiser or a legendary artifact like 'the One Ring.' And, funny enough, real-life V-Tubers also seem to top even that! Commanding a super high price on that particular market and honestly, I don't really understand it but to each there own."
No sooner had the words left their unseen mouth than Z's eyes seemed to widen with a sudden, feigned panic. Their hands shot up, waving dismissively. "Or so I've heard, mind you! Purely hearsay! I absolutely do not deal with contraband or anything remotely illegal! I'm a clean, respectable merchant operating strictly above board and that's just what my friend had told me!" Z stammered, their quick denial drawing a small, knowing laugh from him. It was clear Z didn't mind skirting the line, perhaps even benefiting from the black market or her 'friend' but they were certainly not one to openly admit it and seemed to try desperately to appear honest.
"I was actually meaning the appraisal skill to make it easier to look at your items and other goods." He clarified, a small smile playing on his lips, "and if you could tell me if your 'friend' had any in stock."
He saw Z's shoulders visibly sag in relief beneath the heavy cloak. With a relieved sigh, the merchant reached under the counter after looking around before retrieving a large, thick stack of paperbacks—easily twenty books bound together. Each appeared to be a simple, unadorned manual not to different than the one that had caused him some pain earlier.
"Ah, the appraisal skill! An excellent choice and a fundamental utility that you don't need to use a black merchant to get!" Z's full-blown excited sales persona instantly returned, their voice once more filled with a manic energy. "They are two and a half coins each, or you can purchase a bundle of ten for a discounted twenty-three coins, or anything of equivalent value of course since you don't seem like the type who has coin! No offense though! Also, a crucial note: absolutely no touching until you've purchased it! Each of these are touch activated to ensure ease of use! They only come in the standard common tier, which requires repeated use to increase its level and unlock progressively more detailed information. However, if you purchase the bundle of ten now from me, I will even include free lessons on how to effectively utilize the skill! And just for you, I'll even throw in five lucky draws from my special gacha machine in the corner! Truly, it's a magnificent device where you can acquire anything from a 'super low' tier or trash skill to a 'mythical' level artifact or God level skill! It operates entirely on a luck-based, gacha game system to ensure absolute fairness! This is a super limited-time bonus as normally five tickets would cost an entire coin! Once you've learned the skill from one book, you can freely touch the others, as the skill doesn't stack after initial acquisition and you need to use a special method to accumulate and increase the skill with additional books."
Alice, needless to say, seemed absolutely ecstatic at the prospect of the gacha machine and seemed to be practically vibrating with anticipation as she looked at him expectantly. Even Ash looked visibly tempted, her gaze drawn to the colourful, spinning machine in the corner. John though, recognized the insidious trap Z was deploying. He couldn't help but narrow his eyes at the merchant, a familiar frustration stirring within him as he recalled the countless times he'd been tempted to 'top up' in Fate/grand order to try and get the specific hero. It was a dangerous and addictive game that he now had to protect his companions from at all cost. Failing that he made promise to himself to watch them closely should they roll the gacha.