As John walked down the hall, he felt a strange connection to Angel and the others, a sensation likely due to the slave bond. If he focused hard enough, he could even sense Micheal, the orator, faintly. He continued through a set of doors to his left and entered a dining hall filled with unfamiliar faces, with his small group huddled by the wall. The girls were being pestered, but Sieg and Lucy were successfully keeping most of the onlookers at bay.
"Master! This one has missed you and is happy that master has returned," Angel said with a smile in her monotone voice, drawing everyone's attention to John.
"Thanks, things went relatively well, but we have a lot of planning to do," John replied bluntly.
"Did you slaughter the head and we need to fight our way out? Then have to fight someone stronger who will hunt us for revenge? Or will it be the entire forces under him declaring blood war on us and uniting in a force to try and kill us for killing their leader?" Ash asked, clearly excited, but her words causing Lucy to tense and narrow her eyes at John, gripping one of her daggers.
"None of that. I just spoke with their leader, nothing else and even if I did fight him, it wouldn't have been this fast due to the other person in the room," John began. "When I mentioned killing him, there was a faint spike of bloodlust from behind him, showing we weren't alone. But even so, I got the impression he had nothing to do with what had happened or the attack and he seemed just as troubled by the slowly growing group whose members attack us. When I referred to them as mad dogs, he didn't try to defend them or argue my words. Instead, he explained how they were a minority slowly growing in that group."
"So what? We go attack them now and kill them all?" Sieg asked with a grin, feeling excited about the idea of a big fight.
"Nope, we're headed home and going to prepare and plan, like I said, I spoke with the leader and we're going to need to prove our worth and that it would be a benefit for us to have an equal partnership between us. But again, I'll talk about it later; there are too many ears here," John told them, looking around and noticing a few people trying to listen in, acting as if they were drinking, eating, or talking with a friend.
"Quite smart, my lord. Talking about plans in the middle of enemy territory is often a folly I've seen cause the end to many who were too high on their own hubris," Choi said, glad that his lord was thinking out his actions properly.
"Lucy, you offered us a ride to get here. If the offer's still open, maybe you could get us one back to our camp?" John asked, causing her to think for a moment.
"You realize it would show us exactly where you are and you would lose your current protection of being an unknown, right? You're practically giving the Marauders a map and pinpoint accuracy where to find you by getting a ride," she stated, confused as to why he wouldn't speak of plans here but had no problem letting them all know where to find him. It made no sense to her.
"I'm counting on it. I mean, just because I spoke with your lord and reached an understanding doesn't mean it was all good. He's already said my actions have made problems with the Marauders and he will be giving them a chance to put us in our place," John replied, a bit louder, making sure his voice was heard. A few people around seemed to be grinning and smiling at hearing that.
"I don't know if you're an idiot or just that confident, but you're going to end up killed if you keep going like this," Lucy relented, shaking her head.
"Well, should I die, I know I have someone special waiting for me on the other side along with my family. So why shouldn't I throw myself out there in the thick of it? It's not like I'm truly needed here in the end and last time I hesitated to get my hands dirty it came with a heavy cost." John said, laughing. "My only drive left at this point is vengeance. My burning anger to make those who took from me and my friend pay for their actions along with slaughtering anyone and anything who would dare get in my way!" At this point, his laughter sent chills down Lucy's spine, along with most who heard it. Madness and a hollowness shocked his companions, who realized that whatever nightmare he had that night did more damage than any of them expected.
Angel and Aria exchanged glances at this, clearly realizing something was wrong before looking to Ash who nodded back. A silent agreement to speak to John no matter what and find out what really happened, to pull him out of this state and maybe help him grieve. But no matter what, they wanted to get to the root of this and help him through it.
Twenty minutes later, Lucy brought them out front to an armored bus, the metals a deep crimson with visible blood spatter.
"Well, the ride's here, but are you sure you want to do this? Like I said, it's going to make sure everyone here knows where to find you," she said once more, confused as to why he wouldn't speak of plans here but had no problem letting them all know where to find him. It made no sense to her.
"More than sure. You don't need to understand my actions or thoughts" John told her coldly before narrowing his eyes slightly and widening them slightly, looking past her.
"Huh, it's really a small world after all," he couldn't help but say with a small laugh.
"What do you mean?" Lucy asked, turning around but only seeing their merchant visiting for the week. Ignoring her, he walked over to the cloaked figure, the familiar pigtails of blonde hair almost touching the ground.
"Good day, Miss Merchant. I will admit I am rather surprised at seeing you again so soon and hope I can maybe see your wares this time," John said, greeting the merchant girl.
Turning around, a pair of bright blue eyes with cross pupils greeted him, a face as white as snow before a smile far too large and bloodthirsty slipped across her face.
"I remember you! A short time ago you were with Z, they claimed you were responsible for the, special goods I got. Their value though didn't equal the price, just so you're aware. But when it's Z, what can you do? They're good at tricking people and getting more than an item's worth from others," she said softly, with a laugh before giving a slip of paper to him.
"My goods with prices and on the back, which is something I don't normally do for others, is my more, special goods if you catch my meaning," she added with a wink. "But tell me, how did you change so much? Not that long ago, you were all cuddly, now you're like a rock."
At this point, Lucy came over and was rather surprised. It took them a lot just to begin trades with the merchant girl in front of them. Yet, with but a word, she gladly wanted to do business with John, even offering something special items catching her off guard.
"How?" she finally asked.
"We worked for over a month trading and selling anything we could, just to be charged a lot higher prices than what your seemingly being offered and even then, she only agreed to speak with and deal with us when she felt like it. Heck, some of those items, like the health potions and swords were twice if not three times the price compared to what she's charging you!" she added, looking over the list.
" I had an… Accident, but I am working to fix it and regain my softness though. Honestly, being like this feels wrong to me, like I've been squeezed into clothes two sizes too small and even slight jolts of pain." John explained, looking at the back of the pamphlet before pointing sometime out well clearly ignoring Lucy.
"Hmm, this item here, it says skill stone. I just want to make sure, does it do exactly what its name is?" John asked, causing Lucy to let out a mix of squeak and choke in shock as she gripped her head.
"Oooh, that dear customer is something precious and indeed it does to a degree, it's able to grant a skill to whoever uses it, but it would be of the lowest level and grade, more like an entry into a skills tree that you wouldn't normally be able to get into. It can also upgrade existing skills by one level if used right," She explained happily.
"Then why only one hundred and fifty coins for it? Shouldn't something like that hold far more value?" John couldn't help but press, the item far exceeding such a low cost in his opinion.
"It's because it's not supposed to be available currently and its low price is the only reason I haven't had action taken against me for attempting to sell it. I can skirt the rules regarding certain things, that being a prime example as I bought it from someone here earlier who believed it to be a rock with a rune on it," she told him as she started to laugh. "Also, I know you used that appraisal skill on Z, they wouldn't stop complaining about their secrets being known so why haven't you even tried using it on me?" Her tone seemed a mix of curiosity and oddly slightly indignation as if he had greatly offended her.
"What idiot sold that! Even my god was screaming that I need to get that no matter what!" Lucy yelled, getting a look of disdain from the merchant. "It's rude to interrupt a person when there having an important conversation, besides, I trade from time to time with you lot already and I didn't realize I needed your permission to say what I could offer and to who, or what my prices should be."
Ignoring Lucy, he calmly replied. "I felt it would be rude to use it on you without reason, when I used it on Z, it was because of how they were acting and I wanted to test the skill. You though? You really haven't given me a reason to use it on you, but I would love to know your name unless you would prefer I refer to you as 'miss merchant'." John explained, now looking at the back of the pamphlet.
Her eyes glinting with a shrewd intelligence that belied her seemingly easygoing smile, as she held the shimmering skill stone between her fingers well tilting her head, a slender finger tapping her chin in a show of deep contemplation, nodding at his words and seemingly looking him over again before she focused back on Lucy. "Go ask around and see if you can find another merchant with something like this or be willing to sell the goods I have if your dissatisfied little girl." She told her, clearly annoyed before smiling widely, "but I suppose I could sell it to you if you really want it, it would only cost…" She paused, drawing out the moment, her gaze sweeping over Lucy's expectant face. "Fifteen hundred coin? After all, for you it would be more a matter of a buyback as one of your own sold it to me rather happily I might add. And you my good fellow have the benefit of referring to me as Kay."
Lucy's jaw tightened, her hands clenching at her sides. Her voice was sharp, edged with a rising indignation. "Why is it so much for us but so cheap for him? And all these special privileges added onto it as well. We had to work our asses off just to try and gain your favor!" she demanded, gesturing wildly towards John who stood nearby observing the scene with a quiet detachment. The frustration radiating from her was almost palpable, a stifled shriek of unfairness.
John, sensing an impending headache couldn't help himself and, in a low murmur said, "Maybe it's because I'm more likable and actually have coin to trade?" before offering a wry smile and turning to Kay. "I think you should let her know your own reasons for it though, else I have a feeling we're going to be constantly bothered by her over every little thing."
Kay let out a soft, knowing chuckle, her eyes twinkling as she met his gaze before she then turned her attention back to Lucy, her previous air of contemplation replaced by a slightly smug expression. "He doesn't get coin from thin air dear. You have a few gamers and system users making it easier to acquire coin with little effort. All his coin gains are from actual work and seem to have a higher purity. He possibly worked hard to get his from dealing with fellow merchants and no doubt by chance or luck in the wilds. Plus," she added, a note of finality in her voice, "My friend was with him and personally vouched for him in our last deal so I know his good for coin and isn't a cheat who would crash the economy easily or without actual reason." She before holding up the skill stone, letting it catch the light. "Now, dear customer, would you like that skill stone? I don't mind giving a small discount if you're a little short."
Lucy scowled hearing all this. "Thanks, but no, at least not for now." John told her calmly; eyes already locked onto another intriguing item. "But I did notice a portable forge. Does it come with all the tools or is it just the forge itself that your selling?"
Kay's smile widened, sensing a sale. "It comes all included, along with some starting fuel! I'll even throw in some basic metal ingots as this would be your very first purchase with me, dear customer." Her tone was noticeably warmer, devoid of the teasing edge she had used with Lucy.
John nodded slowly, his mind already spinning with possibilities. Making his own tools, perhaps even weapons or armor for his companions… the thought brought a faint, eager smile to his lips. "Would it be possible to pay most of its cost now and the rest in about five days? I currently only have about a hundred and ninety regular coins left on me." He began before pausing, a sudden realization dawning on him. A faint metallic glint sparked in his memory. "Wait, no, I do have enough to pay upfront." He said with hints of realization before, with a decisive movement he reached into his pouch, pulling out the specified 190 regular coins and then, with a slight flourish, added eleven shimmering prismatic coins.
"Consider the excess a tip for your amazing service and aid you gave me previously." he told her, stacking the coins neatly on the counter she had set up. Kay's large, toothy smile returned instantly, brighter than before, as she eagerly swept up the payment. Without a moment's hesitation, she handed him two sturdy, compact boxes.
"Thank you, dear customer! Here is your forge," Kay beamed, presenting the boxes. "All items included and a bit of basic metal ingots as promised. The instructions are included inside the forge box on how to shrink it for portability. Once you open the box, it will self-construct in an hour or so, expanding to its full size."
"Thank you," John replied, securing the boxes carefully. He had one last thought. "If you want any future deals, my camp is precisely where you made that last deal with Z. Oh and if in five days from now you could come over with different foods, I should have some coin to spend to buy it from you, similar to a deal I made with Z." He added, watching as a competitive glint entered Kay's eyes.
"Then I shall be there and I will bring all kinds of food, including a range of delicacies and recipes!" Kay declared, her voice ringing with newfound determination. "I refuse to lose such a good customer to that coin-sucker!" She gave a triumphant nod, then snapped her fingers, opening a shimmering portal beside her stall. With a final, conspiratorial wink at him she stepped through, the portal rippling closed behind her.
"Huh," John commented softly, a wry amusement coloring his tone. "I thought they were friends. Probably just friendly rivalry then." He turned; the weight of the forge boxes a satisfying heft in his hands and began walking back towards the waiting bus.
"You can't be serious! What was all that?" Lucy burst out, rushing to catch up, her voice a reedy whine of exasperation. "You and the merchant were acting like old friends and you got so many good deals from her! How about this, we'll buy from her through you, giving you a small amount of extra coin compared to the price as a middleman fee." Lucy pressed, her eyes wide with a calculating glint. But John, his mind already miles away, was oblivious to her pleas. He was entirely focused on his new portable forge, the weight of it a promise in his hands. Plans to finally craft his own hammer, durable tools and maybe even superior weapons or sturdy armor for his companions, those thoughts dancing vividly in his mind, making him smile slightly at the quiet anticipation blooming in his chest.