After parting with Delia, Qinxuan finally decided to begin implementing some of her plans, namely establishing connections and acquiring resources for development.
Therefore, her first destination was not the clinic.She headed to the pawnshop, the Golden Cup.
Asking passersby for directions, she was surprised to find herself standing before a luxurious three-story building, faced with dark stone and highlighted by the gleam of intricate patterns decorating its facade.
Above the massive dark oak door with bronze fittings hung a sign: a huge cup cast from pure gold, on the rim of which rested a finely carved bird, as if ready to take flight at any moment.
The patterns, which seemed merely decorative, were anything but. They formed part of a magical array covering the entire building, making the pawnshop more than just a structure—it was a small fortress.
By Qinxuan's estimation, the array could withstand the assault of a Earth-rank warrior and even a couple of strikes from a Heaven-rank warrior.
It was impressive that such a building belonged to a mercenary, even a powerful one.
Mercenaries were not usually known for investing in such grand constructions.
(And Qinshe is far more influential than I thought.This is even better than it could have been.)
Lost in thought, she pushed the door. Despite its massiveness, it opened easily, inviting her into a space filled with all sorts of items, neatly arranged on tall shelves.
She cast a quick glance over them, noting a few interesting pieces, but did not stop—she was not here for them, not yet.
In the part of the shop opposite the entrance stood the counter, behind which a thin, middle-aged man, apparently an employee, was speaking with a hunched old woman—a customer.
On the counter before her lay an unusual item: a round disk made of smooth dark gray metal, with fine cracks filled with faintly glowing threads.
Complex patterns, resembling ancient script, were engraved on its surface, and at the center rested a translucent spherical inlay, shimmering with the colors of sunset.
— This is the "Jester's Disk," — the old woman said hoarsely, cautiously sliding the artifact closer to the merchant. — Don't think it's a mere trinket. Its true value manifests only in the hands of someone who understands its principle.
The thin man behind the counter leaned closer, his sharp gaze seeming to pierce the very essence of the disk.
He did not rush to pick it up, instead drawing a tool from under the counter resembling a magnifying glass, its frame softly glowing with runes.
— Hmm… The activation mechanism is unconventional, — he muttered, moving the device over the disk's surface. — It's not just an energy storage. There's a complex activation structure here. Judging by the runes, the artifact interacts with external energy flows, absorbing them and creating…
He paused, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
— Unpredictable effects? — he guessed, finally looking at the old woman.
— Exactly! — she nodded. — Depending on the strength and quality of energy fed into the artifact, it can generate a shield, a trap, or even a brief illusion. Each time, the effect will differ.
The merchant smirked, restraining a smile.
— A risky tool. Suitable for those who like to play with probabilities. Good for sabotage or battles where the next move cannot be predicted. But… it's temperamental. Poor energy input can make it useless, or even dangerous to the user.
He set the magnifying glass aside and finally took the disk in his hands. The artifact glimmered slightly, responding to the touch.
The man frowned, continuing his inspection.
— The engravings are old, the technique complex. At first glance—a piece from the Old Empire. But I see something more modern. Someone updated it to reduce the risk of failure, — he pointed at the patterns faintly glowing at the edges. — These lines should stabilize the incoming flow, right?
— Correct, — the old woman confirmed, smiling slyly. — You're not here for nothing, young man.
The merchant placed the disk back on the counter and leaned back, arms crossed.
— A good artifact, though specific. The price should depend on the buyer. For a novice, it could be useless junk, but for a skilled master—a tool that can decide the outcome of any battle.
The old woman squinted, a cunning grin distorting her wrinkled face.
— Well, young man, you've acknowledged its value. Make your offer, since you're so knowledgeable.
The merchant tilted his head slightly, his tone calm, but his eyes shone with cold professionalism.
— As I said, the artifact is interesting, but risky. Most buyers will want something more predictable. I can offer… 200 gold.
— Two hundred? — the old woman flung her hands up, as if in disbelief. — Are you joking? This is worth at least five hundred!
The man only smirked slightly.
— If it were in perfect condition, perhaps. But it's been modified, and judging by the marks, not by a top-tier master. The stabilizing lines aren't perfect; their effectiveness will drop after a couple of years of active use. And the artifact's reputation is ambiguous.
The old woman sighed, tapping her finger on the counter thoughtfully.
— Three hundred, and not a coin less.
The merchant paused, assessing her reaction, then nodded.
— Two hundred fifty.
The old woman was silent for a moment, then reluctantly extended her hand.
— Fine, you've convinced me.
— Agreed, — the merchant replied shortly, shaking her hand.
Once the transaction was complete, the old woman collected the coins, pursed her lips, and limped away. The merchant immediately handed the artifact to one of the assistants sitting nearby.
Qinxuan watched the transaction carefully, noting the man's professionalism. She observed his skill not only in analyzing artifacts but also in controlling the situation.
Once the old woman left, Qinxuan stepped forward to the counter.
The merchant, having quickly finished instructing his assistants, turned to the new visitor. His eyes lingered on the fabric covering her face and the subtle, almost imperceptible grace in her movements.
— Good day. How may I help you? — His voice remained even, polite, with a hint of anticipation.
Qinxuan nodded shortly.
— I'm looking for Mistress Qinshe. I was told she can be found here.
For a moment, the merchant squinted, evaluating her words, then nodded.
— Qinshe is often here. Are you… a friend or a client?
— A friend, — Qinxuan answered calmly.
The man thought for a moment, then gestured to one of the assistants.
— Show Miss… — he paused slightly.
— Anna.
— Miss Anna upstairs, to Mistress Qinshe's private office. She asked to be informed of any, hm… friends.
The young man from the side room nodded and motioned for Qinxuan to follow him.
— Thank you, — she said briefly, then followed her guide.
Climbing the wooden stairs, she noticed how carefully the pawnshop's interior was arranged. Exquisitely carved railings and paintings on the walls demonstrated not only wealth but taste.
On the second floor, they passed a spacious hall where mercenaries discussed their affairs, and finally reached the third floor.
The assistant stopped at a massive red oak door, engraved with an image of a sword and a serpent.
— Mistress Qinshe is inside. You may enter, — the young man said with a slight bow, then stepped back.
Qinxuan nodded briefly and, pushing the door, stepped inside.