When Kaizen entered the market, the sun was already setting down.
Good for me. The market is busier at night. Maybe I can earn more if there are more competitors for a single item.
He had already worn the first simple arm brace, and it didn't affect his mobility in the slightest.
However, he had also taken precautions to cover it up. A person's greed knew no boundaries. Who knew what they would do to get their hands on a new artifact never before seen.
Yes, it was simply at Common grade, but coupled with a few factors like how it was the early era of five domains, and the fact that this empire had an average power level of rank 2, completely new items at this grade could still make a small wave.
Also, good-quality Common artifacts provided a noticeably non-trivial boost even for those at rank two, so he had to be even more cautious today while selling the item.
After finding an empty corner in the market, he put down his Simple arm brace, and took out an item given by his elder brother with the information booklet the first time they met.
He then began shouting and demonstrating the operation of simple arm brace at the same time.
"A completely new Common grade item up for sale! It was found by the fourth prince when he valiantly defeated a group of bandits in the Lyren forest.
"It has both defensive and offensive functions."
A group of passersby began whispering after hearing his announcement.
"Huh? He dares take the name of a prince to sell his item?"
"Shh, don't you see the badge? It looks genuine. He really might be one of the fourth prince's men."
Obviously, Kaizen couldn't take out his own badge. He knew that despite flaunting, people didn't actually have that much knowledge about the fifth prince.
If he pulled it out, he might get nothing but confused stares. Blank stares were fine. Assassins showing up to delete a competitor from the throne? Less fine.
He had already survived one attack, and his tolerance for repeat appointments was very low.
Sure enough, his elder brother's badge did all the heavy lifting as people soon began gathering around him.
The difference between having something to prove the legitimacy of your goods and not was great.
Shops backed by nobles or famous workshops who sold without any deception were only a small minority among the many shops in the market which were opened by unknown people.
Of those unknown shops, each customer would only have contact with a handful, having already established a basic amount of trust.
For them, having to take the risk to verify the legitimacy of an item wasn't worth it when they already had their own few familiar shops to choose from, therefore the majority wouldn't look elsewhere when coming to the market.
"How about 3000 Spirit Coins?"
A young man probed. He liked how this simple arm brace worked. Unlike other common weapons, this one didn't occupy a space in your hand.
Kaizen smiled but refused to say anything. This would definitely not sell for just 3000 SC.
2000 SC was the starting line for Common grade items. Depending on use, rarity, demand, and how badly someone wanted bragging rights, prices could spike to 10000 SC.
At auctions, greed added a decorative markup, pushing it to 15000 SC.
"5000 SC? I was looking for something exactly like this, else I wouldn't pay such a high price."
A middle aged man commented.
Kaizen eyed him with curled lips and still said nothing. He kept repeating the demonstration for new people who were gathering.
Making it as if you're doing me a favor by quoting 5000 SC? Get lost. I am not pointing a sword at your neck and forcing you to buy.
"5500 SC? Little brother, sell it to me quickly else the fourth prince might get impatient."
Heh, my brother doesn't even know I am using his name. I am not in a hurry.
Kaizen knew Adrian wouldn't care even if he came to know his younger brother was using his name.
That smiling buddha feels like he would never get angry.
"How about selling it to me for 6000 SC?"
"I'm willing to give you 7000 SC."
Just when more and more people began bargaining the price, making it chaotic, one especially loud voice stood out, shutting up others instantly.
"9000 SC, but I want information on those bandits the fourth prince defeated."
Kaizen chuckled under his breath as he recognized the badge clinking toward him.
That was a crest from one of the official shops.
Trying to locate the source of this item directly? You wish. No such bandits exist anyway, I was spouting nonsense.
Two more people arrived from other legitimate shops, the ones under the control of some noble or workshop. They quoted the same price and condition.
The other customers were quiet, not being able to outbid these three big representatives.
Just then, a familiar voice rang out.
"10000 SC, how about giving it to your friend?"
Kaizen eyebrows raised before his lips broke into a smile. Even under the synchronized silent glare of the three merchant representatives, the newcomer didn't flinch.
Seeing that no one was counterbidding, Kaizen announced that the deal was closed, dispersing the crowd.
"Steve? You turned out to be a rich man huh," Kaizen said.
Yes, it was the same young man who had crashed into Kaizen in the market.
Immediately after paying the money, the young man put on the equipment. He was still carrying the familiar big wooden case.
"My parents are barons, I can still afford this much money."
He responded after fitting the simple arm brace, then continued.
"I hope this is as good as you said."
Kaizen shrugged. "I hope so too."
The young man nearly lost his footing as he recollected Kaizen's domain.
Seeing the realization in his eyes, Kaizen nodded, without explaining further.
As they walked out of the market, Steve kept muttering to himself.
"I am doomed. I am doomed. I bought the first product of an artifact refiner? The first time isn't always guaranteed to be good."
Kaizen was speechless. Was he still talking about artifacts?
Suddenly, for the first time since initiation, his system activated one of its main functions.
One that he had been anticipating for a long time.
Just that the contents were not what he had expected.
[After taking into consideration several factors, the system has determined a main quest for the host.]
[Time left: 30 days]
[Goal: Survive]
[Reward: 10,000,000 experience.]
Ten million experience for not perishing feels less like a quest, and more like a participation trophy. I doubt it would be so easy though.