"Ashborne-san, I need to tell you something," Shizue said.
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A whole day had passed since we had reached Dwargon. So far, it was amazing, the place was truly worthy of being called one of the most advanced and prosperous nations in the world.
What really stood out to me, was how deeply integrated magic is, in day-to-day life.
Just like Electricity and Electrical appliances were omnipresent in my past lives, various forms of magic are used everywhere.
Especially the Dwarven specialty, [Engraving Magic]. It's basically magic that allows the user to "enchant" people or objects with spells which allows them to use magic without having related knowledge or skills.
It can also be used to design fully autonomous magical devices that are self-sustaining.
For example, high-quality armour often has enchantments like 'Shock-Absorption', or magical staffs have enchantments like 'Magic-Area Enhancement' etc.
The potential applications are endless, and I was looking forward to exploring them. This was another reason I wanted the Dwarf Brothers and Kaijin in my Legion no matter what.
But that would have to wait.
For the time being, I'm just gonna explore Dwargon, and have fun.
"Gobto, keep an eye on things here, I'm heading out." I said.
"Yes my Lord, as you command." he replied.
"You coming Shizue?" I asked.
"Hmmm... Yeah sure, I'll come along."
I didn't think she would actually come along, since she had been lazing around on the couch.
"Be quick then."
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"Shizue, we'll head this way first, I have to sell a few things"
"I'm just going wherever you are, go on"
"What do you wanna sell though?"
"Some Magic Ore..."
We were heading in the direction of the Adventurer Market, which as the name suggested, was meant for adventurers to trade, buy and sell items.
It was a collection of dozens of shops which sold nearly every item you could need.
Armor, Weapons, Potions, magic items, grimoires, monster parts etc.
But I was going there something else. I intended to sell or exchange the raw magic ore, for some actual magisteel.
I had brought about a kilogram of magic ore with me, which wasn't much in terms of volume, since it was a very dense substance.
I could technically give it to a processor for refining, but that would take time, and the processor would take a huge commission. So I've just decided it's more convenient to trade it directly.
"Are you planning something?? You have the devious look on your face, Ashborne-san..." Shizue commented.
"Nothing evil Shizue. I plan to but pure magisteel in exchange for this magic ore. I have a skill that allows me to make great use of something like magisteel."
"What do you mean??"
"It's called [Esurience], it allows me to mimic the properties of anything I eat. And before you ask, yes I AM going to eat the damn magisteel."
Indeed, I know it's not gonna be pleasant, but I can deal with it for the sake of power.
"I feel bad for you Ashborne-san... You really are so different...."
"𝘛𝘰𝘰 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘵" she added, in a whispering voice.
??
Did she intend for me to hear that?
She should know that I can hear her, so why would she say it anyway?
Does she want me to question her?
What should someone do in a situation like this?
*SIGH*
No use in overthinking here, I'll just trust her to tell me when she's ready.
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"Welcome! Welcome to my humble store! What do you seek adventurer?" a loud voice boomed.
"Hello to you too, how're you doing today?" I replied back.
"Oho! Rare to see adventurers like you these days, young man. I'm doing amazing!"
"Why do you say that?"
"Well, most adventurers don't got that lively spirit, most of them are grumpy and gloomy because of the constant pressure."
"I see, well my circumstances are a bit different."
"Haha!! I've begun to like you lad! You can call me Sentaro."
"Alright, Sentaro-san."
"So, what're you looking for lad?"
"Well Sentaro-san, I'm looking to trade with you."
After saying that, I brought out the magic ore I had on me in my hand.
"!!!"
A look of surprise painted Sentaro's face.
"Oh dear! It's not often I find someone looking for a trade, even less often for magic ore! Tell me lad, what do you want in return?"
Getting straight to the point, I replied, "Pure and Refined Magisteel."
"Hmm.. I shouldn't be telling you this, but I'll make an exception. You'll get much better value taking that ore to a processor to get it refined lad. Trading it will only lead to unfair deals."
"Thanks for the advice, Sentaro-san, but I want to trade it regardless. I can afford that small percentage of loss."
"If you say so. Though you're quite peculiar for an adventurer. Usually they're the stingiest about item costs and trade value. Are you perhaps from a noble lineage?"
"No no, nothing of that sort. I just have an immediate need for some magisteel. Enough about my reasons though, is it available?"
"Who do you take me for, brat? Of course I have it!! I'm the best damn blacksmith around here, except for that Kaijin. God knows what he does in that miracle forge of his. Anyways, let me go bring some magisteel, then we'll decide the trade specifications."
"Sure, go ahead."
The dwarf then went into the back of his shop, making loud crashing sounds all the way in.
"How much magisteel are you hoping to get Ashborne-san?" Shizue asked.
"A fistful would be more than enough for my purpose."
"I see...." She was still hesitating.
"Ashborne-san, I need to tell you something," Shizue said.
Is she finally going to tell me what's been bothering her all this time??
"Of course, whenever you want." I replied.
She just nodded and went quite.
After that.....concerning conversation, the dwarf came back and we finalized the trade.
I got the magisteel I wanted, surprisingly without the need for much bargaining. Sentaro-san was straight to the point, so the deal progressed fast.
After we finished with that, me and Shizue headed out.
We went outside Dwargon's borders, into the nearby forest. We could do this pretty easily since the border laws concerning going out of the country are pretty lax, since many traders and adventurers have to constantly do that daily.
*SNAP*
"It's amazing no matter how many times I see it!!"
A house was being constructed in real time. The earth itself molded to my will, the trees intertwined to form the exterior, vapour condensed into a a pond, and breeze started blowing.
"I like to show off like this now and then. After all, what's the use of all these powers if I don't use them."
"Hehe, you're still like a kid, Ashborne-san, it's so cute."
"Hah! look who's talking. You're the more childish one here Shizue..."
"No way! I'm older than you, so I'm more mature!"
"Shut up! You don't even act like you're old Shizue! You're just like a kid..."
"You're so mean Ashborne-san...."
"My bad my bad...."
It feels as if we're both trying to dodge the conversation.
That won't work, I'll have to push her.
"So....what did you want to talk about?"
"Well..."
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"I'm dying"
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