"But this Trash Can can only be opened once fifty ordinary ones are purchased. And the price is five times higher."
"I see…"
Topaz stroked her chin, thoughtful.
Putting aside the bizarre appearance, this was undeniably a product worth buying.
For most people, five million credits was exorbitant. But for the IPC, money was no object. Being able to obtain higher-grade Curios from limited quotas was absolutely worthwhile.
Hmm. Once the requirement is met, I'll have Aventurine buy it. The style really suits him.
"Then I'll take ten ordinary Trash Cans."
Without further words, Topaz used her full weekly quota. She handed her terminal to Sylvester, who swiped it—ten million credits transferred.
"Oh, and if a Black Trash Can curse appears again, please remove it for me, Boss Sylvester."
Topaz turned to remind him. After all, her colleague's bloody lesson had to be remembered.
"I can. But no refunds."
"Of course not." Topaz moved to the shelves, then addressed Numby: "Come on, Numby."
Unlike ordinary Warp Trotters, Numby—though small—possessed a keen sense for wealth.
It hopped across the rows, sniffing, peering, fussing over each Trash Can.
The little creature was clearly probing for treasure.
Feixiao grew tense, arms crossed tightly, fingers digging into her biceps.
Though the Xianzhou collaborated often with the IPC, the pull rates of these Trash Cans were plain for all to see.
Plenty of people had poured in their money, only to get items fit for an actual trash bin.
High-grade Curios were rare enough—if someone had a way to tilt the odds, Feixiao would never allow it.
Jingliu's face was calm, but inwardly her heart stirred.
Feixiao's quota was long spent. Jingliu was the one here to pull.
She had crossed the galaxy for this. If her chance was stolen, she would never accept it.
The power to slay the Lord Ravager of Abundance could brook no loss.
Numby hopped past one Trash Can after another.
With each one it skipped, Feixiao felt her heart lurch violently.
Could the little thing really find something?
Jingliu recalled the power of the [Four Swords of Slaying Immortals] she had seen yesterday. If this Company executive were to get such a weapon instead… her crimson eyes fixed on Numby, faint killing intent pooling within.
Only Sylvester remained at ease, sipping his tea leisurely.
I just upgraded the defense today. Forget a piglet— even if an Aeon showed up, they'd have to open the lid to know what's inside.
Poor little guy, overloading its brain until it cooks itself int o braised pig trotters. You'll never sniff out what's good or bad.
Wait. How come Fu Xuan's pulls before had such neat order?
Green, blue, purple, gold.
Huh. She wasn't cheating, was she?
Sylvester took another sip, suddenly feeling as though he'd just lost a fortune.
The three of them each bore worries, though for different reasons.
At last, Numby stopped in front of one Trash Can.
Feixiao nearly suffocated from tension, arms red from her own grip, oblivious to the pain.
It really found one?
Jingliu stayed silent, crimson eyes fixed on the Warp Trotter. No one knew what she would do.
"Choo~ choo~" Numby ran back to Topaz's feet, dejected squeaks escaping.
"Good boy, Numby. It's fine if you can't find anything."
Topaz shook her head. As expected, shortcuts didn't work. She stepped up to the shelves, picked a Trash Can, and prepared to open it.
"Whew~"
Feixiao's boulder of anxiety finally rolled off her chest.
"Ah… that stings." She glanced at the red marks on her arms—only now registering the pain.
Jingliu silently took out her black eyepatch and fastened it again.
Once, she had worn it to shut out memories that haunted her sight.
But when Numby had leapt back, she had felt herself on the verge of losing control.
So now, she needed another safeguard.
If a Curio capable of harming an Aeon could be drawn here, then expending the rest of her life was a price worth paying.
What's with these two? The one opening the Trash Can isn't even worried, yet they're panicking like mad.
Especially Jingliu—her eyes had glazed over, as if she'd strike down the pig at any moment.
By rights, this was a golden chance to learn her swordsmanship.
But to throw myself in front of a pig…?
With my current reputation, tomorrow's headlines would read:
"Shocking! Mysterious Trash Can shop owner clashes with former Sword Master of the Xianzhou Luofu—over saving a pig?!"
Could I still live on the Luofu after that?
Fortunately, they'd calmed down.
Their faces now looked like people finally finding a restroom after holding it in far too long.
Huh. Wait—do Xianzhou people practice fasting? Even Fu Xuan still drinks milk tea… So, do they need bathrooms at all?
"Boss, could you take a look at these?" Topaz's voice brought him back.
"Ah? Mm."
Sylvester blinked at the five items now on the counter. His wandering thoughts snapped back to reality.
Not bad—at least she hadn't pulled a cursed buff like Aventurine.
[Mung Bean Soda: A well-known drink from Aurum Alley's snack street, notorious for its polarizing taste.]
[Grand Duke's Robe of Grace: A gorgeous robe that emphasizes the dignity and elegance of its owner. (Main stat: CRIT Rate. Six sub-stats: CRIT DMG.)]
[Grand Duke's Crown of Netherflame: A crown of unceasing flame, with its burning ambition serving as its inexhaustible fuel. (Double CRIT, seven sub-stats.)]
[Great Rejuvenation Pill: A medicinal pill that restores health rapidly.]
[Staple Rations: Hardly tasty, but fills the belly—a luxury for many in the universe.]
Sylvester's eyes went wide at the two Archduke pieces.
This can't be real. Supreme relics like these?
Did she just hit gold?
He could never forget the tears shed grinding relics: countless credits, countless fodder, and still nothing but zeros in improvements.
Day after day, year after year—every promising piece became garbage, yet he never quit.
On the Astral Express, the Trailblazer's room was never his home. That cramped little cave—that was forever home.
He brushed the other three items aside.
Pointing with one envious finger, he said: "I have to admit—if I had even a tenth of your luck, I'd already be on the Luofu! With these two equipped, you'd double your combat strength instantly!"
"Eh?" Topaz blinked, utterly baffled. Her expression all but said, Are you joking with me?
A flaming crown and a tattered flaming robe—is this suppose to be powerful?
Wearing them into battle, wouldn't one be roasted alive first?
She could hardly believe anyone would fight dressed like that.
Whoever might—she certainly never would. Even if right here—