Rei stopped just outside the shop's wooden door, staring up at the hanging sign.
> "The Farmacy," he muttered. "What a weird name for a clothing shop."
He blinked at it once more, then sighed. "Let's just get this done. I need to get back."
Pushing open the door, a small chime rang above his head. The interior was much larger than it looked from outside. Racks of clothes lined the walls, some draped in thick cloaks, others hung with robes, jackets, even bits of armor. Weapons sat in glass cases against the far wall, glittering faintly under the lantern light. Herbs, trinkets, and vials filled the shelves near the entrance.
Behind the counter stood a girl.
White-haired, her hair tied neatly behind her back, she wore clothes more suited for a boy—short sleeves, rolled pants, a simple vest. Her ears were pointed—like an elf's—but her height barely reached over the counter.
Rei blinked.
> "Why are you so short?" he said without thinking.
The girl's eyes narrowed.
> "I heard that."
Rei froze. "Sorry. I didn't mean to—"
> "It's fine," she huffed, crossing her arms. "Everyone says that. I'm a dwarf. Naturally short."
Rei blinked again. Dwarf? he thought. Aren't dwarves supposed to have huge beards and carry hammers? She looks like she's twelve.
But he knew better than to ask.
> "I... see," he said. "Well, I need some daily clothes. Maybe some weapons."
The girl tilted her head. "You look like you'll be a returning customer. I'm Rhea. You can call me that."
> "Rei."
She smiled faintly. "So, Rei, what kind of clothes are you looking for?"
Rei hesitated.
He couldn't exactly ask for jeans and a hoodie. That kind of thing didn't exist here. He opened his mouth slowly.
> "Something that fits. Simple. Comfortable. Not flashy."
Rhea nodded and pulled out a few sets from a nearby rack. Tunics in beige and brown. Coats with brass buttons. Leather belts and boots. Rei tried a few on, but each time, he shook his head.
> "Too tight. Too stiff. Not me."
Rhea tilted her head. "Hmm... picky, aren't you? Wait here. I have something in the back. It's old, but good."
She disappeared into a curtain at the back of the store.
After a moment, she returned holding a single robe.
It was pitch black.
No trim. No crest. No buttons. Just fabric. Smooth and silent.
> "Try this."
Rei pulled it over his shoulders.
It fit.
Perfectly.
The fabric was weightless, yet it held its form with quiet authority. Every seam was clean. The folds fell exactly where they should. It wasn't tight. It wasn't loose. It simply was. Like it knew him.
No buttons. Just a hidden loop across the chest. It made no sound when he moved. It didn't reflect light. It absorbed it.
He turned toward Rhea.
> "Yeah. This is it."
Rhea grinned. "Of course it is. That's a magical robe. It adapts to the user. Repairs itself, too."
Rei blinked. "Wait... that means I don't have to wash it?"
Rhea blinked, then burst out laughing. "You're serious? That's your takeaway?"
Rei scratched the back of his neck. "Sorry."
She chuckled. "It also helps with flight and boosts your recovery a bit."
Rei's eyes widened. "What? It lets me fly better?"
She nodded. "Helps control your speed and stability."
> Flying speed... auto-repair... no laundry... Rei thought. Alright. That's useful.
Then something else caught his attention.
Off to the side of the counter, tucked near a tray of common trinkets, sat a small case filled with cheap charms, worn stones, and dull metal rings. Most were forgettable—until one glinted.
A single stone.
Cut like a teardrop.
Almost green, but not quite. A shimmer of strange blue danced across its surface when tilted.
The wire holding it was thin. Plain. Almost makeshift. No clasp. Just a loop.
Rei pointed.
> "Are you selling that?"
Rhea followed his gaze, then smiled.
> "You've got sharp eyes. That's a storage stone."
> "Storage... stone?"
> "Lets you store items inside. Big ones. Small ones. Think of it like carrying a mansion in your pocket."
Rei blinked.
> "That's... overpowered. How much?"
> "Five gold."
> "Five?"
She shrugged. "It's cheap compared to the capital. These things need monster cores to make."
Rei's mind clicked. Monster cores... so monsters drop loot. But I've only fought level 3 to 5. Never found anything like that. Must be level 6 or higher.
He glanced down at the robe again.
> "So... how much is all this?"
Rhea counted quickly.
> "One hundred and five gold."
Rei froze. "WHAT?! This robe is a hundred gold?!"
Rhea raised an eyebrow. "It's a magical robe that adapts, repairs, and helps you fly. Of course it's expensive."
Rei groaned. I only have ten gold.
> "You're an adventurer, right?" Rhea asked.
> "Yeah."
> "What's your level?"
> "Seven."
She whistled. "Not bad. Should've guessed. That explains why the robe likes you."
Rei sighed. The robe fit too well to return. The stone too useful to ignore. And he didn't have the money.
> Time to make more gold, he thought grimly.