Chapter 15 - Arcane Solutions:Shop-Chapter 15

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With this realization, Gemini exhaled with profound relief. Even if her Afghanistan rescue operation became public knowledge, MACUSA wouldn't dare take action against her now. She arranged the newspaper carefully on her table, studying Tony's animated photograph as he addressed what appeared to be a press conference, and released a soft chuckle. She wondered how Mr. Richest Man would react to discovering his newfound celebrity status in the magical world.

"Coby, open for business."

The ground floor shop responded to her command—locks disengaging with precise clicks, the door sign flipping to display "NOW OPEN" in letters that pulsed with rainbow luminescence.

Within minutes of opening, the door chimed as their first customer entered: a striking woman with flame-red hair that caught the magical lighting beautifully. She surveyed the shop's interior with professional thoroughness before settling at the consultation table, examining the parchment with careful attention.

After considerable deliberation, she began writing with the provided quill.

The moment she set down the temperamental writing instrument and reached for her completed request, a sharp voice materialized from seemingly empty air: "Customer, please provide your authentic name, or the commission becomes void. As today's first patron, you receive this single courtesy warning."

The redhead launched from her chair with fluid grace, scanning the compact space with predatory alertness. Every surface lay exposed to scrutiny, and her initial reconnaissance had confirmed the absence of surveillance equipment or speakers. Where was the voice originating? What manner of establishment had she entered? How could it detect her deception?

She maintained defensive positioning while the mysterious voice remained silent. The parchment began smoking ominously before crumbling to ash and vanishing entirely. A fresh sheet materialized in its place with supernatural precision.

After extended hesitation, she resumed her seat and approached the new parchment with greater caution. Her second attempt reflected more careful consideration—safer terms, reasonable compensation, and after prolonged internal debate, her actual identity: Natasha Romanoff.

Upstairs, Gemini observed the proceedings with growing fascination. "Intriguing Muggle indeed—exceptional mental fortitude!" she murmured appreciatively.

The shop's ground floor operated under her carefully crafted enchantments: subtle suggestion and charm magic designed to extract genuine desires and realistic payment offers from visitors. Even experienced wizards could succumb to the psychological influence without proper preparation.

"Coby, inform our remarkable customer she has one final opportunity for revision." Gemini continued watching Natasha's methodical exploration with genuine entertainment.

Shortly thereafter, she observed Natasha return to the table for her definitive submission.

Natasha placed the completed parchment with deliberate care, allowing herself an imperceptible sigh of relief when it remained intact rather than combusting.

The document vanished instantly, followed by the familiar disembodied announcement: "Customer, please remain patient."

Coby materialized beside Gemini, presenting the commission for review. She glanced at the contents and dismissed it with theatrical disappointment.

"Scar removal? How remarkably mundane. I expected something more... stimulating." She gestured dismissively. "Instruct her to deposit payment in the ground floor cabinet. The potion will appear accordingly."

"Immediately, Miss Gemini!"

Gemini's interest waned rapidly. She departed for her private balcony before descending to the basement laboratory. Recent potion consumption had accelerated dramatically, and her modified Skele-Gro formula required additional refinement for Muggle physiology. The workload seemed endless.

Natasha received Coby's instructions through the same mysterious vocal phenomenon. Despite renewed surveillance of the premises, no source remained visible. She approached the indicated cabinet and withdrew a pure gold necklace from her concealed accessories, depositing it in the single accessible compartment.

A soft mechanical click preceded the opening of a compartment containing pale purple liquid. Natasha extracted both the potion and accompanying parchment, studying the detailed usage instructions, precise dosage requirements, and expected timeline for effectiveness.

She departed immediately, crossing the street with purposeful strides and entering a nearby building that provided optimal surveillance positioning.

"Status report. Did you acquire anything useful?" The voice through her earpiece carried urgent expectation.

"Why did all communication cease upon my entry?"

"That establishment exhibits anomalous properties. All signals terminated the moment you crossed the threshold. Only your vital signs prevented immediate tactical intervention. Report your findings."

"The shop possesses unusual capabilities—it detected my false identity immediately. I was forced to work within realistic parameters and obtained... scar removal medication." Natasha raised an eyebrow at her own words.

"...What the hell?"

"Limited options were available. This provides the fastest verification of their capabilities. Alternatively, you could invest ten million cash for direct consultation with management."

Following the parchment's precise instructions, Natasha exposed a significant scar across her lower torso—a permanent reminder of a mission gone sideways years ago.

"Current activity?" her handler inquired.

"Testing product efficacy—" Natasha's response transformed into a sharp intake of breath as the potion made contact with damaged tissue.

"Situation report! What's happening?" The voice carried immediate alarm.

"The medication functions as advertised, though the process proves... uncomfortable." Natasha used sterile cloth to remove the bubbling residue from her skin.

Where the vicious gunshot scar had marked her body for years, smooth, healthy skin now existed. Only slight pigmentation differences revealed the former injury's location. Examining the nearly empty vial, she added with professional criticism: "Insufficient quantity for larger applications."

The door opened behind her, admitting a imposing bald man in a signature black coat.

"Why did you consume unknown substances without proper authorization? That could have been poison." Nick Fury's tone carried paternal exasperation mixed with operational concern.

"Poison seemed unlikely." Natasha rolled her eyes while maintaining her back to him. "Care to examine the results, Director?"

"Absolutely. I financed this operation—I require confirmation of value received."

Natasha provided photographic documentation of her pre-treatment condition alongside real-time comparison opportunities. Her comprehensive video recording captured the entire application process for later analysis.

Nick approached the window, studying the distant building that housed their mysterious target. "So the establishment operates legitimately. We need deeper intelligence."

His expression carried the calculating intensity that preceded S.H.I.E.L.D's most ambitious operations. Whatever secrets the All-Purpose Shop contained, Nick Fury intended to uncover them all.

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