Luthar sat behind the counter, gaze distant, mind immersed in the blueprint etched across his neural link. The Compact Hyperflux Reactor Core design spun quietly, its layers unfolding precisely. Lines of energy dispersion, containment shielding, and temperature thresholds flashed by like sacred text.
He blinked after a time, making a dozen changes. The core was viable, but volatile. Stabilizing output would necessitate higher-grade alloys, at purity levels that the typical forge could not manage. Fortunately, he was capable.
He moved in his seat, the subtle groan of strengthened metal resonating through the shop's silence.
Outside, the rising sun created deep shadows over the square. A party of adventurers went purposefully across the Dungeon's third floor, their armor still dusty. Their plates were covered in scratch marks. The commander was holding a basic sword that had been purchased here the day before. There are no enchantments or heavenly emblems; only pure workmanship. However, it had split a Killer Ant in a single strike.
"This still feels wrong," one said. "No way this thing should be that cheap."
The leader didn't answer. He inspected the weapon, his fingers brushing on the blade's flat. Then, with a modest nod, he stated, "We are purchasing more. Before the price rises.
As they approached, the shop's door opened quietly with the sound of pressured hydraulics. The air within was cooled and purified. Luthar did not look up immediately.
They went inside, their boots scuffing on the clean metal floor. One of them carefully placed the blade on the counter. "We would like more. The quality is the same."
Luthar did not speak, instead pointing at the enormous container near the wall.
They rushed fast and chose five swords. One of them froze as he looked over to a nearby display case. Inside were weapons that appeared considerably more advanced—sleek, razor-sharp, and some humming softly with hidden power. The price tags? Nothing under ten million valis.
The man glanced down at his own sword, then back to the crate. "This'll do," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.
The leader dropped a pouch of coins onto the counter. Luthar counted it with a single glance, nodded once, and processed the sale.
"Thanks," the leader offered as they left. The door hissed closed behind them, leaving the shop in silence again.
Luthar returned to the schematic in his mind, isolating energy leaks in the second-stage reaction loop. If he realigned the magnetic buffer rings by .03 degrees...
He paused. Footsteps echoed near the entrance.
"Working alone again, Luthar?" A familiar voice said, light but knowing.
Miach stood in the doorway, a small basket of fruit in hand. He stepped inside, offering it forward with a friendly smile.
Luthar took the basket. "You don't expect me to find a clerk in a single day."
Miach chuckled. "Well, if you want, I know plenty who need the work."
"If you know someone capable," Luthar replied, tone cool. "I don't mind hiring."
Miach leaned against a display case, arms crossed. "I can get you candidates. People who won't faint the moment that metal skull floats by."
Luthar's gaze narrowed behind his mask. "Why are you so eager to help?"
A shrug. "You helped Hestia. Helped Bell. This is me returning the favor. Partially. Also—helping someone find a job isn't a crime."
Luthar remained silent. A soft whir filled the pause as the servo-skull drifted across the ceiling.
"There's a girl," Miach continued. "Elna. Human. Nineteen. No familia. Works odd jobs in the lower districts. Quiet. Efficient. She doesn't ask questions she shouldn't—and she could use the coin."
Luthar made a thoughtful sound. The schematic slipped into the background.
"You can assess her yourself," Miach said. "Just don't scare her off with your usual charm."
Luthar gave a small nod. A servo-skull could monitor her, and she could contact him via a communicator if anything happened. He did plan to install a secure line soon.
Miach smiled, satisfied. "She'll be by later."
After the god left, Luthar lingered on the thought: Was this truly a favor being repaid—or just kindness disguised as practicality? Perhaps both.
He turned his focus back to the blueprint.
Hours passed. The sun shifted. And then—footsteps.
The door hissed open again.
A young woman stepped inside. She was lean, with unkempt brown hair tied into a loose ponytail. Her clothes were plain and worn, a mix of faded cloth and patched leather. She moved with quiet caution, eyes scanning the room. Sharp green eyes settled on him.
"Are you Elna?" Luthar asked, his voice calm and neutral.
She stiffened slightly. "Yes. I heard you needed help." Her voice was steady, if cautious.
Luthar studied her for a moment, then rose slowly. "You've worked in the lower districts?"
She nodded. "Odd jobs. Delivery. Cleaning. Some merchant stalls. I'm not picky."
Her eyes flicked up to the servo-skull hovering overhead, its crimson lenses tracking her.
"I don't have high demands," Luthar said, turning toward the shelves. "Familiarize yourself with the shop. That's your first task."
Elna looked surprised. She hesitated, then asked, "Will… there be payment?"
Luthar didn't look up. "Sixty valis a day. More for overtime or handling inventory."
Her eyes widened slightly. That was generous.
"Food's not included," he added dryly.
She nodded quickly. "Understood."
"Good. Then you start tomorrow." He paused, then pulled a few coins from beneath the counter. "Buy a chair. There's a stall across the plaza."
Elna took the coins, stunned by the simple trust.
Behind the counter, Luthar had already returned to his schematics, as if the matter was settled.