"I see," Zella mused, seemingly accepting Riku's explanation.
"A researcher duo. Rare indeed."
"Forgive my caution. As you know, light magic artifacts are... unpopular. Possessing one without the proper licenses can lead to unpleasant questions from the Darklord's Justicars."
She bowed slightly, as if offering her apology.
"Well, can you get us the artifacts now?" Sherry asked, seemingly in a hurry.
"Of course," Zella turned, gesturing towards a curtained-off doorway behind her counter. "What you sense is likely a residual echo from an old acquisition. I may have something in the back storeroom that fits your description. Let me just..."
Her hand moved, but not towards the backroom.
It shot towards a heavy iron lever hidden beneath the counter. She yanked it down hard.
VREEEEEEEEEEN!
A deafening, magical siren blared through the shop and across the streets.
"Oh! Blast!" Sherry shouted. "This will alert the guards. Riku!!!"
"Leave it to me."
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