Frank's eyes snapped open before the first light broke through his taped window. The room was remained dark, but a soft blue glow pulsed above his bed, casting long shadows on the ceiling. A system notification awaited him.
『Tier 2 Access Fully Initialized』
『Interface Upgrade – Enhanced Merchant Features Enabled』
『Daily Trade Limit Reset: 0/2 Completed』
He sat up, ignoring the light. His fingertips brushed through the air, catching the edge of the system window and pulling it wider. The interface felt different now—smoother, with a depth it hadn't possessed before. The menu expanded with a soft chime.
What had been thirteen realms yesterday had now grown to twenty-two.
Frank swung his legs over the edge of the bed, disregardring the cold floor against his bare feet. He had barely slept four hours since returning from the battle with the Firefang Queen, but the notification banished any trace of fatigue. His mind was clear, focused on the new opportunities that lay before him.
The interface now displayed realm categories organized by specialty rather than just a flat list. Frank tapped the first one.
『Frostforge Domain』
『Primary Exports: Metalwork, Enchanted Armor, Cold-Resistance Equipment』
『Currency Accepted: Dimensional Tokens, Frost Crystal, Raw Ore』
『Notable Merchants: 37 Available to Your Tier』
He scrolled through, methodically opening each new realm's descriptor. Verdant Reach specialized in organic components and alchemical compounds while Emberhold focused on fire-attuned weaponry that would complement the gear he had just harvested from the Queen. The Sapphire Courts primarily dealt in magical fabrics and enchanted clothing—potentially high markup items for Earth sales.
Frank opened a new note window and began typing, his fingers flying through the air. Each realm received its own category, complete with bulleted observations about pricing structures, merchant temperament, and product quality. He spent ten minutes on this alone, crafting a reference document to guide his future purchases.
As he reached the bottom of the list, a new notification pulsed gently at the corner of his vision.
『Verified Trader Status Granted』
『Market Insight (Tier 2) Skill Unlocked』
『Effect: Basic quality and authenticity assessment for viewed items』
"That's useful," he murmured, tapping the skill description for more details.
The skill wasn't flashy—no visual effects or dramatic upgrades. However, when he returned to the marketplace listings, he noticed subtle changes. Each item now displayed a faint quality indicator in the corner of its description—percentage values showing material purity, craftsmanship levels, and estimated durability. Information that once required detailed questioning of merchants was now available at a glance.
Frank leaned back against the wall, contemplating his approach. Nine new realms, each with dozens of potential suppliers. His token balance stood at 7,400 after yesterday's purchases and upgrades–a significant sum, but not enough for random exploration.
He needed to be strategic.
His first priority: items that would sell well to Hunters on Earth. Second: sustainable profit margins. Third: uniqueness—products that couldn't be easily replicated by local suppliers.
His fingers moved through the air again, sorting the marketplace by category rather than realm. Combat gear, potions, enhancement scrolls—these were his bread and butter. But now, with Tier 2, he could expand into specialized equipment that would give his business a true edge over guild shops.
He tapped into the Sapphire Courts marketplace first. The interface shimmered with a distinct blue-silver gradient as realm-specific listings filled his vision. Robes with protective enchantments, gloves that enhanced grip, boots that cushioned impact—all useful, but nothing that truly stood out.
Then he saw it.
『Shieldcloth Combat Suit – Limited Stock』
『Creator: Valis Silvertongue, Master Clothier』
『Quality: Mid-Grade (Tier 2)』
『Properties: Lightweight layered construction, 15% impact resistance, temperature regulation, flexible under armor』
『Price: [Negotiation Required]』
Frank paused. The absence of a listed price indicated one of two possibilities: either the item was so valuable that the merchant wanted to avoid scaring off potential buyers, or the seller relished the art of haggling. Either way, it presented an opportunity.
He opened the merchant profile. Valis Silvertongue—highly rated, with over a thousand confirmed trades and a specialization in defensive fabrics and enchanted threads. Frank nodded to himself; this was worth pursuing.
He tapped the chat icon. A window expanded, its edges adorned with silver filigree. The connection symbol pulsed three times before stabilizing.
Valis Silvertongue: "Greetings, Earth Merchant. Your token signature is recognized. How may I assist your endeavors today?"
The formal language was typical of Sapphire Court traders. Frank had read enough reviews to understand their preferences.
Frank: "Greetings, Master Silvertongue. I am interested in your Shieldcloth Combat Suits. The craftsmanship appears exceptional."
A pause. The typing indicator pulsed gently.
Valis Silvertongue: "Your observation honors my work. These suits represent three generations of refined technique. May I inquire about your intended purpose?"
Frank considered his response carefully. Honesty would serve best here—Sapphire Court merchants valued transparency.
Frank: "Protection for dungeon explorers. Earth's Hunters face significant physical threats, and current armor options sacrifice mobility for protection. Your balance appears superior."
Another pause, longer this time.
Valis Silvertongue: "Earth realm. Fascinating. The dimensional barriers there pose unique challenges for fabric enchantment. Tell me, does your realm still primarily use metal and leather for protection?"
Frank recognized the merchant's approach—establishing knowledge before discussing price. He leaned into it.
Frank: "Primarily. Some magical infusion exists, but material science remains our foundation. Enchantment sustainability is indeed our greatest challenge."
Valis Silvertongue: "A realm of practical solutions, then. Admirable. Regarding the Shieldcloth—how many units would serve your needs?"
Frank calculated quickly. Too few would limit profit potential; too many would strain his token reserves.
Frank: "I would consider thirty units, assuming appropriate pricing."
The response came faster this time.
Valis Silvertongue: "A substantial order. For such a quantity, 800 tokens per unit would be my starting offer."
Frank's eyes narrowed slightly. The opening bid was high—intentionally so. It was expected but still aggressive. He tapped his fingers against his knee contemplating his response.
Frank: "Your craftsmanship justifies premium pricing. However, I must point out that comparable protection can be found in Stoneheart realm for approximately 600 tokens, albeit with a less elegant design."
It was a small gamble—he hadn't confirmed Stoneheart pricing yet, but the realm specialized in defensive equipment. The market patterns he had observed suggested the comparison was plausible.
Valis Silvertongue: "Stoneheart creates excellent armor, but their fabric work lacks refinement. 750 tokens would better reflect the quality differential."
Frank allowed himself a small smile. The negotiation had begun in earnest.
Frank: "I appreciate your perspective. However, as a new merchant in your realm, I must consider establishment costs alongside inventory investment. 550 tokens would allow me to showcase your work across multiple Hunter groups."
Valis Silvertongue: "Your strategy has merit, though 550 undervalues the enchantment process significantly. Perhaps there are additional considerations that might balance our positions?"
This was an opening—Sapphire Court merchants often valued resources beyond simple tokens. Frank tapped into his Market Insight, considering what might interest a master clothier.
Frank: "I notice your merchant profile mentions interest in Earth metals. Our realm possesses several alloys with unique properties. I could include material samples with future orders as a gesture of ongoing partnership."
The typing indicator pulsed for nearly ten seconds before the response appeared.
Valis Silvertongue: "Your offer intrigues me. Earth metals have distinctive resonance patterns that complement certain enchantment frequencies. Very well. 650 tokens."
Still high, but the gap was closing. Frank pressed further.
Frank: "Samples of titanium, carbon steel, and nickel alloys could be arranged. For thirty units at 400 tokens each, I would commit to quarterly orders of similar volume."
Valis Silvertongue: "Bold negotiation, Earth Merchant. 500 tokens, with the understanding that metal samples accompany your next order."
Frank considered the offer. The price was approaching reasonable territory, but it still wasn't quite there. He decided to make one final push.
Frank: "450 tokens, with samples included in this order rather than the next. I have access to small quantities immediately."
A longer pause followed.
Valis Silvertongue: "Your persistence reflects a true merchant's spirit. 400 tokens per unit, with the samples as described, and a minimum commitment of twenty-five units per quarter for the next year."
Frank studied the counter-offer. Four hundred tokens per unit for thirty units would cost 12,000 tokens total—more than he currently had. But the quarterly commitment was manageable, and Shieldcloth would likely command premium prices on Earth.
Frank: "You honor me with fair terms. I accept your offer, with one modification: I'll purchase thirty units now but request that the minimum commitment for future orders be twenty units quarterly instead of twenty-five."
Valis Silvertongue: "Terms accepted. Your order will be prepared for transfer. Please arrange metal samples for inclusion in the delivery orb."
A system notification appeared immediately:
『Trade Agreement Initiated』
『30x Shieldcloth Combat Suit @ 400 Tokens Each』
『Total: 12,000 Tokens』
『Current Balance: 7,400 Tokens』
『Warning: Insufficient Funds』
『Options: Reduce Quantity, Arrange Payment Plan, or Increase Balance』
Without hesitation, Frank tapped the third option. The system displayed his remaining inventory of Earth goods—primarily food items and basic supplies. Nothing that would generate enough tokens quickly.
He switched to his sales history, then smiled. The tomatoes and energy drinks had been his most profitable items by far. He opened a new window and navigated to his Earth-side transaction records. The Association had deposited his Firefang Queen loot payment just hours ago.
Perfect timing.
He grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. The market would be opening soon.