009

The middle-aged man couldn't believe his eyes. He could recognize the shine of the stone quite easily. It was a rainbow diamond. While this gem had been a myth to the poor miners, it was a proof of standing to those with money. Obviously, world views were different from one person to another. To 748, this was a treasure straight out of his dreams. To the middle-aged man, it was just a precious and rare gemstone.

The fact remained that this was something valuable. While he had enough money to buy some if he ever wished to, it still costs a lot. It was priced at around a hundred thousand per gram in spatial coins. He certainly didn't expect to find a bum with one randomly in the streets. Did those stone lose their value or something?

He turned towards the bum and moved quickly trying to grab the stone. Who would ever believe he was a thief if he said the bum was?

Unfortunately for him, 748 wasn't a pushover. Not in that way at least. His hand closed and retracted before the man could do anything.

The man smirked as he told him: "Hand over the stone or I will call the security"

748 smirked back: "Do you think they would catch me? Or give the stone back to you? Let's make a deal instead, it's a win-win for both of us"

The middle-aged man pondered. It was true that while he called the guards, this bum would probably escape. He might lose the opportunity if this happened. Considering how the bum approached him, he was likely in dire need of money, forcing him to resort to this… Maybe he even stole the stone? That didn't matter though. As long as he got his hands on it, it would be his. He started changing his mind and became willing to trade.

As for 748, from the start, he believed in himself. If things turned south, he could easily escape before the guards found him. As for being apprehended later on, it would be unlikely. As a miner, he didn't have any official identity. Who could find a ghost? Especially in a giant metropole. He was certain the man would bite. Because this was an opportunity no businessman would reject. And he was right.

The man looked at him and said: "500"

748 expected that he would try to scam him but he didn't think the man would be so shameless. He laughed as he retorted: "I may look like this but I am not a fool. You're not the only one I can sell it to around here"

The man smirked as he said: "But you need money quickly, don't you? 1000"

748 shook his head sideways before he said: "10 000"

The man said: "Deal"

748 felt scammed. He was being scammed. But he didn't bother trying to bargain further. He needed 1000 for the trip and having 9000 more would be enough to settle on a new planet. The trade went smoothly as the man took out ten pieces of paper from a luxurious looking wallet. Those were 1000 bills.

748 had never seen a single 100 bill before and now, in exchange for one of the smallest gem he had, he got 10 of the 1000… But he didn't have the time to enjoy the moment. He turned around and left as the middle-aged man grinned while admiring the stone that he just bought for close to 10 000 cheaper than its real value. It was likely the deal of his lifetime and it would make for one of his greatest stories.

As for 748, he wasn't saddened in the slightest. 10 000 was more than enough. He only wished to leave this horrible planet and start anew. As for losing out, it couldn't be helped. He was too weak to expect more. It was already a godsent that he managed to sell it right away.

Moving on, he entered the airport and went straight to a counter. He wasn't the only one trying to buy a ticket but as they saw him arrive, the people waiting in line left for another line. Was it that repulsive? It didn't matter. It saved him some time. He smiled at that fact. For once, it helped that he was filthy.

The woman manning the counter would have disagreed…

However, she was on the clock. She had to be respectful to all customers. Even if they were bums. The security guards around were eyeing her counter and focusing on the guest. They would intervene if anything happened… It wasn't the first time a poor fool came here to beg for a ticket. Wouldn't be the last one either.

As he reached her counter, a stench like she never smelled coming from a human hit her nose. She wanted to puke yet couldn't. She did her best to stop herself from retching. Her face did twist in a very ugly way though.

748 didn't find it weird. People always looked at him with such a face outside the mine. He took out a bill first to show that he was a 'real' customer and the eyes of everyone changed. Money truly had a fascinating power.

Even the woman behind the counter had her face slightly less twisted as she told him with a sweet voice: "Welcome to the Roven Space Airport, how may I be of assistance to you, Sir?"

748 grinned broadly as he said: "A one-way ticket please!"

The woman had expected so. They were rare but there were some people like him. Those from the very bottom who managed, one way or another, to collect enough money to escape. They picked a new planet and tried to settle there. She didn't think they would be more successful over there but she didn't need to care.

Her job was only to sell tickets. So, she asked him: "Where would you like to go, Sir?"