Retail Market

Davi grabbed onto Esmond hand and led him through the crowds as they headed to various locations throughout the Retail Market.

Some places he wanted to revisit was the Auction House, Library, and Arena, but based on what Davi said he decided to learn more about them.

"You don't want to go to the Arena without some idea of what you're up against.

The fighters aren't simple, plus they all have great strength and power that could destroy planets without any issue so please be aware.

If you want to head to the Library then be prepared for the added cost of purchasing books and information of all kinds and if you head to the Auction House, then expect to face thousands after the same item."

"Seems like you know a lot about the Retail Market Davi…

Are you a System Host as well?"

Davi looked a little disheartened when Esmond questioned if he was a user.

Esmond picked up that his words had hurt Davis feelings, but he just crouched down to meet Davis eye line and asked if he was ok.

"Are you ok Davi?"

"Mmm…

Sorry Mister…"

"It's not Mister…

It's Esmond, or Esy if you like, ok?"

Davi nodded and tightly held onto Esmonds hand as he led him away from the busy crowds and streets to take him away down to a side alley that led further below the main street.

Once they were far away from the noise and bustling sounds of the main streets, Davi explained the world of the Retail Market to Esmond.

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"Esy… I'm not a user, instead I am someone indigenous to the world…

Along with me, various other types of people and races live here, though we aren't subjected to the same offers and options users have.

For many of us, we live under the streets where we have created our own city and lives, however it then becomes a powerplay for the strong to rule over the weak."

Esmond couldn't believe the maturity of Davi but he understood it would have occurred because of the lifestyle he has gone through.

Reaching the underground city that was similar in kind to the above ground market, however there wasn't the same chaos above, down in the underground market.

Plus, everyone seemed dim and depressed because of the atmosphere.

It was quite disheartening to see but Esmond knew he couldn't do anything and just continued to follow Davi has he led him to his home.

Soon they arrived before a small shop that was open though it didn't look like anyone was browsing inside.

Following Davi inside he was surprised to see the old man behind the counter look up at Davi, ignoring his presence.

"You made it back…?"

"Yeah Gramps! Plus I brought a friend!"

The old man sent Davi on his way to the back so he could eat while he dealt with Esmond who was drawn immediately to the items on the walls.

He was shocked to find items that had no connection with each other being sold by the old man, though they weren't cheap, Esmond was petrified by the stock of the old man.

.

"Find anything you like, kid?"

"Everything…"

"Huh? Did you just say everything?"

"Yes…"

The old man had a look of his belief as he played with his long white beard that reached past his waist.

His attention before was on the electronics a customer had dropped by to be repaired, however he stopped everything once he heard Esy talk with reverence in his voice when he questioned about the goods on sale.

"What do you find eye catching, kid?"

"… How you've managed to create a storage device for elements…"

The old man had to step back and really inspect Esmond closely as he was the first person to notice the ring he had on display for 100,000,000 Credits, though it meant nobody would purchase it based on his clientele, he rather waited to see who might be able to pick it out.

"… No wonder… he brought you here…"

The old man reminisced about the past when he saw the only other person who questioned him about the ring.

No more than 3 or 4 at the time, the kid asked how he was able to create something so powerful…

From that day on that child, Davi, would live with the old man, who he begun to raise as his successor to the business, but he never expected to find a User who knew about the importance of the ring.

.

Esmond heard what the Old man said but it didn't concern him right now, instead he wanted to know more about the Old man.

"Tell me, what is the true purpose of the Market?"

The old man just smiled like someone had finally asked the right question, "To find the one…."

Esmond wanted to know more but he could tell the old man wouldn't say another word on the matter, leaving the conversating to faulter.

"… Do you buy goods?" Esmond asked, not wanting to bring up the ring or Market so he asked about selling some of the products from the inventory.

His reason being was the amount stored within the Inventory, though it wouldn't ever go bad, he still felt the amount he had right now was insane.

The system had already sold roughly 5 million tons of steel, which made him several million credits, 1 million tons of ogryx steel alloy that earned him much more than he expected, covering most of the credits earned.

But the one that brought him the most income was the phrik which only sold half a million tons, but it was more than enough to earn 10's of millions of credits easily.

His current balance was roughly 261 million Credits with the addition of the rewards for his Retail Achievement, but he also had 11 million beforehand, since the system made 50 million Credits worth of sales regardless.

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"What are you selling kid?" the old man had not qualms buying materials however it wasn't something he preferred doing because of the hassle it would take to break down the goods into their original material form.

However, he felt the kid in front of him was different than the other fools that came so he didn't mind humouring him.

He put on a special set of glasses that helped him inspect and check the quality of items from up close.

Esmond opened up his Inventory and quickly summoned some materials to show at first.

There was food that wasn't infused with Spiritual Energy, minerals, fabric, and electronics all produced within the space.

He wanted to see the difference in price compared to what the system got him from the mainframe of the Retail Market.

.

Watching the old man work, he stood to the side as Davi returned with a bowl of soup and bread for Esmond.

Not wanting to refuse he accepted and sat down on the floor as Davi went over to help the old man who called for his help.

"What do you think Davi?"

"Hmm… it looks like the purity of the steel isn't anything great… but this steel… it's different."

"It has elements of Psionic Energy imprints…

You need to be careful to look out for these kinds of marks otherwise you might be fool or pass on some quality items."

"Understood Gramps…"

"Hey kid, are you positive about selling all of this?"

Esmond just nodded as he was too focused on eating.

He saw how Davi looked at the food he brought out like he was ready to put his life on the line to have a taste, but the old man stored everything before he could get his hands on it.

Davi left to the back of the shop so he could study as Esmond didn't plan to take him anywhere for the day and he'd also paid an extra 10 credits to employ Davi for the day so he wouldn't be called by someone else.

Once he'd left the old man turned his attention to Esmond, "I don't know who you are… nor do I care that much…

But hell, your being to make me feel that there is something off about you… especially with the types of materials you're selling."

"To tell you the truth, I just want to know about this place and its purpose above anything…

Also, how I can make my own dime here?"

"… You are already a part of the system kid…

Just buying and selling is the main game, but it isn't the underlying truth.

This place could be considered one of the centres of the universe…

Wouldn't you want to be the lord who controls that power?"

"So, it's pretty much a battle to see who the top gun above the rest is…"

"Pretty much…"

It wasn't far from what Esmond had first thought about the possible underlying reasons of the Retail Market, but hearing the old man, it made things clearer for him, so he asked the old man a question instead.

"… What if I want to join the race…?"

The old man smirked as left the counter and locked the door to the store before leading Esmond to the back of the store.

.

"What's your specialty?" the old man asked so he would have some clue of Esmond planned to be the base of their business operations.

"Same stuff I showed earlier… pretty much an endless supply of it…

But mostly waste processing and making it into useable goods."

The old man gave him a questionable look but chose not to ask about his methods as it was personal and obviously something no one would easily give away.

But it meant one thing for the old man.

'Finally found someone to deal with the crap…'

.

The old man left Esmond alone in the back room that was similar to a small house with a kitchen and little lounge where Davi was studying diligently, which brought a smile to Esmonds face.

A short while after the old man returned with a small wooden box and throw it over to Esmond.

"Open it and put on the same wrist as your other bracelet…

Also… don't freak out…"

Esmond didn't hear the second part, as his attention was on the platinum bracelet that somehow woke up the golden colour of his own bracelet.

Soon the bracelets were attached together and merged into one, with the colour fluctuating until he settled on a golden platinum shine that was then hidden under the same dark black tint as before.

What he was surprised to find was the notification from the system as well as an alert from his bracelet.

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*Ding*

[<#&%@> Portfolio has been added as to User – 8913745]

[User – 8913745 authority level is qualified to accept Portfolio]

[Does Host Accept?]

[Yes?]

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*Bing*

{Please turn on location tracking…}

{(Unrecognized) Caller is trying to get in touch…}

{Would Host like to turn on location tracking…}

{Yes?}

…

..

.

Esmond was really puzzled by watch was going on and turned to look towards the old man who was looking back him with a weird glint in his eyes.

"HAHAHA!!!"

"Dammit Gramps! You made me spill my milk!"

"Sorry sport…"

He scrambled to help clean up some of the mess Davi made, ignoring the ecstatic feeling in his heart and mind.

'AHAHA! I never thought that would have worked!'

The old man didn't want to say anything, but he could tell Esmond was going to be leaving anytime soon until he got an answer, so he gestured to him to take a seat.

Davi continued to study, trying not to listen in but he was too curious.

The old man didn't care nor did Esmond, so they let him study in front of them.

"Sorry kid, but the thing I gave you is kind of a double edge sword…"

"How so?" Esmond wasn't completely annoyed since he felt the old man would have given him something that might come back to haunt Davi later if people couldn't harm him, so he gave the old man the privilege to explain.

"*Sigh* That bracelet has been with me for a long time… much too long…

Anyway, the one that held it before you was leading part of the race for control… unfortunately his poor luck ended up costing him his life…

While I don't mean to put you in the same jeopardy as he was, I think you might be able to use it so your able to take a stance in the fight…

I won't say anymore, but I know once you accept the system notification or the bracelets one, you'll be whisked away in no time."

Esmond looked at the old man, trying to see if he could see some fault in the man but what it all looked like to him was calmness and the disregard of fear.

.

The old man chose to say nothing more but threw two more items towards him as he could tell Esmond would leave shortly.

One contained the Credits for the goods earlier which Esmond didn't expect to be paid for since he ate the soup and bread which filled him up partly.

There was 980,000 Credits on the small disk which contained the credits and absorbed into his bracelet.

The other gift was the ring he saw earlier.

Esmond wanted to hand it back to the old man because of the price, but the old man wouldn't have it, saying, "I've given you a double-edged sword, at least take a shield to protect yourself…"

With that and a little ruffle of Davis hair, Esmond was ready to head out, but stopped to say his name.

"Zars…"

"… Gramps…" the old man replied with a smile.

There was nothing else left for him to do but accept the notifications so clicked 'Yes' on both before his body vanished from outside the door.

The old man sitting inside had his eyes from the second Esmond left the back room of his store, opened them as a bright smile came across his wrinkly, bearded face, 'Good luck kid… hopefully you can deal with it…'