Merchant of The Universe

Ethan had just settled into his quarters when the shop's bell rang—an urgent, almost desperate chime that sent a shiver down his spine. He sighed, rubbing his temples. Rest never lasted long.

Stepping into the shop, he found two figures standing at the counter. One was a lean man in a dark, travel-worn cloak, his face half-hidden beneath a hood. The other was a stocky warrior with short-cropped silver hair, a greatsword strapped to his back. Both radiated an air of exhaustion.

"Are you the shopkeeper?" the cloaked man asked, his voice hoarse.

Ethan nodded. "Depends on what you need."

The warrior leaned forward, eyes sharp. "We need something to escape a pursuit. Something that can buy us time."

Ethan studied them. The silver-haired warrior had a deep cut along his arm, barely wrapped in cloth. The cloaked man's fingers drummed on the counter—a nervous tic.

"Who's after you?" Ethan asked.

The cloaked man hesitated before answering, "A bounty hunter. One who never fails."

Ethan glanced at the shop's inventory. Several items fit their needs, but nothing cheap. "I have a Shadow Veil—a cloak that bends light around the wearer for a limited time. Or a Stepstone Talisman, which can teleport you a short distance."

The warrior shook his head. "Not good enough. We need something stronger."

Ethan sighed and tapped the counter. The system flickered, and a new item surfaced.

Phantom Mirage Crystal

A rare crystal that projects a flawless illusion of the holder for ten minutes while making the real body invisible for the same duration.

"This is your best bet," Ethan said. "It costs 4 Astral Coins."

The cloaked man cursed. "We only have 2."

Ethan tapped his fingers, considering. He didn't want to sell at a loss, but something about them felt different. "What else do you have for trade?"

The warrior pulled a small vial from his belt. "A Draught of War. Drink it, and you'll have the strength and reflexes of a seasoned warrior for an hour."

Ethan's system scanned it.

Draught of War

A potent combat elixir. Boosts strength, agility, and stamina for one hour. Side effects: extreme fatigue after use.

It wasn't something he'd use, but it had resale value. "Fine. Two Astral Coins and the elixir."

The cloaked man exhaled in relief, handing over the payment. Ethan slid the crystal to them. "I hope you know what you're doing."

The warrior smirked. "We don't. But that's never stopped us before."

They disappeared into the shop's exit, leaving Ethan to wonder what trouble he had just helped unleash.