Merchant of The Universe

Ethan sat behind the counter, staring at the Sealed Relic Box as if it might open out of sheer frustration. The appraiser had given him two days to find an Ethereal Inkstone, and his Astral Coin balance wasn't exactly looking great.

"Three coins for a single item…" he muttered, leaning back in his chair. He barely had enough to scrape by, and spending most of his funds on a gamble wasn't the safest bet. But something about this box, about the Collector of the Forgotten, nagged at him. He had a feeling this wasn't just some ordinary trinket.

He tapped his fingers on the wooden counter. "Alright, System, show me my options."

A translucent menu unfolded before him.

Shop Inventory Search: Ethereal Inkstone

Availability: Limited

Cost: 3 Astral Coins

Additional Sources: Unknown

That was it. No alternative locations, no ways to earn one easily. He either bought it or went searching blind.

Before he could dwell on it, the shop bell rang. A new customer.

Ethan straightened as a hooded figure entered, their steps quiet but purposeful. The moment the door shut behind them, a strange sensation prickled at Ethan's senses—like a shift in the air, something unfamiliar but not entirely threatening.

The figure pulled back their hood, revealing a sharp-featured man with silver-threaded hair and dark, discerning eyes. His clothing was layered in dark fabric, reinforced with leather straps and glimmering runic etchings along the sleeves.

"A merchant of the universe," the man said, his voice smooth yet measured. "Fascinating."

Ethan kept his expression neutral. "That's what the sign says."

The stranger's gaze flicked to the Sealed Relic Box on the counter. A small, knowing smile touched his lips.

"Seeking to unlock what should remain hidden?"

Ethan frowned. "You know what this is?"

The man stepped forward, lightly tracing a finger across the surface of the box.

"Not precisely. But I recognize the craft of the one who sealed it." His eyes flicked to Ethan. "You'll find that some secrets come at a price far greater than gold."

Ethan's grip on the counter tightened. "You're not here just to browse, are you?"

A brief silence stretched between them before the man finally chuckled.

"No. I'm here to make a trade." He reached into his cloak and produced a small, ornate vial filled with a swirling, silver liquid. It shimmered, almost alive.

Starlit Essence

A rare alchemical component harvested from celestial phenomena. Extremely valuable to enchanters and alchemists alike.

Ethan's pulse quickened. This wasn't just any trade—this was an opportunity.

"What do you want for it?" he asked, careful not to seem overeager.

The man's smile widened slightly. "Information. Specifically, I want to know where you acquired that box."

Ethan hesitated. He thought back to the Collector of the Forgotten, the strange transaction, and the warning that had come with it.

But at the same time, this was a rare chance. The Starlit Essence was valuable—perhaps even valuable enough to help him with the appraiser's request.

The question was: Was it worth the risk?