Merchant of The Universe

Ethan sat at the counter, the Sealed Relic Box before him, alongside the Celestial Binding Stone and the Echo Shard. His fingers drummed against the wood as he considered his next step.

He decided to start with the Echo Shard. If the box had a history, this would reveal it.

Holding the shard over the box, Ethan focused, channeling a small pulse of energy into it. The crystal flickered, shifting colors rapidly before settling into a dim, ghostly blue.

Then, whispers filled the shop.

Not voices, exactly—more like fragments of sound, echoes of something long past. Shadows flickered across the surface of the box, taking shape.

A hooded figure, their features obscured, cradled the box in their hands. Ethan could see their fingers moving in deliberate patterns, tracing a seal of power onto the wood.

Then another figure appeared—this one towering, draped in ceremonial robes embroidered with golden threads. Their hands moved with authority, weaving a second layer of protection around the first.

A voice, distant yet clear, rang through the shop.

"This knowledge must not fall into the wrong hands."

The vision faded, and the Echo Shard dimmed.

Ethan exhaled slowly. Two different enchantments. Two different people sealing it.

And the way they spoke… this wasn't just any locked box. This was something dangerous.

But that didn't mean he would stop.

He reached for the Celestial Binding Stone next. Unlike the Echo Shard, this was meant for analysis—figuring out how to break the seals.

Placing the stone against the box, he activated it. A faint hum filled the air as golden runes bloomed across the wood, revealing the layers of magic binding it shut.

The first seal was complex but familiar—a personal binding, something that tied the box to the one who sealed it. It required a specific key or enough energy to force it open.

The second seal was… different.

It pulsed with a deep, almost otherworldly energy. Unlike the first, this one wasn't just keeping people out—it was keeping something in.

Ethan's grip tightened on the Binding Stone. Now he had a choice.

The first seal? He could probably break it with the right key or raw power.

But the second one? If he removed it without understanding what it was holding back, he might regret it.

Ethan sighed, leaning back. He needed more information before taking the risk.

A soft chime rang through the shop as the door opened.

The appraiser had returned.

She stepped inside, her sharp gaze landing immediately on the box. "I see you've done some work already."

Ethan nodded. "And I've got questions."

She smiled. "Then let's get you some answers."