Merchant of The Universe

Ethan stood behind the counter, tapping his fingers against the wood.

Two more Astral Coins. That was all he needed for the Personal Quarters, but unless another customer walked in soon, he was out of luck.

The shop was eerily quiet. No footsteps. No shimmering lights from beyond the door.

"Come on," he muttered. "Someone's gotta need something…"

He glanced around the shop, taking in the shelves. What exactly do I even sell?

So far, two random items had appeared in response to his customers' needs, but could he choose what to stock?

"System, can I see the current inventory?"

A golden panel appeared in front of him.

---

[Shop Inventory]

1. Healing Potion (Common) - 1 Astral Coin

Restores minor wounds and fatigue.

2. Binding Sigil (Grade C) - 5 Astral Coins

Stabilizes unstable magical cores.

3. Basic Enchanted Dagger - 3 Astral Coins

A simple weapon with a self-sharpening edge.

4. Bag of Ever-Fresh Bread - 2 Astral Coins

A small pouch that keeps bread warm and fresh indefinitely.

5. Minor Mana Crystal - 4 Astral Coins

A rechargeable crystal that restores magic energy when held.

---

Ethan's eyes scanned the list. Huh. So the shop did have some general stock, even without specific customer requests.

His gaze landed on the Bag of Ever-Fresh Bread.

"…Okay, that's hilarious." He shook his head. Magic items were one thing, but a bag that kept bread warm? Somewhere out there, an interdimensional baker was probably having a breakdown.

Before he could think too much about it, the shop door clicked.

Ethan immediately straightened up.

The door swung open, and a man in ragged clothing stumbled inside.

He was thin, his face pale, and his hands trembling. His dark hair was slicked back with sweat, and his breathing was ragged. But what caught Ethan's attention the most was the faint blue glow in his veins.

The man looked sick.

His frantic eyes locked onto Ethan, and he rushed forward, slamming a pouch onto the counter.

"Merchant!" he gasped. "I need a Healing Potion—now!"

Ethan's heartbeat quickened.

This guy was in bad shape. His entire body was radiating unstable mana, and his skin had a strange cracked texture, almost like it was turning into crystal.

The system reacted.

[Customer Identified: Jasper Verin]

[Afflicted by Mana Corruption]

[Condition: Critical – Immediate Treatment Required]

Ethan didn't hesitate. He grabbed the Healing Potion from the shelf and placed it in front of Jasper.

"1 Astral Coin," he said quickly.

Jasper's shaking hands fumbled to open the pouch. Inside were several dull silver coins, a handful of cracked gemstones, and… a small golden ring.

The system instantly identified the currency.

[Mixed currency detected. Converting to Astral Coins…]

[Total Value: 1.8 Astral Coins.]

Ethan saw the confirmation and nodded. "Good enough."

The pouch vanished, and in exchange, the Healing Potion floated toward Jasper.

Without a second thought, the man uncorked the bottle and chugged it down in one gulp.

For a moment, nothing happened.

Then—

A pulse of golden light burst from his chest, spreading through his veins. The blue glow in his body dimmed, and the crystal-like cracks in his skin began to fade.

Jasper gasped, stumbling back slightly, his whole body shaking.

Slowly, his breathing steadied. His skin returned to normal.

He looked down at his hands, flexing them in disbelief. Then he exhaled, relief flooding his face.

"By the gods…" he muttered. "It actually worked."

Ethan leaned against the counter, crossing his arms. "You're welcome."

Jasper looked up at him, eyes filled with something between gratitude and exhaustion.

"I owe you my life," he said, voice steady now. "If I had waited any longer, the corruption would have spread to my core."

Ethan tilted his head. "You mind telling me what happened?"

Jasper hesitated, then sighed.

"I was hunting a spirit beast in the Veilwood," he admitted. "Thought I could handle it. But it hit me with a Mana Disruption Curse before I could land a killing blow. My own magic turned against me, and… well, you saw the result."

Ethan frowned. "Why not just go to a healer?"

Jasper laughed bitterly. "Oh, trust me, I tried. Every healer I found either demanded a fortune or refused to treat me, claiming it was 'too late.'" He shook his head. "I had nowhere else to go."

He glanced around the shop, eyes filled with curiosity. "Then, out of nowhere, this shop appeared in front of me. Like it was… calling me."

Ethan tensed. The shop chose him?

So the system doesn't just open the door randomly—it targets people who need it most…

Jasper exhaled slowly, then bowed his head slightly. "I don't have much left, but if you ever need something done—call on me. I owe you that much."

A soft ding echoed in Ethan's ears.

[New Contact Established: Jasper Verin – Mercenary & Monster Hunter.]

[Favor Owed: 1]

Ethan's eyebrows lifted slightly. So I can earn favors, too? Interesting.

Jasper straightened, adjusting his now slightly less ragged coat. "I should go before anyone realizes I'm missing." He nodded at Ethan. "Until we meet again, Merchant."

With that, he turned and stepped out the door.

Ethan barely had time to process the encounter before the system updated.

[Transaction Complete: +1 Astral Coin.]

[Total Balance: 7 Astral Coins.]

Ethan let out a breath, staring at the glowing notification.

One more sale.

Just one more Astral Coin, and he could afford his own quarters.

He looked toward the door, anticipation growing in his chest.

"Alright," he muttered. "Who's next?"