《Merchant of the Universe》 The Door That Shouldn’t Exist Ethan Shaw had seen plenty of strange things in his life¡ªcity lights flickering in odd rhythms, cats staring at empty spaces, and the occasional d¨¦j¨¤ vu so strong it made him question reality. But nothing, absolutely nothing, prepared him for the door. It was an ordinary night. The kind where exhaustion clung to his bones, and the dull ache of an empty stomach reminded him that he hadn¡¯t eaten since noon. He had spent the day stacking books in a tiny secondhand bookstore, arguing with customers who thought ¡°rare¡± meant ¡°cheap,¡± and dodging calls from his landlord. And yet, as he walked down the familiar alley toward his apartment, he stopped. There, standing in the middle of the narrow passage, was a door that shouldn¡¯t exist. It had no building to be attached to, no walls supporting it. Just a freestanding wooden frame, tall and ornate, carved from deep mahogany with swirling silver engravings that seemed to shift when he wasn¡¯t looking directly at them. Ethan blinked. This wasn¡¯t here yesterday. He glanced around. The alley was as empty as ever. No pranksters, no hidden cameras. Just the dim glow of a flickering streetlamp overhead and the distant hum of the city beyond. Curiosity wrestled with common sense. Weird door in an alley? Obvious trap. But there was something¡­ magnetic about it. The way the wood gleamed under the light. The way the air around it seemed just a little too still. The way his fingers itched to touch the silver handle. His instincts screamed at him to walk away.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. He reached out anyway. The moment his fingers brushed against the handle, a sharp click echoed through the alley. The door swung open¡ªon its own. And the world changed. Ethan stumbled forward, his breath catching in his throat as the city vanished behind him. Instead of the grimy alley, he now stood in the middle of a vast, dimly lit hall. The ceiling stretched impossibly high, lost in swirling shadows. Walls lined with shelves towered on either side, filled with items that defied logic¡ªa floating crystal pulsating with golden light, a dagger humming with unseen power, a glass bottle labeled ¡°Bottled Moonlight ¨C One Sip Only¡±. The air smelled of old parchment, rare spices, and something faintly electric. At the center of the hall, behind a long wooden counter, sat a glowing, floating sign. Letters formed out of golden light, shifting like ink suspended in water. [WELCOME, NEW PROPRIETOR.] Ethan¡¯s pulse pounded in his ears. ¡°What the hell¡­¡± The sign shimmered. [Confirming identity¡­] A soft hum filled the air. Ethan stepped back. The shelves trembled slightly, as if the entire room had come alive. Then, the sign changed. [Owner recognized: Ethan Shaw.] [The Multiversal Merchant System is now active.] A sharp chime rang through the air. Ethan flinched. Something cold sank into his mind¡ªnot painful, but intrusive. A flood of information poured into his brain, as if invisible hands were sifting through his thoughts. The shop. The system. The rules. Ethan staggered, gripping the counter for support as the knowledge settled. This wasn¡¯t just a shop. It was a pocket dimension, a traveling store that could appear in different worlds. The shelves were stocked with items from across realities, from enchanted relics to futuristic technology. And he¡ªan exhausted, broke bookstore clerk¡ªwas now its owner. ¡°¡­This has to be a dream,¡± Ethan muttered. He looked toward the entrance. The door stood there, still open, showing the dark alley outside. A way back. A way to pretend this never happened. But before he could move, something knocked. A soft, deliberate sound. Ethan turned. His breath hitched. Beyond the threshold of the shop, standing just outside the doorway, was something that wasn¡¯t human. And it was waiting to come in. Chapter 2: The First Customer A knock. Soft. Deliberate. Too patient to belong to an ordinary person. Ethan¡¯s breath hitched. His gaze flicked to the open door, where something¡ªor someone¡ªstood just outside. The figure was cloaked, their face hidden beneath the shadow of a deep hood. They weren¡¯t tall, barely reaching Ethan¡¯s chin, but there was something off about them. The way the dim shop lights didn¡¯t quite touch them, the way their presence felt like a ripple in reality. Slowly, they stepped forward. The moment they crossed the threshold, Ethan felt a shift in the air, like the shop itself had acknowledged their arrival. The door clicked shut behind them. [New Customer Detected.] The system¡¯s message flickered in Ethan¡¯s vision. Now that the figure was closer, Ethan could make out more details. Their robes were dark, deep blue with silver embroidery forming unfamiliar symbols along the edges. The fabric itself shimmered faintly, like it was woven from starlight. And then, they spoke. ¡°I seek a trade.¡± The voice was layered¡ªone deep and resonant, the other soft and whispery, as if two voices were speaking at once. It was hard to pin down a gender, but something about the tone, the slight tilt of the head, suggested feminine.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Before Ethan could respond, she reached into the folds of her robe, producing a small pouch. It landed on the wooden counter with a soft clink, spilling a few golden coins. Ethan¡¯s mind stuttered. Gold? ¡°I need something to stabilize a shifting soul,¡± she continued, her fingers resting lightly on the coins. ¡°Do you have what I seek?¡± Ethan swallowed. His heart pounded, but his hands moved on their own, drawn forward by some unseen force. The moment he focused on her request, the shelves reacted. A faint hum filled the air, and a single item slid forward¡ªa small, ornate bottle no bigger than Ethan¡¯s palm, filled with a swirling silver liquid. The system¡¯s words formed in his vision. [Item: Moonshade Elixir] [A rare alchemical solution, capable of stabilizing shifting souls.] [Price: 10 Astral Coins or equivalent trade.] Ethan¡¯s eyes darted to the gold coins on the counter. Astral Coins? What the hell were those? Did this shop have its own currency? The woman tilted her head slightly, then reached into her robe again. This time, she placed something else on the counter¡ªa single, silver-white coin that shimmered like starlight. The moment it touched the wood, the system responded. [Equivalent trade accepted.] The bottle lifted gently off the shelf, drifting toward the customer. She caught it in one smooth motion and nodded once. ¡°A fair exchange,¡± she murmured. Then, she turned toward the door. It opened on its own, revealing a world Ethan couldn¡¯t understand¡ªa sky filled with floating islands, illuminated by three moons. The air beyond the door shimmered with faint energy, like looking through the surface of a pond. She stepped through, and the door swung shut behind her. For a long moment, Ethan just stood there, staring. What the hell just happened? His gaze dropped to the silver-white coin still resting on the counter. His first payment. His first sale. The system¡¯s voice whispered in his mind. [Transaction complete.] [Welcome to the Multiversal Marketplace.] Chapter 3: The Shop’s Rules Ethan stared at the silver-white coin still resting on the counter. It shimmered under the shop¡¯s dim lighting, pulsing faintly like a tiny captured star. His first sale. His first customer. A woman cloaked in starlight, her voice layered with echoes, had walked in from a world Ethan couldn''t even comprehend, handed him real gold, and left with a potion that stabilized ¡°shifting souls.¡± His brain struggled to process it. He exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples. Okay. Think. First, he picked up the coin. The moment his fingers touched it, the system reacted. [First Transaction Complete.] [Profit: 1 Astral Coin.] [Shop Owner Privileges Unlocked.] Ethan¡¯s vision blurred for a second as more information flooded into his mind. It wasn¡¯t painful, but it was overwhelming¡ªas if he had suddenly studied years of business management in a matter of seconds. When the sensation faded, he instinctively understood things he hadn¡¯t before. The shop had rules. A floating golden panel appeared in front of him, displaying neatly written text: --- [Multiversal Shop Rules] 1. The Shop Exists in a Pocket Dimension. ? It can appear in different worlds, dimensions, and timelines. ? Time inside the shop flows separately from the outside world. 2. Customers Will Come From Across the Multiverse. ? The shop accepts any being capable of trade.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ?Currency is automatically converted into Astral Coins, the universal medium of exchange. 3. The Shop¡¯s Inventory is Controlled by the System. ? Items will appear on shelves based on demand and the shop owner¡¯s authority. ? The shop owner can request specific types of goods, but not everything will be available immediately. 4. The Door Can Be Opened or Closed at Will. ? The shop owner decides when to accept customers. 5. The Shop Must Follow the Law of Equivalent Exchange. ? Every transaction must be fair¡ª customers cannot be scammed or robbed. 6. The Shop Owner Will Receive Rewards for Business Growth. ? Expanding the shop, making high-value trades, and satisfying powerful customers will unlock more features. --- Ethan read through the rules twice, then exhaled. Okay. That explains a lot. He was now the owner of a traveling, interdimensional shop, serving customers from different worlds. The system handled the inventory and currency conversion, and he could decide when to open or close the shop. And there was a reward system. That last part intrigued him the most. What kind of ¡°rewards¡± are we talking about? As if in response, the golden panel updated. [Shop Owner Bonus Unlocked: Language Synchronization.] [You can now understand and communicate with any being that enters the shop.] Ethan blinked. Wait, what? He opened his mouth to test it, but before he could say anything, the shop door clicked. The sound sent a jolt down his spine. Someone was about to enter. His heart pounded as the handle twisted, and the door swung open. This time, his new customer wasn¡¯t cloaked in mystery. A giant of a man stepped through, ducking under the frame. He was nearly seven feet tall, broad-shouldered, with blue skin covered in intricate glowing tattoos. His eyes were a burning shade of orange, and he wore heavy armor made of some strange metallic material. A massive battle-axe rested on his back, humming faintly with power. The man stepped forward, scanning the shop with a look of curiosity. Then, his gaze locked onto Ethan. ¡°You,¡± he rumbled, his voice deep and gravelly. ¡°Are you the merchant?¡± Ethan swallowed. Oh, crap. ¡°I¡­ guess so?¡± The man nodded, seemingly satisfied. He reached into a pouch at his waist, pulling out a jagged, bloodstained crystal and setting it on the counter. ¡°I need something to tame this.¡± Ethan glanced down at the crystal. The moment he focused on it, the system reacted. [Item Identified: Cursed Beast Core] [A crystallized essence of a slain monster. Unstable and dangerous.] [Searching Inventory for Compatible Items¡­] The shelves shifted behind him. Something was coming. And for the second time that night, Ethan realized: He had absolutely no idea what he was doing. Chapter 4: Taming the Curse Ethan barely had time to process what was happening before the system responded. [Compatible Item Found.] [Item: Binding Sigil (Grade C)] [A disposable talisman that stabilizes unstable magical cores.] [Price: 5 Astral Coins or equivalent trade.] A small wooden box slid forward on the shelf behind him. Ethan turned, hesitantly picking it up and placing it on the counter. The massive blue-skinned warrior stared at it, then back at Ethan. His burning orange eyes narrowed. ¡°This¡­ will contain the beast core?¡± he asked, voice deep and skeptical. Ethan hesitated. Will it? He wasn¡¯t exactly an expert on magical artifacts. But the system had never been wrong so far. ¡°It should,¡± Ethan said, trying to sound more confident than he felt. ¡°It¡¯s designed to stabilize unstable cores. That¡¯s what you needed, right?¡± The warrior grunted, crossing his thick arms. ¡°Hmm. How much?¡± Ethan glanced at the system notification. Five Astral Coins.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. For a moment, panic set in. What if he doesn¡¯t have Astral Coins? But then he remembered the shop¡¯s rules¡ªcurrency is automatically converted. He took a deep breath. ¡°Five Astral Coins or equivalent trade.¡± The warrior considered this, then reached into his pouch, pulling out a handful of small, dark-red gems. He let them drop onto the counter with a heavy clink. The system instantly reacted. [Fireborne Shards detected.] [Material of moderate rarity, commonly used in forging enchanted weapons.] [Value: 6 Astral Coins.] [Exchange accepted.] The talisman lifted off the counter and floated toward the warrior. At the same time, one of the Fireborne Shards vanished¡ªconverted into Astral Coins. The warrior caught the talisman and examined it closely, turning it in his massive fingers. After a moment, he nodded. ¡°Good trade,¡± he said gruffly, tucking it into his pouch. Then, he picked up the remaining Fireborne Shards and turned toward the door. Before leaving, he paused and looked back at Ethan. ¡°You¡¯re new to this,¡± he observed. Ethan tensed. ¡°Is it that obvious?¡± The warrior let out a low chuckle. ¡°A little. But you didn¡¯t try to cheat me, and you had what I needed. That¡¯s what matters.¡± With that, he stepped through the door. For a brief moment, Ethan glimpsed the world outside¡ªa battlefield under a blood-red sky, scattered with the remains of monstrous creatures. Then, the door swung shut behind him. A silence settled over the shop. Ethan let out a slow breath, then collapsed into the nearest chair. Two customers. Two sales. And he still had no idea what he was doing. But one thing was certain¡ªthis wasn¡¯t just some ordinary shop. This was a gateway to the multiverse. And he was now its merchant. Chapter 5: Expanding the Shop Ethan sat behind the counter, staring at the Fireborne Shards left behind by the warrior. They glowed faintly, still warm to the touch, pulsing with a quiet, contained heat. His first two transactions had gone smoothly¡ªsomehow. But now that the rush had passed, reality set in. He wasn¡¯t just playing shopkeeper. He was managing an interdimensional business. A store where magic, technology, and who-knew-what-else collided. I need to get ahead of this before something crazy happens. Right on cue, the system responded. [Shop Owner Progression Unlocked.] [You have completed two transactions. Shop expansion options are now available.] A glowing interface materialized in front of him, listing several options:If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. --- [Shop Expansion Options] 1. Storage Upgrade (5 Astral Coins) Increases shop storage capacity. More items will be stocked at once. 2. Personal Quarters (8 Astral Coins) A private room for the shop owner. Includes a bed, bathroom, and basic amenities. 3. Security Enhancement (10 Astral Coins) Basic defensive wards will be placed around the shop to deter aggressive customers. 4. Advertising Beacon (15 Astral Coins) Attracts more customers from higher-tier worlds, increasing potential profits but also risks. --- Ethan rubbed his chin. He had 6 Astral Coins¡ªthe 1 from his first sale and the 5 from the Fireborne Shards. That meant he couldn¡¯t afford the Personal Quarters yet. ¡°¡­So where do I sleep?¡± he muttered. As if in response, a new notification popped up. [Leaving the shop while it is active will temporarily suspend operations. The door will disappear from all worlds until reopened.] Ethan sighed. ¡°So I can leave, but that means no business while I¡¯m gone¡­¡± Sleeping outside was an option, but it meant closing the shop every time he needed to rest. His only affordable option right now was the Storage Upgrade, but that wasn¡¯t urgent. I just need two more Astral Coins¡­ He leaned back, staring at the shop ceiling. The next sale would be important. If he could make a high-value trade, he could afford Personal Quarters and keep the shop running without ever closing it. With that thought in mind, he straightened up and took a deep breath. Alright. Time to get back to business. Chapter 6: A Desperate Merchant 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.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. 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¡ªnow!¡± 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 ¨C 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 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¡ªit 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¡ªcall on me. I owe you that much.¡± A soft ding echoed in Ethan¡¯s ears. [New Contact Established: Jasper Verin ¨C 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?¡± Chapter 7: The Enigmatic Collector Chapter 7: The Enigmatic Collector Ethan barely had time to catch his breath before the shop¡¯s door creaked open again. This time, the figure who entered didn¡¯t stumble in desperation like Jasper. Instead, he moved with slow, deliberate steps, his presence commanding yet strangely weightless. The customer was tall and cloaked, wrapped in dark blue and gold robes embroidered with swirling constellations. His face was hidden beneath a hood, but faint traces of glowing silver tattoos peeked out from beneath the fabric. Something about him sent a shiver down Ethan¡¯s spine. [Customer Identified: Unknown] [Title: Collector of the Forgotten] [Intent: Seeking Lost Relics] Ethan¡¯s heartbeat quickened. A collector? That sounds... dangerous. The figure slowly approached the counter, gloved hands resting lightly on the polished wood. When he spoke, his voice was smooth and measured, carrying an echo, as if spoken through layers of time itself. ¡°Merchant,¡± he intoned, ¡°do you deal in objects without a past?¡± Ethan blinked. ¡°¡­What?¡± The figure lifted his hand, and suddenly¡ªsomething shimmered into existence. A small, intricately carved wooden box hovered between them, pulsing with a faint blue glow. [Unknown Object Detected.] [Analysis: Incomplete.] Ethan narrowed his eyes. ¡°What is it?¡± The Collector¡¯s lips curled into a mysterious smile.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°That, dear Merchant, is what I wish to know.¡± He placed the box onto the counter and tapped it lightly with a single gloved finger. ¡°This item has no history. No origin. It exists, yet it does not belong to any known world.¡± His glowing silver tattoos pulsed. ¡°I am willing to pay handsomely for any knowledge you can uncover.¡± Ethan hesitated. This was new. Could the shop even appraise something that ¡®doesn¡¯t exist¡¯? ¡°System, can you analyze it?¡± A soft chime echoed. [Attempting Identification¡­] [Processing¡­] The box shuddered slightly, as if resisting the very act of being examined. Then¡ª [Error: Object Exists Outside of Established Timelines.] [Partial Identification Possible. Proceed?] Ethan frowned. Outside of timelines? What does that even mean? ¡°¡­Proceed,¡± he said. A new notification appeared. [Partial Identification Complete.] --- [Item: Nameless Reliquary] Type: ??? Function: ??? Contents: Unknown Warning: Presence of temporal anomalies detected. Handle with caution. --- Ethan exhaled slowly. It barely gave me anything. But the Collector seemed¡­ pleased. ¡°Ah,¡± he whispered, his fingers tracing the surface of the box. ¡°So even your shop cannot name it.¡± He chuckled softly. ¡°Fascinating.¡± He reached into his robes and retrieved a small obsidian vial, filled with swirling silver liquid. ¡°I will offer you this,¡± he said, placing it on the counter. ¡°An Essence of Starfire¡ªa substance known only to a handful of scholars across the realms. And¡­¡± He retrieved two silver Astral Coins and placed them beside the vial. ¡°For the appraisal, of course. Knowledge is valuable, is it not?¡± Ethan didn¡¯t need the system to tell him that this was a good deal. [Shop Appraisal Complete ¨C Earned: +2 Astral Coins] [Trade Confirmed: +1 Essence of Starfire, +2 Astral Coins.] [Total Balance: 9 Astral Coins.] The reliquary vanished, whisked away by the shop¡¯s magic. The Collector let out a satisfied sigh. ¡°A pleasure,¡± he murmured. Then, before Ethan could say another word, he turned and walked out. The shop¡¯s door swung shut. Ethan stared at the Essence of Starfire in his hands, the silver light reflecting in his eyes. Then a new notification popped up. [Total Balance: 9 Astral Coins.] Ethan¡¯s breath caught. He had enough. He placed the vial carefully on the shelf behind him, his mind already spinning with thoughts. Finally, after what felt like days of uncertainty, he could afford the Personal Quarters. A grin tugged at his lips as he pulled up the system menu. ¡°Time to make this place feel like home.¡± Chapter 8: A Place to Call Home Chapter 8: A Place to Call Home Ethan stood in the center of the shop, staring at the glowing menu hovering in front of him. [Shop Expansion Available] [Personal Quarters ¨C 8 Astral Coins] [Confirm Purchase?] His finger hovered over the confirmation button. A part of him hesitated¡ªit wasn¡¯t like he was rolling in Astral Coins yet. But then he remembered the past few hours: strange customers, intense negotiations, and the realization that his shop catered to beings from across the multiverse. He needed a place to rest. Somewhere that wasn¡¯t just the wooden floor behind the counter. He tapped the button. A soft chime echoed through the shop. [Purchase Confirmed. Personal Quarters Unlocked.] For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the wall behind the counter shimmered, shifting like liquid silver. A dark wooden door materialized, seamlessly blending into the shop¡¯s aesthetic. A small plaque above it read: Personal Quarters ¨C Shop Owner Only.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Ethan took a breath and pushed the door open. Inside was¡­ surprisingly normal. A cozy-looking bed sat against the far wall, covered in soft gray sheets. A sturdy wooden desk rested beneath a window¡ªthough Ethan had no idea what kind of view it would show in a pocket dimension. There was even a small bookshelf, a dresser, and a door leading to what he assumed was a bathroom. He stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. Silence. For the first time since stepping into the shop, he was truly alone. No customers. No strange transactions. Just¡­ peace. Ethan let out a long breath, running a hand through his hair. ¡°Finally.¡± He kicked off his shoes and collapsed onto the bed. The mattress was firm but comfortable, and for a moment, he just lay there, staring at the ceiling. The weight of everything hit him at once. This morning, he was a struggling bookstore clerk. Now, he was the owner of an interdimensional shop, trading with warriors, mercenaries, and collectors of the unknown. And yet, despite the insanity of it all¡­ he didn¡¯t hate it. He smirked to himself. If anything, this was the most exciting thing that had ever happened to him. A soft ding pulled him from his thoughts. [New Feature Unlocked: Personal Inventory] [You can now store personal belongings in a dimensional space accessible only to you.] Ethan sat up. ¡°Wait¡­ I have a built-in storage system now?¡± Another panel appeared, showing an empty grid labeled Personal Inventory (Slots: 10). Curious, he reached for the small pouch of Fireborne Shards still in his pocket. The moment he focused on the thought of storing it, the pouch shimmered and vanished, appearing in the inventory window. He grinned. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s going to be useful.¡± With a satisfied sigh, he leaned back against the pillows. For now, there were no urgent customers. No pressing trade deals. Just him and his new room. And for the first time since stepping into this bizarre new life¡­ He allowed himself to rest. Chapter 9: Unfinished Deals Chapter 9: Unfinished Deals Ethan woke up to the sound of a soft chime in his head. [Shop Status: Open] [Potential Customers Detected] He sat up, rubbing his eyes. His Personal Quarters were still as neat as when he had entered them¡ªno signs of wear, no dust, just an ever-present sense of calm. It was strange, but welcome. Stretching, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood. "Guess there''s no real sleeping in here," he muttered, heading for the door. The moment he stepped back into the shop, the shift in atmosphere was palpable. The shop wasn''t just a room¡ªit was alive with unseen energy, waiting for new deals to be made. The door shimmered, signaling an incoming visitor. Ethan straightened, his mind sharpening as a familiar figure stepped inside. Jasper Verin. The mercenary looked much better than before¡ªhis skin no longer showed traces of Mana Corruption, and his movements were steady. His clothes were still worn, but there was a new alertness in his eyes.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Ethan leaned against the counter. "Back so soon?" Jasper smirked. "Told you I''d owe you one. Figured it¡¯s best to settle debts early." Ethan raised an eyebrow. He hadn''t expected Jasper to return so quickly. "And how do you plan to do that?" Jasper reached into his coat and pulled out a small, black-leather pouch. He placed it on the counter, the weight of it making a distinct metallic clink. [Unknown Currency Detected.] [Processing Conversion¡­] [Total Value: 3 Astral Coins.] Ethan¡¯s eyes flicked to the notification. "That¡¯s generous for a single potion," he remarked. Jasper shrugged. "I deal in life-and-death situations, Merchant. That potion didn¡¯t just heal me¡ªit let me keep my job. Consider it a fair trade." Ethan hesitated for a moment before nodding. The pouch vanished as the system claimed it, and his balance updated. [Total Balance: 4 Astral Coins.] Jasper crossed his arms. "Now that we¡¯re square, there¡¯s something else I want to ask. This place¡ª" He gestured around the shop. "How does it work?" Ethan chuckled. "Even I¡¯m still figuring that out." Jasper gave him a long look, then sighed. "Fair enough." He turned toward the door but hesitated before stepping through. "If you ever need information or a contact in my world, look me up. The name¡¯s worth something in the right circles." With that, he left. Ethan exhaled, leaning on the counter. The shop was more than just a business¡ªit was forging connections, pulling people into his orbit. And something told him Jasper wouldn''t be the last to return. The shop pulsed again. Another customer was on the way. Business was just getting started. Chapter 10: The Strangers at Midnight Ethan had just settled into his quarters when the shop¡¯s bell rang¡ªan 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¡ªa nervous tic. ¡°Who¡¯s after you?¡± Ethan asked.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. 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¡ªa 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. Chapter 11: The Curious Artifact The next day, Ethan finally had time to check the strange item he had received from the Collector of the Forgotten. The Sealed Relic Box sat on his counter, a plain wooden container that refused to open. His system displayed only partial information: Sealed Relic Box Contents unknown. Requires the right key or sufficient energy to unlock. ¡°What kind of shopkeeper am I if I can¡¯t even open my own merchandise?¡± Ethan muttered. He tried various methods¡ªphysical force, mana infusion, even asking the system for hints¡ªbut nothing worked. The system only responded with: Insufficient Access. Seek knowledge elsewhere. Ethan leaned back, frustrated. He needed someone with expertise. But who? He had barely begun building connections. As if answering his thoughts, the shop¡¯s bell rang again. A new customer stepped inside¡ªa woman in a high-collared robe, her fingers adorned with gemstone rings. She carried herself like a scholar, her sharp gaze scanning the shop. ¡°You deal in rare items, don¡¯t you?¡± she asked. Ethan nodded. ¡°That¡¯s the idea.¡± She stepped closer. ¡°I¡¯m an appraiser. If you have anything you need identified, we might be able to make a trade.¡± Ethan¡¯s eyes flickered to the Sealed Relic Box. Maybe today wasn¡¯t a waste after all. After a long day of trades, Ethan finally had a moment to breathe. The shop was quiet, bathed in the soft glow of its ever-burning lanterns. He turned his attention to the Sealed Relic Box, the item he had received from the Collector of the Forgotten.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. It looked deceptively simple¡ªjust a plain wooden container, darkened with age and smoothed by time. There were no visible hinges, no seams, no lock¡ªjust a faint, almost imperceptible rune etched onto its surface. "Sealed Relic Box" Contents unknown. Requires the right key or sufficient energy to unlock. Ethan sighed. ¡°What kind of shopkeeper am I if I can¡¯t even open my own merchandise?¡± He ran his fingers over the box, feeling a strange static charge beneath his touch. It wasn¡¯t locked in the conventional sense¡ªit was sealed by something more than just physical means. First, he tried brute force, pressing along the edges, twisting, even shaking the box. Nothing. Next, he attempted mana infusion, concentrating and channeling energy into it. A soft blue glow pulsed from the rune¡ªbut the box remained shut. Frustrated, he turned to the system for guidance. "Insufficient Access. Seek knowledge elsewhere." Ethan groaned. ¡°Real helpful.¡± He tapped his fingers on the counter, thinking. If he couldn¡¯t open it himself, he needed someone who could. But his list of contacts was painfully short. Jasper? Unlikely. The mercenary knew his way around weapons, but ancient artifacts? Not his expertise. The Collector? That was a dead end. The mysterious figure was gone¡ªand he doubted summoning him was an option. That left one clear choice¡ªan expert in rare and magical items. As if the shop had read his mind, the bell above the door rang. Ethan looked up as a woman entered, her presence immediately commanding attention. She wore a high-collared robe of deep navy, embroidered with delicate silver symbols. Her hands, adorned with gemstone rings, shimmered under the lantern light. She moved with the quiet confidence of someone who knew the value of things. ¡°You deal in rare items, don¡¯t you?¡± she asked, her voice calm but precise. Ethan met her gaze. Sharp. Intelligent. Measuring him. ¡°That¡¯s the idea,¡± he replied. She stepped forward, scanning the shelves, her eyes flicking over the displayed artifacts with an appraising air. Finally, she turned back to him. ¡°I¡¯m an appraiser,¡± she said. ¡°I evaluate, authenticate, and¡ªwhen necessary¡ªuncover the secrets of items others don¡¯t understand.¡± She paused, tilting her head slightly. ¡°If you have something that needs identifying, we might be able to make a trade.¡± Ethan¡¯s eyes flickered to the Sealed Relic Box. Maybe today wasn¡¯t a waste after all. Chapter 12: The Appraiser’s Gamble Ethan carefully placed the Sealed Relic Box on the counter, watching as the woman ran her fingers along its surface. Her touch was delicate but purposeful, as if she were feeling more than just the wood. After a moment, her brow furrowed. ¡°This isn¡¯t just locked.¡± Ethan crossed his arms. ¡°Meaning?¡± She didn¡¯t answer immediately. Instead, she reached into the folds of her robe and pulled out a thin, silver tool resembling a stylus. With careful precision, she tapped the rune on the box¡¯s surface. A faint pulse of energy rippled outward. She watched it carefully before speaking. ¡°It¡¯s bound by an ancient contract. Whatever is inside wasn¡¯t just hidden¡ªit was sealed with intent.¡± Ethan frowned. ¡°So someone didn¡¯t just lock it. They wanted to make sure no one could open it.¡± ¡°Exactly.¡± She tapped her rings together, the soft chime filling the air. ¡°And that means opening it carelessly could be¡­ unwise.¡± Ethan leaned against the counter. ¡°Alright. So, can you open it?¡± Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. The woman smiled¡ªa knowing, amused smile. ¡°With the right tools, yes,¡± she said, sliding her silver stylus back into her robe. ¡°But such work isn¡¯t free.¡± Ethan exhaled. Of course. Nothing ever was. ¡°What do you want in return?¡± She studied him for a moment, as if considering her options. Then she spoke. ¡°I need an Ethereal Inkstone.¡± Ethan¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°Never heard of it.¡± She nodded. ¡°Not surprising. It¡¯s rare¡ªused to inscribe runes onto magical items. Without it, certain enchantments are impossible to craft.¡± Ethan opened his system interface and did a quick search. "Ethereal Inkstone" Availability: Limited Cost: 3 Astral Coins He grimaced. That was most of his remaining balance. The woman caught his expression and smirked. ¡°Pricey, isn¡¯t it?¡± Ethan tapped his fingers on the counter. ¡°If it¡¯s so rare, why not get it yourself?¡± She shrugged. ¡°I could. But I have other priorities. And besides¡ªyou¡¯re a merchant, aren¡¯t you?¡± Ethan sighed. She had a point. But spending 3 Astral Coins on a gamble wasn¡¯t exactly smart business. But¡­ He glanced at the Sealed Relic Box. The Collector of the Forgotten had left this in his hands. It wasn¡¯t just some random item¡ªit had importance. And if it was worth hiding, then it was probably worth unlocking. His gut told him this was a risk worth taking. He exhaled. ¡°Fine. Give me some time.¡± The appraiser inclined her head. ¡°Two days,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯ll return then.¡± She turned toward the exit, her robes swaying with each step. The shop bell rang softly as she disappeared into the night. Ethan stared at the Sealed Relic Box, running a hand through his hair. ¡°Whatever¡¯s inside,¡± he muttered, ¡°it better be worth it.¡± Chapter 13 – The Price of Secrets 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. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. 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¡ªlike 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¡ªthis 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¡ªperhaps even valuable enough to help him with the appraiser¡¯s request. The question was: Was it worth the risk? Chapter 14 – The Weight of a Deal Ethan''s fingers drummed against the counter. The silver-haired stranger watched him, patient but expectant. "He wants to know about the box... but is it worth giving up that information?" Ethan didn¡¯t know much about the Collector of the Forgotten, but something told him the entity wouldn¡¯t appreciate its dealings being freely discussed. On the other hand, the Starlit Essence was an incredibly rare material, and having it could open doors¡ªperhaps even give him an alternative way to pay for the appraiser¡¯s service. He exhaled slowly. "I got it from a collector," Ethan said carefully. "Someone who deals in rare, forgotten relics. They left it in my hands as part of a trade." The man raised an eyebrow. "And you don¡¯t know what¡¯s inside?" "Not yet." This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. A thoughtful hum. The stranger examined Ethan for a long moment, then nodded. "A wise answer." Ethan resisted the urge to sigh in relief. He didn¡¯t push for details. The man placed the Starlit Essence on the counter. "Consider this a fair exchange, then. Not for the box¡¯s secrets, but for understanding that not all trades should be made lightly." Ethan picked up the vial, feeling the faint hum of power within. "I get the feeling you know more than you¡¯re letting on." The stranger smirked. "Perhaps. But knowing too much can be dangerous." He turned toward the door, pausing briefly. "I imagine we¡¯ll meet again, Merchant of the Universe." With that, he stepped through the exit, vanishing into the night. Ethan stared after him, then looked down at the Starlit Essence. Now, how do I turn this into an advantage? His first thought was the system. Shop Inquiry: Starlit Essence Market Value: High Trade Demand: Enchanters, Alchemists, Scholars Suggested Uses: High-tier enchantments, alchemical refinement, barter material Ethan narrowed his eyes. If he found the right buyer, he could potentially trade this for more than three Astral Coins¡ªenough to buy the Ethereal Inkstone and still have something left over. A slow smile formed. He didn¡¯t have to play by anyone else¡¯s rules. He was a merchant. He just needed to find the right customer. And he had two days to do it. Chapter 15 – The Right Buyer Ethan stood behind the counter, rolling the vial of Starlit Essence between his fingers. It pulsed faintly, a reminder of the value it held. Three Astral Coins for the Inkstone¡­ but if I play this right, I might not have to spend anything at all. He pulled up the system¡¯s Trade Inquiry function, filtering for potential buyers who might be interested in high-tier enchanting materials. Trade Inquiry ¨C Starlit Essence Potential Buyers: Guild of Arcane Scribes ¨C Seeking high-quality essence for large-scale enchantments. ?Potential Offer: Arcane Tomes, Mana-Infused Ink, Gold Coins. Celestial Alchemist Varian ¨C Master of rare potion crafting. ?Potential Offer: High-tier alchemical concoctions, purified mana stones. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Sorren Vail, Independent Scholar ¨C Researching ancient celestial materials. ?Potential Offer: Unknown, but willing to negotiate. Ethan tapped his fingers on the counter. The Guild of Arcane Scribes might be the safest choice, offering straightforward trades. The Celestial Alchemist could provide valuable potions, but Ethan had no way of verifying their worth. Sorren Vail, though¡­ an independent buyer might offer something unexpected. Before he could decide, the shop bell rang. A hooded figure stepped inside, his dark cloak dusted with the remnants of some arcane experiment. His piercing blue eyes gleamed under the lantern light as he swept his gaze over the shop. Ethan didn¡¯t need the system to tell him. Sorren Vail had arrived. The scholar approached the counter, his movements precise, controlled. He reached into his robes and retrieved a small, polished obsidian pendant, setting it down between them. "I hear you have something of interest," Sorren said, his voice calm but laced with curiosity. Ethan studied him for a moment, then nodded. The system never failed to impress. "Depends on what you¡¯re offering," Ethan replied smoothly. Sorren smiled faintly, tapping the pendant. "This is a Celestial Binding Stone. It reacts to sealed objects, helping to determine their nature. If you¡¯re trying to unlock something¡­ this could be useful." Ethan¡¯s mind raced. This could help with the Sealed Relic Box. But was it worth giving up the Starlit Essence for? He leaned forward. "That¡¯s a good start. But I¡¯m going to need more than that." Sorren¡¯s eyes gleamed. "Then let¡¯s negotiate." Chapter 16 – The Merchant’s Bargain Ethan kept his expression neutral as he met Sorren¡¯s gaze. The Celestial Binding Stone was tempting, but he had no intention of making a bad trade. He placed the Starlit Essence on the counter between them. ¡°This is rare. Useful for enchanting, alchemy, and more. Your Binding Stone is valuable, but it¡¯s not enough.¡± Sorren chuckled, tapping a gloved finger against the counter. ¡°You¡¯re a sharp one. Fine, let¡¯s sweeten the deal.¡± He reached into his robe again and produced a small, translucent crystal. It shimmered faintly, shifting colors under the lantern¡¯s glow. ¡°Echo Shard,¡± Sorren said. ¡°It records residual magical imprints. If you have a sealed artifact with unknown origins, this could reveal who or what left the enchantment.¡± Ethan¡¯s thoughts turned to the Sealed Relic Box. Between the Binding Stone and the Echo Shard, he might actually get some answers about what was inside before unlocking it. Still, he had to be sure. ¡°I need more than just identification tools,¡± he said. ¡°Give me something with direct value.¡± Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Sorren smirked. ¡°I do enjoy a challenge.¡± After a brief pause, he pulled out a final item¡ªa small vial of liquid silver. ¡°This is Mercurial Ink,¡± he said. ¡°Used for transcribing high-level contracts. Binding agreements, magical pacts¡ªit makes deals far more enforceable.¡± Ethan raised an eyebrow. That had potential. Now, he just had to decide. Final Offer: 1. Celestial Binding Stone ¨C Helps analyze and break magical seals. 2. Echo Shard ¨C Reveals past magical imprints on objects. 3. Mercurial Ink ¨C Used for creating unbreakable magical contracts. In exchange for: Starlit Essence. Ethan glanced at the system, which confirmed the trade was favorable. He extended his hand. ¡°You¡¯ve got yourself a deal.¡± Sorren grinned and shook his hand. ¡°Pleasure doing business.¡± The system chimed as the trade was finalized, and Sorren tucked the vial of Starlit Essence away before nodding in satisfaction. Ethan, meanwhile, examined his new items. With the Binding Stone and Echo Shard, he had what he needed to analyze the Sealed Relic Box before taking the risk of opening it. And the Mercurial Ink? That might come in handy in ways he hadn¡¯t even considered yet. As Sorren turned to leave, he paused at the door. ¡°A word of advice, merchant¡ªsome seals exist for a reason. Make sure you want to know the truth before you pry it open.¡± With that, he stepped into the night. Ethan exhaled, staring at the Sealed Relic Box on the counter. Soon, he¡¯d have his answers. Chapter 17 – Unlocking Secrets 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¡ªmore 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¡ªthis one towering, draped in ceremonial robes embroidered with golden threads. Their hands moved with authority, weaving a second layer of protection around the first. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. 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¡ªfiguring 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¡ªa 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¡ªit 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.¡± Chapter 18 – The Cost of Knowledge The appraiser approached the counter, her gaze flickering between Ethan and the Sealed Relic Box. She placed a slender, gloved hand on the wood, her fingers tracing the faint glow of the revealed runes. ¡°You¡¯ve already uncovered quite a bit,¡± she remarked, her voice tinged with interest. ¡°Two seals. Two different people.¡± Ethan nodded. ¡°The first one is a personal binding. The second¡­ is something else.¡± The appraiser exhaled slowly. ¡°That second seal is a Containment Ward. It¡¯s designed to imprison something¡ªor someone.¡± Ethan stiffened. ¡°Someone?¡± ¡°Possibly,¡± she said, tapping her fingers together in thought. ¡°Or it could be an entity. A spirit. A curse.¡± She paused, then added, ¡°If it¡¯s powerful enough to require a Containment Ward, you should be careful about what you¡¯re trying to open.¡± Ethan frowned. He¡¯d expected the box to hold something valuable, but now he wasn¡¯t sure if valuable and dangerous were the same thing. ¡°You still want to go through with this?¡± she asked. Ethan hesitated for only a moment before nodding. ¡°Yes. But I need to know how to do it without getting myself killed.¡± The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. The appraiser chuckled. ¡°Smart.¡± She gestured toward him. ¡°Did you get the Ethereal Inkstone?¡± Ethan opened his system interface and confirmed the purchase. His remaining Astral Coins dropped to zero, and in a flash of light, a smooth, translucent inkstone materialized on the counter. The appraiser¡¯s expression shifted slightly¡ªimpressed, but not surprised. ¡°Good. With this, I can decipher the personal binding and find a way around it.¡± She reached into her robe, withdrawing a delicate silver quill. Dipping it against the Inkstone¡¯s surface, she began tracing symbols in the air above the box. Each stroke shimmered before fading, leaving behind faint patterns of residual magic. Minutes passed. The air in the shop grew thick with tension as the symbols coalesced into a larger formation. Finally, she stepped back. ¡°There,¡± she said. ¡°The first seal belonged to a scholar of the Celestial Archive. He used a personalized key¡ªone that no longer exists.¡± Ethan sighed. ¡°Figures.¡± She smirked. ¡°I can bypass it. But it will take time.¡± Ethan nodded. ¡°And the second seal?¡± She tapped her quill against her palm. ¡°That¡¯s a different challenge. The Containment Ward wasn¡¯t just created¡ªit was fed over time. That means whatever¡¯s inside¡­ it¡¯s been growing stronger.¡± Ethan¡¯s jaw clenched. That definitely didn¡¯t sound like something he wanted loose in his shop. The appraiser gave him a long look. ¡°This is the kind of thing that people lock away for a reason.¡± Ethan exhaled. ¡°I get it. But I need to know what¡¯s inside.¡± She studied him for a moment before nodding. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll handle the first seal. You¡¯ll have to find someone¡ªor something¡ªstrong enough to deal with the second.¡± Ethan¡¯s stomach sank. He had no Astral Coins left, no powerful allies, and no idea where to start. But he¡¯d made his decision. Whatever was inside that box¡ªhe was going to find out. Chapter 19 – A Merchant’s Gamble Ethan stared at the Sealed Relic Box, feeling the weight of his decision settle on his shoulders. He¡¯d committed to opening it, but now he faced a much bigger problem¡ªhow to deal with the Containment Ward. The appraiser had already begun working on bypassing the personal binding, using the Ethereal Inkstone to decipher the scholar¡¯s seal. But the second layer¡ªthe one actively containing something¡ªwas beyond her expertise. ¡°You¡¯ll need an expert in containment magic,¡± she had told him before leaving. ¡°Someone who understands what¡¯s inside before they even attempt to break it.¡± Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. An expert in containment magic? Where the hell was he supposed to find one?
Exploring the System He opened his Multiversal Merchant System, hoping for some guidance. Shop Expansion Options ? Inventory Upgrade ¨C 5 Astral Coins ? Dimensional Anchoring ¨C 10 Astral Coins ? Appraisal Lens ¨C 3 Astral Coins ? Containment Analysis ¨C 2 Astral Coins Ethan¡¯s eyes locked onto the last option. Containment Analysis. It was cheap, but it sounded exactly like what he needed. ¡°System, what does Containment Analysis do?¡± Containment Analysis allows the shop to scan and identify the nature of bound artifacts, curses, or entities. It does not break seals but provides insight into their nature and potential risks. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Ethan tapped his fingers against the counter. It wasn¡¯t a perfect solution, but it was a start. Only one problem¡ªhe had zero Astral Coins left.
Seeking a Trade Ethan looked around his shop, assessing what he had that might be valuable. He needed a quick trade¡ªsomething small, but valuable enough to earn at least two Astral Coins. The shop bell rang, breaking his thoughts. A figure stepped inside, wrapped in a storm-gray cloak. They moved with careful steps, their eyes scanning the shelves before settling on Ethan. ¡°You¡¯re the one who trades in rare goods?¡± the figure asked, their voice smooth but cautious. ¡°That¡¯s the idea,¡± Ethan replied. The customer reached into their sleeve and withdrew a crimson gemstone¡ªits surface shifting as if liquid fire pulsed beneath. ¡°I need something to contain this,¡± the customer said. ¡°A vessel strong enough to suppress its energy.¡± Ethan¡¯s mind raced. He didn¡¯t have an artifact designed for containment, but¡ª He glanced at his inventory. He still had a Voidglass Vial, something he had picked up from a previous trade. It wasn¡¯t meant for powerful objects, but it could work. ¡°I have something that might do the job,¡± Ethan said. ¡°But it won¡¯t be cheap.¡± The customer studied him before nodding. ¡°How much?¡± Ethan opened his system interface, assessing the gemstone. Molten Containment vessel ? Grade: High ? Properties: Stores raw elemental fire. Unstable in open air. ? Value: Estimated 4-5 Astral Coins. Ethan suppressed a grin. This was perfect. ¡°For a proper containment vessel, I¡¯d need at least four Astral Coins,¡± Ethan said smoothly. The customer frowned. ¡°That¡¯s steep.¡± Ethan shrugged. ¡°You could always risk it cracking open in your pocket.¡± A pause. Then a sigh. ¡°Fine.¡± A moment later, Ethan¡¯s balance jumped to four Astral Coins, and the transaction was done.
Unlocking Containment Analysis Ethan immediately used two Astral Coins to purchase Containment Analysis. A faint pulse rippled through the shop, and his vision shifted slightly. He turned to the Sealed Relic Box. Containment Ward Analysis: ? Type: Entity Suppression ? Energy Source: Unknown ? Risk Level: High Ethan exhaled. He had confirmation now¡ªthere was something inside. Something powerful. But the system didn¡¯t tell him what. And if he wanted to break the seal, he needed to find someone who could handle high-risk containment magic. His search had just begun. Chapter 20 – A Deal with the Binder Ethan sat behind the counter, staring at the Sealed Relic Box. The system¡¯s Containment Analysis had confirmed his suspicions¡ªsomething was inside, and it was powerful enough to warrant an advanced suppression ward. That left him with a new problem. Who could actually break it safely? His list of contacts was short. The appraiser had done her part by deciphering the scholar¡¯s seal, but containment magic wasn¡¯t her field. Jasper? No chance. The Collector of the Forgotten? Gone. Ethan sighed. He needed an expert. And as if on cue, the shop bell chimed.
The Binder Arrives A woman stepped inside. She was tall and lean, wrapped in a cloak that shimmered like woven shadows. Silver bands lined her wrists, engraved with shifting runes that pulsed faintly in the shop¡¯s glow. Her hair was dark, streaked with strands of glowing blue, and her eyes¡ªcold and calculating¡ªlingered on Ethan before drifting to the shelves. She walked with deliberate precision, her movements careful yet completely controlled. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Ethan knew immediately¡ªthis wasn¡¯t an ordinary customer. She approached the counter, her gaze locking onto the Sealed Relic Box. ¡°You¡¯re playing with dangerous things, merchant.¡± Ethan raised an eyebrow. ¡°That depends. Are you here to tell me not to open it, or are you here to offer a solution?¡± A small smirk touched her lips. ¡°I¡¯m a Binder. I specialize in containment magic¡ªsealing, binding, suppressing. Whatever you have in that box, I can tell you exactly what¡¯s inside.¡± Ethan leaned forward. ¡°And if I wanted to open it?¡± The smirk widened slightly. ¡°That depends on what you¡¯re willing to trade.¡±
Negotiation with a Binder Ethan didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°What¡¯s your price?¡± The Binder studied him, tapping a silver-ringed finger against the counter. ¡°I don¡¯t deal in currency.¡± Figures. ¡°Then what do you want?¡± She reached into her cloak and pulled out a small, crystalline vial. Inside swirled a liquid that shifted between silver and black, like mercury caught in an eternal dance. ¡°I need Starfire Essence to complete an ongoing contract.¡± Ethan opened his Multiversal Merchant System and searched for the item. Starfire Essence ? Availability: Extremely Rare ? Cost: 6 Astral Coins Ethan grimaced. He had two Astral Coins left after purchasing Containment Analysis. She must have noticed his hesitation because she tilted her head slightly. ¡°Problem?¡± Ethan kept his expression neutral. ¡°I don¡¯t have it in stock.¡± She studied him, then nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll give you two days. If you can procure it, I¡¯ll break the seal.¡± Ethan exhaled slowly. He had a lead¡ªbut now he needed six Astral Coins to make it happen.
The Merchant¡¯s Challenge The Binder left, her parting words lingering in the air: ¡°Be careful, merchant. Some things are sealed for a reason.¡± Ethan glanced at the Sealed Relic Box, then at his shop. Two days. Six Astral Coins. Time to make some deals. Chapter 21 – The Value of Secrets Ethan leaned against the counter, staring at the glowing system interface. Two days. Six Astral Coins. His shop wasn¡¯t exactly bustling tonight, and his usual customers weren¡¯t the type to drop high-value trades on a whim. He needed a big deal, something worth at least six Astral Coins. And fast. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the counter. Who would pay that much? He needed desperation, ambition, or secrecy¡ªbecause those were the things that made people willing to overpay. Then, as if the universe had been listening, the bell above the door rang. An Unusual Customer The man who entered was unlike any of Ethan¡¯s previous customers. He was young, maybe in his early twenties, but his eyes were sharp, filled with a cautious intensity. His clothes were fine, tailored in a sleek, dark style that suggested wealth, but they were also subtle¡ªthe kind of outfit designed to be expensive without drawing too much attention. A noble? A merchant? A thief? Ethan wasn¡¯t sure, but the stranger carried himself with purpose. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. The man scanned the shop, nodding slightly before stepping toward the counter. ¡°You run this place?¡± Ethan nodded. ¡°I do.¡± The man placed a small, intricately carved wooden box on the counter. ¡°I need this gone.¡± A Trade of Shadows Ethan didn¡¯t touch the box. Not yet. He activated Appraisal, letting the system scan the item. "Sealed Ledger of the Moonlit Veil" Type: Forbidden Record Status: Cursed (Passive) Description: A ledger containing the names of individuals who have made pacts with the Moonlit Veil, an elusive organization that operates in the shadows. Destroying or possessing this ledger may provoke their attention. Ethan¡¯s jaw tightened. This wasn¡¯t just a high-value item. This was a liability. He glanced at the man. ¡°You¡¯re being hunted.¡± The stranger didn¡¯t react. ¡°That¡¯s not your concern. I need it gone. Permanently.¡± Ethan folded his arms. ¡°And what¡¯s in it for me?¡± The man pulled out a bag of coins. Not gold. Astral Coins. He set them down one by one. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. ¡°Six Astral Coins,¡± the man said. ¡°You take the ledger, and I walk away.¡± A Dangerous Gamble Ethan stared at the coins. It was exactly what he needed. Enough to get the Starfire Essence and break the seal on the relic box. But¡­ Was it worth the risk? The system had warned him. Holding onto this ledger meant he¡¯d be on the radar of a powerful, secretive organization. Ethan took a slow breath. He had two choices: ? Decline the deal and find another way to earn the coins. ? Accept the trade and figure out how to deal with the consequences later. The man was watching him, waiting. The shop was silent. Ethan exhaled. A merchant didn¡¯t get far by playing it safe. He reached forward, taking the coins. The man gave a satisfied nod, then turned and left without another word. Ethan picked up the Sealed Ledger of the Moonlit Veil, feeling the weight of the decision settle over him. He had what he needed. But now? Now he had a new problem. Chapter 22 – The Moonlit Veil’s Interests The door shut behind the stranger, leaving Ethan alone with his thoughts¡ªand the forbidden ledger. He let out a slow breath. What the hell did I just get myself into? The system had warned him. This wasn¡¯t just a book¡ªit was a liability, a ticking time bomb in his hands. Ethan picked it up carefully. The weight was normal, but beneath the surface, he could feel something unnatural, like a whisper at the edge of his perception. "Would you like to unlock additional information?" Cost: 1 Astral Coin Ethan narrowed his eyes. The system didn¡¯t normally charge for details. That meant whatever was inside was valuable. And dangerous. A Risky Investment Spending an Astral Coin would set him back, but Ethan needed to understand what he was dealing with. He tapped Confirm. A wave of cold knowledge flooded his mind. "The Sealed Ledger of the Moonlit Veil contains records of every contract, debt, and betrayal tied to the organization. Possessing it grants leverage¡ªbut also makes you a target." "Warning: The Moonlit Veil is aware of the ledger''s movement. If you do not act soon, they will come for it." Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Ethan stiffened. They know I have it. He forced himself to stay calm. Panic wouldn¡¯t help. He had two days before the appraiser returned. That meant he had two days to figure out what to do with this thing. His options? Sell it immediately. If he could find the right buyer, he could make a fortune¡ªbut that also meant attracting even more attention. Destroy it. But would that even work? And what would the consequences be? Use it. If this ledger held secrets, could he turn them into leverage? Ethan ran a hand through his hair. No good options. Then¡ª The shop bell rang. A Midnight Visitor Ethan¡¯s eyes snapped to the door as a figure entered. This one was different from the noble merchant before. Taller. Older. Cloaked in deep gray, with a hood that cast shadows over his face. But what unsettled Ethan the most? He hadn¡¯t heard the door open. The man moved like a ghost, his footsteps barely making a sound. Ethan kept his expression neutral. ¡°Welcome.¡± The figure stopped just inside the doorway. He didn¡¯t approach. Didn¡¯t browse. Just watched. Then he spoke, his voice smooth and quiet. ¡°You¡¯ve come into possession of something¡­ dangerous.¡± Ethan kept his face blank. ¡°I deal in many things.¡± The hooded man chuckled. ¡°No need for games, merchant. We both know what I¡¯m referring to.¡± The air in the shop felt heavier. Ethan¡¯s mind raced. Was this someone from the Moonlit Veil? A scout? A negotiator? An assassin? He couldn¡¯t tell. The man stepped forward, just enough for Ethan to see the gleam of silver rings on his fingers. ¡°I will make this simple,¡± the stranger said. ¡°Give me the ledger, and I will ensure you are compensated.¡± Ethan crossed his arms. ¡°How much?¡± The stranger tilted his head. ¡°You misunderstand. Your compensation is continued existence.¡± Ethan smirked. ¡°You call that a deal? That¡¯s just a threat with extra words.¡± The stranger let out a small, amused breath. ¡°I was told you were¡­ bold. Perhaps even reckless.¡± Ethan shrugged. ¡°Merchant¡¯s gamble.¡± The man reached into his cloak, and for a split second, Ethan tensed¡ªready to dive for cover. But instead of a weapon, the man produced a single silver coin and placed it on the counter. It gleamed unnaturally, the surface shifting like liquid metal. Ethan frowned. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± The stranger smiled. ¡°An opportunity.¡± Ethan glanced at the Sealed Ledger, then back at the silver coin. A choice was in front of him. Did he hand over the ledger¡­ or push his luck further?