Shoutout to Glen Newest Alpha Reader member
As we stepped through the portal, what both of us saw was something straight out of a fantasy novel. The room itself had worn wooden floors and walls, and a few free-standing isles stood breaking up the large open space. Shelves lined the walls; each one seemed to showcase different wares. I caught sight of potions, various melee weapons, some on stands, others hanging from the wall. There were small pieces of armor, jewelry, and guns that I've never seen before.
Glancing at Katie, she mirrored my wide-eyed awe. My gaze settled on a long wooden counter with shelves behind it, displaying more merchandise. As I approached, doorways revealed rooms: one dedicated to armor, one filled with melee weapons, and another overflowing with guns. Excitement bubbled up in me.
“Oh My. You are my first customers from Earth 9908. “ Standing behind the counter was an elf. I almost squealed at the sight. I did hear a small squeak from Katie. An honest-to-God fucking elf. His long hair showed his age, most of it gray with a few blonde strands. Pointed ears that peaked through his hair and almond-shaped eyes that were of a deep blue coloring. Features that looked a bit weathered but sharp, angled. Honestly, I wasn't big on older men, but he was very handsome. If I had to guess, he was about my height, with a grayish hue to his skin. Framed with a simple white short-sleeved shirt, brown, worn slacks covered by an ink-stained apron.
“Hello and Welcome to Perrell's Emporium. I will be your personal shop for the duration of your pre-integration, and if you choose to, I can continue to help you on your journey after integration. I am Namon Perrell, owner.”
"Hello there." Katie squeezed my hand as we walked up. "I suppose we're from Earth 9908. So far, details are vague." Namon nodded. "My guide said you could help us figure things out and get us geared up."
I was surprised by the elf, realizing humans aren’t the galaxy’s center. I expected a challenging, long name, but Namon’s was easy. Katie seemed to be having similar thoughts.
“Ah, I was told that Humans of Earth could show some confusion when being introduced to the System. My great-grandfather was a human from a different earth, yet I assume neither of you has ever seen another race. He spoke often about how it took him a while to acclimate. He started this shop, which has been passed down to the oldest child since his death.” With his pause, I could see in his eyes something similar to what I felt within me when I thought of my Grandfather.
“With a few backers, I was lucky enough to win a bid for a small percentage of humans who are being integrated early. “ Well, to say the least, neither of us seemed to be expecting something like this. I don't know why I was surprised. It would make sense that any world being inducted would be a great business opportunity.
His words echoed my own. Gaining a human world early is a big opportunity, especially an anchor world. I mentally added these to my growing questions list, which I call [What the Fuck.]
Suddenly, my status sheet popped up with a new tab called [What the Fuck], listing my questions like a notepad app. I wanted to laugh. Seeing Katie's odd look, I shared my new tab with her, and she burst out laughing, drawing a confused glance from the shop owner.
“Seriously, Sara. That is hilarious. But it is so you. Well, perhaps while we figure out what we need, he can answer some questions. Speaking of which, can you explain how the process works? Are we expected to share our stats and information with you for advice, or is there a method to provide guidance without exposing sensitive details? We need to understand what gear or equipment is optimal for our available resources, but also maintain privacy." Follow the newest chapters on novelping.com.
Katie thought about sharing our info more carefully than I would. I tend to throw caution to the wind when excited, so I watched Namon, who seemed ready for our questions.
“Oh, of course, it is lucky that you got me as your shop and not one of the larger conglomerates. They love to take advantage of newly inducted races.” With that, he pulled out a small tablet. “ This contract consists of several sections. First, it forbids me from sharing your personal information or discussing your purchases with anyone who has not signed this contract. Second, it guarantees I will offer guidance focused on your best interests at fair prices. Lastly, it prohibits me from entering into any additional agreements with the intent to deceive or cheat you."
I watched as he pushed his thumb down onto it, a bit of blue energy swirled around, and at the bottom was his name and a little blue swirling dot. “ That is my mana signature. The System generates these uniquely, and they cannot be forged. This is a System contract, and violating it results in serious penalties. Please read it; if you agree, press your thumb at the bottom to activate."
I looked at mine as he pulled out another for Katie. Wow, to say the least, I hadn't expected this. If the books we read were true, it meant he would face severe penalties if he broke them, and I did voice my thoughts, getting confirmation.
“Yes, if I break the contract, I lose ten levels, suffer a major loss of reputation, and receive a permanent mark retrievable by anyone, which could destroy my business. Unlike conglomerates, I lack the resources to find loopholes or recover quickly. Most of them operate across hundreds of universes."
After a few minutes of reading, we both had our thumbprints on the contract, and a new tab appeared on my status screen [Contracts].
"Damn, this isn’t like the books. Usually, the System isn’t helpful, but this is so different." Katie was right: everything was more organized and easier to navigate, even after the UI update.
"This System is very different from its parent. I'm glad I transferred here and watched it grow. In the past, those in power hid facts, keeping people reliant on them, which brought disaster. This System tries to change that."
Several questions were left on my list after that explanation. Katie’s quick thinking led her to ask the next question before I could.
"Sir, can you explain what's special about anchor worlds or Earth?"
"I'm limited in what I can share—System rules. But I do have a question. Is the Roman Empire still around?"
Katie shook her head no, causing him to mumble under his breath, “That is a shame, that is a lot of business lost.“
"Well then, ladies, share your main status screens, and we’ll get started."
Watching his eyes move over our info as we shared our screens, he scratched his chin after reading mine. I swear I saw his eyes light up a little bit before he moved on to Katie's info.
"Katie, you’re straightforward. My granddaughter is our melee expert, so I’ll hand you off to her. Stick with basics until Sara makes better weapons for you; don’t overspend."
As if by magic, a pretty slip of an elf stepped out from a doorway behind the counter. To say she was gorgeous would be an understatement. Her long blond hair shimmered in the store's lights, and her crystal-clear blue eyes, which made me jealous, sat within the almond-shaped features. Her grayish-pale skin shone with an ethereal beauty. Full breasts with long legs and well-shaped curves hidden behind a simple blouse and pants with ankle-high boots, it all caused a rush of lust to move through my body.
Working to keep my thoughts somewhat pure, I noticed Katie's look as well, which helped alleviate my touch of guilt for the sudden lusting of the elf so soon after our bonding. Her voice was musical in nature as she offered a dazzling smile,
“ Welcome to my Grandfather's shop. My name is Ameri .”
Even such simple words were mesmerizing as I watched the older elf hand her the contract. She added her mana signature to it, and her eyes turned towards Katie. “ Well, Katie, let's see what we can find for you. “ With that, she stepped out from behind the counter and slid an arm over Katie's shoulders. Talking to her quietly as they headed out of the main showroom into one of the side rooms.
Meeting Namon's eyes, “ So I take it I am not going to be so easy?” I grinned, having accepted that my class was a lot more complicated. “ Hopefully, you have some insight.” Moving closer to the counter, he nodded and pulled out several crystals.
“I do. And perhaps a business proportion, depending on whether you take the path I am proposing for you to consider. You have a very unique skill [Naughty Girl]. “ A blush colored my cheeks a bit at his mention of the skill, and he shook his head.” No need to be embarrassed by it. Trust me, I have lived long enough to see far more embarrassing skills. You might say it is a niche skill, but there is a market for it.” I didn't hide my surprise at that.
“Really, so there are people out there that would use a sword with a dildo handle or as a club or gun?” Granted, what I just mentioned was pretty lame when said out loud. Ideas were still budding within my imagination. Something I will have to ensure I set aside time to jot down more valid and/or unique ideas.
“We can talk more about that another time, but keep that in the back of your mind. You don't have a useless skill, and as it ranks up, I am sure there will be a lot more than what you are seeing.” Pausing, he pushed up four small blue crystals.
“These four crystals are skill shards. Rank 0, so it is just the very basic info. But extremely inexpensive. Easy to reach Rank 1, especially with a trainer. You can do it on your own, but it will take longer. If you are interested, I do have some services available for purchase. These skills are [Blacksmithing], [Weaponsmith], [Shape Object], and [Gunsmith].”