“ Young man, what kind of special items or weapons are you selling in this shop? May we have a look at them. What was that spear the Young Master Limen was wielding? I would definitely be interested in purchasing an item like that.”

“Young Expert Guso I didn’t know you were also a businessman, definitely more commendable than Your Master Kemoro’s dealings, perhaps I’ve misunderstood you, maybe the Merchant's path is what truly fits you, what is this good stuff I hear you have?”

“Shop Owner, I'm willing to buy whatever Limen has bought, offer me your price!”

Some of the people making snide comments really got on my nerves.

I made a note in my head to not provide them with my services, for the mere fact of constantly insulting Kemoro.

Still not everyone was rude and I couldn't refuse business to half the City.

But I decided to be more cutthroat in my approach, as quality goods deserved quality customers.

I was in no mood to negotiate.

“ Indeed I got a few more similar items to the one I just sold to Limen, and they are available for purchase to anyone who can afford them. The starting price for one of my weapons is 2 Platinum Coins or 3000 Gold coins, any one who's still interested can step forward.”

After an awkward moment of silence, a bit of commotion burst out in the crowd.

Mostly from the malicious people who had ill will towards me and were making snide comments, I wouldn't be surprised if they were broke as well despite their haughty and stuck up attitude.

“2 Platinum Coins! Where are we in a Ranker Market? That's outrageous. What could you possibly have that's worth that much money? Talk about crazy, just like Kemoro always causing trouble wherever he goes. Might as well rob people, it wouldn’t be any different than what you're trying to do.”

Despite the complaining and slander there were a few people who stepped up and took out their money pouches.

“Limen didn't look like he was disappointed so anything that’s good enough for him is good enough for me, 2 Platinum is nothing for a future Ranker like myself, Honorable Shop Owner show me your valuable goods.”

The tall teenage Expert who was the most eager to buy what I had, had an attitude and respectfulnes that I much preferred over the stupid snobby Martial Nerds talking ill in the back.

I decided to take out one of my highest quality weapons, one that I was particularly pleased with how it came out just to rub it on those idiots' faces.

“Of course Young Expert, I have just the item for a talented youth such as yourself, set your eyes on this, I call this spear River Elemental Magical Blood Spear. It's a Water Attribute Magic Weapon that's powerful and flexible to use. Its shaft is made out of Experts Yew that not only harmonizes well with Magical Energy it also Harmonizes well with Inner Energy making this weapon perfect for any Inner Martial Artists. The spearpoint on this weapon is made out of a special alloy of magically imbued Metal that's sharp and dangerous and will cause swift and powerful Water Attributes Magic damage that’s especially deadly for humans corroding blood vessels and traveling the veins straight to the heart. This Spear has many more hidden features and qualities that im sure youll have fun discovering. This is one of my best quality weapons, and one that I'm particularly proud of for its look, power, and durability. I had a mind to sell it for a higher price, but because of your respectfulness and eager patronage this beautifully hand crafted weapon is all yours for a total of 2 platinum coins or 3000 gold coins.”

Once I took out the item and explained its features many Martial Artists looked at it with greed in their eyes.

A magic damage dealing weapon and one with an attribute was a gem even among Ranker circles.

Usually one would have to pay an arm and a leg either to buy one from one of the few professional Magic Smithys, a talented Alchemist, a Magical Arts Clan or Organization, a famous Weapon Crafter or ultimately and the most expensive option importing one from the United Kingdom Of Magic.

They were definitely not items common citizens or even low tiered Experts and Rankers had access to.

But yet here I was , showing off my Magical Weapon as if it was nothing but a common market item for sale.

The people that were being insulting no longer said anything.

Two Platinum coins for an item like this was suddenly a once in a lifetime deal that no one would want to pass on.

The ecstatic young youth grabbed the spear with my permission, and after testing it and analyzing it immediately took out two platinum coins from his money pouch.

“Generous Shop Owner Guso was it? Your weapon is definitely of top notch quality. It's actually exactly the type of weapon I had always wanted but could never find. It perfectly matches my Inner Energy in Martial Arts. My name is Fehlpod Top Rank Disciple from Rapid Stream Inner Martial Arts Academy. If ever you need a favor from me you can always look for me there. I’ll always be happy to help. Until we meet again.”

“I'm glad you're satisfied, Young Master Fehlpod, there's no need to be so dramatic. I'll be here every week in this shop whenever you are looking for any more quality items. And I appreciate your sincerity. Enjoy your weapon.”

Fehlpod laughed at my honesty and with excitement darted off disappearing behind a street that headed towards a prestigious part of the City.

Everyone looked at him leaving green with envy that they weren’t the ones that bought the spear.

I figured a lot of Experts that were in front of me probably didn’t have that kind of money on them or just didn’t have it at all, since many of them darted off in a rush after screaming at me that they would be back or just stood there like idiots.

I decided to not sell any more spears, even if somebody else had the money, so I could create an artificial demand and anticipation for my items.

“For today I’m closing up shop. If you guys want to buy some more weapons, you guys are going to have to wait until next week when I'll have more of my supply with me. Remember the high end stuff is only a platinum coin and its equivalent or above.”

Everyone left with longing looks in their eyes or scarily with looks of ill intent.

Eventually I managed to pack up my stuff back onto the wagon and headed back to Yupow’s house without any problem.

I was worried someone would try to steal some of the items I had revealed, but it seemed the rules of the City were well respected, even in the slums things weren’t so openly chaotic.

Besides, I wasn't as weak as I was before and people knew of my strength.

To rob me would require at least someone of the Ranker level.

***

“Where do you think he got weapons like those? It's been a while since we’ve seen any good magical weapons in this City. Yupow must really be giving this guy all the top tier connections.”

“It doesn’t matter where he got those weapons, since he's selling them we’ll buy as well. Only a fool would sell such precious items at such a low price. It’s obvious he doesn’t know what he’s doing. In Will City a weapon such as that would easily go for tens of platinum coins, maybe even hundreds, he's just a false Ranker with no idea of the world he's a part of.”

“Are we going to buy his stuff?”

“Of course we will, why wouldn’t we? For geniuses like ourselves, our Masters will spare no expense. We'll buy one item each for ourselves, and scope out what kind of other stuff he has and when the time is right we’ll strike him down and free him of the burden of carrying so much stuff. Our Masters had already entrusted us with the task of defeating this trash in a Martial Duel; this only makes things sweeter. First we'll let him fight all the other challengers that are waiting to strike as well, and we’ll observe what other dirty tricks he has up his sleeve, then we'll come in and overpower him with our superior ability. Guso’s is as good as dead.”

“Won't the authorities say something?”

“Accidents have always been common during Martial Duels, especially with a weakling like him, maybe we’ll get reproved but the authorities' respect for our Organizations will persuade them to leave the matter be.”

“Good then that's how it'll be, I call the right to take him down, you guys can just watch as I show that brat what a true Martial Ranker is.”

Very well then it’s settled, Yanho, make your Master proud, the Dignity of Martial Citadel falls in your hands.

“Let us get the money for the weapons then we'll meet at the market here next week as well.”

“Agreed.”