Chapter 22: Open Market Shopping
After leaving Master Berlin-san's shop, Mifumi-sama and Felin wanted to go to the Adventurers Guild so they could ask Misaki-sensei if she could toss us in the sky and catch us safely.
Both of them want to experience falling from the sky like what happened to me in my dreams of Memory-Fragment.
Thankfully, I was able to stop both of them by saying that it was a dangerous thing to do and that Misaki-sensei might get mad at us.
But that's not my real reason for stopping them. I was actually worried that Misaki-sensei might agree with them and toss us into the sky using her Magic. I don't want to experience falling from the sky again so I did my best to convince Mifumi-sama and Felin.
After I successfully convinced Mifumi-sama and Felin, our group is now headed to the town's open market which is located in the center of our town. Our goal is to find some Monster-Cores for Mifumi-sama to use.
"Mifumi-sama, do you need to change the Monster-Cores in your Sorceress-Staff?"
"That's right, Vier-chan. I might have overused the barrier-skill of the Rank-3 Lake-Hunter and the Rank-2 Green-Hopper during the cover-up quest, so both of the Monster-Cores are already past their limit."
"That's expected since your barrier-skill helped protect everyone from Nymh-san's Magic attack."
"Nymh-san is super strong, stronger than all other Iron-Rank adventurers in town."
"You're right, Felin. I heard some rumors that the DryadGuardian is supposed to be a Silver-Rank Adventurers-Party. But because their group focused on helping Nymh-san in her Elf-duties, they don't take many quests and don't have many accomplishments so they're still not promoted to Silver-Rank."
"So that's how strong a Silver-Rank adventurer is?"
"Mhm! That's right, Felin."
Felin and I got sidetracked talking about Nymh-san. But somehow, we notice that Mifumi-sama has gone quiet. When we look at her suspiciously, she gets surprised and looks away from us like she's hiding something. Felin and I stared at her until Mifumi-sama finally gave up and told us what is she hesitating to tell us.
"Ummm... Also... The Monster-Core of both Rank-2 Fire-Lizard and Rank-1 Stone-Hermit got broken yesterday after I got home so I need to find a replacement today."
""Ehh?...""
Felin and I are both surprised at how careless Mifumi-sama is.
The Adventurers School has taught us that an adventurer should never go outside her house without her best weapon. It's a practice to be always prepared for any possible worst situation.
"Mifumi-sama, why are you carrying your Sorceress-Staff with two broken Monster-Core? What if you got attacked on your way to my house?"
"You won't be able to fight back, Mifumi-sama."
"Sheesh... We're safe inside the town, okay? And I can defend myself using the barrier-skill or Water-Sphere skill of the Lake-Hunter Monster-Core. I can also escape if I use the Dash-Sprint skill of the Green-Hopper Monster-Core."
"But you said both of them were already past their limit. It might break anytime, Mifumi-sama."
"Don't be careless, Mifumi-sama."
Yep... Felin has said. And now, Mifumi-sama has a pained expression from being told how careless she is by someone younger than her who's like a little sister to her.
"Ugh!... I'm sorry, Felin-chan, Vier-chan. But that's why we're looking for Monster-Cores today, right?"
""Mhm!""
The ability of a Sorceress, like Mifumi-sama, to use Magic depends on the Monster-Cores on their Sorceress-Staff. This Monster-Core is a Perfect Sphere Marble Gem found inside the monster's body which also allows the monster to use Magic.
Well, it's technically not just the Sorceresses but everyone else need to use a Monster-Core to be able to use Magic, except for Demi-Humans.
Unlike Felin who's a pure-blood Demi-Human and has a Sub-Spirit that allows her to easily use Magic, both Humans like me and Half-Race like Mifumi-sama need to use Monster-Core as a pseudo Sub-Spirit to be able to use Magic.
However, we can only use Monster-Core which has the same Element as our Attribute... Wait... I think that is wrong. We can still use other Element base Monster-Core but it's more Mana efficient to use Monster-Core with the same Element to our Attribute.
"Cat-face Vier-chan, we're already here at the open market so stop monologuing or you might get separated from us."
"Vier, do you want to hold our hands so you won't get lost?"
Felin's offer is kinda of tempting but it will be hard to move if we're all holding hands. Anyway, after we reach the open market, we just walk around while looking to see if there is something good that is being sold.
"Do you see anything useful, Mifumi-sama?"
"All I can see that I'm familiar with are Rank-1 Monster-Cores like Barreled-Beetle Monster-Core."
"Then how about we try to buy the unfamiliar ones?"
"I'm not sure, Vier-chan. If we only have the Art-Phone that can use appraisal-skill, we can easily know which monster those Monster-Cores came from and what the skills inside are."
"Jeez... That troublesome Mana-Tech will ruin my stall you know."
"""Huh?!"""
That sudden remark startled the three of us. We got alarmed because someone managed to sneak behind us undetected while we were actually being vigilant of our surroundings since we entered the open market.
We immediately distance ourselves from that person, take our stance to defend ourselves, and turn around to see who that person is. What we find then is a guy with an annoying smirk on his face... Wait... Really? Why is this guy here?
"Don't come any closer, Mister!"
"Who are you, Mister? How did you get behind us without being noticed?"
Felin and Mifumi-sama are enraged at that suspicious person. I, on the other hand, was just a little bit annoyed. After all, I know who that person is.
"Fufufu... Maybe the three of you lack practice in being vigilant of your surroundings."
Okay, that is it. Do you want to go that way? Then let's see what you're going to do if I did this.
"Gyahhhh!!!... Help!!!... Everyone, please help!!!... This guy tried to kidnap us three girls!!!... Please help!!!..."
My shout gathered all the attention of the crowds around us.
"Huh? What's happening?"
"Kidnapping? That guy?"
"Those girls?"
Not only the crowds around us are surprised by what I'm shouting but also both Mifumi-sama and Felin along with that annoying person.
"What are you doing, Vier?"
"He's a suspicious person for sneaking behind us, but he hasn't done anything like that yet, Vier-chan."
"That's right! Stop shouting like that. You know who I am, Vier-kun!"
""Ehh?""
Mifumi-sama and Felin got confused as to why this person knew my name. But even if that clears a bit of their hostility to that person, I'm still not going to stop what I'm doing.
"Gyahhhh!!!... Please help!!!... Everyone!!!... "
"Hey! Isn't that Mifumi-sama?"
"That guy! In this broad daylight try to kidnap Mifumi-sama!"
"Someone call the Guards!"
"Vier-kun, please stop! Okay, I'm sorry for sneaking behind and saying your group is not being vigilant."
"Help!!!... Everyone!!!... Call the Guards!!!.."
"I'm sorry! I will treat your group so please stop."
Okay, that is it. Now that person said what I wanted to hear.
"Then show us what you're selling at your stall and give us a big discount!"
"What's happening, Vier-chan?"
"You're acting weird again, Vier."
After that incident, three Guards came and interrogated our group and the suspicious person at the corner of the open market.
"Did this guy try to kidnap your group?"
The first Guard directed that question to me.
"That might be true because he sneaks behind us using stealth-skill. Since Mifumi-sama can't fight and defend herself with her damaged Sorceress-Staff, we decide to ask for help."
"But you know who he is right?"
The second Guard also directed that question to me... Wait... Why I'm the only one being interrogated? Anyway...
"You can't trust someone who sneaks behind you using a stealth-skill in this board daylight, right?"
"I see, you have a point, Miss."
"And you! Tell us who you are and show your I.d.."
"I'm..."
"LIAR!!!"
Before that annoying person can introduce himself, the third Guard already declared him a lair. It's actually kind of funny, even Felin and Mifumi-sama are holding themselves not to laugh.
"What?... I haven't said anything yet!"
"Oi, let him speak first!"
"Tsk!..."
"I'm Mr. Chad, I work for the Merchants Association. Here is my I.d.."
"And why would you sneak behind the girl's back using a stealth-skill in this board daylight? Don't tell me you're a pervert?"
"If you don't give us a convincing reason, you will be charged with the crime of being a pervert!"
"Wait!... You Guards charged a crime like that?"
"These days, Of course!"
"And for the punishment, you will be buried outside the town in the Monster Cemetery with only your head out of the ground for three days."
"So tell us your reason, you pervert!"
"I only..."
"LIAR!!!"
"""Pfft!!!..."""
The three of us were almost unable to hold our laugh from the remark made by the third Guard. It feels like he's really determined to bury Mr. Chad at the Monster Cemetery.
"Oi! I said let him speak first!"
"Damn it..."
"I'm not a pervert! I only wanted to surprise Vier-kun and her group since she doesn't go to the Merchants Association anymore."
"Do you accept that reason, kid?"
"I think I just got ahead of myself so I accept his reason."
After the three Guards have left, we're now headed towards Mr. Chad's stall to see if he has any useful items on sale.
"Vier-chan, do you really know this Mister?"
"Vier, who is this bad Mister?"
I guess both Mifumi-sama and Felin are still suspicious about Mr. Chad so it's better to introduce him to them.
"This is Mr. Chad. He works for the Merchants Association and the one that sold me out to Misaki-sensei during the Stinky-Perfume incident."
"At least introduce me as the one who helped set up your account at the Merchants Association."
"But it's true that you sold me out, right?!"
"I don't have any choice, okay? Misaki-san hung me on my feet and Ms. Arenea continuously sprayed that Stinky-Perfume of yours in my face until I gave out your name. They even threatened me that they would make me drink the Premium Stinky-Perfume."
"So that's why you did that earlier, Vier-chan."
"No, Mifumi-sama. He insults us by saying we don't practice being vigilant, yet he hides his presence using a Monster-Core's stealth-skill."
"I see, maybe we should head back to the Guards and change our decision then."
"I'm going back to Guards, Vier, Mifumi-sama."
"Wait, Ms. Felin. Please, I don't want to be buried at the Monster Cemetery."
"Then give us a 75 percent discount at your stall."
"Do you hate me that much, Vier-kun?"
"Of course! Do you know what happened after I got caught by Misaki-sensei?"
"Your punishment only got worse because you got the guts to not surrender and went into hiding for an entire week."
"Shut up! Now I want a 99 percent discount!"
"You know I can't give that!"
After walking for a few minutes we arrived at Mr. Chad's stall.
"Why are you selling here, Mister? Did your boss kick you out of the job?"
"Do you hate me too, Ms. Felin?"
"Of course, Felin-chan would hate you, Mr. Chad. You slip past her natural detection ability, then brag like it's because of your ability."
"Ugh!... I'm sorry."
This guy... Why is the Vise Chairman of the Merchants Association selling here at the open market with a small stall?... Wait!... Is this his punishment for getting involved with the ZakuSyndicate?... Then I kind of feel bad if that's true.
"So why are you selling here? Did you really get fired from the Merchants Association?"
"Of course not, Vier-kun. This is just a new hobby of mine during my days off."
"Suspicious!"
"Shady!"
Mifumi-sama and Felin are right. A big-shot person like him selling at the open market as a hobby? As if that was his actual reason. Anyway...
"Are you selling any Monster-Cores or weapons?"
"Wait for a second."
Mr. Chad then rumbled to his box and took out some of his items.
"These are all my Monster-Cores and these are all the weapons. I also have Monster-Materials if you're interested."
"Do you see anything useful or interesting Mifumi-sama? Felin?"
"I have never seen this kind of Monster-Cores before so I'm not sure, Vier-chan."
"Those weapons are trash and the Monster-Materials are small, Vier."
"Okay. Mr. Chad, you can throw the trash items so please tell us about these Monster-Cores."
"I know the weapons and Monster-Materials are low quality but it's not trash, okay?"
"Then waste?
"Perhaps garbage?"
"Junk?"
"You're just insulting my items, right?"
"""We're telling the truth!"""
"Sigh!... Anyway, about the Monster-Cores, this first group came from Rank-2 Twin-Headed-Bear monsters and has the offensive Magic called Ground-Shake skill plus the Ground-Control skill."
We don't see that monster around here so we're not familiar to them. I'm actually curious if those two heads have a mind of their own. Like, what if both heads disagree on something... Wait... That is not important right now.
"This second group came from the Rank-1 Strider-Lizard monsters and have the Water-Control skill and Water-Step skill."
"If it doesn't have any offensive Magic and can only walk on water, don't you think it should be Rank-0?"
"But it can still make its own offensive Magic using the Water-Control skill, right Vier-chan?"
"But you would spend more Mana by doing that, Mifumi-sama?"
"Hmmm... You got a point."
"You're lying to us, Mister."
"The Guild is the one who gave the rank, not me, okay? Anyway, this third group came from the Rank-3 Steel-Hawk and has the Wind-Control skill, Wind-Blade skill, and Wind-Barrier skill."
We also don't see that monster around here so we're not familiar with them either. But why they are called Steel-Hawk but have Wind-Element? To confuse its enemy? Are their feathers as hard as steel? Well, that's not important now.
"The fourth group is Rank-1 Fire-Blac monster and has the defensive Magic called Fire-Shed skill and the Flame-Control skill."
"Why would you sell that, Mr. Chad? Who would use a skill that would set yourself on fire?"
Mifumi-sama has a point. I wonder how this kind of Monster-Core is being used.
"And the last, Mister?"
"This group is a random Monster-Cores. I don't know them either. You can attach it to this Monster-Core tester and try using them now."
"As if we will do that, Mr. Chad! Those Monster-Cores might have a passive-skill that has bad effects like the Goblin Monster-Core."
"Help!!!... This person is trying to make us use an unknown Monster-Core!!!... Someone call the..."
"Wait! Stop! That's a joke okay!"
"If you don't want us to call the Guards give us the 75 percent discount."
"I want 99 percent, Mister."
"We'll buy all of them including the random ones. Those are all secondhand Monster-Cores and probably only have 20 percent or less durability so don't try and deceive us, Mr. Chad!"
"Then 2L Gold coins for everything."
"That's still overpriced, Mr. Chad."
"Overprice!"
"Help!!!..."
"Fine! 1L Gold coin, at least let me take back half the price that I paid for these."
"""Thank you, Mr. Chad / Mister!"""
After Mr. Chad generously gave us a big discount for those Monster-Cores, the three of us had our lunch in a restaurant around the open market.
"I know Mr. Chad is a suspicious person but is it alright to do that to him, Vier-chan?"
"Mhm! We got a lot for 1L Gold coin, Vier."
"Don't worry, Mifumi-sama, Felin. Mr. Chad handles all the suspicious deals of the Merchants Association. All of these Monster-Cores are probably confiscated items from illegal merchants that the Association won't be able to sell and he surely didn't pay a single coin for all of this."
"How did you know all of that stuff, Vier-chan?"
"Are you still selling weird items, Vier?"
"Of course not! I don't go to the Merchants Association anymore. Misaki-sensei explained all of this to me back then so I won't sell my items to Mr. Chad."
"I see, so that happened back then."
"Mhm! Vier, got punished back then."
"Anyway, let's head to the Adventurers Guild so we can get all of this appraised, Mifumi-sama, Felin."
""Mhm!!""
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone