The deal was sealed after that.

Aldred Winsley used an Enchanted Item to calculate just how many Monster Cores existed in each sack, and by multiplying them with the agreed-upon price, they arrived at the selling price.

A whooping 4,650 Platinum Coin!

'I still can't believe this'

Rey was trying his best to remain composed after hearing such an absurd number, but his heart remained unsteady.

Adding that to his balance of 1,051 Platinum Coins, he now possessed 5,701 Platinum Coins in total.

'I never thought I'd get this much in a single go talkless of now!'

Rey felt like a scammer, but he didn't feel the slightest bit bad.

Why would he?

This was the Black Market for a reason.

'Once the influx of Monster Cores arrive, these guys will be at a loss. I should probably avoid coming here for the time being'

Rey smiled internally, realizing he had made enough money for now.

Training was what came next, so distractions like this were unnecessary.

"As always, it is a pleasure doing business with you." Aldred's voice woke him from his deep thoughts.

The deal had been completed, but they were both still in the lounge.

Staff had come to take away the Monster Cores, and also give him his money. At this point, Rey felt like he was overstaying his welcome.

'I should be leaving now'

He rose to his feet in a slow, dignified manner. Aldred's gaze was on him the entire time.

"Likewise. I'm leaving now." He said in a monotone.

At this point, Aldred jumped to his feetalmost as if he hadn't expected their dear seller to leave so soon.

"Please, why not stay a bit longer? I would like us to discuss further on"

"There are other places I must be"

Rey didn't want to be among the few who would be late for Adonis' stipulated time.

He was already in enough hot water as it was.

'It'll be bad for my Extra Image if I keep having attention drawn to me'

As a result, he decided to leave as early as he could.

Besides, it would really suck if the influx of Monster Cores happened while he was still in this building.

For his own safety, he had to scram.

"O-okay, I understand! But before you leave, why not take a look at our newest products? You're our esteemed seller, so it would be our greatest pleasure to show you some of what we have to offer."

Rey could already tell that they were baiting him to be a customer of theirs.

That way, the relationship could go both ways.

'Well there's no harm in seeing what they have, I guess.'

Frankly speaking, Rey was looking for good equipment.

He often heard how Enchanted Items were lifesavers for Adventurers, and that even a weakling could be unbelievably strong with the right Items.

'Right now, even with my many Skills, I have limitations'

Having Enchanted Items to complement his current abilities and make up for his weaknesses would serve him best.

"Fine. Let me see."

Aldred seemed extremely pleased to hear that Rey was interested, and he didn't hesitate to show his satisfaction.

At this point, Rey felt like the man he had first been introduced to, and the new Aldred he was seeing were too different people.

'I guess this is what being around stronger and richer people does to you'

It reminded him a little of Billy.

'I can at least respect Aldred for his actions. He's doing it for the sake of profit. Business works like this'

As for Billy, his own motives were simply useless.

'In any case, I'm happy I got to cut away from that guy pretty early.'

Rey could only imagine if Billy was still his friend, and how he would have been limited in a host of ways as a result.

'I would have probably told him of my Skill, and my desire to go out and even this whole Black Market thingthat is even if I make it this far'

The problem with being friends with certain people is that they tend to rub off on you.

'Billy would most likely disapprove of my behavior and would try to force me into training with him and the big leagues.'

Rey could see his life being so much more different just from that single variable.

'I'm not sure which I would like best, to be honest. But like this, I have more freedom'

He was richer too.

***********

Aldred led the masked fellow to their shopping areathe place reserved for only the most esteemed of customers.

Even in a High-End Store like this, there was no way to escape discrimination in some way.

Certain products simply weren't meant for all eyes to see.

They were specialmeant only for the cream of the crop.

The masked seller was brought to the place where those products were kept.

"Welcome to our VIP Area. All items here were made with the highest-grade of materials available." There was pride in Aldred's tone as he spoke.

No Monster Core less than Grade 7 was used to make any of the Items here, and only the most refined of minerals and Mana Crystals were utilized in the manufacturing process.

Not only that, but the goods were one of a kindunless they came in a set.

Still, you would never see more than one person carrying an Item within this place.

A truly luxurious place.

"Due to your continuous relationship with us, we would like to give you a gift." Aldred began, breaking the silence in the room.

This was the true reason he had brought the masked man to their establishment.

"You may take any one Item of your liking. No, make that two since your guard there might fancy something too."

Aldred could see their seller's subordinate squirm a little. He couldn't help but feel proud of himself for employing that strategy.

'He often sends this man to do business with us. If we can get him wholly on our side, I'm sure that would work to our benefit.'

"I see. Then I shall take a look around." The deep tone of the masked man curtly interrupted Aldred's thoughts, causing him to straighten up instantly.

"Y-yes! Please do!"

And so, the seller advanced to the rows of Enchanted Items, with Aldred standing still and looking at him from his position.

'Hopefully, with this we can have his goodwill.'

*

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Thanks for reading!

It seems Rey underestimates how much these people value him.

Though they influx might ruin it.