Merchant of The Universe

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—no 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—it 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—his 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.

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—it 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—" 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—it 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.