Erik left the Administration office with his ID tucked into his pocket. The sprawling building's overhead lights cast long, stretching shadows that danced and shifted as people milled about, a mosaic of motion and life.
He craned his neck to scan the various signs for an ATM. With his biological supercomputer, extracting money from these machines was a simple task, although not one he could indulge in often.
His mind raced with plans and ideas; he needed a proper cover to survive.
His gaze was finally drawn to a machine nestled between a cozy-looking café and a shop selling exotic fruits.
He moved closer to the ATM, keeping an eye out for any suspicious stare. People in Etrium came from all walks of life, and everyone knew better than to pry into the affairs of strangers, but better safe than sorry. His fingers danced over the keypad as he stood before the machine, seemingly random digits entering and withdrawing.
In reality, he was communicating with the biological supercomputer, using its abilities to breach the ATM's security.
There was a brief pause before the machine began to whirr, and a stack of Eurems was dispensed.
As he pocketed the money, his heart thumped in his chest. A successful transaction that went unnoticed, precisely as he had planned.
Yet, he could not repeat this often; the risk was too great. He had to lay low, not draw attention with a sudden influx of money. So, the idea of working as a mercenary began to solidify. In the rough and tumble world of mercenaries, a little extra money was never questioned.
Erik had found the ideal cover, a means to an end in his new life in Etrium. Having an idea, a direction to go in, made Erik calm a little bit, though there was much he needed to do. Erik decided to head toward the weapon shop to gain an understanding of the prices in this city.
The door to the shop chimed gently as Erik entered, stepping from the bustling cityscape into the quiet haven of steel and craftwork. The air inside smelled like polished metal and worn leather, a scent that any warrior would find comforting. Weapons of various types hung on the walls, gleaming in the soft, artificial light.
Erik noticed a pair of delicate throwing knives shimmering in the light to his left. The blades were razor-thin and as sharp as a surgeon's scalpel. The price tag attached to them read '17,500 Eurems'.
A magnificent longbow carved from the vibrant red wood of a Harn tree stood next to them. Its graceful curvature and intricate carvings spoke of a master's touch. The price tag, however, read a hefty '22,000 Eurems'.
A spear on a pedestal seemed to glow with an internal light, implying the Thaids' brain crystal power was imbued within.
The armor appeared to be lightweight yet durable, with intricate engravings. The cost was '3,600,000 Eurems,' far beyond Erik's current means.
A middle-aged man wearing a neat uniform with a tag bearing the name 'Kiran' approached Erik. His eyes held the bright shine of someone who took immense pride in their work. "Looking for something in particular, sir?" He asked in a polite tone.
Erik's gaze moved from the Eshalt sword to the spear that was displayed in front of him. Its price tag was staggering, a whopping '3,600,000 Eurems'. Erik motioned towards it and asked, "Well, I was looking at your goods and started wondering why that spear has such a high price tag."
Kiran nodded as he followed Erik's gaze. "Ah, you have an eye for unique pieces," he said as he approached the spear. "This here is no ordinary weapon," he said, motioning to the spear.
"It was forged in Nokisi Point by Elara Steelhand, the finest crafter of the city. She's famed for her superior craftsmanship and the ability to imbue weapons with Thaids' brain crystal powers."
"This particular spear is imbued with the power of an Eganesu. It allows the wielder to convert their mana into a potent venom. Every time you thrust the spear, it injects this venom into your enemy. It's not just a weapon; it's a death sentence to any opponent."
Erik nodded in agreement after hearing the explanation. The spear was undoubtedly out of his price range, but the idea of weapons imbued with brain crystal powers piqued his interest. The ability to convert mana into venom added a new level of complexity and strategy to battles. Etrium was already living up to its reputation.
Erik thought about the clerk's words momentarily before gently shaking his head. "I understand," he said, "but I'm not ready to make a purchase just yet." His gaze returned to the weapon displays, where he admired the brilliant array of options. Each weapon had its charm and story, but none had beckoned to him just yet.
"However," he added, returning his gaze to the clerk, "I'll be back in the future." I hope to see something more powerful on display when I return." Erik's words were not meant to be a challenge but a testament to his goals. The weapons he saw were extraordinary, but he knew he'd need something even better to overcome the trials that awaited him in this land.
Kiran, the clerk, nodded with a knowing smile at Erik's statement. He'd seen many warriors come and go, each with goals and dreams. Erik was no exception. "I will look forward to your return, young man. Rest assured; we're always acquiring new pieces. When the time comes, I'm certain you'll find a weapon befitting your strength and your pockets."
Erik gave a final acknowledgment nod before exiting the store. He let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding as the door closed behind him. The shop had been an eye-opening experience with its exquisite weapons.
Etrium was a land of wonders, where the old coexisted with the new, and tradition coexisted with innovation. Erik was eager to explore every nook and cranny of the city in search of opportunities.
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