As Erik sipped the hot tea Olivia brought him, he mentally instructed the biological supercomputer to scan the building for devices. He needed the System to enter the company's network and see if he could find anything useful.
Expecting that these people kept information about Doran was wishful thinking, especially if they knew his job wasn't legal.
Usually, if they sold him something they shouldn't have, they would only have kept information about it if they had it stored in some secret or unhackable place.
< System, I want you to connect to any devices in this building and find information about Doran,> he ordered. There was no time to lose.
[UNDERSTOOD. CONNECTING TO THE BUILDING'S SERVERS AND COMPUTERS. INITIATING DEEP SCAN FOR INFORMATION RELATED TO DORAN STEDMAN.]
The biological supercomputer's reply flashed in his peripheral for a brief moment.
[CONNECTION COMPLETE. ESTIMATED TIME FOR A THOROUGH SCAN AND DATA EXTRACTION: APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES.]
<What the hell? 10 minutes? How much data do they have stored?>
Erik took another drink of tea nonchalantly, its unique flavor tingling on his tongue. At the same time, he mentally replied, <Proceed with the scan. Take the time you need.>
[UNDERSTOOD. SCANNING NOW.]
Since he didn't have anything else to do, and despite his visit would be brief, Erik decided it was worthwhile to take a look around. Furthermore, he would ask about some goods he needed and could purchase here. No one would suspect that he was actually looking for the man.
Erik went through Haven Market's many aisles, admiring the various products on display and occasionally exchanging pleasantries with Olivia.
Every second he waited for the System to be done seemed like an eternity. While distracting, the bustling environment of the market could not quell the anticipation building within him.
Would there be any evidence of Doran in the market's clearly massive network systems? What information would he receive about his elusive target if that were the case?
Erik's senses stayed sharp as the minutes passed, absorbing every aspect of the place around him while waiting for the biological supercomputer's conclusions.
The bustle of conversation and the odd chime of a sale filled the air inside the magnificent expanse of the Haven Market.
Olivia accompanied Erik with exquisite poise, her gaze occasionally drifting to him, appraising or perhaps wondering about the masked guy who had seemingly materialized out of nowhere inside the city and quickly took it by storm.
After a few minutes, she inclined her head slightly and asked, "Mr. Kay, is there anything specific you're looking for today?"
Erik paused for a bit as he considered his response. "Actually, yes. I'm particularly interested in items that contain Thaids' brain crystals. Do you happen to have any?"
Olivia's eyes widened in realization. "Of course we do. I expected this reply since you are a mercenary. Haven Market specializes in such products, but given their price, it is not easy to find buyers." She paused, a severe expression on her face.
"We need to go to the 10th floor for these products. We have a carefully curated array of weapons and armor infused with Thaids' brain crystals. These weapons completely transformed the game by allowing users to wield various brain crystal powers. Even if the person in question does not have powerful brain crystal, these weapons can help to level the playing field."
Erik nodded; his curiosity piqued. "That seems intriguing. I'll certainly want to take a look at them." Olivia then pointed at a row of elegant elevators gleaming with polished brass and exquisite decorations.
"Please allow me to accompany you. The 10th floor is restricted, and only employers can access it."
The ambient sounds of the market seemed to become quieter, the air cooler, and the lighting more subdued as they went toward them. Each floor they passed appealed to different tastes and interests, showing the market's colossal merchandise assortment.
Olivia tapped a button as they arrived at the elevator, and the doors slid open silently. The inside was luxurious, with velvet-padded walls and a mirrored roof.
"Our collection on the 10th floor is one of the greatest in Testrovsc's Rest," Olivia said as the doors closed behind them and the elevator began its ascent.
"Our items are sourced from famous artisans. Each element was designed with functionality and practicality in mind, but this doesn't mean the products are bad looking."
"I appreciate the guidance," Erik said, leaning against the elevator's back wall. "Such rarities do not come along every day."
Olivia smiled softly. "We appreciate it, Mr. Kay. At Haven Market, we take pride in meeting our customers' needs."
The doors slid open as the elevator reached the tenth story, revealing a new world of splendor and mystery. Erik was immediately immersed in an aura of exclusivity and magnificence.
The area inside this level of Haven Market was a spacious and well-lit room, with a soft white light emanating from the walls.
A magnificent chandelier made of crystal and gold hung above the polished marble floor, casting beautiful patterns all around. Erik had seen such opulence only at Amber's house.
Grand pedestals in front of him displayed an array of weaponry and armor. Each piece was displayed as a work of art, with light beams expertly focused to make particular features shine and glow.
The sheer diversity and creativity of the collection were terrific, from masterfully carved swords with hilts wrapped in leather and jewels to ornate chest plates and helms inlaid with gold and rare stones.
As he looked around, Erik moved carefully through the aisles, his gaze riveted to the nuances of each piece.
Armor suits appeared almost ethereal, their designs implying tremendous protection and a lightness that defied their look.
However, he didn't like wearing armor; his multiple brain crystal powers made them useless. However, they were beautiful to look at.
There were also bows with shimmering blue and green strings, and quivers filled with elaborately feathered arrows were displayed nearby.
"Is all of this made from Thaids' bodies?" Erik inquired.
"Indeed, sir. We only trade the best here."
Holographic panels were scattered across the floor, displaying item descriptions and, most importantly, the pricing of the objects. Erik stopped in front of one such plaque, next to a superb double-edged sword with a Thaids' crystal inlaid in its hilt.
The cost was staggering: 5.2 million Eurems. Another weapon immediately after cost 5.8 million Eurems and was linked to a wonderfully constructed gauntlet set with many tiny gems.
Erik could tell that these were not conventional weapons or armor. Their design, craftsmanship, and the apparent power that flowed through them made it clear why they were so expensive. Erik could feel the Thaid's mana it was made from still lingering inside the brain crystal.
Though while the price was beyond most people's means, the items here promised unrivaled excellence and power to those who could afford them.
He whistled softly, more for himself than for anyone else. "This place is something else," he muttered, awestruck and slightly intimidated by its magnificence. He couldn't help believing whoever owned such massive weapons and armor was powerful, not only financially.
Olivia, who had been watching him silently, nodded proudly. "Yes, Mr. Kay. Only the finest and most uncommon equipment is housed on the 10th floor. Each piece here is a testament to the pinnacle of craftsmanship and power."
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