"This is an unexpected windfall!" Noel exclaimed, his blue eyes gleaming with delight as he stared at the translucent screen before him.
The Black Market was a treasure trove, but that was only for those with a discerning eye. Nine out of ten people who visited the Black Market ended up getting swindled or purchasing junk, while the fortunate one secured genuine bargains.
Noel had always feared that he would end up falling into the former category and end up getting swindled, but with his newly acquired Appraisal skill, that was no longer the case. He could now uncover hidden details about weapons, accessories, and magical artifacts, shielding him from deceit and saving a considerable amount of money.
Without hesitation, he activated his skill on the pair of earrings. A ten-second loading screen appeared, and upon completion, a new translucent window materialized:
[Zion's Earrings]
[Rarity: Rare]
[Effect: Increases Mana Recovery Rate by 15%]
The moment he finished reading the details, he couldn't help the excited grin that appeared on his face.
A rare accessory!
This was definitely a jackpot!
However, before Noel could observe the earrings any further, a sharp voice cut through the air and suddenly jolted him out of his excitement.
"Ah, I see you've got sharp eyes, young man! Not everyone notices quality like that."
Noel turned to see a lean, average-faced man with gleaming eyes approaching him. He was bald, and was dressed in a plain black suit, and his thin lips were curled into a fawning smile.
"It's quality indeed." Noel nodded as he continued to examine the earrings.
"Of course! These are premium items, and I assure you that you won't find a better quality anywhere else!" Pascal, the shopkeeper smiled obsequiously as he approached Noel.
"How much?" Noel asked flatly, clearly unimpressed by his theatrics. He was fully aware of how the shopkeepers in the Black Market operated.
Pascal leaned in, rubbing his hands together like he was about to reveal the secret to immortality. "For you, discerning sir, I'll take a loss and sell them for just 1.5 million credits."
Noel blinked once, then again, before letting out a dry chuckle.
"Right. And do they come with a flying carpet and three wishes?"
Pascal let out a nervous chuckle.
"Ahaha! Surely you jest! But I assure you, you won't find craftsmanship like this just anywhere—"
"They're worth 400,000 credits at best, and that's me being generous." Noel cut in impatiently, his tone flat.
Pascal gasped as if personally insulted.
"Four hundred thousand?! Sir, that's—why, that's practically robbery! I wouldn't even break even!"
"You wouldn't break even? That must mean that water isn't wet." Noel chuckled and shook his head at Pascal's words.
"These are merely common-ranked accessories, so why would I buy them for such a ridiculous price? Do you think I'm a fool?" Noel sneered.
Pascal faltered, then cleared his throat.
"Alright, alright. For you, I'll make a loss and sell them for 900,000."
Without wasting any more time, Noel spun around and started walking away.
"Wait! 700,000!" Pascal shouted, his voice laced with desperation, but Noel kept walking.
"Six! Six hundred!"
Noel raised a hand without looking back.
"You've got five seconds before I vanish into the crowd."
Pascal practically scrambled over himself.
"Fine! 400,000! But that's daylight robbery! I hope you can sleep at night knowing what you've done!"
Noel paused, but after seeing that Pascal didn't lower the price anymore, he finally turned back.
Without any delay, Noel transferred the money to Pascal.
After confirming the transfer, Pascal then handed over the earrings with a pitiful expression on his face. If a passerby saw him, they would think that he was giving away his kidneys.
Naturally, Noel paid him no mind and slipped them on, the earrings instantly adjusting to his ears with a subtle shimmer.
"You drive a tough bargain, sir, but you've got taste; I'll give you that." Pascal sighed dramatically.
Noel gave a faint smile and turned to leave, only to hear Pascal call out again behind him.
"Hold on! Don't be in such a rush, young man! You've got the look of someone with taste, so I'll let you in on my secret!"
"I've got some exclusive goods in the back! Real premium stuff for someone with eyes like yours!"
Noel hesitated, deciding on whether to take his leave or humor Pascal, but when he remembered the rare-ranked earrings he'd just purchased, he sighed and nodded.
"Sure, let's see what you've got."
"This way, this way! You won't regret it." Pascal beamed as he led Noel into the shop.
The moment they stepped deeper into the shop, Noel realized it was far larger than it appeared on the outside. There were rows upon rows of messy shelves overflowing with enchanted ornaments, dusty ancient tomes, bottled monster essence, and enchanted weapons of questionable origin.
Noel casually activated his Appraisal skill, his gaze sweeping over a series of glowing accessories and weapon racks, but despite the large number of merchandise in the shop, his expression didn't change.
"There's nothing noteworthy here." Noel clicked his tongue as he stared at the cluttered shelves.
Pascal, ever the opportunist, picked up on the shift immediately.
"Aha… You've got very refined taste, I see. The common shelves bore you, don't they? Don't worry! Allow me to show you the cream of the crop of my merchandise."
"You won't regret it, I tell you!" He smiled fawningly as he gestured dramatically to a beaded curtain near the back wall.
"Right through here, dear sir! This place is reserved for esteemed customers only," Pascal said flatteringly as he directed Noel to the door.
Noel followed, brushing through the curtain and stepping into the innermost chamber. However, the moment he entered the room, he paused.
This room was quieter, with poor lighting, save for the soft glow of enchanted weapons and bottled mana essences, but was lined with sealed display cases. Unlike the messy state of the previous room, this room was organized.
There were even rare potions that glistened with silver mist under the hazy lighting, various accessories that pulsed faintly, and even an epic-ranked sword mounted proudly on the wall, its name flickering faintly in ancient runes Noel couldn't decipher.
But despite the variety of rare merchandise, three items drew his attention immediately.
First, at the center of the chamber, stood a complete armor set mounted on a steel mannequin. Midnight-black plates covered the chest, arms, and legs, etched with faint silver veins that occasionally flickered like stars. A flowing obsidian cape was clasped to the back, and a helm rested under it.
Noel activated his Appraisal skill and nearly let out a gasp at what he saw.
[Eclipse Armor Set]
[Rare]
+10% Defense
+8% Resistance to Mana-Based Damage
Cape increases evasion by 5%
What powerful stats! Noel exclaimed internally as he examined the Eclipse Armor Set.
Next to it, standing upright on a rack, was a long, snow-white spear. Its blade glinted under the poor lighting like frozen glass, forged with elegant runes running down the shaft. It was regal and looked like it was built for a warrior with poise and charm.
Noel used his Appraisal skill again and gleaned the information about the spear.
[Scar]
[Rare]
+12% Attack Damage (Piercing).
Reduces Mana Consumption for Spear Skills by 10%
Finally, on the far side of the room, hung a tailored coat that looked completely out of place. The coat was white and pristine, like the moonlight in winter, with long, flowing sleeves tailored neatly at the wrists. It was subtly lined with soft inner black silk, and they were practical enough to move freely without ripping.
The collar was coated with soft obsidian fur, and thin, silver threading ran down each sleeve in intricate, almost rune-like embroidery. An ornamental chain of frost-blue charms draped from one shoulder to the chest, giving it a noble yet refined look.
[Moonwalker]
[Rare]
+5% Mana Regeneration
(Passive): Grants Minor Cold Resistance
(Passive): Slightly boosts Undead affinity.
(Passive): Enhances mana flow and control when summoning undead.
He stepped back and then turned to Pascal before exhaling softly.
"I want these three."
Pascal's smile slowly morphed into a wicked grin, like a shark that had smelled blood in the water, before replying.
"Ahhh... You truly do have excellent taste, sir. The best of the best... but excellence does come at a price."
***
Noel stormed out of the store twenty minutes later, grumbling under his breath and feeling several kilograms lighter, both emotionally and financially.
"Seven million credits?! That greedy bastard really wrung me dry…" Noel grumbled as he weaved his way through the bustling crowd of people.
He clutched a rare-ranked spatial ring he'd bought on his way out, and was now loaded with his newly acquired gear, a pair of daggers, as well as a pair of black leather boots and some plain clothes for daily use. The ring alone had cost nearly 800,000 credits, but he didn't regret it one bit.
With only 2 million credits left in his account, Noel sighed and looked up at the crowded ceiling of the Black Market.
"The Black Market really lives up to its name…"
Still, there was a sliver of satisfaction in his voice. After his spending spree, he was now fully geared and prepared for his next step.