The Prestige Merchant

Then, around a corner of a cobblestone street, the boutique finally revealed itself.

As they entered the entrance, one of the employees recognized them immediately. His eyes widened slightly, surprised and honored.

Tristan raised his hand with a relaxed smile.

"That won't be necessary. We're only here to purchase equipment."

A few moments later, a sprightly-looking employee arrived and invited them to follow her.

 The group followed her through the shop's corridors, passing glass cases gleaming with ancient artifacts, enchanted armor, and other rare magical items.

Then they arrived in a vast exhibition hall.

It was a veritable adventurer's paradise.

Varnished wooden racks held swords of all sizes, some made of mithril forged by dwarven artisans, others of obsidian, runed to cut even shadows. Entire shelves displayed daggers, bows, catalysts, light and heavy armor, enchanted boots, camouflage cloaks...

"Here, you'll find everything you need, according to your classes, preferences, and budgets. If you're looking for something specific, I can help you."

                                                                The whole group marveled at the abundance and quality of the merchandise.

This was more than just a gear store: it was a martial arts gallery. It was clear they'd find everything they needed to succeed in their next mission in the dungeon here.

Kyle calmly observed the windows, a slight smile tugging at his lips. Even he, who claimed to be undemanding, sensed that this shop would have a few surprises in store for him.

The group had barely reached the area dedicated to adventurer gear when Tristan suggested:

"Let's split up. It'll be more efficient for everyone to find what they need."

"Good idea," Elena replied.

"Meet back here in... an hour?"

"Sounds good," Kyle agreed.

Without wasting any time, they dispersed.

Kyle walked between the stalls, examining the armor displayed in crystal-clear glass cases. Suddenly, his gaze stopped dead in its tracks.

A full suit of black armor, with dark, iridescent reflections, seemed to be waiting for him in a slightly secluded corner. It was made of thin but strong scales, arranged like a second skin. An employee, seeing him stop, approached with a professional smile.

"This armor always attracts connoisseurs," he said. "Forged from the scales of the Pit Serpent, a creature of the depths imbued with dark energy. It offers exceptional resistance to dark magic, and its enchantments are calibrated for lightning: amplification and protection. Very rare. And above all, very expensive."

Kyle remained silent for a moment, his eyes fixed on the armor.

"It's perfect, too perfect..." he murmured.

Then, with a small, wry smile,

"The kind of plot shortcut only a lazy writer would dare write." 

The clerk blinked in confusion, but Kyle didn't wait for an answer.

He placed his hand on the display case.

"I'll take it."

He knew it would cost him a fortune, but... money, he'd never known what to do with it. And this armor... it seemed made for him.

Kyle spotted Anne, standing in front of a series of impressive spears. Some pulsed gently with magical energy, others seemed forged to pierce dragons in flight.

"Are you planning on changing them?" he asked, approaching.

She turned her head toward him, then looked back at the display case.

"No. These are more powerful, that's for sure. But mine was given to me by my teacher, a great fighter of the Dragonoid race. I don't need anything else."

Her voice was calm, determined. She didn't need to explain further.

"I understand... I think," Kyle replied sincerely.

They wandered around together for a bit, occasionally commenting on a strange or overly expensive item. Finally, Anne seemed interested in a light armor with reinforced joints.

"It might help me take a beating on the front lines..." she murmured.

"I'll let you make your choice," Kyle said, before walking away.

After a while, Kyle found himself in the sword aisle. He glanced over the blades, some elegant and thin, others broad and brutal. All seemed made for legendary combat.

"Are you looking for a new blade?" Tristan suddenly asked, appearing at his side, arms crossed.

Kyle shrugged.

"Even if I wanted to... I couldn't. I'm out of money. I emptied my purse for armor."

"Already?" " Tristan wondered, before glancing around at the windows. "Well... yeah, I understand. This shop is a real temptation."

He pointed to a long ritual sword in a silver case.

"You see that one? It's superior to my sword in every way."

Kyle turned his head toward him.

"But you're not planning on buying it, are you?"

Tristan smiled slightly, almost nostalgically.

"No. My master gave me mine. It doesn't need to be the sharpest or the fastest. It's enough for me."

Kyle nodded.

"I see. There are some things you can't replace."

Tristan continued.

"However, I'm looking for armor. Something light, but strong. You found some, right?"

"Yeah." A full suit of dark armor made with Abyss Serpent scales. It amplifies lightning magic, channels magical energy well, and it also enhances dark spells. A true marvel."

Tristan's eyes widened for a moment.

"And where was it?"

"Two aisles from here."

"Thanks, I'll go!" Tristan said before practically running off.

Kyle watched him disappear into the crowd, a small smile on his lips. Then he strolled leisurely through the aisles of the shop, hands in his pockets, curiously observing the magical objects displayed in enchanted crystal cases.

He stopped.

A familiar voice, clear but trembling with annoyance, pierced the surrounding hubbub.

"I don't see how my rank is a criterion for judging my ability to wield this item!" 

It was Iris.

Kyle turned his head. He didn't have to think long. He immediately recognized the tone. That mixture of defensive coldness and suppressed anger. He walked unhurriedly toward the source of the commotion.

Turning to a corner, the scene unfolded before the passive eyes of two employees, visibly uncomfortable.

Facing Iris stood a young man dressed in a noble midnight blue coat, embroidered with gold. He held an obsidian scepter encrusted with purple crystals—a rare magical item. Iris, for her part, had also held this scepter in her hands just before. And the arrogant man clearly didn't like it.

"You don't have the qualifications to use this scepter to its full potential. So leave precious things to those who have the blood to wield them."

A smug smile stretched across his lips.

The employees didn't dare intervene. After all, he was the son of an earl.

Kyle arrived calmly, hands behind his head, a half-smile on his lips.

"Oh, Iris... do you want me to help you carry that?" he said casually, his eyes flicking towards the nobleman with a hint of irony.

Kyle's appearance seemed to make the nobleman's confidence waver for a moment. Iris, for her part, raised her head. The confidence she'd been masking beneath her anger seemed to be returning. Now there was someone on her side.

"No thanks, Kyle. I'll handle this... but your presence is appreciated," she said with a sly smile, without taking her eyes off the nobleman.

He grimaced.

"Charming. Now the peasantry are regrouping. What's missing?" A sorceress and a farm dog?"

Kyle looked at him like a thumbtack on a window. Then he shrugged without replying.

At that precise moment, a new, deeper voice spoke up.

"What's going on here?"

It was Darian Valmont himself. Elegant, calm, and accompanied by a nervous-looking employee.

He approached, his gaze neutral, but clearly less than pleased.

"My shop is a place of commerce, not theater. Explain to me the reason for this commotion."

The nobleman turned around immediately, his mask of arrogance replaced by a mock-hurt smile.

"Mr. Darian, I was simply testing a scepter when that girl came up and snatched it from my hands, aggressive and threatening... I tried to reason with her, but she wouldn't listen. »

Darian raised an eyebrow doubtfully and turned to his employees.

"Is that true?"

The two hesitated... then lowered their eyes without responding. Their silence spoke for themselves. They didn't dare contradict a nobleman.

He then turned to Iris.

"Miss, is that the truth?"

The nobleman immediately fulminated, his face red with anger.

"You would dare question my word? I am the son of Count Levant! My rank demands respect!"

Darian remained impassive, but a crease formed at the corner of his mouth.

That's when Kyle, still standing back, nonchalantly raised a hand.

"Greetings, sir," he said with a smile. "Just to say... that I still find your shop incredible. I really do." The atmosphere... the decor... the customers..."

He subtly gestured vaguely at the nobleman.

"...it's immersive."

Darian looked at him for a moment... and a very slight smile crossed his eyes. He didn't answer Kyle, but turned his attention back to the nobleman, this time with icy calm.

"In that case, Count... if you wish to continue your shopping, I would ask you to do so without imposing your rank as a weapon."

The nobleman looked ready to explode, but restrained himself.

"Very well. Keep your commoner shop."

He gave Iris and Kyle one last glare before turning on his heel and disappearing between the aisles.

Silence returned. Iris sighed softly.

"Thank you... Kyle."

"Don't worry," he said with a shrug. "I knew you didn't need me." But I always wanted to take part in this kind of scene."

She gave a small laugh.

Darian, for his part, nodded to them.

"If you need anything, my employees are at your disposal. And don't be intimidated. Merit isn't a blood relationship."

Then he walked away, leaving the two comrades alone again.

Once the alley had calmed down, Iris turned to Kyle with a soft sigh.

"Thanks again," she said simply, her voice softer. "For your intervention."

Kyle shrugged.

"I didn't do anything to deserve thanks."

"Maybe, but... sometimes just having a friend by your side is enough," she replied with a small smile.

He stared at her for a moment, intrigued.

"...Are we friends?"

Iris stared at him, mouth agape for a second, then burst into a small laugh.

 "Yes, what a question!"

Kyle looked away, as if taken aback.

"...I didn't know," he murmured.

Iris smiled. He really had this knack for being sincere, almost involuntarily.

They stood for a moment in quiet silence. Then Kyle took a step to walk back.

"I'm done shopping. If you want, we can go for a walk together," he offered, almost mechanically.

Iris looked at him, surprised, then narrowed her eyes mischievously.

"Oh, I didn't know you could be so forward with girls," she said in mock shock.

Kyle blinked.

"...I didn't understand. Do you want to come or not?"

She couldn't help it: she started laughing out loud.

"Yes, let's go, Mr. Mystery." Show me what you found so interesting."

"Armor made with abyssal serpent scales. Super strong, magic-resistant. A little expensive, but perfect."

"...I take it back. It's not romantic at all," she said, shaking her head with a smile.

And the two of them walked off down the aisles, each in their own way: she lighthearted, ironic, and teasing. He, calm, direct, and a bit disconnected... but present.

In another section of the store, Lys and Elena strolled together among the stalls of magical gems and mage accessories.

"Are you looking for something in particular?" Elena asked, glancing at her friend.

"Yes, I'm thinking of changing my chainmail," Lys replied calmly. "The one I have is starting to wear out. And as for the sacred scepters... no need to look here." This kind of item isn't sold in traditional stores. When I was at the church, I ordered a new one. It will be more powerful than the old one. I'll go back and get it when it's ready."

"I see. I'm just looking, without anything specific in mind."

A few minutes later, the entire group gathered at the meeting point, their arms more or less laden.

"So?" Tristan asked. "Did everyone find what they wanted?"

"Yes," everyone replied one after the other.

"Perfect. We can go, then—"

Before they left, an employee politely intervened.

"Excuse me. Master Darian would like to speak to you. Could you follow him, please?"

"Well, we're out of business here," Kyle replied with a shrug. "Might as well follow him?"

"Sounds good to me," Iris said. "Let's go."

"I'm curious," Anne added.

Elena nodded enthusiastically. Lys and Tristan, on the other hand, exchanged a more reserved look.

 "Looks like we don't have a choice..." Tristan sighed.

They all followed the clerk to a more substantial door. The clerk knocked, calmly announcing

"Master Darian, your guests are here."

A calm voice answered them:

"Come in."

They discovered a spacious, luxurious office. A large blackened wooden cabinet sat at the back, covered with neatly stacked documents. Beside it, a comfortable reception area housed several armchairs.

Darian, hunched over his papers, looked up without getting up.

"Please sit down."

Everyone took a seat. Darian, unhurriedly, continued to jot down a few figures. Then, without looking up,

"Do you need anything in particular?" he asked simply.

The adventurers politely declined, each in their own way. The clerk bowed and left the room.

 As Darian was about to speak, Iris spoke up.

"Thank you. For earlier. You saved me."

Darian raised an eyebrow, taken aback by the frankness.

"It was only normal. A merchant has a duty to protect his customers."

But before he could continue, Elena gently scolded Iris.

"It wasn't very polite to interrupt..."

"Oh... I'm sorry, Master Darian," Iris said, lowering her head slightly.

"It's nothing," he replied with a small smile.

Then he straightened and changed his tone.

"So? What do you think of my shop?"

"Impressive," Anne replied first. "You can find everything there!"

Kyle continued, "Where do you get all these goods?"

"I have contracts with several craftsmen across the kingdom. Some work exclusively for me. And I have a business with the Adventurers' Guild. Thanks to that, I can obtain rare... even unique materials."

"A true entrepreneur," Kyle mused, almost admiringly.

 Tristan, silent until then, finally spoke, his tone firm.

"That's all well and good, but... why did you invite us? It's not just for conversation, is it?"

Darian smiled slightly, as if he'd been waiting for this question.

"You're right. You're here for a very specific reason."

"I want exclusivity," Darian said calmly.

"...Exclusivity?" Tristan repeated, frowning.

"On the dungeon finds," Darian clarified. "Everything you find there, I want to be your one and only buyer."

A short silence followed his statement.

"You... already know about the mission?" Elena asked, visibly surprised. "This kind of information should be confidential."

"I have my sources," Darian replied simply.

 "Okay... but how did you know our team was chosen?" Anne added suspiciously.

Same answer.

Tristan stood up slightly.

"I'm the group leader. And I can't promise you anything. I must first seek permission from the guild master, Edward. He's overseeing the expedition."

Darian seemed to understand the significance of her request and changed his mind:

"I see. This isn't the right time. Let's forget about it for now."

He gave a conciliatory smile.

"To make up for it, I'll offer you a discount: the next item you buy here will be half price."

The group accepted, but a new suspicion set in. Darian was a powerful man, perhaps too powerful. His influence extended far beyond this shop... and they were now aware of it.

 Then he made his way out, leaving Darian's office in a heavy silence.

As they approached the exit, one of the shop employees discreetly walked over to Kyle. Without a word, he slipped him a sealed envelope, whispering,

"This is for you... but don't show it to anyone."

Kyle immediately understood that it was a private message. He nodded slightly and tucked the letter into his coat, keeping it a secret.

Outside, the group walked in silence. Since the interview with Darian, a latent tension hung between them. Each waited for one of them to decide to break the silence.

It was finally Tristan who spoke.

"The first thing I'm going to do when I get back to the guild is talk to Edward about this Darian."

Elena agreed.

"It's the most logical thing to do. You can't ignore a man like him, especially with his influence."

Iris, curious and suspicious, asked.

"But... how does he know so much? It's almost creepy."

Tristan shook his head.

"No idea. But that's not normal."

Lys intervened seriously.

"He probably has informants. Maybe even within the Adventurers' Guild. Those kinds of people are always watching."

The discussion gradually became livelier, with everyone offering their theories or fears. The silence gave way to a hushed debate.

After a moment, Anne turned to Kyle.

"And you, what do you think of his proposal?"

Kyle seemed to snap out of his thoughts. He shrugged.

 "I don't know yet... I need to think about it."

In fact, he hadn't stopped thinking about the letter he'd been given. Even without opening it, he guessed it contained an invitation to a new adventure. A shiver of excitement ran down his spine. Finally, he thought. After a week of inactivity... it's time to enjoy this fantastical world.

Arriving at the guild, the group split up at the entrance, each going to their quarters to drop off their belongings.

Kyle went to his room, placed his purchase on the bed, then sat down at his desk. He took out the envelope, contemplated it for a moment, then opened it.

Inside, a simple note:

> "Meet me in the restaurant near the shop. I have a request to make. – Darian."

Kyle sighed.

"That's so predictable," he said with a small smile. 

He waited a few minutes, then left his room, ready to go to the meeting. On his way downstairs, he noticed three of his classmates sitting at the table: Lys, Anne, and Elena.

Trying to sneak past, he was quickly spotted.

"Kyle!" Anne called, waving at him.

He hesitated... then, reluctantly, turned around and joined them.

"Where were you going?" Elena asked.

Before he could reply, Anne interjected:

"I bet he's going on a B-rank mission. You just got promoted, after all."

Lys frowned.

"It's way too risky, especially solo. These kinds of quests can last a week... You'd risk missing out on exploring the dungeon with us."

Kyle, finally free to speak, simply replied,

"I'm not going on a mission." »

His answer, too vague, aroused suspicion.

"So where are you going?" Elena asked, intrigued.

Kyle took a moment to think, then replied

"I've been cooped up here for a week. I just want to walk a bit... see the capital."

Anne nodded.

"I understand. It's good to get some fresh air."

Elena nodded too.

But Lys immediately suggested

"Then we can go together."

"No," Kyle replied, a little too quickly.

Lys looked down, visibly hurt.

"I... I just want to be alone," he added more quietly.

Lys opened her mouth to protest, but Anne placed a hand on his arm.

"Leave him alone, Lys. He's right." He needs to take a breather. We'll find him later."

Lys sighed.

"Okay... but be careful."

Kyle gave them a quick smile, then walked towards the exit.

Before walking through the guild doors, he turned one last time and asked,

"By the way, where are Tristan and Iris?"

Elena replied,

"Tristan is with Edward. Iris, she's... talking to Julie at the front desk."

Kyle nodded, satisfied with the answer. Then, without another word, he left the guild, ready to find out what Darian really had in mind.

In the guild master's office.

Tristan told Edward about Darian's offer. Edward replied,

"You're free to accept or refuse. It's entirely up to you."

"That's not the issue," Tristan replied, looking concerned. "What worries me is that Darian knows about the dungeon."

Edward smiled and asked calmly,

"Do you remember the reason you came to the royal capital in the first place?"

"I came on an escort mission," Tristan replied after a moment's hesitation.

"And who were you supposed to escort?"

"...Darian," he replied, freezing. "You mean... he planned everything from the start?"

"I don't know," Edward admitted. "But Darian is one of the most powerful men in the kingdom." He always has a plan in mind. In fact, they call him Darian the Clairvoyant."

Edward then shared his theory: according to him, thanks to his many contacts, Darian had learned of the dungeon's existence.

Tristan frowned.

"Who told him our group would be tasked with exploring it first?"

"It's very easy to guess," Edward replied. "Of all the groups registered with the guild, yours is the only one not affiliated with a noble family. Which makes you the ideal candidates."

"How could he know all this? Then... our first meeting wasn't a coincidence..."

"Darian never leaves anything to chance," Edward replied gravely. "But instead of torturing yourself with a thousand questions, focus on what's in front of you. He already knows everything, that's a fact." What matters now is the success of the mission... and your decision to accept his proposal or not."

Tristan left the office, his mind even more confused than when he entered. Walking down the guild stairs, he found his group seated at a table. When he approached, the girls stopped talking and waited for him in silence.

"So, were you able to speak to the guild master?" Elena asked.

"Yes."

"And what does he think of Darian's proposal?" Anne asked.

"He says the choice is ours."

"And his reaction when he learned Darian knew everything?" Elena continued.

"He already had doubts about that."

Lys, arms crossed, intervened.

"I oppose any agreement with him. I don't trust him."

"It's a legitimate doubt," Tristan replied. "But we'll discuss it together when the group is complete."

"By the way, where are the other two?" Tristan asked.

"Iris is talking to Julie at the front desk," Anne said. "As for Kyle, he's out wandering around town, from what he said."

Tristan sighed.

"I hope nothing happens to him..."

Meanwhile, Kyle found himself in a luxurious restaurant, the fanciest he'd ever seen. Uncomfortable, he stood there, unsure of what to do. A waiter approached him.

"Are you Master Darian's guest?"

"Uh... Yes."

"Then please follow me."

The waiter guided him to an elegant table, then offered to order. Kyle politely declined.

Although a little embarrassed, excitement was slowly overcoming nervousness. An adventure awaited him, he could feel it.

After a few minutes, Darian entered and went straight to his table. Kyle stood up to greet him, but Darian stopped him with a gesture.

They sat down.

"Would you like something to drink?" Darian suggested, calling a waiter.

"No need. I'd rather know why you invited me."

Darian smiled, pleased with the waiter's frankness.

"All right, let's get straight to the point. I need your help with a few requests."

"Why me?" Kyle asked.

"I feel like I can count on you for these kinds of things," Darian replied calmly. "A band of trolls has invaded a mine operated by one of my partners. I need someone to sort this out."

"Why not go through the guild?"

"The guild is largely influenced by the kingdom's noble families. Some take a dim view of my rise in the kingdom..."

"And why me?" »

"During our journey together, I realized that you're a strong person... but not attracted to fame or flattery. Those are rare qualities."

Kyle was silent for a moment, then smiled.

"I accept."

"You'll be well paid."

"No need. The quests are more than enough of a reward."

"That's why I chose you," Darian smiled. "But good accounts make good friends. You'll be paid what you deserve."

He then handed him a document. Kyle scanned it: several requests were listed. One mentioned a group of goblins disrupting deliveries.

"I'll start with that one."

"A carriage is waiting for you outside. It's equipped for your missions."

Kyle wanted to warn his group.

"I'll warn my teammates."

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it."

As he left the restaurant, a luxury carriage was waiting for him. Inside, everything had been prepared: weapons, potions, a travel bag. Kyle was impressed.

"He thought of everything..."

Later, at the guild, a young man appeared at the reception desk.

"I have a message for a man named Tristan."

Julie and Iris accompanied him to the group's table. The young man gave the letter to Tristan, then left immediately.

Tristan opened it and read aloud:

"I'm going to take care of some business. Don't worry, I'll be back for the dungeon mission." —signed Kyle.

"Why did he do that?" Lys asked worriedly.

 "Maybe he just needs to let off steam," Anne said with a smile.

"We can trust him," Elena added.

"I understand... but I'm not reassured," Lys murmured.

"Then get stronger," Iris joked. "That way you can walk by his side."

"You're right. I'll train until he comes back."

"Why don't you go on a solo mission to prepare?" Tristan suggested.

"I don't know if I'm ready..." Lys replied.

"We can go together," Iris said.

Julie gestured for them to follow her.

"Come on, I'll find you a suitable mission."

The three girls walked over to the bulletin board.

Elena took the opportunity to ask Tristan,

"What do you think of Kyle's decision?"

"He's free. And I trust him." After me, he's the strongest on the team."

"Not sure," Anne said with a smile.

"You mean Kyle is stronger than me?" Tristan asked.

"I don't know..." Anne replied.

"We'll see after the dungeon mission," Elena added. "There might be a showdown to determine who's the strongest."