Shan Chui, the Melancholy Cat (Part 1)

"Before we set out on our journey, let's buy some weapons. The royal family paid us a lot of money. I did some research, and apparently there's a legendary weapon merchant. Let's go see him," said Mayutan.

"A legendary weapon merchant? What's he like, meow?" asked Tanimaki.

"I've heard he's a bit unusual. But the weapons he sells are incredibly powerful. We should definitely buy some before continuing our journey."

Led by Mayutan, the three arrived in front of a suspicious-looking weapon shop. It was so run-down that they wondered whether it was even open for business. The roof was thatched, and thick vines covered the walls from top to bottom. On top of that, the place smelled musty.

"Mr. Shan Chui, are you there?"

Standing in front of the entrance, Mayutan called out loudly.

The building was so overgrown with vines that it was hard to tell where the entrance was. However, a sign reading Shan Chui's Weapon Shop suggested that this was the front door.

There was no answer.

But then the door opened.

"Need something?"

A cat who appeared to be Shan Chui stepped outside.

His face looked unbelievably gloomy. Just looking at him was enough to bring anyone's mood down.

"Um, we'd like to buy some weapons," said Mayutan.

Shan Chui stared at them in silence.

"We have money. See?"

Mayutan said as he showed him the money from his Three-Dimensional Pocket.

"No. I'm depressed."

With only those words, Shan Chui shut the door.

"What was that all about, meow? Is he really a weapon merchant, meow?"

Tanimaki looked at Mayutan suspiciously.

"I'm sure it's him. His picture was on the shop's website."

Even as he said that, Mayutan didn't sound very confident.

"Hey! Shan Chui! Sell us some weapons, meow!"

Tanimaki shouted in a commanding tone.