“If I said I found it on the ground, would you believe me?” Mathew asked jokingly.

Di looked at Mathew with it’s faceless head. “Mr. McGonald, I am under the assumption you don’t know what this is.”

Mathew held his hands to his sides. “As you can see Di, I am not privileged to information like you are. All I know is that it is called Doozkora’s Rod. I received it as a….bonus reward for the Area Quest.”

“Bonus Reward?” Di muttered quizzically. “What did you do to earn a bonus reward?”

“Oh nothing special. Just completed the Area Quest by myself, including killing the giant Pack Leader Wolf that was there. That rod is the same material as it’s horn, before I killed it anyways.”

Di rubbed at his temples. “You soloed a Pack Leader Wolf?” Di looked down at the rod. “That explains it.”

“Explains, what?”

“Mr. McGonald, I understand you know little of the powerful beings known as Gods, and because of that you know less of those who came before them.”

Mathew crossed his arms. “How much is this going to cost me? And why does it matter?”

Di summoned up two chairs, one larger for himself due to his height. “Please sit.” Mathew did so and waited for Di to continue talking.

“Before we continue, there is a price for this information, but not one in Currency. It’s a favor.”

“I have a personal vendetta against I.O.U’s. I need something less vague than an open favor request.”

Di nodded. “When you become owner of a Hearth Crystal, I want you to open a shop that my clan owns.”

“When I become the owner of one?” Mathew asked. “What makes you think I ever will, or want to.”

“Accept the deal, and I will explain.” Di said once again, with an official contract appearing between the two of them. Mathew nodded and signed. He had no obligations to do so unless he owned a Hearth Crystal.

“Alrighty, spill the beans.”

“Beans?” Di asked. “There are no beans to spill, I don’t even know what beans are.”

Mathew waved a hand. “It’s an Earth saying, please go on.”

“Very well. To answer your recent question, this rod has marked you for greatness. Doozkora is a legendary and powerful figure. Only known to be outclassed by a small handful of others, primarily his master, The Dark King.”

“So I have Doozkora’s weapon? Why would The System give me that?”

“Not his weapon, but something else we can go over in a moment. I have to share this information carefully due to the restrictions from The System. However most of this was never expected to be discussed or The System didn’t restrict it on purpose.”

“Doozkora used to be a shaman on the path to Godhood. You see, Gods are some of the most powerful beings in the universe. They are the leaders of families, sects, and clans. They have worshipers and mortals, like you and myself, who could only dream to reach their power. These are beings who reached the upper echelons of levels and the rank of Godly. However, there are other beings who are just as strong if not stronger than Gods.”

Mathew internally laughed that such a rank was real. Whoever Airman’s Brown medical teacher is, was somehow on the mark of what the top of ranks were.

“The Dark King is one of those people. Doozkora was a kind and gentle person. She was known by another title, Gaia’s Huntress. Gaia is another God, one who planned to have Doozkora replace her once she grew too old, or rule next to her. Doozkora was known to have pack animals under her command. A variant of a Summoner actually.”

Mathew held up a hand. “What does that have to do with this item? I’m no Hunter, Shaman, nor a follower of any religion.”

“Doozkora fell from her path. She became greedy and sought out someone who could satisfy her needs. She became a slave to The Dark King, and now goes about following his orders.”

“And who is this Dark King?” Mathew asked. “He sounds powerful, to be stronger than a God. How is that even possible? Wait, what level is he? What level are you?”

“Your world's views of a God are different from reality. In a few days more information will be revealed. I would be surprised if none make themselves known to your world, if not you. As for levels, nobody knows. He has easily passed the three digit range during his prime. As for myself, that is something that will cost you.”

Mathew remembered his most recent upgrade for his [Knives] skill. It having a God's name within it’s upgrad.

“Anyways, The Dark King is a powerful figure. There is a legend that he ruled for many years, even before The System came to existence. For the last hundreds of thousands of years he has not made a peep. Many believe he is dead, others believe he is biding his time before he takes over the universe.”

“What do you think?” Mathew was interested in this Dark King. He wanted to know more.

“My people haven't been around long enough to have seen the horrors of The Dark King, but based on his history, he must have died. Either in battle or old age. He was known to fight powerful foes and enslave them under his rule, stealing their souls to summon in battle as his own.”

Mathew raised an eyebrow. “He stole souls, and summoned them to fight? How can a soul fight? Wait, are souls real?”

Di didn’t say anything at first, obviously tring to word his response correctly. “To put it simply, yes. How he did it, nobody knows. Several have gotten close, mainly those who start off as Summoners and specialise in necromancy. Becoming Liches, Draugr, and other undead.”

“There is a dungeon that caused Undead Minions to appear the first day The System showed up.” Mathew said.

“I can’t comment on that, but what I can suggest is to stay away from Necromancy. It changes you on a deep level. It corrupts who you were to the point you are not the same man as before.”

“Was Doozkora someone who used Necromancy?”

“No, she enjoyed life too much to taint herself like that.”

“But she sold herself to The Dark King for power, did he use Necromancy then?” Mathew was going to milk every answer he could out of Di. This was something way too important to ignore.

“No, while he messed with people's souls, it was not necromancy. He was a full blooded royal, something only one who is alive can obtain. His title of King was one given by The System itself. The fact you have something related to one of his minions means one of two things. Either he is officially dead, or something worse.”

“Worse?” Mathew asked hesitantly.

“The King himself is looking to replace Doozkora, or recruit a new powerful soul. Doozkora, if she is alive, would not want to be replaced. I pray for you Doozkora is dead if this is what is happening, for you have worse things than wolves to fear. The System has truly cursed you, Mr. McGonald. For that, you have my sincerest condolences.”

“Okay, then I can just sell it. I’m all for power, but Doozkora sounds way out of my league. Give me a few years and then I’ll try and talk with him, but right now I have other goals.”

Di shook his head. “It’s bonded to you. Here, hold on, let me show you.”

Doozkora’s Rod

Soul Bonded to Mathew Valrix McGonald

This item counts as a Rod, Scepter, and Staff for the purpose of Abilities, Skills, Spells, and items.

The power of Doozkora emanates from this object. Those who wield it, wield a fraction of her power. Forever marked, your future has changed.

Passive Ability: Steel Summon

All Summons are defensively stronger.

Mathew frowned as he read this. “This doesn't sound that bad.”

“Mr. McGonald, you fail to realize you are marked. That weapon is soulbound to you. Until you die, nobody else can wield it. This is a powerful item, your summoned creatures will not only be stronger, but so are you. When you have time, try to use it and you will see the difference compared to your previous staves.”

“How different?”

Di held up three fingers. “At least by a factor of three. Limited by both your own skills and the fact it’s only a fraction of it’s true potential.”

“Let me guess, there are others out there who want this? Those who have tried to follow her footsteps? Those who would want The Dark King to give them the same power?”

“Precisely. I suggest you start getting stronger, much stronger. Right now, The System protects your planet. Once that protection is gone, anyone can come.”

Mathew stared at the rod and picked it up. The fact it fitted perfectly in his hand made Mathew not have to think long. “Power is something I’ve always wanted. To be at the top of the food chain. I have a decent head start, a little more work won’t hurt me in the long run.”

“An apt mindset. Power is everything in your new broadened universe. One that requires a strong backing and support of tools, weapons, and armor.” Di said with a hint of a smile.

“Di, are you trying to convince me to buy things to get stronger from your store? Perhaps even being a bit pushy?”

“Professionals have standards, I wouldn’t dare. I simply would hate to see my favorite customer die when I have many things that can help him survive. For a price of course.”

Mathew laughed, “Well Di let’s get to shopping. I have a reason to get stronger now, outside of personal gains. Let’s make it count. You mentioned robes earlier?”

Hours of haggling quickly ensued. Mathew and Di went from professional acquaintances, to enemies, to friends by the end of things. Mathew soon realized 90,000 UC is not very much at all. However, to have that much right now puts him ahead.

Di did comment that the average person in the universe could easily earn 100,000 UC in a month before expenses and such. Those who travel to gain power, crafters, or a slew of other career choices makes people even more money.

“These prices here in my shop are adjusted for your planet, and will continue to adjust till The System sanctions are gone.” Di told Mathew when asking why the prices are the way they are.

“So you are losing money?”

“Actually I am making more money. I sell items to everyone on your planet cheaply, but the items I get from your planet and resell is where the real profit is. Add in the bonus from being a seller, and a slew of other benefits, it’s all worth it in the end.”

Mathew soon had on a new outfit that was a two layer set. The underlayer was a series of brown leather pads. Far stronger than anything he had before. Then on the outside was an outfit that reminded Mathew of Gi that martial artists were.

It was made of cloth, but fit tightly so nothing loose hung around him. The cloth armor was enchanted to repair from the worst of damage and self clean itself. It helped hide any damage to his armor underneath, and any injuries.

It was nothing compared to the robes he now wore. They were a mix of blues, yellows, and gray. Mathew found them very nice and bought a second pair of robes, just in case the first was ever damaged.

Mathew also purchased some simple clothing to wear outside of battle. He also didn’t want to let Payne think he was planning on leaving his grasp anytime soon.

He didn’t need a new staff, so that left Mathew with funds to buy additional auxiliary items. The first of which were more pills, like Second Chance. He also splurged on an amulet that had a one time use magical shield that would reset once a week. That single item cost Mathew more than any other item he had purchased from Di yet.

After that, Mathew asked a unique question. “Do you sell creatures by any chance?”

“Depends, what are you looking for?”

“A familiar. I have a spell to bind a creature to my service, and I haven't been able to either find a worthy creature, or the one I did use it on, failed to bind to me.”

Di pursed his lips. “Interesting, it’s rare to see a [Bind Familiar] spell. I continue to find you a marvelous person. I have some creatures, but if I may make a suggestion?”

Mathew motioned for him to continue.

“Save it till you find something that works for you. Dungeons will allow many creatures to roam your planet, far more than I have to sell. And you will save money.”

“I can respect that, and that was my current thinking as well. I just didn’t know if you had anything here worth using the spell on.”

“Not for what money you have left, Mr. McGonald.”

Mathew nodded, “Well then, I’ll keep my money for a few more days. Maybe you will have something new in stock.”

“I look forward to seeing you again, try not to die. I also will start the blacklisting paperwork once you leave.”

Mathew had paid for Di to not sell any information about himself, or items he purchased in Di’s shop. It cost him a whopping 10,500 UC, with a monthly fee that requires him to outbid any buyers, but it was worth it.

Was Mathew being too careful? Possibly, but Mathew valued his life more than money. Leaving the store, Mathew appeared back outside. A notification appeared soon after.

Negotiation Novice 6 -> Novice 8

“I love being me.” Mathew said with a smile. He walked to where he parked the golf cart to see it was gone. “Mr. Melton must have found it. Guess I’ll have to walk.”

Mathew headed toward where Zack and his nerd crew hung out over by the Library.