《Ashes of Hell》Chapter 16 - Training - part 6
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'I see, this person has lived for so long that most things have lost their value for him. Even the coins that merchants are famous to adore and accumulate have changed their meaning in front of his eyes.
Then what I need to do is to spark his curiosity, to give him something exciting like a risk or a bet.'
Thinking of many possible offers that could peek the merchant's attention, Nestor stood still on the spot, while caressing the short beard that was starting to grow on his chin.
"Your friend seems to be elaborating something, I can see why the old man accepted this fellow.
Now, quick let us exchange the message, I have other customers waiting for me after all."
Saying so, Levante pointed at another guest who was lingering over the same stand, only on the opposite side. There one could see various metallic objects, they had firm handles and to Linneo their shape didn't make much sense.
'They aren't weapons, they are too blunt and heavy, and their shape is also inappropriate. Well, is not like I haven't seen any other strange tools since coming here.'
However, the new guest was all too familiar with them. He seemed to be ecstatic about the newfound merch.
"Finally! Let's see what we have here. Dumbells, kettlebells, some discs, and even a barbell. I could do some with those, still just looking at them is making me remember the gym."
His physical appearance made Linneo a little stunned at first. Since as a knight he had to train his body to a certain extent, he also had developed a very resistant physique, having a great deal of stamina.
However, the shirtless man had an extremely chiseled physique, he was extremely tonic and muscular. At the same time, the man appeared to be very lean and well proportioned.
'An elite, he must have trained his body for years to achieve such results. However, at the same time, he must have not been to the battlefield much, since I cannot see any scars on him.
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Seeing that he has arrived in Ceres with his original body he must own a high-tier key, like me.'
While thinking so, LInneo hurried near the merchant, taking out his tablet and pressing it over Levante's. A small blue light emanated from the two devices, before quickly fading. Then he retracted his own, before noticing that Nestor had walked over them, probably with some sort of plan.
'If he still can't get the candle I'll offer him my help, friends must help each other in time of need after all.'
Ready, and with a reasonable offer to make, Nestor waved out his hand, getting the merchant's attention for a brief moment.
"I understand you a little more now. What I can do at the moment is quite limited as you might imagine.
Thus all I can do is bet on what I'll be able to do in the future. Think of it as an investment, give me the candle and I promise that from now on I'll trade exclusively with you.
For all my needs and various things I'll wish to sell, will have you as the priority target. I know that the city continues deep underground and treasure and unknown marvels are laying down there.
Since the start of my second life I wanted to do things differently, I won't ignore adventure when it's right in front of my nose. I will explore the depths of this world, if you don't believe me I can even write a contract through a black quill for you.
However, this is an entirely different accord from my previous request. I am betting my future on you, so I want your support too, I want some premium offers and a few gifts on your part."
Nestor had just dropped a huge bomb on their ears, however in a certain way it made sense. Of course, if Levente was a normal merchant this deal wouldn't make much sense. However Nestor managed to understand the merchant's desire, he wanted something new and exciting.
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"Ah!, an interesting fellow indeed. I believe your words, there is no need to make such a serious face. Go on, take two other things from this stand, I'll also give you some fine discounts on my merch. I believe you won't go back on your words, you know I have a good eye for people, I have been doing this job for centuries after all."
Nestor managed to surprise Linneo once more, sometimes the monk could really pull some of his tricks to good use.
'Now is time to go shopping, I need to be careful with what I pick. The candle's effect resulted to be a pleasant surprise, something for the long term sounds very good, but maybe I should pick also something I could use in an emergency.'
As he was left undecided about which pick would fit him better, on the other side of the stand another customer was trying to bargain a new deal with Levante.
The athletic, shirtless man was currently touching and analyzing the barbell, inspecting both its grip and weight.
From Nestor's position, one could see the huge tattooed wings on the sculped back of the athlete.
"Hello good Sir, my name is Marco. You can't imagine how excited I am right now, I have finally found some gym equipment, after hours of walking around the market.
What a huge plaza this is, and that big fellow over there, oh man I would like to know how he became so disgustingly big.
Can humans become this tall in here or he is not one in the first place? Ah, I didn't mean to discriminate or anything. I almost pity the guy, he mustn't fit in the gym anymore after becoming like this.
So, back to business. I want this barbell, plus six plates, these on the right. I feel like they must weigh about twenty Kg each right?
I have also taken a liking to this spiked gauntlet. My budget is about two silver coins, what do you think?"
While talking, Marco kept a broad smile, as if confident in the advice the merchant would provide him. Probably he understood Levante's character from his dealing with Nestor.
The merchant seemed to be a lot less stingy and bound to wealth, compared to the market corporation back on his home planet. The man didn't seem to lack money, no, he had way more than what he needed.
"Young man, be careful with your words. Saying that you are desperate for these old pieces of metal, makes me want to rip you off.
He he, however, you already know that I wouldn't be scamming you, however, it wouldn't be any fun if that'll be our last encounter because of that.
I got you, two silver coins and we have a deal. I'll also look for more of this stuff if you like it, so drop by my tent every so often.
Also, I have connections with some good blacksmiths, I may be able to get someone to stitch that gauntlet back in one piece if it gets damaged somehow."
The young man quickly ruffled his messy brown hair, before taking out two sparkling coins and tossing them to Levante. Then he made the plates and gauntlet disappear while grabbing the bar and placing it on his shoulder as if it didn't weigh much.
"It was a pleasure to meet you, I hope you'll make many interesting transactions today. Marco out."
With a radiant smile, a small wave of his hand and Marco was already walking toward the other side of the plaza. His eyes ever lingered on the towering figure in the middle.
'Finally, I have decided on two articles that would be most useful. In truth, I wost confused about most of them, as I completely lack the knowledge about how they even operate.
The only thing I could do is make a guess, hopefully, Levante will stay true to his character and won't sell me crap.'
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