The appraiser introduced himself to Val as Bart, then told Val, “I must admit, I am quite curious about how you managed to get your hands on such rare items. But of course, I understand if you would rather not talk about it. It’s your trade secrets, and it’s not my place to poke my nose in other people’s business.”
Val shook his head with a slight smile, his acting to the point. “It’s alright. I don’t mind sharing. I purified these cores myself. Also, if you happen to find customers interested in purifying cores, I would appreciate it if you could refer them to me. In return, I’ll give you a 10% commission.”
Bart’s eyes lit up at the proposition.
“That sounds like a fair deal to me, so I’ll definitely collaborate with you,” he agreed, extending his hand for a handshake, to which Val happily obliged.
“Count me in as well. I will also help spread the word around. I’m sure many people will be interested in your services, Val,” Alex chimed in enthusiastically.
Val nodded his thanks to both men, then walked away.
He then began to roam around the Pavilion, his eyes scanning through the various items on display in search of something he would find useful. Now that he had a considerable amount of contribution points, it was time to put them to good use.
The resources available in the Treasure Pavilion ranged from rank 5 to rank 3, with not a single rank 2 or above item in sight. It seemed only low-level resources were available here.
Why was that the case?
Val concluded that it must be because anything better than rank-3 was taken to the Upper Haven, where they were sold to the truly powerful individuals, and his guess was right on the mark.
Val thought that this practice, though disadvantageous to him, wasn’t unreasonable. If he had been in their shoes, he would have done the same.
This method reserved the best for the strongest, allowing them to become even more potent. Moreover, it reduced situations where weaker individuals could be killed for treasures they didn’t have the strength to protect.
However, there was also a silver lining.
While only rank-3 and below items were present in the Treasure Pavilion, there was a vast array of them. It was possible for Val to find cursed artifacts and evolution materials that were most suitable for him.
He looked for cursed artifacts that could improve his combat abilities and the ingredients needed to make the Level-3 Bloodline Upgrading potion of the Whitemores.
As he browsed through the items on display in the Treasure Pavilion, his eyes caught the sight of scales from a beast known as the Eldertail Snake!
It was one of the three ingredients he needed for the potion. He already had one. If he acquired these scales, he would have two. Then he would only need to find Spiritroot of the Verdant Giant, and he’d have all the necessary ingredients to make the potion necessary to begin the process of upgrading his innate bloodline to the third level!
‘I must get this,’ Val thought.
He immediately approached the vendor of the stall where the scales were displayed.
The vendor glanced at him and greeted, “Hello, good sir. How may I help you?”
Val pointed at the scales of the Eldertail Snakes and said, “I’m interested in buying all ten of them.”
The vendor sized him up, noting Val’s outstanding handsomeness and his well-dressed appearance. “Ah, a gentleman of noble standing, I presume? I’m sure you can afford this.” He announced the price, “Each scale is worth 600 contribution points, but if you take all ten, I’ll give them to you for 500 a piece.”
Val raised an eyebrow. “Why is the price so high?”
“These scales come from snakes that reside only in the Shadow Valley,” explained the vendor, “A place riddled with all sorts of evil. Only a brave few dare to hunt there.”
“I’ll take them all,” Val responded.
The vendor nodded approvingly. “That would be 5000 contribution points, sir.”
However, before Val could make the purchase, an arrogant voice sounded, “I’ve set my eyes on those scales. I’ll buy them all.”
Val turned to see a man who introduced himself as Ashton. “It’s rather rude to cut in line. Besides, the vendor and I have already reached an agreement.”
Ashton smirked, “Is that really the case?” 𝔬𝓥𝑳xt.𝓒𝑜𝗆
The vendor nodded.
Ashton, not missing a beat, announced, “I’ll pay double what he’s paying for the scales of the Eldertail Snake.”
The vendor’s eyes widened, and he immediately changed sides. “Naturally, sir. I’ll sell them to you.”
Upon seeing how quickly the vendor had switched sides, Val felt a twinge of disgust. The vendor was utterly shameless, no different than a dog that would wag its tail for the highest bidder. However, Val didn’t cause a scene as he was not desperate to get the scales of the Eldertail Snake, and there were other shops available in the treasure pavilion that might have it. Not to mention, he now knew where to get them. The vendor had shared with him valuable information like a fool. So he decided to let the matter rest.
He watched as Ashton paid a ridiculous amount of contribution points to buy the evolution material, which was probably of no use to him, and internally chuckled, What a fool! But why did he spawn out of nowhere to bother me?
Val looked at him and questioned, “We’ve no enmity. Why did you go out of your way to trouble me?”
Ashton frowned, “You don’t know?”
“No, I don’t.” Val shook his head.
“Just a few days ago, you humiliated me in front of the entire crowd!” Ashton exclaimed, veins throbbing on his forehead.
Val realized that Ashton was taking revenge on him for beating him with a single move in the tournament held by Marshall. He thought that Ashton was another petty person like Marshall. Seeing as how they were both petty, Val thought that maybe they were both related.
“When did that happen?” Val asked, looking honestly perplexed. He was acting to push Ashton’s button. It would be even better if Ashton give in to rage and attack him. Then, he will show Ashton how revenge should be taken!
In the Northern Frontier, it was forbidden for residents to fight each other in public. But if one was attacked, it was legal for them to act in self-defense. That’s why Val held back and tried to anger Ashton into making the first move.
“You don’t remember?” Ashton asked, his face reddening.
“No,’ Val replied nonchalantly.
At this, Ashton almost tripped, a burst of anger threatening to explode from his chest. He realized he was the only one who couldn’t let go of their past conflict. Val, who had won against him, had already forgotten who he was and moved on.
Ashton gritted his teeth in anger at Val and spat out, “I’m never going to forgive you. For as long as you’re in the lower city, I’ll always make trouble for you!”
Val didn’t even bother hearing the cries of the sore loser. He moved past Ashton, disappearing into the crowd, leaving Ashton screaming in the air, his words reverberating in the empty space between them.