01-20 · 010
Chapter 10: A Proposal
“…Tch, it really is you.”
When Goda realized it was me, he clicked his tongue openly. The look in his eyes, which had been appraising prey a moment ago, changed to one reserved for a pebble on the roadside. As insufferable as ever.
I pulled my cap down deeper and tried to act calm. My heart was beating a little faster, but it wasn't out of fear. It was because the Aegis Shield in my backpack and the smartphone in my pocket (balance: 1.6 billion yen) gave me an overwhelming sense of security. Still, I hadn't become strong. I needed to be careful not to have anything taken by force.
“What do you want?”
“Hah? That's my line. Hey Soma, what are you doing here?”
Goda stomped closer. Behind him were the mage Tashiro and the healer Rin Sakai. All three had dirty, worn equipment. Especially Goda's prized greatsword—the chipping was obvious, and it was clear maintenance had been neglected.
(Worse than before… none of that is cheap, either.)
Only a few days had passed since I left, yet their equipment had deteriorated as if it had been left untouched for months. It was ironic proof of how much work I'd put into maintaining it every day, losing sleep in the process.
“Scavenging for trash? You've really fallen.”
Tashiro sneered.
“Well, suits an F-Rank like you. Go on, pick up some empty cans and scrape by.”
“Yeah, this is about my level.”
I shrugged lightly. I had no intention of fighting back and stepping onto their stage. After all, I'd earned in a single transaction an amount they could never hope to earn in a lifetime.
“Well, I'll be going.”
I tried to pass by them, feigning disinterest.
“Hey, hold on.”
Goda grabbed my shoulder.
“You're hiding something, aren't you?”
“…Huh?”
“Just now, you hurriedly stuffed something into your backpack. I've heard that sometimes rare materials show up here. Show it to me.”
Was he trying to shake me down? Not something the leader of a party aiming for S-Rank should be doing. I was so exasperated I almost sighed.
“Just junk. A pot lid. I can't afford a shield.”
“Liar! Show me what's inside!”
Goda reached for my backpack. That's when—
“Hey, Goda-kun.”
A saccharine voice came from behind. It was Rin Sakai. She was lazily looking at her own nails as she tapped Goda's arm.
“Stop it. There's no way Toru-kun could find anything that good. You're wasting time.”
“Huh? But Rin, just in case—”
“No way, no way. Besides, let's go quickly. Other parties might take our new hunting ground, you know?”
Rin glanced my way. For a moment, I thought her eyes flashed sharply.
(…What? Is she helping me?)
She was the most realist in the party. Calculating, the type who acted based on profit and loss. For her to stick up for me without any benefit was unusual.
“…Tch, you're right. Don't have time to waste on a small fry like this.”
Goda clicked his tongue and let go of me.
“Lucky you, Soma. Next time we meet, I'll strip you of that crappy gear too, so be ready.”
Leaving behind a parting threat, Goda and Tashiro walked deeper in. Rin followed, but as she passed me, she whispered softly in my ear.
“Toru-kun, that outfit… it's the new Palmarri collection, isn't it? You forgot to remove the tag, you know? How embarrassing~”
“!?”
I thought my heart would stop.
I quickly checked my collar, and sure enough, a small tag was still attached. I'd chosen plain colors, but apparently I couldn't hide the quality of the material. Or rather, the fact she could identify the brand just from that… as expected of a luxury-brand fanatic.
Rin gave a meaningful wink, then waved her hand lightly and followed after Goda and the others.
(No way, did she figure it out?)
No, she probably only realized my finances had improved. Still, I couldn't let my guard down. Rin had a keen nose, at least when it came to the scent of money.
◇
Back at the apartment, I immediately got to work.
I laid a blue sheet on the floor of the spacious living room and placed the Aegis Shield I'd found on it.
“First, cleaning.”
I poured the freshly bought industrial bleach generously over it. Fizzz… A more ominous purple foam rose than with the holy sword. A strong chlorine smell spread, but thanks to the 24-hour ventilation system, it didn't linger in the room.
I started the electric polisher and removed the surface grime. Pouring all my resentment toward Goda and the others into the work, I focused completely.
An hour later.
Shine!
The blackened metal plate was reborn as a silver shield shining like a mirror. Magic circles were engraved on its surface, and a profile relief of a goddess stood out in the center.
《Contamination removal: 100%》 《Curse removed. ‘Blessing’ conferred.》 《Rank change: Legendary Level → Mythic Level》
“…No way. So if you treat it carefully, it can rank up. Guess it's worth bringing back low-rarity items after all.”
I looked at the estimated price field.
【Estimated Market Price: 300 million yen】
“300 million! The market value went up too. That didn't happen with Excalibur… I should have polished it more carefully.”
My sense of scale was getting numb, but that was an extra 100 million. A ridiculous amount.
I took out my phone and opened D-Market. In on my ‘Master_Eye’ account, Seira's rating from yesterday shone brightly.
『Rating: Very Good』 『The best seller! Item condition is perfect. I'll use you again! (S-Rank Explorer)』
Thanks to that comment, my account had instantly gained a reputation as a “god-tier seller.” My follower count had surpassed 50,000 overnight.
“Alright, time to list.”
This time I didn't need to start at 1 yen. I wanted to sell only to those who could recognize its value.
[Item Name] [Authentic] Aegis, the Goddess's Shield (Purified, Magic Reflection Rate 100%)
[Description] Discovered in the deep levels of the dungeon. The curse has been removed, restoring its original power. Reflects all magic.
[Starting Price: 30,000,000 yen]
“Click… huh?”
The moment I pressed the list button, my phone vibrated. It wasn't a D-Market notification.
It was a call. An incoming call.
The name displayed made me catch my breath.
『Rin Sakai』
…She was already contacting me so soon after we'd met today. Hesitantly, I answered.
“Toru-kun, long time no see! How are you? You should be grateful I helped you earlier, okay? Anyway, let me get straight to the point.
That ‘Master_Eye’ everyone's talking about… it's you, isn't it?”
“!?”
I thought my heart would stop. How did she figure it out? Just from the tag?
“Ah, that reaction means it's true, huh. I only thought the pot lid sticking out of your backpack looked similar to the Aegis Shield you just listed—I wasn't sure, you know? But… ahah, looks like I hit the mark?”
“…”
I was completely cornered. She'd pieced together circumstantial evidence and bluffed. I fell for it, but this woman—she was definitely not to be underestimated.
“Ah, don't misunderstand. I'm not your enemy, okay? I was just wondering if I could get in on your business, Toru-kun.”
“Huh? What… but you're—”
“About Goda-kun and the others? Don't worry about that. I have no intention of tattling on such a lucrative deal. Actually, I'm planning to leave that party anyway. Anyway, leaving that aside, I think I can make your business even bigger… shall we meet? I know a good place. My treat, of course. Including that potion money from back then.”
“…I'll at least hear you out.”
“Hehe, deal ♪ Leave it to me. I'll help you sell your items for even more.”
I had no idea whether it would prove a blessing or a curse, but having her as an ally would certainly be reassuring.
Thinking that, I headed to the restaurant she'd specified.
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