(AN : Quite possible for errors to be present in both works, 28 and 29)

Sato took out a piece of metal and placed it on the table.

“Is that…”

Aaron was visibly shocked though not so much.

“3 star material Black Dawn steel.” Sato disclosed.

“I guessed as much.” Aaron sighed. Even though the Grynx Merchandise branch here in Riverdale was made up of 3 star materials, this were the cheaper and more common ones priced around 5 silver per bar/ingot. Compared to the 10 silver per bar/ingot price for a high quality 3 star material like Black Dawn steel, this isn’t so valuable.

Even though materials whether, metallic or non metallic, are categorised according to the number of stars, there are still differences between materials in the same rank. A good example is the 4 star metallic material Mithril steel against another 4 star metallic material Titan Silver. Despite both being 4 star metallic materials, Titan Silver is far stronger than Mithril Steel. This difference in ability is more obvious in the 4 star rank materials and above but it is still obvious in 3 star materials. Take for example Black Dawn steel and Jigsaw metal, where Black Dawn steel is more stronger ranking slightly above average among 3 star materials.

“So how much?” Fudo cut straight to the chase.

Aaron stared at the both of them for awhile before he asked “How much do you have? If you have more than 5 ingots, 10 ingots and so on then the price would differ.” Seeing Sato frown, he continued “You don’t need to worry. We’re a trustworthy organization otherwise we wouldn’t be some warm-welcomed among the noble classes.”

Sato frowned in contemplation before saying “3 ingots.”

Aaron looked a little relieved as he said “8 silver coins per ingot.”

“12.” Fudo responded as Sato had laid back to enjoy the view.

“You should be aware that even if it is a high quality material, it is still a three star material, 8 silver coins and 20 copper coins. How’s that?”

“Don’t play with me here. We both know that in the black market, this stuff sells for more than that. However as the law-abiding citizens that we are, we came over here. 11 silver coins and 35 copper coin.”

‘Shameless brat.’ Aaron cursed inwardly while frowning.

It was indeed true that in the black market, Black Dawn steel can be sold for more than 10 silver coins, far more than Aaron’s proposed 8 silver coins and 20 copper coins however, Aaron knew that he was shameless calling himself a ‘law-abiding citizen’. Truth be told, even Fudo himself didn’t buy his own words. Law-abiding citizen, more like he was scared of getting robbed or even scammed at the black market.

“You should know that I’m a businessman. And I need to make profits. Considering that you don’t have a lot to sell I’ll take it at 9 silver per ingot otherwise go find somebody else.” Aaron stated plainly.

On the other side, Fudo smiled calmly before he stood up with Sato and said “Well then Mr businessman, I might as well take my business elsewhere.”

With that, Aaron frowned indiscernibly but before he could speak up, Fudo continued “But before I go, permit me to ask you this. Do you think that this is the only one we have?”

“What do you mean?” Aaron asked perplexedly.

“It’s quite simple you see. I guess for a branch in such a small place like Riverdale, you guys hardly purchase any valuable material and are used to troubling other branches for that, am I right?” Fudo smiled.

Aaron frowned noticeably but deep inside, he was shocked at Fudo’s analysis. Indeed he was right. Even though Riverdale is a primary town and has a flourishing economy, 3 star materials are quite rare here. Once in a while, low quality 3 star materials could be found but the better ones aren’t easily spotted. The Grynx merchandise Riverdale branch had even gone 2 years without seeing any. That was why Aaron was shocked at the sight of one.

Grynx Merchandise scores it’s branches not just by the amount of sales but also their innovative purchases and investments. The Riverdale branch has annually scored lower than the Black Mountain town branch despite having higher sale. This is due to the fact that Black Mountain Town is closer to various mines and mineral hotspots.

Aaron, ever since taking the post as the new manager, has been looking forward to breaking that record. As such, he doesn’t plan on missing any opportunity.

“Well you see, who says we can’t get more 3 star materials eh?” Fudo, seeing the target take the bait, cut him off before he could speak. “11 silver coins and its a done deal.”

“Do you have access to a mineral deposit?” Aaron asked hastily despite trying to keep his cool.

“Please don’t jest mister. Most of the mineral deposits are already seized by the Kingdom.”

“Most but not all.” Taking a deep breath, Aaron continued “10 silver 30 copper coins. If you can get me more 3 star,then I will purchase it at that price.”

Seeing that he finally got a good price, Fudo was hesitant to push for more but he finally bit the bullet and said “10 silver 40 copper coins or no deal.”

Aaron pondered for awhile before nodding “Deal.”

‘Hahaha. Screw you system!’

“I”ll get my assistant to fill in the details in a contract then we will be done and you can go.” Aaron expressed.

“Who said we are done?” Sato, who had been leaning on the couch while listening to the conversation, finally spoke up. Putting his hand in his beginner’s bag, he pulled out another bar and placed it onto the table.

“Thunder wood. 4 logs.” Sato stated plainly.

Aaron took a deep breath at the sight of the material. Normally, starred materials are usually metallic in nature but the non metallic ones are quite rare. Most of them are gotten from monsters and species exquisitely adapted towards mana. The other ones like rocks and plants are quite rare since it is harder for these substances to bear the stress of mana passing through them at a specific flow and ratio. The ones that tend to endure the stress, hardly rival metallic compounds and elements however, very few do and it is this exact very few that end up as high quality materials. Thunderwood is a good example of such.

“Now I see what your partner meant. Alright, I see you guys are worth doing business with. So we will skip the bargaining and I would purchase each log at 10 silver 70 copper coins. How’s that?”

“Okay.” Sato and Fudo both nodded. Even though they were equivalent in quality, the rarity of Thunderwood surpasses that of Black dawn steel as such, it was sold for 30 coppers more.

“Anymore. Oh and before that, let me properly introduce myself. Aaron Schauks, Manager of Grynx Merchandise, Riverdale branch.” Aaron extended his hand towards Sato.

“Sky-Blade.” Sato shook his hand.

“Emperor Wolf.” Fudo also shook his hand right after Sato.

“Adventurers eh?” Aaron asked.

“You can say so.” Sato responded. As he spoke, a knock was heard from the door after which Aaron permitted the person to walk in. A blue haired girl, dressed in the same uniform as Sophia but with 2 chevrons, walked into the room with a tray on her hands containing some paper, brewed tea and biscuits. She placed it on the coffee table after which she took out the bunch of documents that were earlier atop the tray and placed it on the table, close to Aaron. After that, she exited the room daintily.

“Okay, now back to business. I hope this is the last 3 star material you have but at the same time I hope not.” Aaron spoke but this time, with an obvious smile on his lips.

“Sadly it is, for now that is. However, this isn’t all we have to trade.”

Sato then pulled out the remaining materials; a total of 6 different kinds : 3 ingots of Black Dawn steel, 4 logs of Thunderwood, 5 ingots of silver core, 7 ingots of Limber steel, 6 pouches of White sand and 3 ingots of Dawn steel. Apart from the Black Dawn steel and Thunderwood, the rest were all 2 star materials. However, Silver core, Limber steel and Dawn steel were all high quality 2 star materials worth at least 3-5 silver coins a bar/ingot.

“The 3 star materials have been settled. As for the high quality 2 star materials, I’d give you 3 silver and 35 copper coins and the White Sand would be 1 Silver 10 copper coins. How’s that?” Aaron asked while picking up a teacup filled with tea.

“Let’s go with that.” Even though he knew he could haggle for more, Fudo didn’t, as he felt this might sour the good mood. Plus they had already gained a lot. Sometimes it’s best not to let greed get the best of you.

After taking a sip from his cup, Aaron stood up and walked towards the only bookshelf in the room. He took out a stamp together with a fountain pen that was placed on the bookshelf. He walked back to his seat and placed the stamp on the table.

Picking up the document left behind by his assistant, he said “That should be a total of 1 gold 20 silver and 80 copper coins.” As he spoke, he used the fountain pen to write down all the expenditures and materials. When he was done, Aaron used the stamp and fixed his seal on the document. He did this for two other copies and gave one to Sato.

“That’s yours to hold. When you guys are ready to leave, you can collect the payment at the cashier’s counter.”

“Okay, but before that, I’d like to see the materials you guys have to improve forging rates.” Sato expressed.

“And I would like to see those for Alchemy.” Fudo added.

“Catalyst huh? We should still have some remaining but wouldn’t it be better to get those at the appropriate guilds?” Aaron ruminated before asking.

“Yeah but since we are here, we might as well do it immediately. Plus there’s still the fact that I would need to contribute to the Blacksmith guild first before getting access to higher level materials.” Sato clarified.

“Same here.”

“Well okay then.” Standing up, Aaron pointed at the door and continued “Shall we?”