The aftermath of the fight left the alley eerily quiet. Omar knew that by morning, the story of the "Ghost Knight of Marrakech" would spread through the underworld like wildfire. But he didn't care about street thugs anymore. He had a business to grow.
"System, initiate [World Search]. Target: Resource-rich realms. Specifically, Mana-Coal."
[Searching... Connection Established: The Iron-Peak Realm (Dwarven Territory).]
[Warning: Dwarves are notoriously difficult negotiators. Bring your best tongue, Merchant.]
The air didn't rip this time; it crackled. A short, stout figure stumbled out of the violet mist, coughing and covered in soot. He wore heavy leather aprons and carried a hammer that looked like it weighed more than Omar himself.
[Skill Activated: Merchant's Eye.]
Name: Thorin Broadshoulder.
Race: Mountain Dwarf.
Hidden Desire: A way to clear the "Black Lung" disease affecting his clan.
True Value: High-Grade Mana-Coal and Ancient Forging Techniques.
The dwarf looked around the shop, his eyes widening at the sight of Kaelen, the Ghost Knight. "By the Ancestors! An Elven specter guarding a shop in a realm with... no mana?" Thorin sniffed the air. "And what's that smell? Is that... saffron?"
Omar stepped forward, putting on his best "Merchant" smile. "Welcome, Master Thorin. You're far from the Iron-Peak. How can the Emporium serve you today?"
Thorin spat on the floor (which the System immediately cleaned). "My clan is dying, boy. We dig too deep, breathe the dust of the deep earth. Our lungs are turning to stone. My gold is useless if there's no one left to strike the anvil."
Omar's mind raced. He didn't have magical medicine, but he had something else—Earth's technology and nature.
"I can't give you a spell," Omar said, "But I can give you [The Breath of Life]."
He pulled out a high-end, modern industrial Respirator Mask with HEPA filters and a bottle of Pure Eucalyptus Oil he had bought from a shop in the old city.
"Wear this in the mines. It filters the stone dust. And this oil... boil it and breathe the steam. It will clear the lungs of your people."
Thorin looked at the plastic mask as if it were an alien artifact. He tried it on, and for the first time in years, he took a deep, clear breath. His eyes lit up. "This... this is alchemy! No magic, but it works!"
"The price," Omar interrupted, his voice firm. "I need Mana-Coal. Enough to start a furnace. And I want you to teach my guardian how to refine Mana-Steel."
Thorin laughed, a booming sound that shook the shelves. "A deal! You save my clan, I'll give you enough coal to melt the sun!"
[Transaction Successful!]
[Received: 1 Ton of High-Grade Mana-Coal (Stored in Inventory).]
[New Skill Unlocked for Kaelen: 'Spectral Blacksmithing'.]
[Shop Experience Gained: Level 3 reached!]
As Thorin disappeared back into the mist, a new notification popped up—one that made Omar's blood run cold.
[Alert: You are no longer the only 'Player' in this city.]
[Nearby 'Market Rival' detected. Distance: 2.5 KM.]
[The Hunter's Guild has noticed your Mana signatures.]
Omar looked at the Mana-Coal glowing in his inventory. He was no longer just a secret merchant; he was now a target for people who knew exactly what those "magical" items were worth.
"Kaelen," Omar said, his eyes narrowing. "Forget the security. We need to turn this shop into a fortress. The real players are coming."