Chapter 105: Azulus’ Bizzare Little Promotion
Azulus stood before a pawnshop tucked beneath Monochara’s shadowed arches, her petite frame draped in a gothic dress of midnight velvet. Lace frills cascaded from her shoulders, framing the massive katana sheathed across her back, its hilt glinting with a faint runic shimmer.
The shop’s lantern cast jagged patterns over the cobblestones, illuminating a cluttered display of curios behind a warped glass counter. Her eyes, sharp despite her mouse-like features, locked onto a single item: a Demonic Layer of Blue, a sheath of azure paper pulsing with arcane potential, promising to amplify spell concoctions.
She leaned forward, voice steady but laced with intent. "This Layer’s been used, hasn’t it? Its edges are frayed, the glow dimmer than a fresh cast. My Noble Tier One-A-Time Flowing Crystal should cover it, no?"
The pawnbroker, a wiry man with a monocle etched in sigils, adjusted his collar, his fingers twitching over the counter. "The Layer’s Exotic tier, miss. Used or not, it’s a catalyst beyond your crystal’s scope. The blue’s essence still binds spells tighter than most relics in Monochara!"
Azulus’s ears flicked, betraying her irritation, though her face remained composed. "Exotic tier doesn’t mean pristine. Your Layer’s potency is far beyond eroded—maybe half its original strength. My crystal’s unblemished, a one-cast accelerator. It’s basically a fair trade."
The broker’s lips pursed, his monocle catching the light. "Half-strength or not, this Layer’s rare. Catalysts like these don’t just walk into my shop. Your crystal’s fine, but it’s common among Karasu traders. I’d need two, maybe three, to balance the scales."
Her fingers brushed the katana’s hilt, a subtle gesture, not a threat. "Two Noble tiers? You’re pushing it! The Layer’s wear shows in its folds—look at the creases. It’s been abused too many times. This crystal Curio item," Azulus then leaned forward, hushing, "plus a favor from a Karasu’s Agent. That should be more than generous."
He shook his head, palms raised. "No favors. I deal in tangibles. The Layer’s worth holds, used or not. Take it or leave it—two Noble tiers, minimum."
Azulus’s eyes narrowed, but she stepped back, her dress rustling against the stone. "Keep your blemished paper. I’ll find a better deal." She turned, her katana’s weight shifting with her, and strode into Monochara’s labyrinthine streets.
The broker’s sigh faded behind her.
The gothic spires loomed overhead, their filigree ironwork curling like frozen vines.
Azulus wove through the crowd, her small stature slipping past towering Karasu merchants and cloaked envoys.