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The Big Oof! Volume 2 Chapter 57: The Wizard's Emporium
🕑 Added 2023-08-23 07:08:21 +0000 UTCWith that, they stepped into the building, the door closing behind them with a soft click. The interior was a stark contrast to the bustling plaza outside. The air was cool and still, filled with the scent of old parchment and a hint of something else - a sharp, metallic tang that was almost electric. Shelves lined the walls, filled with an assortment of items that ranged from the mundane to the bizarre, but each had a certain energy or glow to them that seemed dangerous or intriguing. There were books bound in strange leathers, jars filled with glowing substances, and devices of unknown purpose that hummed with a quiet energy.
Bennett was already halfway across the room, his eyes wide with fascination as he examined a shelf filled with intricate mechanical devices. His hands were a blur as he picked up one item after another, his mind already working to decipher their purpose and construction.
Elijah, on the other hand, had a look of child-like allure as he slowly drifted from one mysterious object to the other. His hand had subtly drifted down to wrap around Auri’s waist, pulling her closer to his side. The unexpected contact made Auri's face flush a deeper shade of pink, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she found herself leaning into him, seemingly enchanted by his touch and while ignoring the array of strange artifacts.
“Oooo. What’s this?” Elijah asked, grabbing a strange square object that appeared almost tesseract-like in appearance.
Auri glanced at the object in Elijah's hand, her eyes narrowing in recognition. "That," she began, her voice was that of an educator, "is a Divining Cube. It's actually quite rare and mostly used by those who wish to see how much magical energy they have or what element they have an affinity for," she explained, her dainty fingers reaching out and pointing to the markings all over it, "The symbols on the sides are activation runes. You need to channel a small amount of magic into them to use it, but it’s very sensitive and not something to be played with. So please put it down."
Just as Elijah put it back in its place on the pillow, Bennett looked back with a raised eyebrow. “You know things about magic and stuff? I thought you were just a scribe.”
Caught in the intensity of their gazes, Auri momentarily froze. She found herself at a loss for words as she tried to formulate a response. "I am... knowledgeable," she finally admitted, her voice steady despite her internal turmoil. "I've studied magic and its history extensively." She confessed, realizing that any attempt to misdirection would be highly ill-advised in front of the two surprisingly intelligent and insightful individuals.
Bennett and Elijah exchanged a glance before giving each other a nonchalant shrug and turning back to Auri, their expressions more aloof than anything else. "Well, that's certainly convenient," Elijah commented, his tone appreciative. "We’re definitely going to be taking advantage of your knowledge and ask you a shit load of questions."
With a blank face, Auri could only nod in response as her heart pounded in her chest. "I-I'll do my best to help," she said, her voice basically shaking. She was completely taken aback by the lack of questions and just how uncaring they were about her past. It was as if they were more interested in what she could offer them in terms of knowledge and expertise, rather than who she was or where she came from. It was a refreshing change from the usual scrutiny and suspicion she was expecting.
“I wonder how expensive it is…” Bennett said, breaking the silence as he picked up the small, intricate cube himself. His eyes were wide with curiosity as he examined it, completely oblivious to Auri's internal turmoil.
“Ten gold.” A slow, masculine voice resounded behind him.
Bennett balked at the price and immediately set the device back down onto the pillow that held it before turning the source of the voice. Standing behind him was a rather spry man with an older air to him that said he was much older than he looked. A twinkle of wisdom was shown in the man’s eyes that only comes from years of experience. He was dressed in a simple robe, a stark contrast to the elaborate and mysterious items that filled his shop.
“Woah-hooo, how about no.” Elijah chimed in, his voice half filled with horror after hearing the price.
The Shopkeeper chuckled in amusement as he leaned on his staff, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "Well, it’s not something those so young would be able to afford even if you’re a lordling.” He said, striding past them and using his large sleeve to wipe off the cube. “It’s more of an institutional tool if anything.”
"Well, it’s also not like we have a use for it either.” Bennett replied, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly. "We're not exactly in the business of divining magical affinities. We're more into the practical applications of magic."
The shopkeeper gave him a knowing nod, his eyes twinkling with a hint of respect. "Ah, the pragmatists. I see. What kind of ‘practical applications of magic’ are you referring to? Maybe this humble old fool may be able to direct you to something more suitable."
Bennett hummed in thought, his gaze wandering around the shop once more. “I’ve got a marking tool already… I’m more looking for materials or tools in order to experiment with different energy sources and control mechanisms. Anything that could help us understand the principles of transfusing that to more mundane objects or creating… new materials.." He explained, his eyes scanning the shelves for anything that might catch his interest.
After Bennett's explanation the shopkeeper's eyes lit up and he excitedly clutched his staff. "Ah! An amateur Enchanter and aspiring Artificer! Now that's not someone you see every day!" He exclaimed with a voice filled with genuine Glee. "I might have just the thing for you, please follow me." He beckoned, leading past the podiums and shelves full of strange oddities.
As they followed the shopkeeper, the man led them to a more secluded and untouched corner of the store. Here, an array of peculiar tools and dusty old tomes that displayed elaborate drawn instructions on the various tools and their use. The tools in question were displayed and each of them were an eclectic mix, reminiscent of blacksmithing and leatherworking equipment, with a few items that seemed more suited to a tattoo artist’s kit.
Prominently displayed on the shelves and podiums were inert small, hammer-like implements, their heads inscribed with symbols that wanted to glow with an almost ethereal energy, but sat dormant. Sitting alongside the hammers underneath another tome were various needles, similar to the bone instrument Bennett had, but these were crafted from a more precious metal and adorned with intricate carvings that echoed themes of nature and mysticism.
Adjacent to what appeared to be the cashier's counter, were small weaving combs, chisels, pricking wheels and other leatherworkings instruments displayed proudly on top of a counter. Each tool seemed to hold a story of its own, a testament to the craftsmanship and magical items that it was destined to make.
With a flourish, the shopkeeper spun around and planted his staff firmly on the ground. A confident smile spread across his face as he gestured grandly at the array of tools. "Here, you will find nothing but the finest tools for aspiring Enchanters and Artificers. Each one is meticulously crafted to aid in the creation and manipulation of magical items and enchantments." He announced, his voice filled with pride. "Take your time, explore, and see if anything catches your eye."
Bennett raised an eyebrow as his gaze jumped from tool to tool. “Nice.” He said to no one in particular while his hand brushed his scraggly chin. The engineer then strode past the old man and walked up to each tome. “So… let’s say I had a handful of powder and I wanted to add an attribute to it like… fire.” He continued, honing in on the metallic version of his own tool.
The shopkeeper's eyes twinkled with interest as he followed Bennett's movements. "Ah, you're interested in elemental infusion," he said, nodding in understanding. "I must admit, that's a highly specialized field, even within the realm of Enchanting. Infusion is an intricate process that requires a deep understanding of both the element you wish to infuse and the medium you're infusing it into. It's a skill that only the most accomplished Artificers have mastered. As for me, I only have a basic understanding of Enchanting, I'm afraid. My expertise lies more in the realm of illusions.”
A thoughtful look crossed Bennett's face as he narrowed his eyes at the shopkeeper. "I see. Well, what makes it so complicated?”
With a thought stroke of his beard, the shopkeeper considered Bennett's question as he circled around to his counter. "I’m not the best to ask this, but one of my best friends is one of the Count’s court Artificer and he told me the reason why he doesn’t do it is because the complexity of elemental infusion lies in the delicate balance that must be struck between the element and the medium," he began, his voice taking on a lecturing tone. "Each element has its own unique properties and behaviors, and each medium reacts differently to these elements. It's not as simple as just mixing the two together. You have to understand the nature of both the element and the medium, and then find a way to harmonize them. It's a process that requires a deep understanding of magic, a keen intuition, and a steady hand. One wrong move, and the entire infusion could fail, or worse, backfire."
He paused, looking at Bennett with a serious expression. "Many Enchanters have braved that field and many have been left permanently injured.” He said pointing his staff at Bennett. “That's why it's considered a highly specialized field. It's not something that can be learned overnight. It takes decades of study, practice and mastery in order to harness."
Still rubbing his stubble, Bennett's eyes turned up in thought. "Yes, that's great and all." He replied, waving his other hand dismissively. "But how do I do it?”
Silence reigned as the shopkeeper blinked in surprise before letting out a hearty laugh which echoed around the shop. "Ah, the impatience of youth!" He exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "I'm afraid it's not as simple as giving you a step-by-step guide. Elemental infusion is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of both the element and the medium, as well as the ability to harmonize the two. It's not something that can be learned overnight."
“Youth…?” Bennett questioningly muttered to himself before shaking his head and ignoring the comment. “Okay, so where do I start then?” He asked, putting his hands in his pockets.
The shopkeeper's laughter subsided as he looked at Bennett, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Well, the first step would be to gain a solid understanding of the basics of enchanting," he began, leaning on his staff. "You need to understand how to channel your magic into an object, how to bind it, and how to control it. Once you've mastered that, you can start experimenting with different elements and mediums."
“Okay, so where can I start learning that?” The engineer furrowed his brow as he felt himself becoming more impatient. “Do you have books or an instruction manual or something?”
The shopkeeper's eyes widened slightly at Bennett's question, and he let out a soft chuckle. "Books, you say? My dear boy, knowledge is a luxury few can afford in this world let alone books! These skills are often passed down through apprenticeships and oral traditions. One does not simply read and somehow learn how to be an Enchanter!” His voice indicated that he found the idea both absurd and amusing.
Bennett’s face contorted in confusion. He couldn’t help but wonder if there was something wrong with the man in front of him. “Wait, what? If you don’t- you know what, nevermind. Is there anyone you can refer me to?” He asked, shaking his head in disbelief. The engineer had to reground himself and remember he was on a psychotic alien planet that shot fire from their hands.
"Lad…" The shopkeeper started, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "I understand your eagerness, but magic is not something you just… LEARN.” He replied, placing a hand on Bennett’s shoulder. “I cannot just take any soul that walked into my shop who flippantly felt like they wanted to be a mage and just point them in the direction of the nearest teacher. Magic is a commitment, a lifestyle. It's not a hobby you can pick up and drop when it suits you."
He paused, his gaze stern as he looked Bennett in the eye. "It requires dedication, discipline, and most importantly, respect. Respect for the craft, respect for the knowledge, and respect for those who have spent their lives mastering it. I suggest you stick to your own field and leave the magic to those who are willing to give it the respect it deserves."
Another round of silence ensued as Bennett just impassively stared at the shopkeeper as if he was stupid. His hand clutched the datapad in his pocket as he considered pulling it and flaunting it just as he did in the Magic Shop in that shit hole Cholera town, but he ultimately decided against it. “Fuck it, I’ll just make Yana do it.” The Engineer muttered to himself as he started to talk past the Shopkeeper, but paused as something caught his eye.
Tucked away behind the counter, in a space that was clearly meant for employees only, was a faint glimmer of light. It was the unmistakable glow of light bouncing off a screen and refracting right into Bennett’s face. The engineer’s mouth opened as he looked towards Elijah, but immediately closed it and chose to subvocalize what he saw.
Elijah's eye twitched as a silent message from Bennett echoed in his mind. His gaze subtly shifted towards the counter, careful not to alert the shopkeeper of their discovery. With his enhanced vision, he scanned the area in question until his eyes fell upon the piece of advanced technology.
A surge of recognition washed over him. There was no mistaking it, that was a piece of their stolen equipment. The familiar design, the unmistakable sleek and thin profile - it was a sight they had been desperately hoping to find. His heart pounded in his chest as anger clouded his eyes.
Suddenly, Elijah's voice echoed through the shop, drawing Auri's attention. "Hey Auri, what’s this?” He asked, holding up a strange black circular object he had picked up from the counter just in front of the datapad. His tone was casual, but his eyes were sharp as it shifted between the two objects.
Caught off guard, Auri blinked at the sudden question before turning her attention to the object in Elijah's hand. It was a strange, spherical device, its surface covered in intricate carvings and symbols that glowed faintly under the shop's dim light. She furrowed her brows, her mind racing as she tried to recall where she had seen something similar.
“That’s… This is quite rare! This is an Aether Sphere," she finally said, her eyes wide with surprise. "It's a powerful tool used by mages to store and channel large amounts of magical energy. But this one... is far more ornate than the ones I’ve seen before... The craftsmanship is exquisite." She added, her voice filled with interest as she grabbed the orb.
With a hum of feigned interest, Elijah’s gaze shifted between her and the orb. “Stores magical energy? What do you mean by storing?” He asked for her to elaborate as his eyes turned up to scan the rest of the area around the datapad while his fingers itched to reach out and grab his stolen device.
Auri, still engrossed with the Aether Sphere, explained without looking up. "Well, you see, magic is a form of energy. And like any other form of energy, it can be stored and released when needed. This sphere," she said, gesturing to the object in her hand, "is designed to absorb magical energy and hold it until the user wishes to use it. It's like... a battery, but for magic."
“Hey, how much is this orb?” Elijah asked after suddenly turning to the shopkeeper.
The shopkeeper, who had been observing their interactions with a bemused expression, straightened up at Elijah's question. "Ah, the Aether Sphere," he said, his eyes gleaming with a shrewd light. "A rare and valuable tool indeed. For such an item, the price would be... a gold piece."
Elijah's eyebrows twitched at the price, but he quickly schooled his expression into one of neutrality. "I see," he said, placing the sphere back onto its stand. "And what about that device over there?" He asked, subtly pointing towards the datapad. “It’s kinda shiny like the orb. Does it store energy too?”
"That? Oh, that's just a strange artifact I came across recently. I'm still in the process of figuring out what it does," The shopkeeper admitted after following Elijah's point. "It doesn't seem to store energy like the Aether Sphere and seems inert, but its construction baffles me to no end.” He said, scratching his head. “The material it's made of is nothing I’ve ever encountered before.”
A look of bafflement spread across Auri’s face as she opened her mouth to inform Elijah that the device in question looked exactly like one of his own magical devices but immediately closed it. Her body tensed up when Elijah’s hand firmly squeezed her side, a silent signal to stay quiet.
On the other hand, Elijah wore his usual charismatic smile. “My friend here seems to be apt at identifying magical items, so perhaps we could take a look at it?" He asked, gesturing towards the datapad with a casual wave of his hand.
The shopkeeper, taken aback by the request, hesitated. His gaze darted between the redheaded woman and the device with uncertainty clouding his features. "Well, I... I don’t know if I should..." He stammered, clearly conflicted. “But then again. the thing may feel fragile, but it certainly isn’t…”
After a moment of tense silence, he let out a resigned sigh, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Alright," he finally conceded, walking behind the counter, grabbing the device and gently presenting it to them with a wary look. "Just be careful with it. I still don't know what it does, and I'd rather not have it killing us all."
Gingerly taking it from the man, Elijah handed it Auri and looked at her with an expectant look. However, Auri herself stared at him like a deer in the headlights as her hands nervously stretched forward and took the device. She could feel the familiar weight of the datapad in her hands, brushing her fingers across the cool and unreasonably smooth surface. She looked up at Elijah as if pleading with him to instruct her what to do, but the man gave her a slight nod, she looked down back at the device, her mind racing at what to do next.
“This is… Where did you get this?” Auri asked, her voice filled with curiosity as she traced her fingers over the device. She looked up at the shopkeeper, her eyes wide with genuine interest. "I know only a few people who are to have craftsmanship this exquisite. And the material... it's extraordinarily rare."
Clearly pleased by her interest, the shopkeeper leaned against the counter, resting his arms on top of it. "Oh! You know of a people that have constructed something similar?," he asked, as a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Well… I acquired it from…–” The shopkeeper paused as he thought about his answer. ”... A colleague who found it in the ruins of an ancient civilization and sent it to me for identification.”
Auri felt Elijah’s grip tighten around her waist after they both heard the shopkeepers lie, but she managed to keep her face neutral and went back to focusing on the device in her hands. “Fascinating…” she said, her voice holding a hint of interest. “The last one I saw was also pulled from some ancient ruins. Do you know where exactly your colleague found this?" She asked, her eyes never leaving the device as she carefully turned it over in her hands. “There’s a few known ruins, did he happen to find a new location?”
A hoarse cough escaped the shopkeeper's mouth as he tried to clear his throat. “To be honest, I was so enthralled by the thing, his mention of where he got it went in one ear and out the other.” He replied sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. “They - I mean he’s always been a bit of a wanderer, so it could’ve been anywhere, really!”
With a slight nod, Auri quickly glanced up at Elijah, who just seemed to be listening impassively before looking back at the Shopkeeper. “I see… And has your colleague found any other similar artifacts?” She asked while her fingers traced the familiar lines and edges of the datapad. “From what I know, they come in batches and some of them come in different variations.”
The shopkeeper's eyes lit up in excitement. “Oh! Oh do tell! There’s variations of these!?" He asked, leaning forward with keen interest. “You must tell me! I can sense the faint flicker of lightning within each of them and if there are variations, then perhaps understanding those could shed some light on its purpose!!”
Startled by how close the man got, Auri leaned further back into Elijah, who immediately put a hand up. "Before we continue," he interjected, his tone firm but polite, "I believe that introductions are in order. We are talking about sensitive and potentially lucrative information after all.”
Another hoarse cough left the shopkeeper's throat as he straightened himself up and bowed gracefully. “Of course, my apologies. I got carried away by the excitement. My name is Fedric, keeper of this humble establishment," he said, gesturing around the shop with a sweeping motion of his hand. "And you are?."
“My name is Serap and this is Zaxon, my um… Husband.” Auri gestured to herself and then Elijah, who gave a curt nod in acknowledgment. "We're... researchers of sorts. We travel around, studying various artifacts and phenomena. It's a pleasure to meet you, Fedric."
Fedric gave another graceful bow before turning his head towards Bennett. “And you, fine sir?”
“I’m Bob.” The engineer replied with a voice devoid of any emotion.
Elijah closed his eyes while his face made slight and subtle movements as he fought the laughter that was threatening to escape. He quickly composed himself, clearing his throat before turning his attention back to Fredric. "Well, Fredric, it's a pleasure to meet you. Now, you said you were the keeper of this establishment..." he said, letting go of Auri. “You’re not the owner…? Should we be talking to him instead?”
A light chuckle resounded throughout the shop as Fedric shook his head. "No, no, I'm not the owner. I'm more of a... caretaker, if you will. The shop is sponsored by a generous benefactor who prefers to remain anonymous. I manage the day-to-day operations and take care of the inventory," he explained, a warm smile on his face. "But rest assured, you're talking to the right person. Now, you said you were researchers?”
"Indeed, we are," Elijah replied, nodding his head. "We travel around, studying various forms of magic and artifacts. It's a fascinating field, full of endless possibilities and discoveries." He said, running a hand through his hair.
Auri nodded in agreement as he handed the datapad to Elijaht. "Yes, we're particularly interested in these ancient ruins your colleague mentioned. They could hold the key to understanding more about the Old Gods." She said, her eyes meeting Fredric's. "Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated."
At the mention of the Old Gods, Fedric's eyes widened in surprise. He leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest as he studied the pair in front of him. "The Old Gods, you say?" He murmured as an almost lustful expression spread across his face. “Such… Such Knowledge is lost… and forbidden.”
He paused as his gaze started swimming excitedly. “To be able to unlock the secrets of the Old Gods…” Fedric had a more feral look as his lust for knowledge overwhelmed him. “To unlock such knowledge would be–!”
“For another time.” Elijah interjected, holding his hand up with a smirk. “My wife here is rather tired and we have some prior engagements we must attend to. But we’ll be sure to come back and continue this conversation” He said, his eyes glinting with amusement as he watched the shopkeeper's face fall. “Because we’ve managed to activate one of these relics before and we’d be willing to share if you keep everything discussed between us.”
“What conversation?” Fedric replied instantly and almost zealously.
A slight smirk spread across Elijah’s face as set the datapad back down on the table and turned to Bennett. “Excellent!” He said happily while clapping his hands together. “Bob, let’s get going. We have a lot to do!” He added, grabbing Auri’s hand and leading them out of the shop.
