Unsafe Working Conditions : A He Who Fights With Monsters 6+ Companion Story

Chapter 18 - Pollute This Fine Establishment

  Liam and Henri headed toward the area where the Explorers were bringing things to be appraised before trading. They had collected a number of weapons from the Cipactli and wondered what they would be able to sell or trade them for. In addition there was the hide that Liam had looted from the zebra beast as well as some of the other odd bits they were carrying around.

The two men perused the people haggling at tables, some of the items that they were holding could be recognized as animal parts like hide, antlers or teeth. Others were a bit harder, one man was holding what looked like a massive Erlenmeyer Flask which contained what looked like a blue and green lava lamp. The noise was loud but overwhelming, most of the conversations were at an appropriate volume while occasionally a shouting match erupted. They continued through to the next area.

As they walked Henri and Liam shared what they had discovered. Henri found an accessory vendor who had different items that could enhance or change his summoned weapons. As they talked they looked at the various items that were on tables they were passing, one table had a collection of arm bands. Liam stopped to appraise them, a memory arose unbidden, he was working with a man who had a leather arm band above each wrist that reached halfway to his elbows. His hands were strong and calloused, as he looked up at the man's face his gaze latched onto a charm that was woven into his beard. It looked like an anchor but with a helm behind it, as the name Sailors Cross came to his mind the memory slipped from him.

"Tell me about what you are selling." Liam stopped and asked the vendor, Henri pausing next to him before joining at the booth.

"Welcome! These are my hand made dimensional storage pouches!" the vendor had been sitting with his head down and hopped up when Liam had addressed him. The boy, for he was clearly young, was enthusiastic.

"I could use one right now as a matter of fact." The eyes widened as he heard Liam's response.

"Really? Um... I... Yes... Well... What kind of pouch are you looking for... well I only have the arm kind now... What size... wait they are all the same size..." The boy was clearly flustered.

An older woman walked over from another table, "Gentleman, are you interested in one of Poppy's Pouches?" From her aura they could feel Essences but not a full set.

"Grandma, my name is Payam, not Poppy!" The older lady smiled in the way that only a grandparent can when they are clearly infuriating a younger family member for amusement.

Liam nodded, "I do not have a storage ability and need a way to carry things."

"Excellent. Poppy will be able to help you." She smiled and nodded before backing away to give him space.

"What color would you like?" Payam asked, he had recovered his awkwardness in the face of his grandmother's teasing.

Liam selected a pair of braces that were light blue in color. "That will be forty lesser coins. I can size them for you now. Would your friend like any?" Payam stated and then looked to Henri who shook his head.

"Please put them on and I will size them." Liam took the two and tried to slide them over his hands. With a squeeze one slipped over his right hand, picking up the other he tried to put it on but it was just too small.

"Let me help you with that." Payam's grandmother had wandered back over, reached out, and gripped the leading edge of the cuff. Liam could feel a brief mana burst and the cuff loosened enough to slide over his hand and bangle. Looking up Liam received a wink, "There you go." Before she walked away another mana burst came from her and the other brace fitted itself to the shape of his arm.