Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 172: Trash for Treasure, This Fruit Looks Tasty!

After a few minutes of tense silence, Alex can tell his trading partner wants to push the price even higher. Sensing the stall, Alex decides to draw a hard line. "Sorry, that's all I'm offering. See you around," he says firmly before turning and walking away, leaving the hooded man stunned.

Steven follows, glancing back at the merchant, but Alex's mouth soon curls into an evil grin when he hears the hooded man's panicked shout:

"STOP! Okay, let's do it! Just one condition!"

Alex slows his pace, turns around, and raises an eyebrow, feigning confusion. "Sorry, I told you—no more bargaining. What's your condition?"

"I want a contract," the hooded man says, his tone sharp but controlled. "Don't worry, nothing serious. You and your friend just need to promise to keep the details of this deal to yourselves, especially anything about me. I'll sign it too, so your possession of the devil fruit will also remain a secret."

"Sounds reasonable. Let's talk details," Alex replies. Drawing inspiration from his earlier contract discussion with Roja, Alex manages to keep the terms incredibly simple: neither party can mention anything specific about the hooded man, the deal, or any items involved. In return, the hooded man can't say anything about Alex, the trade, or the fruit.

Once the draft is ready, Alex turns to Steven. "Steven, you're not getting anything out of this deal... I can't force you to sign." Alex's voice carries a hint of guilt.

"It's fine, Alex. I don't like this hooded freak, but I'll sign it to help you," Steven responds without hesitation.

The hooded man quickly draws up the contract, and all three sign it, sealing the deal.

Finally, Alex holds the [Batto Batto no Mi, Model: Desmodus Draculae] in his hand. His fingers tremble slightly as he stares at the fruit, its glossy surface almost taunting him. The temptation to eat it is enormous.

With a nod to the merchant, Alex turns and walks away with Steven. The hooded man, though not looking entirely pleased, seems relieved as he packs up his stall and disappears into the crowd.

"Steven, I owe you," Alex says, grateful for the hint that led to this trade. "Can I give you something as thanks?"

"Uh... it's a bit embarrassing, but..." Steven hesitates before finally admitting, "Could you loan me a couple hundred FC? Sometimes you need a little extra to learn a language, you know? I've only got about 700 FC left, and I feel like that's cutting it way too close. I'd like to have at least 1,000 FC for some breathing room."

Without hesitation, Alex opens his trade window and sends over 300 FC. "Take it. Thank you so much! With 1,000 FC, you should be fine. And don't even think about paying me back."

"Thank you!!! Man, this was so worth it for me. Now I can go into my next mission without freaking out," Steven says with a wide grin.

They part ways, and Alex makes his way back to his player room. As soon as he gets inside, he sends a quick message to [Rishi], informing him about the trade while carefully abiding by the contract, leaving out any mention of the hooded man or specific deal details.

Finally, Alex flops onto his bed, staring at the ceiling. He doesn't immediately log out to the real world. Instead, he pulls up his status screen and starts scanning through it, taking note of his current stats, resources, currencies, skills, and items.

Alex Kerber: Lvl 4

HP: 252/252, MP: 212/212 AURA: 192/192
STR: 14 (+3), AGI: 14 (+3), PHY: 14 (+2), SNS: 14 (+2), CHA: 14 (+5), MNA: 14, INT: 14 SPR: 14 (+5), LUK: 14 (+1), NEN: 14 (+1)
Available Stat Points: 0
Followers: Menchi (Purple) lvl 12
Innate Skills: Nen Prodigy lvl 4 (Genius Conjurer lvl 4, Basic Nen lvl 4, Advanced Nen lvl 4), Statistical OCD lvl MAX
Arcane Medieval Armory: Annihilation Grenade lvl 4, Sealion's Icewing Embrace lvl 4, Mustrano's Malice Mauler lvl 4 (Claw Proficiency/Poison Resistance) / Toxic Breakthrough lvl 4
Free Skill Slots: 0/3, Free Basic Skill Slots: 0/8
Basic skills: Basic Close Combat Prowess lvl 4, Basic Footwork lvl 4, Basic Endurance lvl 4, Basic Long-Range Combat Prowess lvl 4, Basic Eloquence lvl 4, Basic Concentration lvl 4, Basic Meditation lvl 4, Basic Mana Control lvl 4
Passive Skills: Pistol Proficiency lvl 4, Alexandrian Royal Swordsmanship lvl 4
Active Skills: Black Magic (Fire-Blizzard-Thunder-Series) lvl 4, Sword Magic lvl 4
Fantasy Coins: 140,000 Soul Crystals: Small x7 Medium x1
Current Weapons: Mr. 5's Revolver (Deep Blue), Sword of Pluto (Deep Blue)