"Sweet merciful gods," Borric whispered, his weathered hands trembling as he reached toward the display. "I can feel them calling to me."
"Take your time," I said, clasping his shoulder. "This isn't a choice to rush."
The holographic interface expanded as his fingers drew near, revealing descriptions that made my philosopher's mind race. This wasn't just choosing a profession. This was selecting the fundamental nature of his existence going forward.
°°°
[Merchant Lord] - Advanced
Role: Resource Commander / Party Buffer
Description: To the Merchant Lord, the world is a network of opportunities waiting to be capitalized upon. True power isn't found on the battlefield, but in the flow of gold, the control of trade routes, and the weight of influence. That is their belief. This class is dedicated to building an economic empire that funds, outfits, and empowers the user’s allies. The user’s domain is the marketplace and the guild hall, not the front line. However, when conflict is unavoidable, they leverage their vast resources and connections to ensure they and their party are always at a supreme advantage.
Abilities:
- Supply Chain
- Golden Decree
- Asset Liquidation
- Prosperous Aura
=
[Combat Broker] - Basic
Role: Battlefield Tactician / Debuffer
Description: The Combat Broker approaches each fight as a strategic transaction, using cunning and manipulation to negotiate victory conditions. This class excels at spotting and exploiting enemy weaknesses, applying debilitating debuffs, and turning situations to their favor. Rather than overpowering opponents, they outthink and outmaneuver them, making sure each encounter is heavily skewed to their advantage.
Abilities:
- Hostile Takeover
- Calculated Risk
- Price of Victory
- Insider Trading
=
[Treasure Seeker] - Unique
Role: Utility Scout / Precision Striker
Description: The Treasure Seeker is motivated by the excitement of discovery, and they operate under the belief that the most significant rewards are often concealed just beyond immediate perception. This class significantly enhances perceptual abilities, enabling individuals to identify concealed routes, detect valuable resources, and accurately ascertain critical vulnerabilities in adversary defenses. They excel in exploration and are adept at executing strategic, high-value strikes at the right moments.
Abilities:
- Appraiser's Gambit
- Pathfinder's Ledger
- Jackpot Strike
- Golden Compass
=
[Appraisal Mystic] - Basic
Role: Arcane Assessor
Description: The Appraisal Mystic transforms basic evaluations into a kind of magic. Users can perceive the true essence of objects, creatures, and spells. By grasping the core "worth" of all entities, they can identify weaknesses, uncover hidden properties, and temporarily borrow valuable traits of the items they scrutinize. Their insight enables them to affect the inherent value of goods and influence combat scenarios.
Abilities:
- True Value Sight
- Worth Extraction
- Devaluation Strike
- Latent Potential Release
=
[Contract Sovereign] - Unique
Role: Binding Dealmaker
Description: The Contract Sovereign is sought across the worlds for it possesses the authority to create magical agreements under the System’s authority. This classification enables the formation of strictly binding contracts with allies, adversaries, and even inanimate objects. Such contracts, once mutually accepted, are upheld by the System. Negotiations may involve requesting strength, protection, or specialized services, with the party offering their own assets in exchange. The significance and risk associated with a contract correspond to its level of power effects. Naturally, there are limits to what the contract can be.
Abilities:
- Binding Word
- Debt Collection
- Terms Enforcement
- Favorable Amendment
°°°
Those were some insane options, truly. Isolde circled the display, her blue hair catching the golden reflections. "I mean no offence, but these are remarkably advanced options for someone who reached Level 20 at such an old age," she observed. "Perhaps it's Lady Nezehra's influence, or perhaps something else entirely."
Ragna crouched to peer at the hovering text, her brow furrowed in concentration. "I can't read all these fancy words, but pictures in my head when I look... they are impressive."
I nodded. The System sometimes conveyed information through mental impressions rather than text. Another peculiarity I'd noticed since arriving in this world.
"Let's break them down," I suggested, stepping forward to examine each option more carefully.
We first read the [Merchant Lord] details. It talked about resource management and party buffs. It appeared to be well-suited to Borric's background, representing a natural progression of his current skills.
Isolde spoke first. "This one would build on your strengths while keeping you at a tactical distance from danger," she said. "You could coordinate our resources, manage our supplies, and ensure we operate at peak efficiency."
"Like a general who never sees battle," Ragna snorted, tossing her crimson hair. "I don’t like it. You've killed Storm Wyrm with me, Borric. You're no longer just man who counts coins and hides behind guards."
"There's wisdom in building on what I know," Borric replied, though his voice lacked conviction.
I studied his face. "It's practical," I conceded, "but is it who you're becoming? You've changed since we met. This feels like looking backward rather than forward."
We looked at the [Combat Broker] next, its description emphasizing battlefield manipulation and enemy exploitation.
Ragna's eyes lit up. "This one! You saved us against Wyrm by finding weak spots. This makes that your main power."
"It does align with your analytical abilities," I mused, "though some of these skills sound morally questionable. 'Hostile Takeover'? 'Insider Trading'? There's something predatory about the terminology."
Borric nodded slowly. "It appeals to my tactical mind, but..." he hesitated. "I spent years watching merchants exploit desperate people. I'm not sure I want to embody that approach."
"It has a mercenary quality," Isolde observed. "Focused on exploitation rather than creation or protection."
We moved to [Treasure Seeker], which promised enhanced perception and precision strikes.
"Finding value where others see nothing has always been my talent," Borric said, with the first genuine enthusiasm I'd heard. "This feels... familiar."
Surprisingly, it was Ragna who tempered his excitement. "Mmm, I don’t know! We're not hunting treasures anymore, Borric," she said thoughtfully. "We fight for Thalassaria's future. For Princess. Will this help when armies come?"
I raised an eyebrow, impressed by her insight. The barbarian woman was smarter than she often let on.
"She's right," Isolde added. "While valuable, it seems focused on individual achievement when our challenges require collective strength."
The [Appraisal Mystic] option shimmered more intensely as Borric examined it, as if reacting to his attention.
"This would transform your merchant's eye into something extraordinary," Isolde said, leaning closer. "Turning simple valuation into actual magic."
"You’re not wrong, this does feel quite natural…" Borric admitted, tracing the glowing description with his fingertips. "Hmm, it’s like an extension of what I already do."
"Can you fight with it though?" Ragna asked bluntly. "When swords come, will this keep you alive?"
"The ability to identify and exploit weaknesses would certainly be valuable in combat, as you said earlier, Ragna." I pointed out. "But I wonder if it's transformative enough for what lies ahead. Plus, it's the only Basic option there."
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Usually, Basic options were all that most people had. Since Borric lucked out by meeting us and fighting to save a kingdom, his fate was shining bright. Why waste it?
Finally, the [Contract Sovereign] option flickered before us, its unique designation catching everyone's attention. Something about it resonated deep within me.
Perhaps it was my background in philosophy, with its emphasis on social contracts and the binding nature of agreements. Even beyond that, the opening line, ‘The Contract Sovereign is sought across the worlds’ held insane implications.
I knew other worlds existed, I was from one of those worlds, so I could understand it better than the others. A Class that was desired in many worlds.
"This one," I said, unable to keep the excitement from my voice. "This is the game-changer."
"Explain," Isolde prompted.
I gestured enthusiastically. "Think about what binding agreements mean in a world of magic… You could create obligations that literally cannot be broken, no matter how much someone wants to walk away."
"Sounds like lot of talking when we should be fighting," Ragna said skeptically.
"No, that's exactly its strength," I countered. "Imagine binding an enemy general to temporary peace, or making a contract with a monster to fight alongside us. Aren’t the applications limited only by your creativity and negotiation skills? Ah, and I guess also what the System deems ‘too much’ as it warns."
"The political implications alone..." Isolde muttered, her eyes widening. "The power to make kings honor their promises, to create alliances that cannot be betrayed. That would reshape the entire landscape of power."
As we discussed it, I could see Borric's interest growing. His merchant's mind was clearly racing through the possibilities.
"A contract is only as good as the person who makes it," he said finally, his voice distant as if recalling something. "My daughter... I promised her once that I'd return with a doll from the Eastern Continent of Shenzora. A beautiful thing with porcelain features. I was happy I didn’t encounter any pirates. And yet, not far from my house, the caravan was attacked by bandits, and everything was lost."
He paused, pain flickering across his features. "She never blamed me, but I saw the disappointment in her eyes. What if that promise had carried the weight of magical enforcement? What if my word truly was my bond, in the most literal sense?"
The others fell silent, giving him space to consider.
"In a world of broken promises and betrayal," he continued, looking directly at Isolde, "imagine the power of agreements that cannot be broken, no matter the temptation."
With newfound resolve, Borric reached for the [Contract Sovereign] option. The golden light pulsed in response, brightening until we had to shield our eyes.
[Class Selected: Contract Sovereign.]
A dozen more notifications must have filled his vision, but we couldn’t see them any longer. The light receded, revealing Borric transformed. Not anything dramatic, but the changes were unmistakable. His posture straightened, his eyes gleamed with newfound confidence, and faint golden script momentarily appeared on his hands before fading into his skin like invisible ink.
"I feel..." he began, staring at his palms in wonder. "Different."
"That’s normal. Did it hurt?" Ragna asked, peering at him closely.
"Not at all. It felt like... like a key turning in a lock that I didn't know existed."
I grinned. "Let's test it out. Try something simple. Try the [Binding Word] Skill."
Borric nodded thoughtfully, going through his skills with a focused frown. A moment later, he turned to Ragna. "Would you be willing to make a small agreement? Nothing dangerous."
She crossed her arms. "What kind of agreement?"
"Just this. For the next hour, you'll say 'thank you' whenever I assist you in any way."
Ragna snorted. "That's it? Fine."
Borric extended his hand, and as Ragna clasped it, golden script momentarily flickered between their palms. "Then we have a deal," he said, his voice carrying a new resonance that seemed to echo in the air around us.
"That's it?" Ragna asked, examining her hand skeptically.
Borric smiled, then casually reached down and picked up her waterskin from where it had fallen. "You dropped this," he said, handing it to her.
"Ah, I didn’t notice. Thanks–" Ragna began automatically, then stopped, her eyes widening. "Wait, I didn't choose to say that!"
Borric's smile widened. "The contract compelled you. Nothing harmful, but it demonstrates the principle."
"This is incredible," Isolde whispered. "A power that enforces agreements through cosmic law rather than human enforcement."
I clapped Borric on the shoulder, genuinely impressed. "Welcome to a whole new way of doing business."
Ragna tried to speak without saying the required words, but found herself unable to. After a few frustrated attempts, she burst into laughter. "This is going to be annoying, but… ugh, it's an amazing Skill. Thank you, I guess."
"You're welcome," Borric replied with a wink.
The lighthearted moment felt precious amid the dangers we'd faced and those still to come. For once, we were just four people celebrating a victory, however small.
Our celebration was interrupted by a familiar sound. Reality itself tore open like fabric ripping. The air split before us, revealing that same glimpse of cosmic workshop we'd seen earlier. Lady Nezehra stepped through, the starscape closing behind her like a curtain.
In her hands, she carried what I initially thought was a completely new weapon until I recognized the core of my crystallized axe, transformed beyond imagination.
The handle looked like liquid metal under the moonlight, yet was surely solid to the touch. The blade edge gleamed with patterns that shifted like constellations against a night sky, while the core pulsed with elemental energy that synchronized perfectly with my heartbeat.
"A suitable weapon for one who commands the elements," she said, extending it toward me. "It will grow with you."
I accepted it cautiously, surprised by its perfect balance. Though it looked heavy, it felt nearly weightless in my grip – until I experimentally swung it through the air. Then I felt the true mass behind it, the potential energy waiting to be unleashed.
"What did you do to it?" I asked, unable to look away from the shifting patterns along the blade.
"It is an incredible fine blade, really. Was it your father’s? He must have been strong,” she said. “I didn't change much, honestly. The materials fundamentally knew what they wanted to become. I just gave them permission," she replied cryptically. "The materials knew their purpose. I merely... encouraged them. When you awaken your Mantle of Valteria, it should show its true powers."
“The what of what?” Both Ragna and I asked out loud, and she shrugged.
“Uh, the Mantle of Valteria? It's your tribe’s special Aura… Ah right, you guys probably call it just Valtherian Aura or Aura. You’ll figure it out when you reach 5th Ascension,” she said, and Ragna went ‘aah!’ as if she recognized it.
I also recalled flashes from Thorvyn’s memories. The memories of this body’s father shining like a brilliant red sun as he went all out against the Kraken.
The axe hummed faintly in response to my touch, pulling me out of those memories, and I felt my mana instinctively connecting with it. The axe felt like part of me. Like my elemental nature had grown a new limb.
Lady Nezehra turned to Borric, her color-shifting eyes examining him with newfound interest. "Contract Sovereign... an interesting choice. Very rare. All merchants of this world would be jealous of you. Be careful. The universe itself honors well-made agreements. And so everyone else would want a piece of the cake, or burn it."
He bowed slightly. "Thank you for the opportunity."
“It was not me. You guys are… odd. I guess it's that time in history. Haah, the Greatest Generation is here again…” She muttered to herself and nodded, then looked at each of us in turn. "Before I depart, a small gift of knowledge for you, Princess."
“Yes…”
“Be wise,” Lady Nezehra said. “Be wise, and know your limits. Know your allies, don’t trust anyone blindly. Other than these three, I suppose. The Barbarians are here to make a story for themselves, to make legends. They might be barbaric, but they are honorable warriors who live for glory.”
“Well, thank you,” I thanked her but she ignored me.
“Secondly,” she continued, snapping her finger as a bracelet formed around Isolde’s wrist. “If you ever change your mind about taking me as your mentor, use that. No, I wouldn’t help you with anything else. Don’t bother me needlessly.”
“Thank you for the offer, Lady Nezehra.” Isolde bowed low.
"My work here is nearly complete," Nezehra announced. "The elemental zones will gradually return to normal. The forest will heal, though it may take a few years."
She gestured casually, and another tear in reality appeared. This one showed the eastern boundary of the Crimson Valley. I could see rolling hills beyond, and our horses already waiting, packed and ready.
"A final courtesy," she explained. "To speed you on your way."
"Will we see you again?" I asked, surprised by my own curiosity.
Her smile was enigmatic, scales briefly visible along her neck as she tilted her head. "I am surprised you’re asking that, Valtherian. Hmm… I really don’t want to get involved with history again. It leaves a woman stinging. But… yes. The universe has a way of bringing like powers together, whether they wish it or not."
With that cryptic farewell, she ushered us through the portal. The sensation of passage was brief – a momentary feeling of weightlessness, then solid ground beneath our feet. The portal closed behind us with a sound like distant thunder.
We found ourselves standing at the valley's edge, the dangerous terrain of the Crimson Valley now behind us. Before us stretched rolling countryside, the path to Veridian visible as a winding road through green fields and scattered farmsteads.
Borric examined his hands, where faint script occasionally shimmered beneath his skin when he flexed his fingers. "I still can't quite believe it," he murmured. "The power to make agreements that the universe itself enforces."
Ragna circled our horses, examining them suspiciously. "These are real? Not dragon lady magic that disappears later?"
"They appear to be our actual mounts," Isolde confirmed, already checking the saddlebags. "Everything's here, including supplies we didn't have before."
I tested my reforged axe with a few practice swings.
The weapon cut through the air with a faint humming sound, trailing elemental energy that shifted from fire to lightning to ice with each movement. It responded to my intent more than my physical direction, as if anticipating my desires.
"Veridian awaits," Isolde said, gazing toward the horizon. "And my uncle, hopefully with forces we can rally to our cause."
I nodded, thinking of Nezehra's warning about the thinning veil between worlds in Veridian. As someone who had crossed between realms myself, I couldn't help wondering what might be seeping through from the other side.
"Whatever's coming," I said, securing my axe to my back, "we're stronger now than when we entered the valley."
That was true enough.
We weren't the same people who'd walked into the Crimson Valley. Borric was flexing his fingers like he couldn't stop feeling the golden script under his skin, and Ragna kept glancing at the reforged axe on my back like she wanted to swing it herself. Even Isolde sat taller in her saddle.
"I think," Borric said quietly, as if reading my thoughts, "we might be ready to make a proper contract among ourselves. A formal alliance, bound by my power. I’m saying this to reassure the Princess, given what happened before with Allister.”
The suggestion was significant and enticing. We exchanged glances. The ultimate commitment to our shared purpose.
"Not yet," I replied, surprising myself. "Contracts bind both ways, as our draconic friend said. Let's understand your power better before we bind ourselves irrevocably."
Isolde nodded. "Wise. And no, I don’t want something like that. I trust you guys. Any other royal in my position might call me foolish, but if a Queen doubts her closest allies merely because of the past, she can’t move forward."
"You are inspiring, Isolde. You make my blood boil. In a good way! Borric doesn’t have to, so let me make a contract with the sky above and the ground underneath." Ragna said, mounting her horse with practiced ease. "We help Princess take her crown, defeat her brother, and save country. Then Thorvyn and I find what we're looking for. Agreement done!"
I laughed. "If only international politics were that straightforward."
As we mounted our horses and set out toward Veridian, I couldn't shake the feeling that our real challenges were only beginning. Nezehra's cryptic warnings, whatever was pulling Kaelan's strings, and whatever else was waiting in Veridian.
All of it sat in the back of my head like a low headache that wouldn't quit.
No Merchant of Death ??
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