Bunny was having entirely too much fun.
Jax, meanwhile, was beginning to suspect he had lost control of his own life several outfit changes ago.
"Hold still!" Bunny said brightly, already shoving another shirt into his hands. "This one's perfect!"
Jax stared at the dark green tunic.
"…Perfect for what? Leading a rebellion? Selling soup?"
Nyxian lounged nearby against a clothing rack, thoroughly entertained.
"You'd make a surprisingly attractive soup merchant."
"That feels weirdly specific."
"I have range."
Zee stood nearby trying very hard not to laugh while Llandra remained stationed near the entrance with crossed arms, pretending she had no interest whatsoever in the situation.
Unfortunately for her—
her eyes drifted toward Jax every single time he stepped out wearing something new.
Bunny shoved him back toward the changing stall again.
"Next one!"
Several minutes later, Jax emerged wearing a fitted black coat with silver trim.
Nyxian blinked.
"…Okay. That one's dangerous."
Bunny gasped dramatically.
"I KNOW!"
Zee smiled softly.
"It suits you."
Llandra looked away immediately.
Too late.
Jax caught it.
"…You hate this less than the others."
"I am evaluating practicality," Llandra replied instantly.
Nyxian smirked.
"She likes the coat."
"I said nothing of the sort."
"She absolutely likes the coat."
Llandra looked moments away from drawing a weapon.
Bunny giggled uncontrollably.
Jax looked at himself in the mirror again.
Honestly?
The outfit did look pretty good.
Far more fantasy-adventurer than his original suit.
Though he still felt slightly like an NPC standing beside the four women.
"…I look like I'm about to give side quests."
"That means it's working," Nyxian said.
At the counter, Jax noticed something interesting.
Every time he paid for clothing, his system automatically produced exact change from his inventory without him consciously counting anything.
Silver.
Bronze.
Copper.
The amounts simply appeared.
Convenient.
Dangerously convenient.
Another screen quietly appeared near the edge of his vision.
NEW SKILL ACQUIRED
MERCHANT SKILL – APPRAISAL OF VALUE
LEVEL 2
Effect: Increased awareness of market prices and transactional efficiency.
Jax blinked.
"…Okay, now my system's learning economics."
Nyxian glanced over.
"That sounds ominous."
"I'm starting to think my system watches me."
"That somehow feels less strange than everything else about you."
Fair point.
The girls didn't hold back either.
With money finally available, years of restraint disappeared almost immediately.
New boots.
Travel cloaks.
Better gloves.
Fresh supplies.
Jax noticed something else too.
They kept checking prices first.
Every single time.
Even now.
Like they weren't fully used to being allowed to spend money freely.
Interesting.
That lingered in his thoughts longer than expected.
When they finally stepped back outside carrying bags and parcels, the atmosphere felt lighter somehow.
Relaxed.
Warmer.
For the first time since arriving in this world, Jax almost felt like he was simply hanging out with friends.
Then he noticed the sign.
BRANNIC'S WEAPONS & ARMOR EMPORIUM
Jax stared at it.
"…That is aggressively named."
Nyxian grinned.
"And somehow still accurate."
Inside, the shop was immaculate.
Weapons lined the walls in perfect rows while armor stands gleamed beneath enchanted lanterns overhead.
Everything smelled faintly of metal, oil, and fire.
Jax took one step inside.
Then another system screen appeared.
NEW SKILL AVAILABLE
THIEF SKILL – INSPECT
Would you like to activate?
Jax raised an eyebrow.
"…That sounds morally questionable."
Nyxian looked over.
"What does?"
"I apparently unlocked a thief skill."
Bunny tilted her head.
"You're not a thief."
"Good to know the system disagrees."
He selected YES.
The world shifted instantly.
Information exploded into view.
Weapons glowed faintly.
Armor shimmered.
Text appeared beside nearly everything he looked at.
Iron Longsword
Level 8
Durability: High
Minor Reinforcement Enchantment
Leather Gloves
Level 5
Enhanced Grip
Steel Dagger
Level 10
Trait: Minor Poison Effect
"…Whoa."
His brain took several seconds to catch up.
So THAT was why it was called Inspect.
A thief could identify valuable items instantly.
Dangerous.
Very dangerous.
From the back of the shop, a dwarf emerged carrying a hammer over one shoulder.
Short.
Broad.
Massive beard.
Eyes sharp enough to cut steel.
"Welcome," the dwarf rumbled. "What can I do fer ye?"
Jax stepped forward.
"We're looking around. Your craftsmanship caught my attention."
The dwarf puffed up slightly.
"As it should."
Nyxian snorted quietly.
"Subtle."
Jax picked up a dagger carefully.
Inspect immediately triggered again.
Steel Dagger
Level 10
Trait: Poison Effect
Craftsmanship Rating: Excellent
Interesting.
"How do enchantments work?" Jax asked.
The dwarf's eyes immediately brightened.
"Ah! Someone asks proper questions."
He pointed proudly toward the blade.
"That dagger was forged using the essence of a Poison King Bullfrog."
Jax blinked.
"…That sounds horrifying."
"It was."
The dwarf grinned proudly.
"Once materials pass level ten quality, beast essence settles into the metal naturally. That's where special traits come from."
Jax scanned the rest of the shop again.
Many items exceeded level ten.
Meaning—
this dwarf was genuinely talented.
"You've mastered your craft," Jax said honestly.
The dwarf gruffed awkwardly.
"Save the charm fer yer four lovely companions."
Bunny and Zee turned red immediately.
Nyxian looked delighted.
Llandra looked exhausted.
Jax laughed.
"Fair enough."
Then he asked casually:
"What could you make with parts from an adult flame dragon?"
The dwarf barked out a laugh instantly.
"Hah! Anything!"
He spread his arms dramatically.
"With enough flame dragon material, I could forge weapons fit fer kings!"
Bunny immediately pointed at Jax.
"He has one."
The dwarf waved dismissively.
"Aye, and I'm emperor."
Jax didn't argue.
Instead, he carefully returned the dagger to its display.
Then extended his hand.
"You're a master craftsman, Brannic."
The dwarf blinked slightly before shaking it.
"…Brannic," he repeated.
"Jax."
"And if ye truly somehow have a flame dragon…"
Brannic smirked.
"…Bring it here."
Jax smiled slightly.
"We'll be in touch."
Then the group turned and headed back toward the door.
Behind them, Brannic folded his arms.
Level one adventurer.
Strange clothes.
Four unusual women following him around town.
Claims of a flame dragon.
Ridiculous.
Completely ridiculous.
Still…
The dwarf glanced back toward the dagger Jax had inspected.
"…Good eye, though."
Outside, the streets of Solmere glowed beneath lantern light as evening settled fully across the town.
And without realizing it—
Jax had already started planting seeds that would eventually reshape the entire city.