Chapter 63: Magical Accessories
At the beginning of this new era of battles within the Tower of Babel, magical accessories were not widely used.
However, since the abilities a Climber could have depended on their Blessing, the importance of having items that granted access to different types of magic or total resistance to certain types of magic meant that items created by Magical Artisans began to be well-liked among lower-ranked Climbers.
Thus, magical accessories such as rings and necklaces gradually began to gain recognition among Climbers and, over time, came to be used by everyone—from the weakest to the strongest. Magical Artisans also gained fame and a lucrative market worth working for—a rarity in Aland.
Magical accessories were not cheap, so it was difficult for most people to afford them, which is why I was not surprised when Rosella spent more than half an hour analyzing them all.
"Okay. I think I’ve made up my mind," Rosella finally said. "Madam, I’ll take this one."
Rosella pointed to a necklace with a metal chain whose pendant resembled a vial. Inside the vial was a blood-red liquid.
The saleswoman clapped her hands as usual, smiling, although that smile gradually faded because of how long Rosella took.
"That’s a great choice, miss. This is a Phoenix Blood Necklace, a rare type of necklace even among Blood Necklaces. I’m sure you remember its ability, but let me refresh your memory. Thanks to the Phoenix blood contained in this necklace, you gain an ability that I myself have nicknamed ’Fire Fury,’" the saleswoman explained, raising a finger with a satisfied expression. "This means that when you concentrate and align your will with the Phoenix blood, you can imbue your sword with <Holy Fire>."
The <Holy Fire> skill was well known to most Climbers, as the great Paladin Thyric once used it to wipe out a horde of over a thousand undead on the Seventh Floor a few years ago.
In fact, it was because Thyric was a paladin that the skill became known as <Holy Fire>.
"I think it suits you very well," I said to Rosella, which made her smile happily.
Since the Phoenix Blood Necklace was rare, the saleswoman wanted to charge two gold coins for it, but I bargained a little and convinced her to sell it to me for one gold coin and ten silver coins.
"What about you, Brandon? Aren’t you going to buy a magic accessory for yourself?" Rosella asked as we started walking through the fair again.
I shook my head. "That vendor didn’t have any accessories I liked, so I’ll keep looking."
I spoke the truth; after all, today’s Magical Artisans couldn’t even come close to the level of quality of magical items that the System could give me.
"Let’s keep going. We haven’t even bought what we needed yet."
Rosella and I could find dried meat and canteens at any market in Lovikalen, so shopping wasn’t the main reason we came to the Tower of Babel. The real reason was that I wanted to visit one of the fancy shops inside the Tower that I couldn’t enter last time because I didn’t have an official Climber’s insignia.
Above the double iron doors of the establishment in question was a sign that read: "Swordhand Trading Company Headquarters". Just below it was also written: "Establishment recognized by the Church of the Golden Halo and the Kingdom of Durtch."
This building took up half a block and had two large display windows parallel to the doors. The window on the left displayed popular weapons and armor for warriors and swordsmen, while the one on the right displayed staffs and robes for mages.
"Rosella, can you stay out here with the bags we bought?" I asked, already handing her one. "It’s crowded inside, and we might get robbed without even noticing.
In fact, the place was buzzing with Climbers coming and going, and it was already packed inside. Even so, the possibility of being robbed in a place like this was virtually zero, but Rosella didn’t know that, so she calmly agreed to stay outside.
So, I climbed the five steps and entered the establishment. The place was very different from other stores I had been to in this life. It even looked like a luxury store on Earth. The lighting was bright, but also soft and easy on the eyes, even with the white porcelain tiles covering the floor. There were no shelves to display the items, but rather modular glass counters that served as displays for various types of daggers, swords, and rapiers.
In addition, there were two other rooms parallel to the main one: one apparently led to armor for warriors, while the other led to robes for mages and less combat-oriented classes.
The many uniformed attendants served everyone, so I had no trouble being assisted when I arrived at the counter.
"Good morning, sir. Before I can help you, may I check your insignia, please?" asked the kind gray-haired gentleman.
"Of course," I said, showing him my insignia.
I paid attention to how the man reacted to my Rank-B insignia. His almost closed eyes opened in surprise as he looked me up and down.
"Oh, yes." He adjusted his glasses. "How can I help you today, sir?"
"I’m looking to sell some items, but I want discretion. Is there a private room where I can show you—or another attendant—the items I want to sell?"
"Yes, of course we have one. Please follow me."
I had made some money selling Golem Cores to McNee, and I intended to sell more to him in the future, as it was safer for me. However, there were higher-quality items that were not worth selling on the Black Market because of its high operating costs and the need for secrecy in the shadows. I intended to sell these items on the regular market.
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Everyone, starting with this Chapter, I will be publishing two Chapters per day for a while. I hope you enjoy it and have a good read.