Bab 69: Price Measurement
Abigail walked into the bustling district of Old World Network, where towering buildings surrounded narrow streets packed with people and activity. The night air felt colder here, but the place was still alive with energy. Neon lights from small shops and street vendors lit up every corner, while the hum of conversations echoed all around. Abigail pressed on, heading for his destination—Niwa's artifact shop.
Niwa's store was known as one of the best places to trade in Quantum artifacts. A shrewd businessman, Niwa had a sharp eye for value and was rarely fooled. Abigail respected that, though he knew Niwa always had his own agenda.
When Abigail reached the shop's simple yet elegant sign, he calmly pushed open the door. A small bell chimed above the entrance, announcing his arrival. Inside, shelves lined with various Quantum artifacts of all shapes and sizes filled the space, bathed in the dim light of a corner lamp, giving the room an air of mystery.
Behind the counter stood Niwa, a man with slick black hair and ever-alert eyes. He smiled faintly as he recognized his familiar guest.
"Ah, Abigail. Always a pleasure to see you," Niwa greeted with a friendly, yet professional tone. "How have you been? It's been a while."
Abigail, with his composed and elegant demeanor, responded as he stepped further into the shop. "I'm doing well, Niwa. There's been a lot to take care of lately, but I made time to stop by."
Niwa nodded, easing into a more casual tone—a tactic he often used to soften up before getting down to business. "That's good to hear. So, what's been keeping you busy? I hope it's something interesting."
Abigail gave a small smile, recognizing Niwa's attempt to create a comfortable atmosphere. "Just a few things here and there. Modeus has been occupied with his own matters, so I've been working solo lately."
Niwa's eyebrows lifted slightly at the mention of Modeus. He knew of Modeus' reputation and was intrigued to hear any updates. "Oh, Modeus? How's he doing? Not with you today?"
Abigail nodded. "He's off handling some important business. Looks like he'll be tied up for a while."
Niwa's smile thinned, and he shifted back into a more businesslike posture, realizing Abigail wasn't one for long chit-chat, especially when there was a purpose to the visit. Straightening up behind the counter, he spoke with a more serious tone.
"Alright then, Abigail. I assume you're not here just for small talk. How can I help you?"
Without wasting time, Abigail pulled a small pouch from his cloak and placed it on the counter. "I'm here to sell a few Quantum artifacts I picked up on my last trip."
Niwa's eyes gleamed with interest at the sight of the pouch. He knew Abigail had a knack for finding rare items, and each visit brought something valuable. Carefully, he opened the pouch, pulling out several small artifacts that glowed softly under the dim light.
"Quantum artifacts... interesting," Niwa murmured as he inspected the items closely. "Give me a moment. I'll take these to the back for a more thorough look. Please wait here."
Abigail nodded, unbothered by the delay. He was used to Niwa's meticulousness when dealing with high-value items.
As Niwa disappeared into the back room with the artifacts, the shop fell silent, but Abigail didn't mind the quiet. He glanced around the shelves, filled with unique items, each one with its own story waiting to be told.
After a few minutes, Niwa returned with the pouch in hand. His face remained neutral, but there was a flicker of interest in his eyes.
"After a detailed examination, I'm prepared to offer you 2.7 million Nexbits for the lot," Niwa said calmly.
Abigail's expression stayed cool, though his mind began calculating. He wasn't entirely sure of the current market value for these particular Quantum artifacts, so he wanted to ensure the offer was fair.
"2.7 million Nexbits," Abigail repeated thoughtfully. "That's a significant amount, but I'm curious—is this your best offer? How does it compare to prices at the main office?"
Niwa, fully aware of Abigail's cautious nature, responded calmly. "This is a fair offer, Abigail. The headquarters wouldn't match this amount, I'm sure of it. Given the quality, 2.7 million Nexbits is more than reasonable. I can guarantee you won't find a better deal elsewhere."
Abigail paused to consider for a moment longer. He knew Niwa rarely lied in business, but he also didn't want to rush his decision. After weighing all the possibilities, he finally nodded.
"Alright, I'll take the 2.7 million Nexbits," he said in a steady voice.
Niwa smiled with satisfaction and nodded. "A good deal. I'll transfer the funds immediately." He quickly grabbed the digital transfer device on the counter and processed the transaction. Abigail watched as the amount appeared in his account, confirming that everything was as agreed.
"Always a pleasure doing business with you," Niwa remarked, placing the artifacts securely in the vault behind his counter.
With the transaction complete, the tension between them eased. Niwa looked at Abigail with a light smile. "This is your first time here. How did you hear about my shop, Abigail?"
Abigail gave a faint smile. "I've got a few contacts who know how to point me in the right direction."
They both chuckled lightly, and the atmosphere, which had been focused on business, shifted to a more relaxed tone. Niwa leaned against the counter, sparking a casual conversation.
"So, any big plans on the horizon?" Niwa asked with genuine curiosity.
Abigail shook his head. "Nothing major. I'll probably keep exploring, seeing what else I can uncover. This world still holds plenty of mysteries."
"That's for sure," Niwa replied. "Well, best of luck on your next adventure. And of course, don't hesitate to stop by if you find anything else."
Abigail stood up, adjusting his cloak. "I'll be back, no doubt. Always a pleasure doing business with you, Niwa."
"And I always look forward to the treasures you bring," Niwa said with a wave as Abigail made his way out of the shop.
Outside, Abigail breathed in the cool night air, feeling a sense of relief. The deal was done, and he had enough funds to last for a while. With his mind clear, he began walking toward his next destination, blending into the vibrant crowd of Old World Network, which was still pulsing with life under the night sky.
The night in Old World Network wrapped the city in a quiet that wasn't quite complete. Though much of the hustle had slowed, Abigail remained alert as he returned to his lodging. The cold air slipped through the narrow streets, but his mind was more preoccupied with one thing: Modeus. The man hadn't been seen since they split up some time ago, and it left Abigail feeling a bit uneasy. While Modeus was independent, Abigail sensed there were matters they needed to discuss before moving forward.
As he entered the inn's softly lit lobby, small ceiling lamps cast a gentle glow over the room. A few other guests sat in chairs, quietly chatting or simply enjoying the calm of the night. Abigail approached the reception desk, his tone polite but firm.
"Excuse me, has someone named Modeus returned to the inn yet?" he asked the young receptionist.
The receptionist, a young woman with brown hair tied back, checked the electronic log in front of her. After a moment, she shook her head.
"I'm sorry, it doesn't look like Modeus has returned yet," she said with a faint smile.
Abigail sighed inwardly. "Alright. I'll wait here."
He walked over to a quiet corner of the lobby, choosing a plush chair near the window. His gaze drifted outside, watching the city lights begin to fade. He ordered a cold drink, something to soothe his mind while he waited. A few minutes later, the drink arrived, and he took it calmly. But even the refreshment couldn't fully distract him from wondering where Modeus was.
After a few sips, Abigail decided it was time to contact someone important in his life: his father, Lord Eliphas. There were a few updates on his recent mission that needed reporting.
Abigail took a deep breath and lifted his hand, casting a long-distance communication spell. A small circle of light appeared before him, reflecting magical energy visible only to him. After a few seconds, the stern and charismatic face of Lord Eliphas emerged in the glowing circle.
"Abigail," Lord Eliphas' deep voice rang clear, despite the magical medium. "Any news?"
Abigail nodded respectfully, meeting his father's gaze, which always carried an air of commanding authority. "Father, I wanted to give you an update on the mission I'm currently handling," he said calmly. "Everything is going smoothly so far."
Lord Eliphas gave a slight nod. "Good. How are you? It's been a while since we've spoken, Abigail."
There was a hint of warmth in Eliphas' voice, though he rarely showed it overtly. Abigail felt it and responded in a more relaxed tone, "I'm doing well. The Old World Network is as bustling and full of intrigue as ever, but I'm managing."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the conversation shifted to more pressing matters. Lord Eliphas tilted his head slightly, his expression growing more serious. "What about your progress with contacting Leo Micheline?"
Abigail took a deep breath. This was one of the most critical assignments he'd been given—establishing a connection with Leo Micheline, a top-tier relic hunter and a highly influential figure in the Old World Network. Leo had power, influence, and a vast network. Securing a relationship with him would open up significant opportunities for the Einzvil family, who had long been involved in the underground trade of artifacts.
"I'm in the process of boosting my rank," Abigail replied confidently, meeting his father's gaze. "Things are progressing well, especially with Modeus' help."
The mention of Modeus didn't elicit much of a reaction from Eliphas' face, but Abigail knew what his father was thinking. Eliphas didn't see Modeus as a person, but as a tool to be used. As expected, Eliphas spoke in his usual cold tone.
"Modeus owes a great deal to our family, Abigail. Don't hesitate to use him to his full potential. He's under our influence, and that's not something to overlook."
Abigail listened to the words with a neutral expression. He was accustomed to hearing his father speak this way about others, especially those indebted to the Einzvil family. But Abigail's feelings toward Modeus were different. To him, Modeus wasn't just a tool; he was someone Abigail considered a friend.
He nodded slightly, refraining from making any lengthy comments about his father's statement. "I understand, Father."
Sensing the conversation veering into a more strategic direction, Abigail decided to shift the topic. "Oh, Father, there's something else that might interest you. I ran into Leo Micheline's daughter, Oriana Micheline. She's here in the Old World Network."
Hearing that, Eliphas paused for a moment. His sharp eyes signaled that this information had piqued his interest. "Oriana Micheline... in the Old World Network?"
Abigail nodded. "Yes. It seems she's here for something, though I haven't figured out the details yet."
A thin smile crossed Eliphas' lips, as if he had just discovered a valuable opportunity. "Then use Oriana as a bridge to Leo Micheline. If the nobleman's daughter is there, we can complete this plan faster than we anticipated."
Abigail knew exactly what his father was suggesting. Oriana could indeed serve as the perfect link to reach Leo, bypassing the need for more complicated approaches. However, Abigail also understood that using someone like Oriana wasn't something to be taken lightly. He would need to tread carefully.
"I'll consider the best approach, Father," Abigail said calmly.
Eliphas nodded, clearly satisfied. "Make sure you handle this with care, Abigail. The Einzvil family has fought hard to secure its position, and I know you're one of the people we can rely on."
After discussing the formal report and a few minor details, Abigail felt there was nothing else to add. "There's nothing more to report, Father. Everything is under control."
Eliphas nodded once more. "Good. Take care of yourself, Abigail. I'll await your next update."
With that, Abigail ended the long-distance magical communication. The glowing circle in front of him slowly faded, and the room returned to its stillness. He leaned back in his chair, sipping the last of his cold drink slowly.
His mind now swirled with various plans. He knew the task ahead would be more complex, but as always, Abigail was confident he could handle whatever came his way. As the night grew deeper, he gazed out the window of the inn, watching the bustling Old World Network begin to quiet down, waiting patiently for Modeus to return, his thoughts calm yet calculating.
***
Modeus hurried through the long corridors of the Old World Network headquarters, his mind restless after his latest transaction. After a brief negotiation, he had managed to sell the Quantum artifact he had found, but for only 2.2 million Nexbits—a smaller amount than he had hoped for. The headquarters, though an official and reputable place for artifact transactions, clearly didn't offer the best prices.
As Modeus left the building, the bustling atmosphere of the Old World Network felt oddly distant. People were busy with their own deals, but Modeus had only one thing on his mind: the inn, where he had promised to meet Abigail. The sky was already dark, and he knew Abigail would be waiting for him.
Upon arriving at the inn, Modeus walked straight into the lobby. The soft lights illuminated a few guests lounging in their chairs. In the corner, sitting calmly with a cold drink, was Abigail. He looked as composed as ever, but when he saw Modeus, a curious expression crossed his face.
Abigail took a sip of his drink and tilted his head slightly. "Finally, you're here. So, how did it go?" he asked with genuine curiosity.
Still frustrated, Modeus sat down across from him with a huff. He crossed his arms, staring straight ahead with a blank expression. "I sold it at the headquarters. They paid me 2.2 million Nexbits."
Abigail immediately frowned at the amount. "Only 2.2 million? I just sold my artifact to Niwa's shop, and he gave me 2.7 million Nexbits. Clearly a better deal than the headquarters."
Modeus shot Abigail a narrowed glance, clearly displeased. "Yeah, I figured. The headquarters offers standard prices, but I thought they'd be more fair. Guess I was wrong."
Abigail gave a faint smile, leaning back in his chair, holding his cold glass. "You can't always count on the headquarters for the best deal. Niwa knows the value of our goods. He's tough in negotiations, but in the end, he offers a higher price."
Modeus grumbled in frustration, feeling he'd made a tactical mistake. "I feel like punching someone," he muttered to himself.
Abigail raised an eyebrow at him, intrigued. "Why are you so worked up? I know we didn't get the best price, but it's not worth getting that angry over."
Modeus sighed deeply, trying to calm his racing thoughts. "It's not about the price, Abigail. It's... I just feel frustrated. Every time I try to make a big decision on my own, something goes wrong."
Abigail studied him for a moment, trying to understand the deeper feelings behind Modeus' words. Although they often worked together, there were still many things about Modeus that remained a mystery to him. But he always knew when to speak and when to let the moment settle.
"Modeus," Abigail began, his tone softer this time, "you can't expect everything to go perfectly. Even I, someone trained to calculate every possibility, still make mistakes. What matters is that we learn from them and know where to go next."
Modeus exhaled again, this time more steadily. "You're right. I'm just... tired of it all."
Abigail smiled gently, then stood up. "Let's grab some dinner. You look like you could use a break after dealing with artifacts and the headquarters all day."
Modeus looked up at him for a moment, then nodded in agreement. Maybe dinner was a good idea. At the very least, it would distract him from his frustration.
They left the inn and strolled down the streets of the Old World Network, now lit by evening lights. Despite the city's dangers and intrigue, it still had a certain charm. Abigail walked beside Modeus, occasionally glancing at him to make sure his friend was calming down.
After a few minutes, they arrived at one of their usual spots—a small restaurant that wasn't too fancy but served good food at reasonable prices. They picked a table near the window, ordered their meal, and began chatting casually.
Abigail broke the silence once the waiter left their table. "So, you know now, right? From now on, we stick with Niwa. He offers a much better price, and he understands the value of what we bring."
Modeus nodded, reaching for his water. "Yeah, I get it. Maybe I shouldn't have been so focused on the headquarters just because of their reputation."
Abigail grinned. "The headquarters has a reputation, sure, but what matters is who really understands the value of the goods we find. Niwa knows the worth of those Quantum artifacts. Plus, with his black market connections, it's no surprise he can offer more."
They continued discussing future strategies, sharing information about the market and the best ways to capitalize on opportunities. Modeus, who had been tense at first, began to relax as they talked. Though often clouded by frustration, Modeus appreciated Abigail's presence, which always seemed to bring balance.
When their food arrived, Modeus took a few bites, savoring the tender roasted meat and rich spices. The restaurant was peaceful, with only the soft murmur of conversation from nearby tables. As he ate, Modeus suddenly smiled.
"Abigail," he said out of the blue, "I'm glad you're here. Sometimes I feel like if I were on my own, I'd ruin everything with one bad decision."
Abigail looked at him with a small smile, though his eyes reflected gratitude. "You're not alone, Modeus. And you're not someone who's going to destroy everything. You just need time to figure things out, like we all do."
They continued eating in comfortable silence. Outside, the night deepened, but for them, the evening was just beginning. Modeus knew that with Abigail by his side, he could face whatever challenges came their way. Together, they would navigate the world of Quantum artifacts more wisely.
That night, they shared a quiet meal, enjoying each other's company. Though both were aware that their larger mission still awaited, tonight they would rest and enjoy the moment, as two friends who supported each other through everything.
***
— Bab baru akan segera rilis — Tulis ulasan
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone