Ethan leaned against the counter, staring at the glowing system interface. Two days. Six Astral Coins.

  His shop wasn’t exactly bustling tonight, and his usual customers weren’t the type to drop high-value trades on a whim. He needed a big deal, something worth at least six Astral Coins.

  And fast.

  His fingers tapped rhythmically on the counter. Who would pay that much?

  He needed desperation, ambition, or secrecy—because those were the things that made people willing to overpay.

  Then, as if the universe had been listening, the bell above the door rang.

  An Unusual Customer

  The man who entered was unlike any of Ethan’s previous customers.

  He was young, maybe in his early twenties, but his eyes were sharp, filled with a cautious intensity. His clothes were fine, tailored in a sleek, dark style that suggested wealth, but they were also subtle—the kind of outfit designed to be expensive without drawing too much attention.

  A noble? A merchant? A thief?

  Ethan wasn’t sure, but the stranger carried himself with purpose.

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  The man scanned the shop, nodding slightly before stepping toward the counter. “You run this place?”

  Ethan nodded. “I do.”

  The man placed a small, intricately carved wooden box on the counter.

  “I need this gone.”

  A Trade of Shadows

  Ethan didn’t touch the box. Not yet.

  He activated Appraisal, letting the system scan the item.

  "Sealed Ledger of the Moonlit Veil"

  Type: Forbidden Record

  Status: Cursed (Passive)

  Description: A ledger containing the names of individuals who have made pacts with the Moonlit Veil, an elusive organization that operates in the shadows. Destroying or possessing this ledger may provoke their attention.

  Ethan’s jaw tightened. This wasn’t just a high-value item. This was a liability.

  He glanced at the man. “You’re being hunted.”

  The stranger didn’t react. “That’s not your concern. I need it gone. Permanently.”

  Ethan folded his arms. “And what’s in it for me?”

  The man pulled out a bag of coins.

  Not gold.

  Astral Coins.

  He set them down one by one.

  One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six.

  “Six Astral Coins,” the man said. “You take the ledger, and I walk away.”

  A Dangerous Gamble

  Ethan stared at the coins.

  It was exactly what he needed. Enough to get the Starfire Essence and break the seal on the relic box.

  But…

  Was it worth the risk?

  The system had warned him. Holding onto this ledger meant he’d be on the radar of a powerful, secretive organization.

  Ethan took a slow breath. He had two choices:

  ? Decline the deal and find another way to earn the coins.

  ? Accept the trade and figure out how to deal with the consequences later.

  The man was watching him, waiting. The shop was silent.

  Ethan exhaled. A merchant didn’t get far by playing it safe.

  He reached forward, taking the coins.

  The man gave a satisfied nod, then turned and left without another word.

  Ethan picked up the Sealed Ledger of the Moonlit Veil, feeling the weight of the decision settle over him.

  He had what he needed.

  But now?

  Now he had a new problem.