The tilting, floating Free City righted itself again.
A merchant tumbled off his cart as it started moving forward again. Children running up and down the slope fell on their backsides. A woman stood with her hands on her hips, staring at the furniture piled in the corner. In a public restroom, a man looked at the urine stain on his trousers and wanted to cry.
Soon, the Mage Tower issued a citywide announcement:
[The disturbance just now was caused by the addition of Arcane Cores to Free City. Residents and visitors need not panic. Free City will soon begin its return journey.]
In the Core Room, Annan listened to the sounds outside, then turned his attention back to the Merchant.
"How did you know I needed Arcane Cores?"
"Don't underestimate a merchant's nose for business," the Merchant said proudly.
"Just what I'd expect from a merchant. You always know when to pitch your wares." Compared with him, even devils seemed like they were forcing a sale.
Free City's crisis was over. Annan's was just beginning.
The Merchant gave Annan the bill. "I brought three Medium Arcane Cores. That's 7.5 million Gold Narl in total. Will you pay now or buy on credit?"
"On credit?"
"Pay within one month and it's 7.5 million Gold Narl. Within two months, 7.87 million. Within three, 8.26 million..."
"And within twelve months, 13.4 million Gold Narl," Annan finished for him.
"It seems the world's prejudices against sorcerers certainly don't apply to you." The Merchant offered his praise without hesitation.
"Save the flattery." Annan looked at the three new Arcane Cores on the Mithril Pedestal. "We might not need this many."
Even selling Annan wouldn't raise 7.5 million Gold Narl. Selling the Temple Fragment would, though...
The Merchant smiled. "You can take one