The town of Draymoor was starting to change. Not because of war or politics—because of convenience.
Kaito's deliveries had gone from three a day to ten. Merchants were copying his "packaging style" using cloth pouches with printed sigils that looked suspiciously like barcodes. Kids even started imitating his app, pretending to "summon" toys with rocks and scrolls.
It was, to put it mildly, getting out of hand.
Mina burst into the inn's common room that morning, panting. "There's a line."
Kaito looked up from his coffee. "A line?"
"At the Guild. People asking for… you."
He stood, stretching. "I haven't even opened shop yet."
"They don't care. One guy wants a flying broom. Another wants an 'unbreakable rope.' And a dwarf asked for something called a 'fridge.' He said, 'I want the food box that hums like a golem.'"
Kaito rubbed his temple. "Great. Now I'm an urban legend."
He strolled into the Guild an hour later wearing his usual tunic, coat, and smug expression. The crowd parted slightly—some in curiosity, others in awe.
Liera gestured him over. "Kaito. You're causing paperwork."
"Is that a complaint or a thank-you?"
"Both." She handed him a parchment. "The Guildmaster wants to see you."
The Guildmaster's office sat at the top of a narrow stairwell. Kaito had only been there once, briefly. This time, the atmosphere was heavier. Inside, a bald, broad-shouldered man stood behind a cluttered desk. His name was Gerod, and he looked like a retired warrior who hadn't quite accepted the retirement part.
"You've been busy, merchant," Gerod said without greeting. "Your work is impressive… and disruptive."
Kaito raised an eyebrow. "Disruptive?"
"You've undercut three supply vendors, caused a craftsman's union meeting, and one local enchanter tried to enchant a shoebox because his business dropped by half."
Kaito folded his arms. "I sell solutions. If the old guard can't keep up—"
"I'm not blaming you," Gerod interrupted. "I'm warning you."
He tossed a folded letter across the table. Kaito caught it.
To the Guild of Draymoor,
It has come to our attention that a merchant is distributing anomalous goods.
We request a formal investigation under the Arcane Regulation Act.
— Central Council of Mages
Kaito whistled softly. "So, the big boys noticed."
"They'll send someone. Politely, at first. Maybe not so politely later."
"I'm not breaking laws."
"You're bending reality," Gerod muttered. "Just be ready."
That night, as Mina restocked the "supply crate" and checked local orders, Kaito opened Modern Mart again.
Search: "Mage Countermeasures"
Search: "Disguised EMP field"
Search: "Portable Mana Detector"
The results were… alarming. Even with his discount code, some items cost more than what he'd made so far.
"I'll need funding," he muttered.
He stared at the moonlight outside his window. Funding. Security. Leverage.
Then, as if summoned by thought, a message pinged onto his screen.
Incoming Request – Private
From: Unregistered Source
Message:
"We represent a faction interested in trade. Your methods intrigue us.
Meet us in the Whispering Forest. Midnight. Come alone.
Bring samples."
Kaito stared.
He checked the sender.
Unknown. Masked coordinates.
He leaned back in his chair, a small grin forming. "Well. This sounds like either a trap… or a promotion."
Mina walked in with a bag of rations. "You smiling like that means something's about to explode."
"Not explode," Kaito said. "Just… escalate."
To be continued…