According to Professor Shirley Harrison, Mystical Artifacts have different levels of strength or power. With this difference, the Association of the Harmonious Arcane Paths created a standard ranking system for these artifacts. They were ranked according to their contained powers, effects, limitations, and usage requirement.
There were a total of six ranks and each of them was still divided by three grades. They can still be low-grade, mid-grade, or high-grade.
The lowest rank was called Regular. They are the ones similar to Spirit Pearls that can slightly boost your intelligence. Almost all Regular rank items don't have side effects because their effects are too negligible in most cases.
Perhaps, only some poorly made Regular Rank mystical items can have a bit of side effects on them.
The next rank was called Mortal Rank followed by Noble Rank… These items were the ones that are commonly seen in stores meant for Arcane Arts Practitioners. They can either be considered as
However, the Royal rank and Sovereign rank that followed were mystical items that can only be seen in the treasury of the big clans of each Arcane Path…
As for the last rank called Arcana, they were items that Vale had no idea about. Even the Professor didn't say what kind of items they are.
She only mentioned that these items may not even appear in the next hundred years or so and they can only know more about it in the higher years.
"You guessed right… These two items that Mark picked up for you were both high-grade Mortal Rank items… This is the reason why the side effects weren't too much. As you know, the low-grade items of each rank have the worst side effects while the high-grade ones are the most ideal since they would have minimal side effects." Manager Marion paused and looked at Vale seriously before he continued.
"If we provide you with low-grade versions of these, then they might be cheaper but they would have shorter effect duration and the side effects would probably require you a lot of effort to maintain them."
Vale understood his point but still, he hadn't mentioned the price yet.
He simply nodded and waited for the price to be revealed.
"If we include the discount, each of them is worth 2,080 zen." Manager Marion said.
Vale didn't react at that amount as glanced at Philip and Priscilla…
"That's a fair price for a high-grade Mortal Rank…" Priscilla spoke after realizing what Vale wanted to hear.
Philip also nodded at this as he knows that Mortal Rank mystical items can be worth above 1,100 zen from the lowest grade while up to 2,300 zen for the high-grade ones.
Vale wryly smiled at this price as he recalled his Kyle's Father, who was a train operator, only earns a bit over 2,000 zen annually.
In any case, Vale didn't haggle on the price as he took out his small pouch where he kept his money.
After counting the zen notes he brought, he spoke… "I'll be buying both the Murloc's Gem and the Nymph Scale."
Manager Marion brightly smiled after hearing this as he clasped his hands in excitement.
"Very well… It's yours, Sir Vale. Mark, wrap these two items—No, take two of the Calming Pouches instead so our customer can carry them safely. There is no additional price for these pouches."
"Calming Pouches?" Vale repeated as he had never heard of it before.
"It's just a Regular Rank mystical item made from a special fabric... It doesn't have any side effects because of its minimal effects buts it's good for storing some items that are emitting mysterious energy."
"I see…"
Assistant Mark quickly went to work and brought two small pouches like a coin purse. He placed the mystical items inside before putting them on the table near Vale.
Manager Marion also confirmed the purchase and even gave Vale a simple receipt for the products.
At this time, Philip finally found an item that he liked.
It is a small mirror so Vale was reminded of Mennena. Priscilla also seemed curious as she knows her brother well. They have a rich family and they have access to many Mystical Items that aren't being sold to the public.
Because of that, they have a higher standard when it comes to owning Mystical Items.
"What kind of mirror is that?" Vale asked.
"I'm also curious…" Priscilla added.
Philip smiled at the two and replied proudly.
"It's called a Scouting Mirror! It says in the description that it can allow the Practitioner to monitor their surroundings twice the size of their Magic Zone. If this is real, then I'm having it. As you know, the ones in the house are too high-quality. I can't use them yet until I'm a genuine 3rd Class… This would do for now."
"What? Are you going to use it to peek at girls? That's disgusting, brother." Priscilla commented.
"Huh? Why do you think I would do that? I'm not that kind of guy. Tsk… Manager, may I know the price for this mirror?"
"I'll give it to you for 2,100 zen… However, I can't give you a Calming Pouch for it since it won't fit inside." Manager Marion replied.
Philip didn't mind this at all as he paid for the item quickly. The mirror has the size of an adult's palm and it has a wooden frame and a handle on it.
"I can only use it thrice a day but I want to try it now."
Philip said as he triggered the mirror by pouring his energy unto the item.
Then, under his control, the mirror showed the image or the reflection of the surroundings that is out of his magic zone's range…
"This is awesome… The coverage is small at the moment but once I increased my Magic Zone's range in a few years, this will be a lot more useful. It's a pity that I have to talk to this thing a few times a day or it'll stop functioning." Philip muttered as he saw the effects of the mystical item.
After they completed their transaction, the three left the store with five suitcases with them. Vale and Philip carried two suitcases each while Priscilla carried one.
They plan to walk to the arranged hotel for their group but as soon as they came out, the three of them felt a group of people watching them with hostility.
"Was that Terrence's group?" Vale asked as he recognize the familiar aura of the man.