Chapter 1166: Anthony On Tour pt 18

Chapter 1166: Anthony On Tour pt 18

Despite most of the peoples of Pangera using their own form of currency - even the bruan'chii used something they called a 'soul chip' to trade amongst themselves - there was one universal unit of wealth that was good for business everywhere in the Dungeon.

Cores.

Which was why Smithant and Cobalt had brought a healthy supply from the Colony's stores with them on this trip, though they had begun to suspect that they may have brought too many. Their brathian guide couldn't resist sending covetous glances towards their carry bags, strapped to their carapace, though she tried to hide it.

"Everything is so spread apart," Smithant huffed. "It's inefficient."

"It is," Cobalt agreed, "but it does allow room for specialities to bloom. If everyone were forced to compete in proximity to each other, every stall would be the same."

It was taking a long time to get from market to market; each district of Freehill was a sprawling mass of houses, shops, schools, fighting arenas, seemingly without much planning having gone into the layout. It was apparent that much of the growth was organic, new things being constructed when it was found to be necessary, and placed wherever the people at the time thought it would make sense. It deeply offended the ants.

Yet, it wasn't their place to criticise others' way of living, they were out looking for trade, and were having greatly mixed levels of success.

[What is this store?] Cobalt asked their guide.

Irisod read the sign and sighed.

[It is 'Big Hogs Swarthy Swords'.]

[You don't seem to approve.]

[I find the name of the store to be poor marketing.]

The ants didn't care one whit for marketing, only for quality goods, so they decided to head inside, squeezing through the entrance with surprisingly little difficulty.

After some back and forth, the mage supplied the answer.

[He's asking fifteen-fifty. In my opinion, this is overpriced by as much as twenty percent.]

"Always with the overcharging," Smithant grumbled, still prodding the sword with her antennae.

[Can you ask why the item is overpriced by twenty percent?] Cobalt asked, a little fed up herself.

Again, there was some back and forth before they were supplied an answer.

[He says he would rather his finest sword be in the hands of a skilled swordsman, rather than sold to monsters who won't use it, so he is overcharging.]

The two ants considered this.

"That makes sense," Smithant conceded. "Making excellent things and then giving them to people who won't use them is disappointing, as a crafter."

"I agree. Twenty percent seems fair compensation."

[Tell him we agree to this trade. It is our intention to study the sword in the hopes we can one day replicate its incredibly high standard of craftsmanship. Please pass on our assurances that it will be treated with respect.]

The ants happily paid the required price and Hog looked somewhat sheepish as he handed over the sword to his latest customers. Smithant held the blade gently in her mandibles, extremely pleased with the purchase.

[Why can't your people be more like that?] Cobalt complained to Irisod. [If you were simply up front with us about your prices, we can engage in a reasonable discussion. All these half-truths and obfuscations simply take us further from reaching an agreement, not closer.]

Irisod rolled her eyes. They didn't get it now, and they likely never would in the future.