Chapter 102 – The Brokest Shop in Axel
The streets of Axel hadn't changed. But the way people looked at Ruko had. "…That's him…" "…The Reaper…" "…Don't stare too long…" Ruko walked past them like he didn't hear anything. Hands in his pockets. Shoulders relaxed. Face blank. "…Sigh…" His eyes flicked slightly to the side. A group of adventurers quickly looked away when he glanced at them. Too fast. Too obvious. "…So annoying everyone is ignoring me this days…" It wasn't anger. It wasn't even frustration. It was something quieter. Something heavier. "…Stop staring cause I don't like people staring at me…" But they didn't. Even when they pretended not to. That feeling—Being watched. Judged. Measured. It scratched at something deep inside his chest. For just a second—His breathing almost slipped. Almost. "…Tch... Whatever." He shook his head lightly. Like tossing the thought away. Like it didn't matter. Like it never mattered.
"…I'll just go somewhere quiet…" Then something clicked. "…Oh? I forgot there's shop I haven't gone to for awhile…" by tapping his fist on his hand. He walk through the alley way and saw. "Wiz's shop... it's been awhile." The door creaked open. Creeeeeeak. Dust floated in the air. Silence. "…Wow…" Ruko stood there. "…This place is worse than I remember…" Empty shelves. Strange items scattered everywhere. No customers. Not even a single one. Behind the counter—Wiz sat quietly. Looking like her soul had already left her body. "…Welcome…" she said weakly. Ruko stared at her. "…What in the actual god damn happened to you…" Before she could answer—A voice echoed from the back. "…It's financial despair… bankruptcy… the sweet aroma of ruin…" Vanir stepped out. Dragging his feet. Aura completely drained.
"…We are finished…" Ruko blinked. "…Who are you people…" They looked like abandoned NPCs. That Ruko left behind by playing the game itself. "…Alright I'm leaving." He turned around instantly. Then—GRAB. "DON'T LEAVE!" Vanir clung to Ruko's leg. Full desperation. "We have no customers… if there's no customers... no money… no future…!" "…Eh! What the? Let go." "Never!" Wiz suddenly rushed forward—And hugged Ruko tightly. "Please help us!" "…Huh?" Soft. Warm. Very warm. Ruko froze. "…Oh…" His brain paused. "…Oh." His face stayed blank. But inside—System malfunction. "…Big… mommy." He didn't finish the sentence. "…Milkers." Ruko shake the thought off. "...Alright." Instant surrender. Vanir lifted his head slowly. "…Oh... so easily swayed I see…" Ruko raised one finger. "…But first." "…I knew it will come! Speak." "…Why is nobody coming here?" He already knew the answer. But something felt off.
Vanir sighed. "…Because of her." Wiz tilted her head. "…Eh? What did I do this time. " "…You are known throughout Axel…" "…as a terrifying merchant…" "…who sells dangerous and useless items…" "…while somehow losing money doing it." Wiz looked shocked. "…I… try my best…" "…That's exactly the point." Ruko nodded slowly. Cat-like expression. Zero sympathy. "…Sounds like a worst skill issue." "THAT WAS RUDE!" "…Don't care." Ruko walked past them. Looked around. Picked up random items. A glowing orb that buzzed strangely. A cursed-looking necklace. A box labeled: "Probably Safe." "…Yeah no." Then—He picked something simple. A small magic item sitting quietly on the shelf. A low-grade warming charm. Cheap. Barely useful. Price tag: 5000 Eris "…I'll take this one." Vanir stared. "…That is all you are buying?" Ruko pulled out coins. "…That's all I have." "…You are poor." "…You look poorer."
Silence. Then— "…Alright you wanna fight me." "…Come on then." BOOM. A small dust cloud formed—Only around them. "STOP AIMING FOR MY FACE—!" "STOP BEING WEAK—!" "YOU'RE CHEATING—!" "I'M NOT—!" A few seconds later—The dust settled. Ruko lay flat on the ground. Again. "…Why do I keep losing…" Vanir stood over him proudly. "…Because you are human." "…Shut up…" Wiz rushed over. "Are you okay?!" "…Yeah… I lost again… like in the normal days…" She gently handed him the item. "Here… thank you for buying…" Before he could respond—Vanir grabbed him. "…Transaction complete." "…Eh? Wai—" And—THROW. Ruko flew out the door. Tumbled down the stairs. Landed sitting upright at the bottom. "…Huh…" Silence. He blinked. "…Did I just get kicked out after helping them…" He slowly stood up. Dusted himself off. "…That is unbelievable…" But his expression didn't change. He saighed. Still calm. Still lazy. Still… distant. He turned. Walked into a nearby alley. Quiet. No people. No whispers. No eyes. Better. "…Finally! Some peace and quiet for once…" Then—A presence. Which is quite familiar. "…Hm?" He looked up. And there she was. Standing there. Rina. "…Yo." Ruko raised his hand slightly. Same lazy tone. "…Didn't expect to see you here…" But for just a moment—The emptiness in his eyes shifted. Just a little. Like something human slipped through. Before he hid it again.