After discovering that the gift box could be repurposed as an item box, I checked the time. It was still a little before noon. That left me plenty of time to visit the Marida Trading Company. I wanted to revisit my discussion of the exploration tools I had previously requested. I no longer had the issue of having to consider their size and weight for transport. Instead, I planned to ask for new tools that weren’t available to me before due to my lack of carrying capacity.
“Hello!”
“Welcome, Schwarz.”
We were becoming familiar faces to each other. I asked if Marta was available and was then led to the usual reception room. The Fortress City of Balga, also known as a labyrinth city, had an abundance of weapon shops, tool shops, and blacksmiths. Even so, I almost exclusively patronized Marida Trading Company’s store since meeting Marta.
Well, that and the delicious tea they served. Today was a dark green tea with a sweet, toasty aroma.
“Oh, this dark color must be a deep-steamed tea?” I asked Marta as he entered.
“Does it please you? It’s a special brew made by abundantly steaming only tender new buds.” He gave me his usual cheerful smile as his round belly jiggled.
“The aroma is delightful. I’m not sure if I come here for good deals or for your delicious tea.”
“Ha ha, you’re the only one who enjoys the tea we serve, Schwarz. So, are you here to sell magic stones today?”
“Yes, that’s part of it. I also wanted to talk about the tools I requested earlier. I’ve managed to prepare something like a tool bag, so I’d like to order additional large camping gear and supplies.”
“Something like a tool bag? We have several tools ready. It took some time, but the water bottle that refills just by using a water magic stone has arrived from the royal capital. The magic tool for creating fire has been ordered from the Alchemy Guild. That’ll take a little while to get here.”
Food and water were explorer essentials. They were bulky to carry, but a sufficient quantity had to be carried. Scrimping on these supplies would be life-threatening.
The fire magic tool would be a boon. For people in this world who could create fire with magic, it might’ve been worthless. For me, who had no magic, it would be indispensable.
Unable to use a tool bag, I needed to prepare expensive magic tools to carry these quantities of supplies. The water bottle that automatically refilled with a water magic stone was particularly popular among other adventurers. It was hard to find even in the Fortress City of Balga. Ultimately, I bought it through Marta from the royal capital.
I sold the magic stones obtained from yesterday’s labyrinth exploration and used the proceeds, and my silver coins, to pay for the prepared tools. The other tools would be ready soon, but paying for them now would blow my dinner budget. I could settle up on those another day.
I received the tools I had ordered in the reception room. I asked Marta to dismiss the other employees. When it was just us left in the room, I took out the gift box.
“This is your tool bag...or, something like it?”
“It has a different name, but let’s call it a ‘tool box’ for now. I’ll be storing things in it, now. That’s why I’ve asked you to prepare the additional items.”
“Of course, I’ll make the arrangements. How does it appear from nowhere?”
“Think of it as my ‘dud’ skill.”
“Schwarz, you never cease to amaze me. How much can it hold?”
“Up to thirty items, ignoring size. Identical items can stack up to ninety-nine per item slot, and over one hundred counts as two slots.”
“Wow! This box can hold that much?”
The gift box’s design allowed multiple people to place various items inside, providing ample item slots. VMB’s specification allows for stacking up to ninety-nine items per slot. Most importantly for me, I could duplicate the gift box within my inventory. This gave me infinite item storage.
I explained all of this to Marta. His cheerful expression shifted to a sharp merchant’s gaze. While I hinted at possessing a bloodline skill, I kept details vague, especially regarding being a dud. I trusted Marta enough to share this intel, but I asked him to keep it to himself.
I didn’t fully trust him, but he was one of the few male acquaintances I had in this world akin to a friend.
“Schwarz, are you still D-rank?”
“Yes, I am. I’m focusing on labyrinth exploration only. I won’t be very active as an adventurer, so I won’t be ranking up anytime soon.”
“That’s unfortunate. C-rank adventurers receive direct requests. Through the guild, clients can request specific adventurers. From a merchant’s perspective, your tool box is highly desirable. It stores a large quantity, ignores size, and disappears during transport. It’s excellent for security and transport capacity. If possible, I’d love for you to assist Marida Trading Company with our product transport.”
“I see... Well, if the opportunity arises...”
Marta’s sharp gaze remained fixed on my tool box. He watched it until I stored it in my inventory, and it shimmered into particles of light until it vanished.