Multi-Dimensional Merchant System

Lady Indria Moonthistle, heir of Clan Moonthistle and Diplomatic Envoy for the Kingdom of Nisse, calmly sipped her tea as she stared into the milky white eyes across the table. Though she would never let it show, the sight of her companion always pained her. Like a twisted reflection, she couldn't help but marvel at how similar, yet how different, they were. The same graceful and lithe build, the same porcelain pale skin, the same earthy brown hair color... Though her hair was always impeccably styled and brushed, her companion's was a tangled mess that looked to have never been graced by comb or brush. That and their eyes, hers being emerald flecked with gold, were the only real differences.

Of course, it made sense for twins to be so similar.

Indria wished, once again, that her sister would let her take care of her like she did when they were younger. But her sister always refused, insisting that a 'Lady' of her standing shouldn't lower herself to groom one of their aides... And often claiming that she should maintain the image of physical decline to mirror the deterioration of her mind.

Though Indria was sure her sister's mind was as sharp as ever, and that the myth of Seers slowly descending into madness was exactly that, she allowed the fiction to persist if for no other reason than to protect her sister from those who would try to take advantage of her.

“You are always so patient with me sister.”

Indria smiled softly at her sister, setting down her teacup and reaching out to take her hand. “And I always will be, Alana.” Indria's smile quickly shifted to a knowing smirk as she tossed her hair back, revealing a sharply pointed ear with multiple jeweled piercings dotting it. She reach up and lightly brushed the tip of her finger across an emerald stud. “You can stop being dramatic now, the room is warded. What do you have to tell me?”

Alana chuckled softly and grinned at her sister. “Very well. An auction is starting soon. I will channel my vision to allow you to join it, as there is something there that will benefit your negotiations with the dwarves of Zwer. Though you will have to face down that human Prince and his... advances... on your own.”

Indria grimaced slightly, shaking her head with a sigh. “I can handle Prince Adevar. I am curious about this auction. What sort of auction requires a Seer to channel her vision just for me to participate? What is being offered for sale? How will we pay and receive our purchases? And-”

“Always one for questioning.” Alana interrupted her sister with a snicker. “You will see, sister. It is about to begin.”

Lonomia, Queen of the Eternal Swarm, shivered in anticipation as she sat upon her throne. Behind her, drones are quick to remove the remains of the chrysalis from her fifth transformation in pursuit of perfection. While this small humanoid form lacked the power and breeding capabilities of her previous forms, it offered other advantages that she was eager to explore. Besides, if she needed power she had soldiers for that. And the thousands of sub-queens that served her were more than capable of breeding more when needed.

Her daughters would serve as the Swarm needed. They would serve as their queen commanded.

Lonomia put aside these thoughts as the moment was upon her. A new presence intruded on the hive mind that connected her people. It felt... old, ancient beyond her comprehension. And incredibly powerful, enough to send fear coursing through even her. She instantly raised a partition within the hive mind, something she rarely did but was necessary to protect her people.

And prevent the chaos that such a presence would inevitably cause.

The knowledge of what she needed to do had somehow simply appeared in her mind, and she hesitated only for a second before reaching out to connect to the new presence.

Welcome to the MDMS Auction House!

Hosted by: Silk

Lady Moonthistle has joined the auction.

Unit E4250B1131 has joined the auction.

Anonymous has joined the auction.

Ves of the Ascendant Pride has joined the auction.

Regent Dustbrin has joined the auction.

Greengrass of the Verdant Vale has joined the auction.

Queen Lonomia has joined the auction.

Kingsler has joined the auction.

Anonymous has joined the auction.

Steve Stevenson has joined the auction.

The Bloodgorger of Myrn has joined the auction.

Uthus the Bold has joined the auction.

Abbott Kavin has joined the auction.

The list went on and on, until Lonomia had lost count of exactly how many had joined the auction. Thousands at least, perhaps tens of thousands. Or more.

She frowned momentarily at the realization that there may be much more competition than she expected, though she was uncertain there would even be items she desired. Time would tell, and the auction would be starting soon.

Oliver ignored the seemingly never ending stream of system prompts announcing people joining the auction, his full focus set on marveling over the Auction House itself. It looked much like a number of websites he had seen, its layout simple and clean. On one side of his vision was a small frame, clearly where the item up for sale would be displayed, and below it was what would be the log of bids received. The other half of his vision was taken up by what appeared to be a basic chat window, though no one had yet to start a conversation in it.

He quickly made note that the Auction House almost fully blocked his vision. While not a problem with him being settled in safely at home, he would need to be carefully of where and when he used it. Better safe than dead, after all.

Seeing the number of individuals slowing, he decided it was time to kick things off. Focusing on the chat window, Oliver chuckled when a virtual keyboard appeared under his hands, seemingly in response to his desire to type rather than simply Will his words into it. He could almost imagine a stir going through the crowd as he typed.

Silk(Host): Thank you for attending my auction. I'm not one for long and unnecessary speeches, so let's dive straight into the first lot.

With a thought, Oliver moved the first item from his Warehouse into the auction frame: a single chocolate bar he had picked up as one of his test items. This first auction would be used to gauge the reaction, and profit margins, for a variety of items.

Silk(Host): First up, we have a chocolate bar. For those of you unfamiliar with this item, it is a sweet treat that is much loved by my people- and one of my personal favorites. A rich and creamy snack or dessert, this simple looking treat is only the first glimpse of the confectionery wonders I have to offer. We will start the bidding at 1 credit.

Steve Stevenson: A chocolate bar? Does this idiot think that we can't find something like that at the corner shop?

Oliver frown slightly as several more disparaging comments entered the chat. He wasn't really surprised that others had access to something like chocolate, but surely there were some out there in the Multiverse that had never tried it before. Would these comments put off those that were initially curious? Before his worry could gain any momentum, the first bid came in. Though it was only a single credit, it was already more than he had paid for the chocolate.

And quickly more bids came flooding in.

From one credit to two, then four. The bid, and his excitement, swiftly climbed. Double digits flew by in seconds as the bids rocketed into the triple digits. Within a minute, it reached 500 where it slowed to a crawl before finally closing out at 527 as Oliver pumped his fist in the air with joy. The thrill of the auction had caught him by surprise.

Silk(Host): Congratulations Orvak the Gluttonous for winning the chocolate bar! I hope you enjoy!

Orvak the Gluttonous: By the Syv! It's SO good!

Oliver laughed out loud as a wave of excitement ran through the chat. The unexpected endorsement from his first buyer raised the mood of the auction noticeably, and he could feel the tension building as he put up his next items.

He wasn't surprised when the bolt of silk clothe went for nearly a thousand credits. Aside from being a fantastic material that he made sure to hype up- he couldn't disappoint his namesake, after all- it easily appealed to people of wealth and influence that would use it for clothes to show their status, as well as those random craftsman in attendance eager to work with a new and exotic material. He couldn't help but snicker to himself that Silk was a hit, in more ways than one.

He was, however, very surprised at the success of the Lego set. Apparently, alien parents were more than willing to dish out over a thousand credits to get new toys for their kids. Definitely something to keep in mind there.

With each item the tension continued to rise. Everyone was aware of the limited nature of this auction, and many were eager to get their own piece of it. And Oliver's next item brought sheer pandemonium to the crowd... and a rueful chuckle escaped his lips. He absolutely had to find a way to thank Polina after this.

Silk(Host): Our fourth item of the auction is a luxury among my people. This sweet and fruity alcohol, made from the blue agave plant, is known as Tequila. But don't be fooled, this liquor certainly has a kick to it! It has inspired songs about love, regret, and partying, as well as humorous phrases like 'Tequila makes my clothes fall off'. Its unique flavor is sure to surprise you! Bidding starts at 100 credits.

Barely had Oliver finished his explanation when the chat exploded and the bids came tumbling one after another. Before a bid could even fully register in his eyes it had already been replaced, the number quickly climbing into the thousands. The love of a good drink clearly surpassed being a Universal truth and established itself as a Multiversal constant.

The bids began to slow as it neared ten thousand, and Oliver was urging it to continue higher until a single chat message caught his attention and caused him to tremble in excitement.

Lady Moonthistle: Lord Silk, I was given to believe that we are able to bid valuable items in place of currency? And that the only requirement was your acceptance of such a transaction?

Silk(Host): Yes, that is correct. Is there something you wish to offer?

Lady Moonthistle: Indeed. This liquor you offer would greatly benefit me in coming days, and I wish to offer a rare treasure in trade.

Oliver blinked in surprise when a system prompt appeared before his eyes.

Lady Monthistle wishes to bid (Amulet of Second Chance).

Amulet of Second Chance: When worn, prevents all damage and ill effects from a single lethal attack. Amulet crumbles to dust after effect is triggered.

Estimated value: 32,000 credits.

Accept Bid? (Yes/No)

Oliver's breath caught in his throat. This wasn't just a magical trinket; it was a life saving item. What if Rodney had tried to shoot him back in the forest? He would have died... but having an item like this literally means a second chance.

Though getting shot twice would be a bad idea. He knew instantly that he had to have it.

But as much as he wanted it for himself, he already knew he wouldn't wear it. He had a system to help him get stronger and survive. Polina was a cop, an already dangerous job, and she didn't have a system boosting her.

Silk(Host): Congratulations Lady Moonthistle! And I hope this bottle of Tequila serves you well.

The amulet suddenly appearing in his hands nearly made him shout from joy and excitement. Not only was it able to save a life in a desperate situation, but it was a beautiful piece of jewelry. A delicately braided gold chain with a glimmering platinum pendant that vaguely reminded him of a Celtic knot, though not one he recognized from his limited experience.

It was perfect for Poli.

Quickly tucking the amulet away, he shifted his attention back to the auction. There was one more sale to be made, and this was the one he was most hesitant about. While it would likely make him a good amount, and it neatly eliminated a couple of his problems, he had agonized over the moral implications for a while before resolving himself to it.

But only this one time, and never again. Even he had limits.

Abbott Kavin: Merchant Silk, I beg of you... For the sake of your Eternal Spirit, please never engage in such deals again. Trading in people... is a horrible things! I know you said these two are trouble makers, but surely they deserve better!

Despite the Abbott's pleas, the bids continued... Though Oliver found his disgust rising alongside them. Just as he moved to retract the auction, the Abbot made one last attempt... And the accompanying system prompt was enough for him to accept.

Abbott Kavin: For the sake of this poor couple, and the Eternal Spirit of our Host, I will take action this time. I offer this blessing from my Order. I beg of you, Merchant Silk, please accept and allow me to grant them a chance at a new life to repent for their misdeeds.

Abbott Kavin wishes to bid (Blessing of the Order of Eternal Dusk).

Blessing of the Order of Eternal Dusk: Provides permanent immunity to all diseases.

Estimated value: 41,000 credits.

Accept Bid? (Yes/No)

Oliver sighed in relief. He thought he had prepared himself mentally for whatever fate Carl and Jess would face, but some of the comments in the chat... He wasn't sure he could condemn anyone to such a tragic end.

But why was immunity to disease estimated at that amount? More than the amulet that could save a life, but never having to worry about getting sick or dying from disease had a long lasting impact... So why wasn't it even higher? Something to think on later, he told himself.