>Just tell him you're really bad at magic, so just trying to identify what to buy kind of backfired on you. It's a harmless effect, luckily. Don't tell him you could have drawn FIREBALL instead.
The half lie comes easily past your lips, "Yeah, but it's not what I wanted to happen. I'm not that great with magic, so things like this happens sometimes. No real harm, though."
He buys it easily and nods. Can't argue when your knowledge is as deep as a drop. "Oh, oh that's cool! What did you want to happen?"
"Just wanted to check a few items you had in here. Some of them could be useful to me." You eye the music box.
He looks at you with a curious eye. It's clear he wants to understand what useful means to you. His gaze then drops to the bloody bandages around your waist, the perspective from the floor helping guide his eye.
His brows twitch in an attempt to hide his reaction. But you saw it.
Then, before you can speak, he stands quickly and brushes himself off, the details quickly compartmentalized, in favor of a better mood. It's a wise decision.
"I see. Well, depending on what it is I could give you a discount. I don't know how it'll go with the Wolves, but if you have magic, you should be able to do anything."
You open your mouth. Then close it. Instead, clearing your throat, "Right. Now we're talkin. I was eyeing this music box actually." You gesture to it, "All I have on me are gift cards, if you're willing to take them."
His brows furrow as he moves to pick up the music box. With one hand holding the bottom of it he opens it without fear. The magic inside does not activate. Magical objects tend to be rendered moot, even with their passive effects, if they're handled by someone with no magical knowledge or talent.
The tune starts to play. It's a slow.. almost melancholic rhythm. One you don't recognize.
A small golden figurine of what looks like a cherub rotates as the song plays. It holds a trumpet up to its lips, posed mid dance, or maybe mid flight? It's a cute thing. Intriguing. Is it really holy?
The shopkeeper's voice interrupts your thoughts, "If it's a debit gift card, I can take it. Can you do 50?"
Your own bargaining sense is triggered, "How about 30?"
He looks at you in surprise at the lowball number, voice surprisingly firm, "45."
"40."
There's a pause as he stares at you with a slight squint. You hold steady. You're both merchants when it comes down to it.
"42. I haven't had that many sales."
Not too bad. He did just get robbed, you remember. "Okay, deal."
He gives you a nod as you both head to the front counter to process the transaction. Thankfully, the giftcard doesn't decline.
You have 33C left.
>Also don't cast any other spells unless you're sure you can deal with the results when you inevitably draw FIREBALL.
That one's always the kicker. Though you don't draw FIREBALL as often as your other spells. The worst incident was in Dimension 2-73PP. You can still hear the singing.
You'll try drawing IDENTIFY again when you find a nice alleyway to hole up in.
For now, you tuck the music box under your arm. You don't trust this guy enough to see you use your inventory cards.
He wipes his forehead with the back of his hand and leans a bit on the counter, "So, um, what else can you do?"
You put a finger to your lips, "Well, I gotta keep that a secret. Who knows what kind of nose will smell it." You pause, thinking quickly, "Maybe I could tell you something interesting, if you have anything good?"
He squints again then nods, catching your drift, "Again, I'm not sure how useful my information would be, but ask me anything."
You're cutting close to an hour before Eiko might show up again. She did say 1-2 hours, but it's best not to overestimate.
To save time, pick two options.
Do you:
>Ask about the Wolf Bites (their compound, goons, or former leader Akito)
>Ask about the Bulls
>Ask about another location or person (to visit)
>Ask about an item
>Ask about Salt City
>Ask about Divine Balance