Volume 3: The Nameless Chapter 13: Mason is so miserable because he is forced to become a ragtag king due to his lack of money
When Mason returned to the trading hall on the second floor of Star Castle, it was obviously more lively.
More booths were set up, but the atmosphere was not like a simple transaction but more like a social venue. Senior members from different worlds walked here, chatting or discussing matters.
There were even some young men and women dancing to the soft music in the venue.
Those who can be here are all C-level teams.
There is at least one C-level member in the team, and they are all the elite (cannon) and (ash) power of the Star Club.
As the name suggests, the A-level Twelve-member Council has only twelve people, the B-level members have four hundred, and the C-level members are nearly two thousand. If you add the core members of each team, the total number will not exceed fifty thousand.
The D-level and E-level troops and vassal armies that are of no use and can only be used tomorrow are not included.
Because the combat effectiveness of the vassal army has always been poor, it is just like the puppet army, which is synonymous with weak chickens. The elite power of the Star Society sounds huge enough, but it is far from enough to face the tasks that this organization has to undertake.
Scattering 50,000 people into the parallel world system of the multiverse is like dropping ink into the ocean. Fortunately, the Stars Association is only responsible for exploration and development.
Other "brother organizations" are also responsible for the subsequent development of the opened up world.
"The more I learn about it, the more I feel that the organization I'm in is really unfathomable."
As Mason walked into the crowd, he complained in his heart:
"It's still a little harder to get out of here than to get out of the Penguin Gang."
"That Mr. Hunter didn't tell the truth. Although he answered many questions for you and me, I am sure he hid even more."
The Sorting Hat on Mason's head said to him:
"Don't be so easily impressed by him, Mason. Young people are always reckless in such matters. You have to realize that what he does is more important than what he says.
He is sending you on a high-risk cannon fodder mission, and he doesn't even try to hide it.
He is manipulating people's hearts.
And you can’t step into that trap.”
"I am not so childish as that, my dear hat."
Mason walked through the crowd and answered in his heart:
"I just confirmed that Mr. Hunter is on our side, which means that it will be easier to execute what you told me to do, and we don't even need to worry about the finishing touches.
Look.
He used me as cannon fodder, and I asked him to help me deal with a little trouble. It's a reasonable deal, right? "
The Sorting Hat did not respond, tacitly agreeing with Mason's statement.
The young man did not pay attention to his colleagues who were socializing around him, and he also declined the requests of several drunk ladies to dance with him. He returned to the booths in the second-floor hall where transactions were still being done to continue his "freeloading business."
He looked at almost every booth, and stopped to ask for prices when he saw something that interested him.
In less than an hour, Mason had seven alchemical formulas and three engineering blueprints in his hands. He also observed some great magic accessories and got the jewelry processing drawings he urgently needed.
However, the trade fair prepared for senior members is indeed of great value. Those high-level items brought out from various worlds are difficult for Mason to fully analyze with his current skills and knowledge.
For example, he couldn't even analyze the blueprints of something like the small Ark Reactor that he had seen before .
After browsing the entire hall, Mason also found things that were so outrageous that they were difficult to classify, such as "Jenoa Cell Enhancement", "Perfect G Virus", "Perfect Servant Army T Series", "Autumn Wind Pillar Orbital Landing Module", and even "Sealed Card Face to Fight Battle Suit" and "Disposable Bug Arrow Replica".
There were also several booths selling ancient Titan eggs and larvae, and it seemed that business was very good. Mason had never heard of the various items that the B-level personnel used to trade with each other.
This made Mason, who aspired to be the king of freeloading, feel terrible, as if he had entered a mountain of treasures but came back empty-handed.
In fact, he has a lot of good things in his hands.
If you really want to take it out to exchange, you can grit your teeth and get some items you need, such as the Ark Reactor, or the Orbital Airborne Power Armor you saw at a booth just now.
But Mason finally resisted the temptation.
His journey as a craftsman means that he will be able to make these things himself in the future. What he needs most at this stage is more drawings and knowledge that can be used to practice making them.
Knowledge is power!
This sentence is the absolute truth for Mason. Spending a lot of money to buy finished products is totally not worth it for him, and becoming stronger is always a step-by-step process.
He has always been rational in this regard.
There's no way, poverty makes him rational.
“I want this book.”
Ten minutes later, Mason put down the replica of Captain America's round shield with regret, and pointed to the book next to the shield. Under the slightly sarcastic gaze of the stall owner dressed as a dark Sith, Mason took out a Heart of Ice Pearl from his bag, paid for it , and put the thin book into his pocket.
Although Captain America's shield, whose blueprint could not be parsed, was obviously better, Mason still gave it up with reluctance.
He looked at the booklet in front of him, and the information tag quickly popped up:
Midnight Doctor's First Aid Manual
Item Effect: Learn a variety of secret battlefield first aid techniques suitable for superhumans.
Item Description: Right click to learn... What are you thinking about? Just practice!
Mason ignored the poor instructions, took the booklet in his hands, opened it and looked at a few pages.
Then a familiar presence appeared behind him. It was Barbara Gordon, dressed as Batgirl, holding a cocktail. She looked like she had just finished a dance, and her whole body exuded the aura of youth and vitality.
"Mason, what were you doing?"
Barbara asked, and the captain shrugged and said softly:
"Gone to meet a friend. What about you guys? Where are John and Two Barrel? They better not blow our entire team budget."
"John left with a lady who looked like a demon. I saw them hugging and kissing in the elevator without caring about anyone else."
Barbara curled her lips and said:
"Jason went to the hall next door. I heard there's a fighting arena there for members to spar with each other. As for Selina and Judy... look, they're there."
Mason looked in the direction Barbara was pointing.
In the middle of the dance floor, Selina, who had changed into an evening gown, was dancing with Miss Judy, whose cheeks were flushed, to the melodious music.
There were many people nearby admiring the two ladies' graceful dancing, and whistles were heard from time to time.
"Well, it looks like you're safe."
Mason whispered to Barbara beside him:
"You may not know this, but Judy is a..."
"I know."
Barbara rolled her eyes at Mason, took a sip of wine and said in a relaxed manner:
"When she touched my waist while supporting me in the warehouse, I knew her little secret. But I don't care about it. In fact, there is such a 'unique' in the Bat Family, but she has retired for a long time."
"Batwoman?"
Mason put away the first aid manual in his hand, took a glass of lemon juice from the elf waiter next to him, added a few drops of euphoria and stimulant to it, leaned against the stone pillar next to him and said to Barbara:
"I heard that the Batwoman who refused to admit her age in Gotham tried to fight Jason, but was broken by the merciless Two Barrels?"
"I don't know about that. I haven't contacted her for a long time."
Barbara brushed her fiery red hair and waved to a handsome man who wanted to approach her and invite her to dance.
Indicate that you are not in the mood now.
She admired Selina and Judy's dancing not far away and whispered:
"Thank you for bringing me here, Mason. I feel much better now. Maybe I should go back to my life in a few days. If I don't go back, my dad and Grayson will go crazy."
"are you sure?"
Mason took a sip of juice and asked:
"You know, there is no such thing as 'quit' once you join us, girl. You can go back to your life, but you must respond when I call."
"I know, I'm not against these things."
Batgirl smiled, turned her head and blinked at Mason and said:
"Judy told Selina and me everything she knew about the Star Order, and we are now quite sure what you want to do by staying in this organization.
Don't worry, Mason, I'll help you.
Because it’s the right thing to do!
All the luxury and fairy-tale-like abundance here are built on countless suffering worlds. If it weren't for you, our world might have become part of the 'trophy'. I think I understand why Bruce trusts you.
And you said I might find new meaning in life on this journey.
Now I found it.
That's a more meaningful goal than assisting Batman or protecting Gotham.
A purpose that belongs to you and to Team K. I no longer feel lost for not being Batgirl, I have filled it with a new and more powerful identity and a new career."
As she spoke, Barbara brushed her fiery red hair, raised her glass, and said to Mason:
"Come on, let's drink to our common cause."
"I actually doubt that you have no idea what I want to do, but since you said so, I am also happy to maintain a good relationship with my teammates and my legally adopted sister.
So, cheers. ”
Mason smiled and clinked the juice glass in Barbara's hand with the wine glass in his. The two were chatting when they were suddenly pulled to the dance floor by Selena and Judy who had just finished dancing.
The three girls have completely let go tonight.
Lady Selina even personally taught Mason how to move his feet to the music. She placed Mason's loosely clenched hands on her waist and said to him:
"You're only 17, Mason! Please do what your age should do once in a while, I beg you."
"I think the most important thing I should do now is to return to my room and complete the recipe of the potion I just learned."
Mason replied with a wooden face:
"Instead of wasting time here jumping around to the music. I just got some news, Selena, and believe me, you won't be in a relaxed mood to continue dancing after you hear this."
"Then let's talk about it after the dance!"
Lady Cat said decisively.
Then, she led Mason to spin around with laughter, and just like controlling a puppet, she led Mason to complete the first dance of his life.
He had a stern face but kept his steps steady. His grey windbreaker swayed from side to side with Catwoman's passionate dance moves. Barbara joined in. For a moment, whistles were heard everywhere and Mason became the most handsome guy at that moment.
Well, Mason had to admit that it was nice to take a break from work once in a while.
The party lasted until very late that night.
The three girls who had so much fun went to a big bonfire Viking dinner held by the Asgardians outside the castle and played until midnight.
But Mason is destined to be the "stay-up champion" tonight.
He is the late night champion every night.
He spent a lot of time collecting all the drawings he could parse in the trading hall.
When he left, the rumor that he was a "stingy kid who only looked but didn't buy" had even spread among the shop owners in the trading hall.
But Mason didn't go back to rest.
Instead, he left the trade fair hall and came to the more lively market outside Star Castle which was open to all members.
He spent a few minutes taking out a steel folding rack, an armchair, and alchemical utensils from his bag and placed them on the table. He also took out all the alchemical, engineering, and inscription and enchantment items from his pockets, and put up a sign he had made in front of the table.
That's right, he is going to set up a stall here.
The things in the trade fair hall were too high-end, and Mason was unwilling to give up for not being able to complete all the free stuff achievements. He decided to take advantage of these few days to make more money from ordinary members of the Star Club.
Mason's goal was clear, what he needed were blueprints and formulas.
It doesn't really matter whether the items for exchange are intact or not. If you come across something that isn't seriously damaged, you can repair it and practice your skills.
Besides, for this yuppie guy in this volume, making him waste a night to rest is more painful than killing him.
This would involve setting up a crucible in a quiet corner of a busy market and throwing various ingredients into it. While boiling, they would also take the time to make some very fantastic-looking "little cards".
That is the "mysterious card" unlocked before the inscription branch.
It is similar to a magic scroll but does not require the assistance of a spellcaster to produce some wonderful effects. It is very suitable for ordinary people who do not understand magic.
Mason thought this thing would definitely make a lot of money.
"What is this thing? I've never seen it before."
Soon a customer came to inquire about the price. It was an old man dressed like Gandalf. He curiously picked up several cards of different colors that Mason had placed on the table and held them in his hand.
I found that this thing had patterns on both sides. Although it had magical powers, I didn't know how to activate it, so I asked about it because I became interested.
Mason, who was busy boiling a pot of "Thunder" potion, stirred the liquid in the crucible and explained casually:
"I call it the 'Dark Moon Card', guest. It is part of the secret system of our world. After each card is unsealed, its face will be revealed, and then you will know its use.
But don't expect too much, this is just an ordinary magic item and can only cast some ordinary magic.
Just you can test your luck.”
"luck?"
The old man raised his eyebrows and said with interest:
"How do you test it?"
"The first batch of Dark Moon cards contains four sets of cards, each with 8 cards. If you can collect all of them, the magic contained in them can combine the 8 cards into a mysterious high-level magic ornament."
Mason did not hide it and said frankly:
“Although according to the records, the effects of the four card decks are very powerful, this thing is like opening a blind box. I really don’t recommend my friends who are short of money to try this.
It’s easy to go bankrupt.”
"Well, it does sound like a con man's trick."
The old wizard stroked his beard and said:
“Can you show me the real thing?”
"I do."
Mason curled his lips and said:
"But I haven't collected them all myself. This thing is in the realm of mysticism. Guest, even I, the creator, don't know the specific face of the cards until they are unsealed."
"Then give me a few more."
The old wizard winked, took out his Hermès wallet, and said:
"I'll try my luck."
"No, I don't want any money."
Mason sealed the boiling potion with a lid, turned around, wiped his hands, pointed at the sign beside the table, and said:
"Barter, sir. All you need here are blueprints and formulas. Any field is fine. Or some broken items can be exchanged. As long as they contain knowledge, I won't be picky."
"Oh, I understand. A garbage collector can speak so nicely, seeking knowledge. Well, I was also so shameless when I was young."
The old wizard curled his lips, looked Mason up and down, and said:
"You are a newbie, right? Many newbies with limited funds would try to get a bargain in this way, but listen to my advice, young man, there is no need to bother.
If you want good stuff, go directly to the Adventure Hall of Star Castle to complete bounty quests. If you want to go, join a high-level team as a vassal. They eat the meat and you can also have a drink of soup.
As long as you dare to take risks and are willing to work hard, you will have everything you need after two or three pioneering missions. You will always get what you need in this magical world.
The morals of the Star Castle are going downhill, and the newcomers are smarter than monkeys. It's not easy to get good things from them."
Seeing that Mason was just maintaining a gentle smile and not answering, the old man snorted, took out a thumb-sized thing from his bag and threw it to Mason, saying:
"Is this enough?"
"this……"
Mason took one look and raised his eyebrows.
He quickly opened the drawer of the table and took out the dozens of mysterious cards he had made before, saying:
"Of course it's enough. You can try it slowly. If it's not enough, come to me and I will make a set for you on the spot. I will definitely make a set for you to make you happy.
But, do you still have this thing?
I'll take as many as you can get."
