Ceres

6

"Old man, why would you sell such a thing? Can this thing still be used?"

The old man looked at the item that Ceres picked up. It was a dull dagger that looks so old and rusty.

"I also brought that back from a dungeon. I can't remember the name of that place. I thought it would be something precious so I am selling it. Though it looks like it can never be used, I thought there's still more to it. We can never be too sure."

"Heeeh."

"You picked it up so maybe it is something precious."

"How can you be so sure? I was looking for something for my nephew who likes to fight a lot and this thing is just suited for him; suited for a one-time use only. A little clean here and there and it will be nice for him. Also, this thing can never hurt a person. Would you be willing to sell this for a cheap price? It couldn't be something that precious, right?"

"You... You're just playing with me. I brought that back with difficulty so I wouldn't sell that for a cheap price. One gold coin. We can settle for that price."

The old man pulled up his index finger indicating the number one and he even laid out his other hand as if asking Ceres to pay already.

"A gold coin for a child's toy? Are you kidding me? This is worth 5 coppers at most but thinking of your difficulty in dungeons, I'm willing to buy it for a silver coin."

The old man almost choked at Ceres being stingy. Well, she can't be blamed since she doesn't even know what's special with the dagger and buying it with one gold coin would be too much... For her.

She learned from Ceres' memory that a gold coin is equivalent to 100 silver coins or 1000 copper coins. A family of three in this world can survive for a month with only 5 coppers.

"Tsk. If you don't want it then don't bother with it!"

The old man was about to snatch the dagger from Ceres but she was able to dodge his hand.

"But, I only have a silver coin. I'm not that rich. I just need a present for my nephew."

"Ahh!"

The old man cannot bear to look at Ceres' pitiful eyes. He also knew that the dagger was useless and it was already ten years since he acquired it. No one was also willing to buy it.

"Okay! Fine! You get that for a silver coin! Now hand over the coin and go away or else, I might catch a bad luck from you!"

Luckily, before Ceres went to shop for things, she already exchanged her gold coins for smaller amounts. This would really help in her disguise as an ordinary young man.

After paying for the dagger, she placed it in her hidden pocket and went to look at other things. She didn't notice that as soon as she kept the dagger, it somehow emitted a faint violet aura.

Ceres needed a lot of stuff specifically herbs and books. The books she needs are for learning other stuff about the world like its history, geography, and many more. Also, since she already has the pot, cauldron, and some medicinal bottles, she only needed more herbs and ingredients to display her skills in medicine. She isn't that proficient in medicine like any physician out there but her knowledge in poison is the best in her previous world. And, we all know that learning poison is related to learning medicine.

Just as she was walking down the market street, she saw a rundown store. The sign says "magic shop". Great. How obvious can it be?

She immediately checked out the store since she needed to know more about magic.

"A beautiful young lad. Welcome."

When she entered the store, she was greeted by a man whose looks is also good and his age could be around 30s to 40s. He was standing near one of the clear tables and wiping some of the items which are probably for sale.

What surprised Ceres was that even though the man was in front of her, she cannot feel any presence at all! Since it is the case, this shop cannot be simple and she decided to look around.

"I am just looking around."

"Feel free. This shop has never had any customers for a long time."

A shady looking shop. But the shadier it is, the better the items and the transactions.

She was looking around for things that can help her appraise her magic. Ceres was tested for her magic attribute and there was none. But because she is not the same Ceres anymore, she just wants to test whether this body still doesn't have any magic at all. What also bothers her is the fact that the mysterious person told her that she has a damaged spirit. From Ceres' memories, "spirit" may have something to do with the magic in this world. There is nothing to lose if she finds out whether she has magic or none.

"If you're looking for something, maybe this old man can help you."

Old man? How old can he be? Maybe, he really is an old man and due to some magic, he altered his looks.

"I am looking for something that can help me learn about my magic attribute."

"Didn't they say anything when you took the test before?"

"I never thought that merchant-customer relationships should be this deep for such information to be asked."

The man was smiling but Ceres is not. She looks like a blank paper and in it, harsh words would randomly be written.

"Forgive this old man for prying. I would like to help the young lad but I need to know more of your situation. Magic items suited for a person should be carefully picked and is dependent on a person's situation."

"I just need to know my attribute."

"Your spiritual body is damage, buying a magic crystal would be a waste. Are you sure you want to buy it?"

"You---"

The feeling this man gives off is not as dangerous as that of the mysterious person but either way, she can never be too sure. This man is really not just your average merchant.

"Don't be alarmed young lad... Or should I say, young lady?"

"You knew."

"When you live for a long time, you will know too."

"I think I better look at other stores."

Ceres was about to leave when the old man suddenly spoke,

"The people that can help you can be counted on one hand and in this vast world, how certain are you that you can find the other four?"

She stood there, facing the old man once more.

"I don't trust you."

"You don't have to... For now. Let's just say that I fancy you and would like to help you."

"Introduce yourself first then I probably would allow you to help me."

The old man laughed a little and kept his smiling eyes glued to Ceres.

"Myname has disappeared from this world for a long time. But my nickname wouldprobably ring a bell. I am the person they call Time Mage." -tbc

A/N: (As of March 11, 2018) I'm editing chapters to pave way for new ones. Currently, this is the 6th chapter and I have a lot to go. I'm getting tired. Please pray for my energy.