Second Lead Syndrome (1-187) | ✓

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Her onyx eyes drifted over to the shop Alric entered, concern written all over her face. 

***

"Ya need anything?"

This shop was different than the previous shop he had been to, it was the same interior design but it appeared more rundown. Some of the shelves were in a sorry state, hence, the owner decided to find an empty wooden barrel to stuff his wares inside. It was up to the customer to dig through the various items to find what they desired.

"I heard that you sell cursed items here?" 

The owner, who was a rugged, bearded man in his forties, smoked his cigar, grinning impishly at Alric's question. "That I do, most customers don't ask for these, imma bring them out." 

Alric nodded innocently. 

"Don't ya go stealing when I'm gone." 

"I-I won't!" 

The owner disappeared into his storage room, and Alric browsed the store curiously, not at all discouraged by the unsystematic placement of the products.

Kai: "You think the robe is being sold as a cursed product?" 

Alric: "Yes, it was a trick I overheard some merchants discussing." 

Alric went on to explain in his mind, that some customers utilised this method to prevent their items from being found anywhere, and for it to remain safe. Selling them as "cursed" products, no one would be crazy enough to buy cursed items. Moreover, these same customers usually bribed the merchants to keep these "cursed" items safe, thus, the same merchant would exaggerate details about its "curse", making people fearful to even touch them. 

Kai: "I guess being a wandering merchant has its quirks." 

Alric: "I'm--"

Kai: "Don't say you're sorry again!" 

Alric: "I-I was just trying to say I'm thankful for people not noticing me eavesdrop on them..." 

Kai: "...oh."

 Alric: "I'm sorry for making you think that way!" 

Xue: "..."

Kai closed his eyes in resignation, covering his face with his palm. 

Since Xue wasn't the main host of the body currently, hence, he didn't care if they conversed since he could shut them out easily; just like what he wanted to do now. 

The owner came back into the shop, carrying two wooden crates and digging into them, taking out a few items. 

"Choose your pick," the owner said, tossing the cursed items onto the oak table. "I'll explain that item to ya."

The deduction that Alric made was completely correct, among the cursed items, there was a black robe. Its material looked fine, and Alric reached his hand out to touch it, knowing that it would feel feather-like soft as well. 

"I wouldn't touch that." 

Alric paused, looking up.

"That robe has many blood spilled on it, and particularly, vile blood. A warrior owned this cloak, and he felled many of his opponents in this robe. Many of his opponents were despicable men, and..." 

Alric knew the typical "curse" storyline that they utilised, pretending to listen while he inspected the robe. He noticed something strange about the robe just then, at its center where it parted, his eyes could discern that something had been sewn over the sides.