Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

The shopkeeper's eyes gleamed with interest at Adrian's words. He leaned in slightly, as if to share a secret, and gestured to the various masks and potions on display. "I have many items that could serve your needs, young master. This mask, for example, is crafted from the finest materials and enchanted to change your facial features with a mere thought.

Or perhaps this vial of Elixir of Echo, which alters the pitch and tone of your voice to your desire."

Adrian barely glanced at the items being offered. Instead, he locked eyes with the vendor, his gaze steady and unyielding. "I'm not here for the common goods," Adrian said, his voice firm. "I want the real deal. The best you've got. And don't worry about the money."

The vendor's smile faltered for just a moment before it returned, wider and more genuine. He understood now that this was no ordinary customer. Adrian's tone and confidence had conveyed a clear message—he was someone who knew what he wanted and had the means to get it.

"Ah, I see," the vendor murmured, nodding slowly. He moved aside a curtain behind his stall, revealing a small, private room. "Please, follow me, young master. I believe I have just what you're looking for."

Adrian followed the vendor into the room, which was dimly lit and filled with a faint scent of incense. The walls were lined with shelves, each one holding items far more impressive than those in the main market area. There were masks that shimmered with hidden enchantments, cloaks that seemed to ripple with magic, and vials of rare potions that glowed with an inner light.

The vendor walked to a small, locked chest on a pedestal in the center of the room. With a wave of his hand, the chest unlocked and opened, revealing a set of items that seemed to pulse with power.

"This, young master, is the real deal," the vendor said, his voice low and reverent. He reached into the chest and carefully lifted out two items, each radiating a subtle yet undeniable power.

The first item he presented was a sleek, black mask. Its design was minimalistic, yet elegant—a smooth, featureless surface that seemed to absorb the light around it. The mask's simplicity was deceptive, as Adrian could sense the potent magic woven into its very fabric. The vendor turned the mask over in his hands, revealing a faint shimmer that rippled across its surface.

"This mask," the vendor began, "is known as the Shadow Veil. When worn, it not only conceals your identity but also shrouds you in an aura of anonymity. No one will be able to discern your features, even if they look directly at you, including me. It's perfect for those who wish to move unnoticed, yet with an air of mystery. Cool and effective, isn't it."

"Hmm..." Adrian took the mask, feeling the cool, smooth surface against his fingers. It was exactly what he needed for the more straightforward part of his plan—a way to hide his true identity without drawing too much attention. "You are right."

"And..." The vendor then reached back into the chest and pulled out a small, ornate amulet. The amulet was made of a silvery metal, with a single, deep blue gem set in the center. It was intricately designed, with delicate patterns swirling around the gem, giving it an almost hypnotic quality.

"This," the vendor said, his voice dropping to a whisper, "is the Face of Deception. It's a rare and powerful Platinum Ruin artifact that can alter your appearance to match any face you can imagine. Simply focus on the person you wish to become, and the amulet will do the rest. Your features will shift seamlessly, allowing you to assume any identity with perfect accuracy.

Though the only downside of the artifact is it can only have one face and you have to wait a month if you want to change it."

Adrian's eyes narrowed in appreciation as he examined the amulet. This was precisely what he needed to craft a new persona—a way to not just hide but to truly become someone else. The power of the amulet was impressive, and he knew it would be invaluable for not only his upcoming meeting but the future as well.

Satisfied, Adrian nodded, and the vendor smiled, clearly pleased with Adrian's reaction. But the vendor wasn't done yet. He carefully set the amulet aside and picked up a small vial from the chest. The vial contained a liquid that shimmered with a faint, ethereal glow, the color shifting subtly as it caught the light.

"This potion," the vendor explained, holding it up for Adrian to see, "is called the Voice of Echoes. Just two drops are enough to change your voice entirely. You can make it higher, lower, more gravelly, or smooth—whatever you wish. And the change will last until you drink the antidote, which I'll provide as well.

It's subtle but powerful, ensuring that no one will recognize your voice, no matter how familiar they are with it. I assure you, this is the best thing you can find in the whole continent."

Adrian accepted the vial, his mind racing with the possibilities. Between the amulet, the mask, and the potion, he would be able to create a completely new persona, one that could move as a new person.

"You've done well," Adrian said, his voice calm but carrying a note of finality. "Shall we discuss the price then?"

"Which one will you buy, esteemed Young Master?" The vendor asked, his eyes calculating how much profit he could make according to his purchase.

"All three of them," Adrian replied as if money didn't matter to him which in fact did. He gotta need to keep the act after all. Well, it wasn't exactly a lie either. "Name their prices, and how much discount you are willing to give."

The vendor's eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and delight at Adrian's declaration. Selling all three of his most valuable items in one transaction was a rare occurrence, and it was clear that he was already calculating the profit in his mind. He quickly composed himself, adopting a more business-like demeanor as he prepared to negotiate.

'Here comes a bunch of lies, thankfully I got my ring...' Adrian also prepared himself not to lose in the deal. Even he had a lot of money, he still needed to use it wisely. 'However, this really be my first biggest money-spending session. Haha, let's go!'

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