So, What Should I Send You?
Balance of power is important. The bigwigs of the fantasy world had chosen thorough mutual checks to prevent any one of them from going rogue in the face of the authority of dimensional travel. Not for nothing was he the Tower Master.
"Moreover, to cross over to your world, they have to go through you, the gatekeeper, without fail. And you're already on friendly terms with all four of us. In the end, it means we can keep each other in check, and no single faction can monopolize the knowledge."
"...From my position, doesn't that mean I get to monopolize all the fantasy goods on Earth?"
When I asked with sparkling eyes, the Tower Master twisted his beard and let out a hearty laugh.
"Hahaha! Well, that's your dimension's stuff, so it's up to you to handle it however you like there! What do we care?"
He was so cool it bordered on icy. But one issue popped into my head.
"That said, I'm truly grateful for your words—they're tempting. But isn't there a problem with one of the Master achievement conditions? The update notes mentioned that the system strictly penalizes grade achievement abuse and trade manipulation, right?"
When I pointed out the risk of system penalties for illicit trades, the alchemist, who had been stroking his chin, stepped forward this time.
"Eh, young friend, you're too timid. That penalty clause only kicks in like a thunderbolt when people abuse it with worthless junk like pebbles or twigs, trading them back and forth like loopholes."
"Pardon? Is there a separate criterion for that?"
"From my analysis after using this system for decades, this Multidimensional Secondhand Market is no pushover. The system doesn't just count trades— it comprehensively evaluates the 'objective dimensional value' of the traded items, the 'recipient's satisfaction,' and even the 'influence,' before awarding grade experience points."
The alchemist grinned, pointing at the Saintess.
"The proof is that you've already reached Bronze grade without many trades. During that bottled water deal last time, our Saintess here was surely delighted with what you sent, right? That led to a massive experience gain."
"Ah... so if we trade truly valuable items, with both sides satisfied, repeatedly with the same people, we can avoid the abuse penalty?"
"Exactly! Digging into the system's definition of 'abuse,' it seems to mean 'misuse.' We're not misusing it. We're legitimately introducing your world's novelties to the Ereinia continent and paying with commensurate magical items and divine artifacts. Yeah, this isn't abuse... it's more like exclusive trade."
The Tower Master nodded approvingly from the side.
"It's a structure where you have no choice but to monopolize, isn't it? Right now, you're the only user in your dimension's community who can trade with Earth. Hahaha. So there's no way you'd be penalized."
Exclusive trade. What a beautiful word that digs right into the heart of capitalism-soaked humanity.
"So, to sum it up... it's not abuse, it's just legally funneling jobs my way?"
"Hahaha, yes! We're paying fair prices for what we need and giving you plenty of work— what grounds does the system have to penalize that? It's already proven by our previous trades among ourselves."
There wasn't even 1% reason to refuse. Hell, I should be on my knees begging them to buy from me, and here these fantasy heavyweights were rolling up their sleeves to funnel jobs my way for my Master achievement.
Passing this up would make me the world's biggest idiot.
"Great!! I'm in 100%! Let's do it!"
I slammed the table and accepted boldly, and the Tower Master leaped up, eyes gleaming.
"Good thinking!! Then let's draw up the contract first!!"
Damn, these old-timers are rock solid.
A system-guaranteed trade contract materialized over the round table in parchment document form.
Whoa, this is badass too. Previously, it had just shown conditions as system messages.
We signed the contract with our nicknames.
The terms were simple: When I send them items, rotate one by one in order, or send to all at once.
"Alright, then what items does the Repairman want in return?"
I pondered for a moment.
"Uh... well... we have plenty of capable hunters here, but we're short on weapons and armor. Items that hold mana well? Something like that."
They all chuckled like it was no big deal.
"That stuff? This continent's crawling with it. No worries."
And I added one thing.
"Mm, high-grade items are nice, but mass-produced ones in bulk would be great too."
"Sure, just give us the word when the time comes."
"Got it."
That was when the Royal Alchemist spoke up.
"Hmm... if the Repairman wants good equipment... how about throwing in that guy?"
The Elf Elder reacted first.
"That guy? You mean the hammer-head?"
"Yes. If we're getting new materials, I'll have lots of business with him... and he'll definitely ask about the source, right?"
"Why drag in that bushy-bearded dwarf!! I'm against it!!"
But the alchemist grandpa held firm.
"I know elves and dwarves don't get along... but Elder, isn't dwarf craftsmanship impressive? For the sake of Ereinia continent, we should include him."
"Tch..."
"Besides, what if the Repairman's world gets destroyed? We'd lose a friend and grieve, and there's no guarantee that blue spear breeding doom won't target us next."
"Argh, fine! Fine, but it makes me look like the bad guy."
The Elf Elder relented, and the alchemist grandpa smiled kindly.
"Hahaha, you're one of the more open-minded elves—lucky for us."
Hm... I thought the Elf Elder was a bit narrow-minded, but maybe not. Well, in fantasy settings, elves are wary and distrustful of other races. Probably because they don't like meat-eaters. Extreme vegetarians, I guess? Yeah, that makes the Elder a bit more relatable.
Wait, vegetarian?
I made a proposal to the sulky Elf Elder.
"Elder."
"What, Repairman."
"Elves are vegetarians, right?"
He replied as if it were obvious.
"Of course."
"Don't you ever get sick of it?"
"......We eat it out of love for nature. Not for taste."
Gotcha.
"Earth has tons of vegetarian varieties. For our first trade, how about I send some tasty ones?"
"Hm? Tasty veggies? Do those exist?"
An Elf Elder who's never tasted Korean vegetarian food wouldn't get it.
"I'm confident. For you, Elder, first trade's edible stuff."
"...Fine."
Then the Tower Master clapped to get attention.
"Alright, alright. Sign first, and the alchemist will contact our dwarf friend."
"Got it."
Conditional Trade Contract Completed. Please engage in trades sincerely with the relevant users.
After signing, the Tower Master interlaced his fingers and cleared his throat.
"Rules are set... now to the main point: let's see the goods. What we'll buy from you first—our individual requests. Elf Elder's set on vegetarian plants..."
I replied leisurely.
"Sounds good. Name it. I'll source anything from my neighborhood."
"Excellent. I'll go first."
As expected, the Tower Master showed keen interest in electronics.
"I want those tools you mentioned that capture and use 'lightning power.' So-called 'electrical appliances' first."
I scratched my chin at his request.
"Mm... sir, as I said earlier, our electronics need power plants, wires, and outlets. But Ereinia has none of that, right?"
"True. No such massive infrastructure here yet."
"How about starting with small daily-use items powered by compressed electricity batteries?"
"Batteries? Oho! Like mana stones holding lightning energy! Perfect! What kinds?"
Heh, battery-powered gadgets are everywhere.
"Practical ones you can feel the convenience right away. Like... an electric shaver that trims your beard just by holding it to your face, a fan that blows cool wind with one switch. And a vacuum cleaner that sucks up floor dust."
His expression lit up with interest at each description.
"Whoa! Heart-pounding just hearing it! Bring them all now! I must test with my tower researchers!"
"Roger. Plenty of batteries included."
After the Tower Master's order, the bald alchemist exclaimed excitedly.
"Repairman! Then I want... your world's new materials!"
"New materials?"
"Yes! That water you gave the Saintess last time!!"
"Water? Yeah, sent it."
"The bottle holding it! What is that made of?"
Ah, the PET bottled water bottle?
"Oh~ that's called plastic. Not metal—refined from petroleum. Super common here. Plastic comes in many types too. From super light and non-corrosive to tougher than steel."
"Pla... stic? T-tougher than steel? I-I'll take that!!"
I nodded inwardly chuckling.
"If you want, I can send boxes by type. Sturdy plastic containers to vinyl bags. But it has one downside."
"Downside? Weak to fire?"
"That too... and it takes about 500 years to decompose. Not eco-friendly—dumping it causes serious pollution."
The Elf Elder jumped right in.
"What!? No need for that!!"
But the alchemist blocked him.
"Haha, no worries. We have purification magic here. Right, Tower Master?"
"Yes, yes. No issue."
And the Royal Alchemist was the positive type.
"Hahaha! 500-year non-decay—ultimate durability! That's a plus! Send plastic! I'll dissect every property!"
As everyone stated their terms.
Ding—
Ding—
Ding—
Mail notifications keep ringing.
Huh... who sends me messages in a row like this...
"Excuse me a sec. Might be important."
"Take your time."
I opened the system window and checked messages.
Sure enough, big bro Jermad.
But.
Oh? Video chat invite? But the discussion here isn't over...
Just in case, I asked.
"You said one more invite, right? The dwarf?"
"Yes."
"Can I invite one more too?"
"Hm? Someone in mind?"
"Yeah, my bro Jermad... know him?"