Tracking Down the Wandering Merchant
Two hours after activating the Wandering Merchant Tracking Ticket and following the voice guidance.
"Proceed forward."
"Turn right."
"Turn right."
"Recalculating route."
"Turn left."
It offered no details on how far the Wandering Merchant was or how much time remained until arrival—just blind navigation. Frustration was starting to build.
"How much longer until we get there? Can't you at least give me a hint?"
"Turn left."
No answer to my question. The voice doggedly stuck to its role, providing directions only. Of course—it had no ego, no reason to respond.
"Centaurides. Let me know if you're tired. I'll get off and walk."
"No need! Not tiring at all! You could ride me forever! Hehe!"
Riding on the excited Centaurides' back, we pressed on. Then PpuruRu dropped a random question in chat.
"Obviously. Gotta use coins with the Wandering Merchant."
"I tried touching the coin display on my status screen once. Didn't work."
"Probably like the vending machine—just touch and transfer."
Might be a different method for the Wandering Merchant. Maybe even a way to materialize coins. I'd find out when I got there—no point overthinking now.
I glanced back, taking stock of my escort monsters. Kinogine Arachne. Black Magma Slime-003. Blood Jellyfish Princess. Necro Puppeteer. Bastet Daong. Five in total, excluding Centaurides and Iris.
"Puppet. Summon Neo Hyung-seok for me."
"Got it."
I'd left Neo Hyung-seok at the oasis shelter, guarding with the others. But summoning him here was no issue—Necro Puppeteer could pull puppets anywhere instantly.
"You called, Explorer?"
Nothing major—just curiosity struck.
"Neo, you know about the Wandering Merchant?"
"Aware of its existence."
"Aware of its existence? So you've never bought from one?"
"Correct. Domination Trait users buy from other monsters, not Wandering Merchants. Tickets like Ally Summon are from gacha machines, not vending machines."
No Wandering Merchant intel, but I kept probing. Domination Trait info wasn't super useful, but intriguing.
"What do they buy with?"
"Coins, same as you. But they steal from Helper Trait holders instead of getting support. Most efficient."
Neo Hyung-seok added that bit.
"Killing Helpers like Min Hyung-seok did is amateur hour. For steady supply, keep them alive and milk coins over time."
"My mother periodically... donated coins to a Domination holder. Under threat of war if she refused."
Centaurides chimed in supportively.
"Any other ways to get coins?"
"Plenty. Offer summoned allies' souls to the Ancient Labyrinth. Or partial souls... more precisely, let it nibble undetected."
"Min Hyung-seok didn't...?"
"...He abused it."
Unbelievable. Further details: five allies sacrificed for evolutions, but far more for coins. Scum through and through.
"Anyway, self-sufficiency's possible. Don't have to steal."
"Yes. But far less efficient than stealing from Helpers."
Made sense. No allies like jo-ryeokja for Domination holders. Side note: they could buy evolution-like tickets, but with harsh conditions due to distrust—e.g., feed kin a set number.
Helper Trait seemed exceptionally strong compared to Loner (Azeras) or Domination (Neo Hyung-seok). Best for labyrinth progress? If traits had winners, this was it.
And my hunch: Ancient Labyrinth wants an explorer harmonious with monsters to dominate it. Personality test via trait selection? Otherwise, inexplicable favoritism.
Anyway, nailed the trait choice. Smug about past me—
"Arrived. Guidance ended."
We halted. I peered ahead. A short distance away, a squatting monster entered view. Bowler? Fedora? Human clothes, shoes, coat over a crocodile.
That had to be the Wandering Merchant.
—Wandering Merchants are crocodiles.
—No non-crocodile Wandering Merchants exist.
—Beware imposters.
Vending machine notice flashed in mind. Non-croc = fake.
"Pleased to meet you, Explorer. I'm the Wandering Merchant, Crocodile Merchant."
This one looked croc enough—no impersonator worries. Tracking led here, no others around. Approaching casually, as if routine, it unpacked a bundle from its coat onto the ground post-greeting.
"Here for non-ticket items, I presume?"
"...Yeah. Not committing to buy—just curious what you sell. Browsing okay?"
"Of course. Look all you want, no purchase needed. Unlike fakes charging 'browsing fees,' browse freely."
Surprisingly polite. Tone, manner, expression—all cordial.
"Tell me if anything catches your eye."
On the spread cloth, it arranged items with price tags. Normally, eyes would go to wares—but mine fixed on Crocodile Merchant itself.
This guy's way stronger than he looks...
Threat level: SSS-grade. Stunned admiration as I stared—then something clicked.
Wait. Why SSS-grade? No nerf? Or still SSS after nerf?
Cautiously: "Mind if I ask something?"
"Ask away. I'll answer anything I can."
"Does having an explorer nearby... not affect you at all?"
"Hm? Ah! You can gauge strength?"
It got my intent instantly. Nodding, it continued.
"As you guessed, my power isn't weakened by explorers in the same space."
Be extra polite from now on.
Threat Level: SSS-grade
Notes:Wandering Merchant