61. Trade Hall

Jason reviews his torn cloth armor with Gary and resolves to upgrade without sacrificing mobility. Gary advises prioritizing quality and self-repair enchantments, and leads Jason to the Adventure Society trade hall, where Jason’s new membership grants temporary access.

Inside the vast bazaar, Gary explains the mix of true adventurers and wealthy essence users, reserve programs for surges, and the mezzanine brokerages. They visit a broker to offload Jason’s field-assessment spoils—hides, cores, and gems—while Jason briefly reflects on the cleaned robes taken from Landemere Vane, his first kill. With fresh coin secured, they return to the bustling floor.

At Jory’s stall, Jason negotiates for scarce crystal wash, then pivots to solve Jory’s capacity problem by investing three gold coins toward a proper facility and assistants. Jason frames it as both practical and altruistic, ensuring supply while enabling Jory to help more people.

Seeking armor, they discover Gilbert’s boutique. Jason is taken with an epic iron-rank Trap Weaver Battle Robe—light, flowing, stealth-friendly, resistant to cuts, bleed, poison, and adhesives, with gradual self-repair. Gary haggles a bronze-coin price; Jason equips it via his inventory, pleased with the fit and synergy with his shadow cloak.

They depart, discussing clothing comfort and cultural styles, and as they head for the exit Jason notices a bulk lot of recording crystals, pausing to ask the price—hinting at his next practical acquisition.