Chapter 28: The Underground Merchant

Chapter 28: The Underground MerchantEven my account name could be changed as many times as I wished. However, in order to be easily recognised as a customer, I often used the alias ’Herald’.

"What does Mr. Heraid want to discuss with me today?" Bunnytea asked with a light smile. "Perhaps you want to explore more of our services following your recent purchase? Have you examined your package and are satisfied with it?"

Bunnytea was eloquent. As one would expect of an illegal underground merchant.

"No." I shook my head.

I wasn’t sure if she was feigning ignorance or not. I wouldn’t put it past her if she was.

"I ordered a Swift Horned panther with a B innate talent potential. Instead, I received one with a C+ innate talent potential. Is that how you treat your first-time customers who made a high-value purchase?"

I went straight to the point. The only good thing Felix had brought was helping me to activate the Cybernetic Evolution System. And it was enough for me to cover up for the losses I could have suffered.

But I planned to continue doing business with her in the future. So, I needed to know if this was an honest mistake or not.

Bunnytea smile faded. Her anthropomorphic lips curved into a frown.

"That’s not right. I ensured that the package was correct before it was delivered to the academy," Bunnytea responded.

A red hand fan materialised in her hand. She snapped it open and began to fan herself slowly.



"Are you certain that you hadn’t received the correct package, Mr Herald? I pride myself on delivering the best service to all of my customers, especially first-timers. I could never make such a mistake. I don’t take too kindly to accusations. Especially if someone is trying to frame me."

I didn’t take her warning to heart. She had no idea who I truly was, and neither did I know who she was. So, if she wanted to target me, she risked exposing herself also.

A loss on a magical beast like the Swift Horned Panther was something that a like her merchant couldn’t bear, but it would be foolish to retaliate against someone who might potentially be a noble descendant.

I also acknowledged that for her to be capable of bypassing the Grand Avalon Academy firewalls and sneaking in forbidden goods likely meant she had a backing equal capable of going toe toe-to-toe with noble descendants. So, I needed to tread carefully.

"Yes, I am. I’ve checked it myself and confirmed that it’s a beast with a C+ innate talent potential, which is nowhere near what I had ordered. I don’t want to build enmity with you as I plan to explore more of your services in the future. But I can’t stay silent when the package I received isn’t what I paid for."

Silence descended upon the holographic white room.

It lingered for a few seconds before vanishing.

"Alright. Since you are a first-time buyer. I will give you the benefit of the doubt. Return the package back to the place you picked it up from, and I will get someone to pick it up and verify-"

"I have already used it," I swiftly responded before she completed her words.

If we were in the real world, I might have worn an awkward smile, and she would’ve worn a sneer.

Bunnytea’s hand fan was snapped shut and was firmly placed against the table.



Tap. Tap.

"If you have already made use of the product despite the fact it wasn’t what you wanted, there’s no way for me to confirm your claim. What exactly do you want, Mr Herald?"

Her gaze narrowed at me.

"I want a refund. Deduct the cost of a Swift Horned Panther with C+ innate talent potential from the payment I had made for one with B innate talent potential, and refund the difference," I responded.

I had no doubt that she wanted to ask what I used the beast to do. But a proper merchant wouldn’t ask such an inappropriate question.

"You are testing my patience, Mr Herald. Are you here to rob me?" Bunnytea asked, her tone dropped a few degrees. Her fingers clenched tightly against the hand fan and resumed tapping it against the table.

I sighed.

There was no need for me to push further. If she refused, I would let it go. The system was already a priceless gain.

I will just have to find another merchant.

I waited patiently.

A long, exasperated sigh escaped her lips. "Fine. I will choose to believe you and refund you the appropriate amount. But I will do only one on condition. After that, there are no second chances. If something like this happens again, don’t blame me for retaliating against you for attempting to make a joke of my company."



She waved open the hand fan and began fanning herself once more. This time, even more rapidly.

I raised a brow. "On what condition?" I asked cautiously.

"I heard that there has been a sudden stir at the Grand Avalon Academy. A 20th-rank student defeated a top-ranker. I want more details. Who are they? What happened?" Bunnytea responded, her tone sharp.

At this moment, her fan was placed right below her nose, accentuating her piercing gaze and twitching bunny ears. It carried a cute yet deadly aura.

"I know a bit about what happened. But how did you find out about this matter?"

"I have my ways. So are you going to answer or not?" She responded with a snicker. Then said, "If you don’t, then you can take your leave."

"This discussion is over."

I stretched my hand forward. A holographic green wallet appeared on my palm.

"Pay up first."

I needed to be sure that she wouldn’t renege on her words after I had given her the information she needed.

Bunnytea snorted. "I never expected that you would be like those disgusting dealers. It’s no wonder you are asking for a refund." Her tone mocking.

I ignored her mockery.