Chapter Forty-Six: A Successful Sale

“Thank you for your patronage! Please come again!” The young shop assistant ushered the three out of the store as though he was ridding himself of a plague, turning back with tears of relief in his eyes—finally, the troublesome trio was gone!

After leaving the Power Mecha Shop, Nangong Yuchen and his companions made their way directly to the Speed-Type Mecha Shop further inside.

This time, there was no enthusiastic greeting upon their entrance. Behind the counter lay an old man, propping his drowsy head up with one hand as he dozed.

It wasn’t until the three approached the counter that he sleepily opened his eyes and muttered, “Take your time looking around. If you decide on something, just call me.” With that, he promptly resumed his nap atop the counter.

“What a strange old man,” muttered Le Han quietly as he glanced at the mecha equipment displayed in glass cases. “He’s not even worried we’ll take everything in the shop.”

Le Tian, standing beside him, nearly tripped in shock. He spun around, glaring at his son with the urge to throttle him. “Steal? You actually dare say such a thing? Never mind the old man’s strength—if anything happened here, the entire Mecha City would be locked down. We wouldn’t escape even if we grew wings! You’d be dead before you knew what happened—steal?”

Nangong Yuchen had no time to bother with their squabbling. His curious gaze was already fixed on the speed-type mecha equipment before him.

The weapons here were similar to those in the Power Mecha Shop, designed for close combat; the only difference was their attributes—here, the focus was on speed, whereas the previous shop specialized in strength.

“Ice-Blue Twin Blades!—S￥: 350,000!”

This was a pair of exquisite short swords, each less than fifty centimeters long, their entire bodies a pale blue. A faint white mist drifted from their blades, exuding a chilling aura. Like the power-type mecha equipment, intricate crystalline patterns covered the blades—traces left by the fusing of crystals.

Note: Can be upgraded and modified. The twin blades contain an ice-element skill: ‘Frozen Execution!’

Frozen Execution: Each use consumes a large amount of stamina. Effect: Not only does it reduce the opponent’s speed, but it can instantly unleash a blue, cross-shaped twin-blade slash, creating a zone within five meters where all is engulfed by sword shadows!

Nangong Yuchen’s eyes brightened at the sight. This skill was truly practical. In a battle against a beast, as long as its speed could be reduced, it would be at his mercy—and there was also the formidable twin-blade slash!

His gaze then shifted to the second row of the glass shelf, pausing at a bow.

“Thunderstrike Crossbow!—S￥: 430,000!”

This was a curved bow, purple with golden edges, adorned with intricate carvings and energy patterns as if crafted by a master. Curiously, the bow had no string, but beside it lay three violet arrows.

Note: Can be upgraded and modified. The bow contains a lightning-element skill: ‘Triple Thunder Arrows!’

Triple Thunder Arrows: Each use consumes a large amount of stamina. Effect: If charged successfully, it can fire three thunderous arrows at the same location, turning a ten-meter radius to ash. Its power rivals that of a bombardment sniper!

(Suggestion: Requires a certain level of neural reflexes; otherwise, poor aim will render the Thunderstrike Crossbow a mere novelty!)

“So powerful!” Nangong Yuchen’s eyes sparkled as he examined the bow, feeling an urge to pick it up. But upon seeing the suggestion below, he couldn’t help but smile wryly. “This old man is peculiar—everyone else can’t wait to sell their mecha equipment, but he’s posting warnings instead!”

After scanning the rest of the second row and finding nothing better, he finally looked longingly to the top shelf.

“Gale Boots!—S￥: 480,000!”

Atop the shelf was a pair of beautifully crafted long boots, the only piece of mecha equipment displayed alone. Their design leaned feminine—clearly made for women—with white and blue coloring and pink bows accenting the patterns.

Nangong Yuchen estimated that, once worn, the crossed boot cuffs would reach above the knee. Looking closer, he noticed that inside the boots and at the cuffs there appeared to be hidden layers. Leaning in, he discovered silver blades faintly glowing with blue energy.

Note: Can be upgraded and modified. The boots contain a wind-element skill: “Dance of Twelve Winds!”

Dance of Twelve Winds, also known as Wind Lotus: Each use consumes a large amount of stamina. Effect: With a burst of speed, the wearer spins like a sprite in the wind, unleashing twelve consecutive attacks that turn the ten meters around into a field of blades—a peerless force among equals!

“Shopkeeper’s Recommendation—The Store’s Signature Boots!”

“These aren’t ordinary boots?” Nangong Yuchen was astonished. He had thought they were similar to Cheng Tianyou’s—simply enhancing speed—but they were actually weapons!

These were exclusive to speed-type mecha, weapons for the feet, just as shields were exclusive to power-types and guns to neural-reflex types.

“480,000! No wonder they’re so expensive—even more than the bombardment sniper!” Nangong Yuchen realized it wasn’t necessarily that the Gale Boots were better; it was that, after visiting all three types of mecha shops, he noticed power and speed-type mecha were generally pricier than neural-reflex types. After all, the first two could always be upgraded, whereas guns could not.

The neural-reflex type required buying new weapons after each breakthrough, while the other two could be continuously upgraded—so, in the long run, reflex users spent far more. Yet, their destructive power was also the greatest among peers.

Having finished his inspection, Nangong Yuchen took out his phone and checked the time. To his surprise, it was already 16:48.

Remembering his main purpose here was still unfulfilled, he hurried to the counter and knocked on the glass to wake the old man. “Boss, do you buy speed-type mecha equipment?”

“Mecha equipment?” The old man perked up, a bit more alert. “Let me see what you’ve got.”

At that, Nangong Yuchen placed a black case on the counter, unzipped it, and took out a blue-green spear and a pair of boots.

Le Tian and Le Han crowded in, curiosity piqued.

The old man first examined the spear, running his hands over it and sensing its energy before saying, “This spear is decent—the wind-element skill inside has solid power, and it can be upgraded. I’ll give you 300,000 for it.” He then picked up the boots, studied them, and added, “These boots only enhance speed; there’s no attack function, so they’re worth less than the spear. I’ll offer 200,000. That’s 500,000 for both. If you agree, we have a deal; if not, that’s it. Don’t try to haggle—this is my highest offer.”

With that, he pushed the spear and boots back toward Nangong Yuchen, awaiting his answer.

“Wow! Boss, you’ve struck it rich—that’s 500,000! You picked up a small fortune!” Le Han was even more excited than Nangong Yuchen, practically bubbling over as if he were the one selling the gear.

“Shut your mouth!” Le Tian slapped the back of his son’s head, glaring sternly.

Le Han looked at Nangong Yuchen with an innocent expression, realizing from Yuchen’s reaction that he’d gotten too excited and said something he shouldn’t have. He quickly shut his mouth and lowered his head.

“Alright, 500,000 it is!” Nangong Yuchen agreed, seeing that the old man hadn’t batted an eye at the mention of him having “found” the equipment. Satisfied, he pushed the items back.

“But I don’t have 500,000 in cash,” the old man said flatly. “Give me your Gold Card number, and I’ll transfer the money directly.”

“Gold Card?” Nangong Yuchen hesitated, knowing that sharing his card number would reveal his name. What if...

His thoughts raced, but at last he gritted his teeth and gave the number. He’d come this far—how could he back out now? Besides, he desperately needed the money.

The old man took out his phone, and half a minute later, Nangong Yuchen’s phone beeped. He saw that the special Gold Card he’d applied for just days ago now had a balance of 500,001.

It was the first time he’d seen six figures in his account. Excitement surged through him, and he breathed a sigh of relief. “Finally, I’ve gotten rid of the mecha. Now I don’t have to worry about resources for my and Kexin’s training!”

“Mom, Dad! Just wait for me—I’ll rescue you soon!”

As the three left the shop, Le Tian began lecturing Le Han again. If not for Nangong Yuchen’s calming words, the boy would have been subjected to another tirade.

Inside, the old man watched their departing figures, a sly smile spreading across his face.

“Nangong Yuchen, is it? Found some mecha, did you? How interesting…”