Shattered Innocence: Transmigrated Into a Novel as an Extra

Chapter 350 Money, money, money

Lucavion stepped out of the tavern into the humid embrace of Stormhavenʼs night. The salty tang of the ocean mingled with the cool breeze that whispered through the streets. Around him, the city bustled with nocturnal energy—merchants hawking their wares, sailors trading tales of distant shores, and workers toiling under lantern light.

He adjusted his coat against the wind, his dark eyes scanning the lively scene before settling into a steady stride.

[Why did you bring up the Dukeʼs daughter?] Vitaliaraʼs voice was soft yet pointed, cutting through the hum of the crowd. She drifted beside him, her translucent form flickering like a reflection caught in a rippling pool of light. [You knew something that wasnʼt in the rumors.]

Lucavionʼs lips quirked into a faint smirk. ”I just heard it from somewhere,” he replied, his tone light and dismissive.

[Really?] Her tail flicked with a touch of exasperation, the glow of her form brightening momentarily.

”Absolutely,” he said with an easy shrug, his gaze fixed ahead. ”Do you think I spend all my time sitting around? I listen, I observe, and sometimes, I just know things.”

Vitaliara narrowed her glowing eyes at him. [Youʼre deflecting again, Lucavion. Thatʼs not an answer.]

He chuckled softly, the sound low and edged with amusement. ”Perhaps not. But what can I say? Mystery is part of my charm.”

As they walked, the wind picked up, carrying with it the faint echo of the oceanʼs waves crashing against the harbor walls. Lucavionʼs pace slowed slightly, his smirk fading as his thoughts turned inward.

To think... Elara, here, and under such circumstances. Aeliannaʼs illness... the timing is almost poetic.

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He brushed the thought aside, his gloved hand trailing over the edge of his coat.

[What is it?] Vitaliaraʼs voice softened, the sharpness replaced by a note of curiosity. [Youʼre brooding again.]

”Am I?” Lucavionʼs smirk returned, though it didnʼt quite reach his eyes. ”I suppose I just find Stormhavenʼs nightlife... inspiring.”

[Inspiring, my paw,] Vitaliara retorted, a playful flick of her tail brushing his arm. [Youʼre planning something.]

Lucavion glanced at her, his dark eyes gleaming faintly. ”Arenʼt I always?”

They continued down the cobbled streets, the vibrant energy of the city washing over them. Yet, as Lucavionʼs steps carried him closer to the harbor, the threads of the nightʼs mysteries wove tighter around him.

The faint hum of voices and the occasional clatter of crates being moved filled the air, adding a sense of urgency to Stormhavenʼs midnight rhythm.

[Where are you going now?] Vitaliaraʼs voice broke the silence between them, her presence faintly illuminated by the glow of the harborʼs lamps. Her inquisitive gaze studied him closely.

Lucavion didnʼt break stride, his smirk reappearing, though it carried a hint of mischief. ”Not much, really. There are quite a lot of things we need to do, donʼt you think?”

[What do you mean?] Her tone was both curious and cautious, as though already anticipating a trick.

”Well,” he began, his voice taking on a conversational air, ”weʼve been dealing with quite a few monsters, havenʼt we? Taking down creatures, clearing obstacles, and all that heroic nonsense. Now, itʼs time to make some money.”

[Ah.] Vitaliaraʼs tail flicked in mild amusement, the flicker of her form growing sharper in the dark. [Is that why youʼve been hoarding those storage rings from the elders of the Fire Serpent Sect?]

Lucavion chuckled, the sound low and deliberate. ”Indeed.”

[But why here, of all places?] she asked, her head tilting slightly, the glow of her eyes narrowing with curiosity.

Lucavion stopped at the edge of the harbor, leaning casually against a weathered post as the cool breeze teased at his coat. His smirk deepened, the gleam in his dark eyes inviting Vitaliara to delve deeper into his logic.

”Letʼs think this through, shall we?” he said, his tone measured and almost playful. ”Start simple. For what reason do I collect monster carcasses and cores?”

[You sell them,] Vitaliara replied smoothly, her tail flicking in rhythm with her thought process.

”Exactly.” He gestured lightly with a gloved hand. ”Now, for what reason did I hold onto those carcasses and cores instead of selling them earlier?”

Her glowing eyes narrowed slightly in concentration. [To sell them for more,] she ventured.

”Indeed.” Lucavion inclined his head, his smirk sharpening. ”But then comes the key question—why would I sell them for more here, of all places?”

Vitaliara tilted her head, her translucent form shimmering faintly as she pondered his words. Her eyes suddenly brightened with realization. [Because of the Dukeʼs expedition?]

”Exactly.” He straightened, his gaze steady as he motioned toward the bustling harbor. ”But hereʼs the twist—why? How are the expedition and these materials connected?”

Her glow flickered, signaling hesitation. [Hmm... I donʼt know. How are they related?]

Lucavionʼs smirk widened, a glint of triumph lighting his features. ”The answer lies in industry, Vitaliara. Monster hides, cores, and other materials are essential for crafting artifacts, armors, and weapons—everything a warrior needs for combat. Now, think about it. Who needs those materials most urgently right now?”

She blinked, her tail swishing as she pieced it together. [The adventurers and warriors gearing up for the Dukeʼs expedition?]

”Precisely.” Lucavionʼs voice carried a note of satisfaction. ”The Dukeʼs venture into uncharted waters has stirred the city into a frenzy. Stormhavenʼs adventurers, ship crews, and soldiers—all of them need supplies to survive whatever lies out there. But with so many adventurers swallowed by the sea recently, the supply chain for monster materials is strained.”

Vitaliaraʼs eyes gleamed with understanding. [And that scarcity drives the prices higher.]

Lucavion nodded, his smirk shifting into a faint smile of approval. ”Exactly. Timing, Vitaliara, is everything. Selling here and now means turning what was already valuable into something invaluable. I didnʼt just hoard those materials; I waited for the perfect storm.”

[So, youʼre capitalizing on their desperation,] she said, her tone a blend of awe and subtle reproach.

He laughed softly, spreading his arms in a mock display of innocence. ”Is it my fault the world aligns so conveniently? Supply and demand, my dear Vitaliara. Itʼs not just about strength; itʼs about knowing where to apply it.”

As the wind carried the faint hum of a distant shipʼs horn, Lucavion turned, his stride purposeful as he moved deeper into the harborʼs lively chaos. Vitaliara trailed behind, her gaze lingering on him with a mixture of curiosity and admiration.

The harbor was a hive of activity, even at this late hour. Lucavion wove through the crowd with practiced ease, his dark eyes scanning the various stalls and shops lining the waterfront. Most were closing up for the night, but a few remained open, catering to the nocturnal needs of sailors and night owls.

He paused before a weathered storefront, its windows glowing with warm lamplight. A wooden sign swung gently in the breeze, bearing the faded image of a crossed sword and quill. ”Ah, here we are,” Lucavion murmured, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

[The Adventurerʼs Guild?] Vitaliara queried, her translucent form shimmering as she read the sign.

”Indeed,” Lucavion replied, reaching for the door. ”The perfect place to start our little trade.”

As Lucavion pushed open the heavy wooden door, the scent of parchment, ink, and leather wafted out to greet them. The interior of the Adventurerʼs Guild was a stark contrast to the bustling harbor outside—quiet, dimly lit, and filled with an air of anticipation.

A few late-night adventurers huddled around tables, poring over maps or discussing their next quests in hushed tones. Behind a long counter, a middle-aged woman with graying hair tied back in a severe bun looked up from her ledger, her eyes narrowing as she took in Lucavionʼs appearance.

”Weʼre about to close,” she said, her tone clipped and businesslike. ”If youʼre looking to post or accept a quest, youʼll have to come back in the morning.”

Lucavionʼs lips curved into a charming smile as he smiled. ”Are you sure you wish to waste this opportunity?”

Lucavionʼs smile never wavered as he approached the counter, his footsteps echoing softly in the quiet room. The womanʼs eyebrow arched skeptically, her quill poised above the ledger.

”What opportunity?” she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. ”Iʼm afraid the opportunity youʼre seeking is no longer here. The Dukeʼs expedition has already taken the best of our adventurers and resources.”

Lucavion leaned in slightly, his dark eyes glinting in the lamplight. ”Ah, but thatʼs precisely where youʼre mistaken, my dear,” he said, his voice a low, conspiratorial whisper. ”The opportunity I bring is born from the very absence you speak of.”

The womanʼs brow furrowed, her interest piqued despite her initial dismissal. ”Go on,” she said, setting her eyes on him. After all, she was somehow curious about this young manʼs confidence.

ʼI wonder where he gets this confidence from?ʼ

She asked herself. And that curiosity was indeed what Lucavion had been wanting from the start.

With a fluid motion, Lucavion reached into his coat and produced an intricate device that gleamed in the dim light. It was a spatial ring. Its face shimmered with an iridescence, and symbols danced across its surface.

”Behold,” Lucavion said, his voice barely above a whisper, ”the fruits of my labor.”

[Donʼt be cringe Lucavion.]

ʼWhy not have a little fun my little Vitaliara?ʼ

He tapped the ringʼs face with a gloved finger, and the spatial ring worked.

”What?”

And quite a bit of monster carcasses fell to the ground….