Treasure Hunting System： The Ocean Conquerer

Chapter 23: Chapter 23 Ammunition, Girlfriend (Please follow!)

”Is there anything you’d like to buy today? Or anything you’re interested in?”

Early that morning, Siegert’s voice came from the entrance of the White Sail Anchor.

Alka stretched and said, ”First, we need to buy bullets, then some new clothes, and also some materials and tools.”

”It would be even better if we had a more detailed map,” Alka added.

Upon hearing Alka’s requests, Siegert nodded and gestured with his head to the side. ”Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go.”

The two of them stepped onto the stone-paved road and headed towards the city center.

They soon arrived at the weapons shop Alka had first visited.

”Are we going in here? Their merchandise looks expensive.”

”Of course not this one. This is an official weapons emporium of the Golden Alliance. Their goods are bound to be pricey, though reliable. We’re going to the alley next to it.”

Saying this, Siegert led Alka about a hundred meters further, and they turned into a narrow alley.

In the alley was a dilapidated-looking shop, so run-down it didn’t even have a sign.

Siegert walked straight up and rapped on the wooden door, which looked as if it might fall apart at any moment.

”Shopkeep! Where’d you go? We need bullets!”

”Coming, coming! Why the rush so early in the morning?”

A rather disheveled young man emerged. His hair was a greasy, tangled mess, his face was smudged with dirt, and he wore a leather apron spattered with oil stains and grime. He then wiped his face with his already grimy hands, somehow managing to make it look even dirtier.

”What kind of bullets do you need?” he asked.

Since they had already discussed what they needed on the way, Siegert stated their request directly: ”Six boxes of Number 3 handgun ammunition. And do you have ammo for this?” As he spoke, he pulled the short-barreled shotgun they had acquired the previous day from his coat.

The shopkeeper glanced up.

”Alando’s work, eh? A pistol-style shotgun... quite the rarity. It’s not a counterfeit, is it?”

”Never mind all that. Do you have the ammo or not?”

Hearing Siegert, the shopkeeper shrugged. ”Those bullets are hard to get. Ten copper coins a piece.”

”That expensive? It’s highway robbery!”

”If you think that’s expensive, you can always try the big official store over there.”

Noticing Siegert’s glance, Alka said, ”We’ll take twenty rounds then.”

”I’ll take ten rounds as well,” Siegert added.

Hearing this, the shopkeeper grinned. ”Number 3 handgun bullets are two copper coins each. After rounding it off, your total comes to two Silver Snakes and one hundred copper coins.”

”Money upfront.”

Siegert pursed his lips but took out three Silver Snakes from his money pouch and handed them over.

The shopkeeper took the coins, weighed them in his palm, and, with a smile, disappeared into the back of the shop.

He soon returned with two small bags. ”Here’s one hundred copper coins in change. The bullets are in these.”

Siegert took the offered pouch, weighed it, listened to the clinking of coins inside, and then tucked it away. He then picked up the bags of ammunition, glanced inside to check them, and, satisfied, they left the shop.

”Alright, let’s go. Time to get you some new clothes.”

They wandered around for quite some time, and it wasn’t until noon that Alka finally finished purchasing everything he needed: some clothes, boots, and a hat, along with a few small tools and materials from a hardware store.

”What’s with all these tools and materials?” Siegert couldn’t help but ask, eyeing Alka’s stuffed backpack. ”Planning to take up a trade?”

At this, Alka stopped in his tracks. He took a Silver Snake coin from his pocket and held it out on his palm. ”Watch closely.”

The Silver Snake danced and flipped between his hands, almost as if it were tethered by an invisible string. Then, Alka suddenly closed his hand around it. ”Now, where is it?”

”In your left hand, obviously,” Siegert said with a chuckle.

”Wrong.” Alka shook his head, then reached out and patted the outside of Siegert’s coat pocket. ”It’s here.”

”No way!” Siegert chuckled, reaching into his own pocket. His smile froze instantly. He pulled out a Silver Snake—one with a distinct notch on the serpent’s head.

Siegert’s eyes widened. ”How did you do that?”

”I’m a Mage.”

”Oh, come on! I’ve been to the circus too. That was some kind of sleight of hand, right?”

”If you know, you know. I’m not telling you the secret.”

The two resumed walking. Siegert, still mulling over the trick, couldn’t help but ask, ”That was really clever. When did you become a Magician?”

”It’s hereditary.”

”Hereditary?” Siegert was baffled.

”Enough about that.” Alka turned his head. ”Where are we off to now?”

”Oh, right! I still need to buy some Potions. Come with me.”

With that, Siegert led the way. They navigated a few more streets, eventually arriving at the other end of the harbor district. The entire port city was nestled in a sort of basin. The main harbor was on the right side of this depression, and they were now on the left.

Alka looked at the shop before them. A sign above it read: [Charming Words].

Charming Words? Alka couldn’t help but turn his head to stare at Siegert. Well, well, Siegert. You look like such an upright fellow, but it turns out you’re into this sort of thing!

Noticing Alka’s pointed gaze, Siegert quickly waved his hands in dismissal. ”Hey, don’t get the wrong idea! It’s just a Potion shop. No idea why they gave it such a bizarre name.”

Alka squinted skeptically, clearly not buying it. Siegert quickly grabbed his arm and dragged him inside.

”Siegert? You’re here!”

A striking, tan-skinned young woman in rather revealing attire smiled as she approached. She immediately embraced Siegert, resting her cheek against his chest.

Witnessing this, Alka instinctively recoiled, tilting his head back with a raised eyebrow.

”Whoa, let me explain! It’s not what you think!” Siegert stammered, trying to gently disengage. ”Jenna, could you... just a moment?”

”What’s wrong?” Jenna asked, looking from Siegert to Alka.

After a flurry of explanations from Siegert, Alka nodded slowly. So, this is Siegert’s girlfriend, huh? When did this happen? I don’t recall anything about this from my memories.

”Hello! You must be Alka, right? Siegert talks about you all the time. I’m Jenna Des, but please, just call me Jenna.” Jenna graciously extended her hand, and Alka shook it.

Siegert purchased some herbs, had them bundled up, and then unceremoniously thrust the package into Alka’s arms. Then, he clapped Alka on the shoulder with mock solemnity. Grinning awkwardly, he said, ”My good brother, if you could head back first... Tonight, I was thinking I’d...”

Just then, Jenna, who was beside him, playfully pinched his waist.

He immediately changed his tune. ”Tell Uncle Hawls that I’ll definitely be back before the ship sails tomorrow!”

Alka looked at Siegert, a smirk playing on his lips. ”TSK.”

”Fine, I’ll be off then.” Then, through gritted teeth, Alka added, ”Have a *wonderful* evening.”

With that, Alka, laden with his numerous bags and packages, his own backpack and various goods strapped to his back, pushed open the door and strode out.

His voice drifted back from the doorway, ”Just hope Aunt Macy doesn’t get to cuddle her grandbaby too soon!”

Hearing this, Jenna giggled, covering her mouth. She looked at the slightly flustered Siegert and said, ”Your brother is quite amusing! You’ll have to work hard too!”

Siegert’s face grew even redder.