Ethan stared at the Sealed Relic Box, feeling the weight of his decision settle on his shoulders. Heâd committed to opening it, but now he faced a much bigger problemâhow to deal with the Containment Ward.
The appraiser had already begun working on bypassing the personal binding, using the Ethereal Inkstone to decipher the scholarâs seal. But the second layerâthe one actively containing somethingâwas beyond her expertise.
âYouâll need an expert in containment magic,â she had told him before leaving. âSomeone who understands whatâs inside before they even attempt to break it.â
Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. An expert in containment magic? Where the hell was he supposed to find one?
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Exploring the System
He opened his Multiversal Merchant System, hoping for some guidance.
Shop Expansion Options
⢠Inventory Upgrade â 5 Astral Coins
⢠Dimensional Anchoring â 10 Astral Coins
⢠Appraisal Lens â 3 Astral Coins
⢠Containment Analysis â 2 Astral Coins
Ethanâs eyes locked onto the last option. Containment Analysis. It was cheap, but it sounded exactly like what he needed.
âSystem, what does Containment Analysis do?â
Containment Analysis allows the shop to scan and identify the nature of bound artifacts, curses, or entities. It does not break seals but provides insight into their nature and potential risks.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Ethan tapped his fingers against the counter. It wasnât a perfect solution, but it was a start.
Only one problemâhe had zero Astral Coins left.
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Seeking a Trade
Ethan looked around his shop, assessing what he had that might be valuable. He needed a quick tradeâsomething small, but valuable enough to earn at least two Astral Coins.
The shop bell rang, breaking his thoughts.
A figure stepped inside, wrapped in a storm-gray cloak. They moved with careful steps, their eyes scanning the shelves before settling on Ethan.
âYouâre the one who trades in rare goods?â the figure asked, their voice smooth but cautious.
âThatâs the idea,â Ethan replied.
The customer reached into their sleeve and withdrew a crimson gemstoneâits surface shifting as if liquid fire pulsed beneath.
âI need something to contain this,â the customer said. âA vessel strong enough to suppress its energy.â
Ethanâs mind raced. He didnât have an artifact designed for containment, butâ
He glanced at his inventory. He still had a Voidglass Vial, something he had picked up from a previous trade. It wasnât meant for powerful objects, but it could work.
âI have something that might do the job,â Ethan said. âBut it wonât be cheap.â
The customer studied him before nodding. âHow much?â
Ethan opened his system interface, assessing the gemstone.
Molten Containment vessel
⢠Grade: High
⢠Properties: Stores raw elemental fire. Unstable in open air.
⢠Value: Estimated 4-5 Astral Coins.
Ethan suppressed a grin. This was perfect.
âFor a proper containment vessel, Iâd need at least four Astral Coins,â Ethan said smoothly.
The customer frowned. âThatâs steep.â
Ethan shrugged. âYou could always risk it cracking open in your pocket.â
A pause. Then a sigh. âFine.â
A moment later, Ethanâs balance jumped to four Astral Coins, and the transaction was done.
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Unlocking Containment Analysis
Ethan immediately used two Astral Coins to purchase Containment Analysis. A faint pulse rippled through the shop, and his vision shifted slightly.
He turned to the Sealed Relic Box.
Containment Ward Analysis:
⢠Type: Entity Suppression
⢠Energy Source: Unknown
⢠Risk Level: High
Ethan exhaled. He had confirmation nowâthere was something inside. Something powerful.
But the system didnât tell him what.
And if he wanted to break the seal, he needed to find someone who could handle high-risk containment magic.
His search had just begun.